Written by Steve Ferris from USA 3/8/2012

I was reccomended the B17 Special by a neighbor who has been riding for many years. He has taken his B17 saddle from bicycle to bicycle he has owned. I was warned of a harsh break-in. I ride a Trek ION (2011). I purchased the green B17 Special. My first ride was 25 miles with no soreness, then a 40 mile ride with NO soreness. then a couple of 30 mile rides. I'm still waiting for this so called harsh break-in period in which it appears there will be none. I plan on getting the green Challenge Tool Bag soon. The saddle and the bag together will be beautiful and I know will serve me well. I enjoy 50 , 75 mile rides. I believe I purchased the right seat.

Written by Joe Lolli from South Carolina, USA 3/6/2012

My B17 Brooks saddle came with the Motobecane Grand Record bicycle I purchased new in 1973 in New London, Conn, USA. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s I rode that bike through every Atlantic coast state in the U.S. except for Maine. After laying off riding for 20yrs, I started back riding in 2005 and installed the Brooks saddle from my old Moto onto my new 2005 Trek FX and have since gotten back into daily riding and now commute approximately 6 miles each day to the office. Throughout the years the Brooks saddle has retained its comfort, its looks and its durability. Thanks Brooks for providing cyclists with a quality product that appears to last a lifetime!

Written by William Richardson from England 2/1/2012

I bought this back in July 2009. I am buying the same saddle again as it is so so so comfortable. I am building a geared bike and need another seat. I ride approx 25 miles a day and have completed John O'Groats to Lands End on this seat. It is so amazing that I needed convincing that I needed padded shorts for the big trip! I did all my training with out padded shorts this included 4 days of 120 miles per day! I a still not convinced I needed padded shorts ;) Maybe I should cycle the distance again without padded shorts?!

I can only recommend buying this on the experience I have had to date.....

Written by Rodney Stacey from England 1/21/2012

Bought to replace a 1983 B17 standard that has finally come to the end of its life.
A pleasure to own and admire! Real craftsmanship. On the comfort of the previous model no other comes close, especially on a hot long ride

Written by David Calder from UK 10/29/2011

I love the B17 Special. I used it on my one-year tour of Europe. It took just a week to break it in and from then on it was supremely comfortable. After a long day on the bike I would frequently see fellow touring cyclists getting up off the saddle and doing that funny wiggle to try and get the blood flowing to their buttocks. No such problems for me. The B17 was one of the best purchases I have ever made. The glossy black leather and the copper rivets and rails look the business on my Dawes Super Galaxy too. To the dedicated and hard-working craftsmen at Brooks: I salute you!

Written by Howard Dunne from England 8/6/2011

'THE' best saddle in the world......bar none. Its perfect....

Written by Laurence Vaughn from USA 5/15/2011

I built a modern "retro"bicycle in 2008. I went from a carbon fiber frameset and wheelset to a steel frame and "conventional' wheels, rack, fenders and MKS pedals with steel clips, but with Campy Veloce 10. The first parts I ordered after the frameset (a Salsa Cassaroll) was my Brooks B-15 Special and matching Brooks leather handlebar wrap. These are the finest saddle and wrap I have ever owned. I have been in the bicycle industry for almost 25 years and have seen everything and ridden most of it. The comfort of the saddle out of the box was suprisingly comfortable and only improves with use. The feel of the handlebar wrap is exquisite and I ride without gloves. The level of grip is perfect and the color deepens with every ride. There is no other company who makes such fundamental products with so much care can evoke such loyality in a product that treated with care will outlast the rider. i am kicking around the idea of a new bike again, steel or titanium, I am not sure. All i know for certain, It will have a Brooks saddle and handlebar wrap.

Written by Craig ANDREWS from ChinaI 5/15/2011

I found my new bike saddle quite uncomfortabel and was told about Brooks so I went online and after reading enough, took the pliunge and ordered a B17 Special (Black). The saddle arrived with the Brooks care creme(?) all very well executed and arrived to me in China.

Instead of writing after my first ride like Wallace to Grommit " Cracking saddle Grommit" !, I decided to give it a good run Bruce. I ride a MTB mainly on roads and trails with some offroad. We do 30 to 50 km per ride in a couple of hours 2-3 times a week.

Well Grommit, I just clocked up 1350kms on the B17 Special over a period of several months and I have to admit, I almost forgot I had a saddle.

Now let me put this in perspective. Bike saddles are not exactly Jason Recliners, where one slides on and goes "Ooooh Aahhh, what a loovely saddle Grommit", and drifts off for a pleasant snooze. No, they are like airline seats, bloody awful with some not as bad as others and something you really don't have a great deal of choice about. Now, if you get off a long haul flight and can't remember much about the seat, then that is a 'good' thing Grommit, a good thing. I mean the seat was not 'uncomfortable' Grommit and you were probably more concerned about whether you had turned of your second mobile mobile in.the overhead luggage compartment. Wouldn't want to bring the plane down Grommit.

And so, that is my experince of the B17 Special. It is not an uncomfortable seat and I get off after my rides and don't even remember to check if my ass is OK Grommit. Not even a moments thought. My mind is completely away on other things, like: whose paying for Lattes ? Can I pee behind that shed ? Is my odometer calibrated correctly because you went 2km more than me again, Will that guy in the new Beemer I clipped remember me and turn up tonite to try and kill me (Note to self, change outfit for next weeks ride) , how fast were we going down that hill Grommit ? and ...well ...you get the picture Grommit. Never a though for the ass.

So, Grommit, these should be powerful words to say, 'the seat does exactly what they say it will do', and that is, it allows you to ride long distances over various terrains, and not get a sore ass.

So, now I feel I am qualified to say it ..."Cracking Saddle Grommit". And thanks to all those Elves at Brooks with their little hammer hamming away at those copper studs. Bloody great job.

10/10 Brooks.

Written by Malama Haralambus from Greece 5/3/2011

This is the perfect touring saddle. When I put it on the bike I rode for 140km and I had no pain, no soreness, no chafing and it wasn't broken in yet! A great product and investment!

Written by Arthur Findley from UK 2/16/2011

More of a general comment on the service received concerning a new saddle that turned out to be defective - the problem was resolved extremely well by Brooks who definitely went "above and beyond" duty's call. Gold Standard!
The replacement saddle has had its maiden run and is perfect.
Very satisified.

Written by Robert Bunnell from USA 11/11/2010

I bought my green B-17 over three years ago just before my cross country bike tour. I have figured that since then I have put well over 10,000 miles on that saddle, and it still looks as beautiful as it did when I opened the factory box. As long as you keep occasionally treating the leather with some proofide, that sexy English green color will last and last. I trust no other saddle for sheer comfort.

Written by L Garvey from Ireland 10/13/2010

Cycled 2000km with a friend from Northen France to the centre of Spain over the summer. Never had a pain in my bum the whole trip. So simple yet so wonderful! It's so comfortable, I had to write about it and I never post online. Go figure!

Written by Allan Clawson from Scotland 10/3/2010

Although I had to give up cycling over 40 years ago I had a B17 saddle on my Flying Scot and it was a fantastic saddle. Your website is excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed the video.

Written by Ian Williams from Wales 8/28/2010

I've just done a hundred miles (in separate chunks) on my new B17 special. I haven't adjusted it in any way and I am totally amazed at the complete lack of any saddle soreness whatsoever. I was led to believe that the saddle would need 'breaking in'. Maybe it just fits right, but I can't believe it is going to be any more comfortable after breaking in.

Written by Cliff Black from USA 8/25/2010

Since around age 5, when I first learned to ride, I've always associated discomfort with sitting on a bicycle for more than an hour. Today, and after 27 years of being uncomfortable on a bicycle, the pain is gone because I purchased B17 Special. I've always wanted to bicycle around the world, but not with constant discomfort; and I also want to have kids someday. Now, thanks to Brooks both are possible. Sincerely from Alaska.

Written by jeff mr from USA 8/2/2010

I can't praise brooks enough. Some people talk about the break in period, some talk about the saddle making them want to ride more. I'm both of those people. The first time I used my b17, I was amazed, and wanting to break it in more gets me to ride more. I love this saddle. Thank you brooks.

Written by Rob MacDonald from Canada 7/23/2010

When the leather cracked on the Brooks B17 seat on my 1943 BSA Airborne Folding Bicycle I was prepared to carve a wooden mould from the original leather and use that to shape a new piece of Oak sole leather for it.

To my surprise and considerable satisfaction I found that a) you're still in business, and b) you still have the model I needed in production.

My replacement B17 recieves the proper attention that the original should have had - an occasional wipe with saddle soap and a bi-annual brush with neat's-foot oil, which should massively prolong its' working life, even under the heavy use I put to it - over 50 miles/week on the road.

Written by Paul Worden from Australia 7/19/2010

I haven't been able to ride on a saddle for many years due to a medical condition that has finally been fixed.
During that time I tried the most expensive drop nose, wide cutout, carbon, fancy wancy saddles and they all hurt and kept on hurting.

As I've just joined the Fixie fashion mob and since the supplied saddle was a rather pretty example of sitting on a broken brick, I thought I'd grace the bike with what it deserved - a proper leather saddle.

I assumed that derrieres haven't changed much in 100 years, so today I received my Brooks B17 STD Honey and it certainly is a honey. Why I ever thought that plastic, foam and vinyl was better than leather I'll never know and I'll never make that mistake again.

They say you have to break these saddles in. Well it's going to be seductively comfortable then, because today I rode for an hour and it was heavenly. It's manufactured - not stitched together in a sweat shop in a back alley. You just have to open the box to see that this saddle will last. I loved the presentation and I love the saddle. Pass on my thanks to the production team. Thanks to their efforts there are a lot of behinds saying thank you in the nicest possible way. Go Brooks!

Written by Michael Watkins from Canada 7/12/2010

I've been riding on a Brooks saddle since I appropriated my dad's (an expat-Englishman) bike as a teenager over thirty years ago. Our aluminium touring tandem has always been equipped with a Brooks B17 up front and my 26 year old Miyata touring single now sports a brand new Team Pro copper saddle. Both are great saddles and I've found both comfortable right from the start, even the much stiffer Team Pro on my now much older posterior. A firm saddle is the best present you can give to your sit bones.

Written by Matt West from USA 6/14/2010

A lot of people say these saddles need to be broken in to be comfortable. Right out of the box, the B17 Special was amazingly comfortable. The most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden. I only bought it a short time ago, so it hasn't had a chance to break in. I can't imagine what it'll feel like once it does. I'm 20 years old, and I will never buy another plastic seat. Brooks for life.

Written by Arnold Stonehouse from Canada 6/12/2010

I have been a commuter for several years now aboard a Devinci Monaco "hybrid" I have gone thru all the expensive perches that I can bear to sit upon. 2years ago I purchased a B17 standard. This saddle has proven itself to be head and shoulders above all contenders in my humble opinion. At the risk of sounding pedantic, I will say that I will NEVER sit on any other brand of saddle henceforth. Nothing else can compare to my B17. And I have tried 'em all! Excellent work and I would gladly pay double to have this saddle on my bike! Keep up the fantastic work Brooks, you have a customer for life in me.

Written by Ben Vlass from Australia 4/30/2010

This is my first brooks saddle and it will not be my last! Fantastic saddle, superb quality and easily the most comfortable saddle i have owned, well done brooks keep up the good work!!!!

Written by Michael Acuna from Canada 4/6/2010

I've been riding for a couple decades now, some of it competitively: road and off road, recreational and had a summer stint as a bike courier in my younger years. And I have to say that the Brooks saddle is without a doubt the best saddle I've ever used. Forget the fancy, ultralight, super cutting edge, carbon fibre offerings. Nothing beats natural materials, master craftsmanship, and a little breaking in pain. With regards to the latter, I really can't say that breaking in my saddle was either painful or lengthy. Quite frankly, it only took me 2 weeks to feel completely comfortable in my first ever Brooks saddle. I commute pretty much every day to work, even in the winter months (except on -10 Celsius and below). I know the weight of a Brooks saddle seems like a drawback, but the positives totally outweigh the negatives: 1) the fit is like a custom made cabretta glove; 2) the breathe-ability factor alone was the real bonus! don't know about you, but I sweat when I work out; 3) the aesthetics are a bit of a double edge sword, the saddle looks so damn good, that you should have a quick release for your seat post to prevent it from being stolen.

Written by David Kuegler from England 9/28/2009

My old (30+) Mercian has a B17 on it, I am refurbishing it, I have ordered a new Mercian, a 'King of Mercia', I new I wanted a new B17, I just didn't know which one. I had heard & read that it takes about a year to get it to fit. So on ordering my new bike (takes 5 months) I thought I would get the saddle & settle it in. I hummed & harred on which B17, In the end I chose a Brown Titanium, I treated it both sides left it for a fews days, put it on the old mercian, the saddle being worth more than the bike, preparing to go thru' the pain barrier for 12mths. I personally have a deformed spine, it sticks out a bit here & there..............

OK, the trial, my 30minute block, uphill 7 down dale, in Herefordshire. I was to have the thrill of my life, amazing, one can slide all-over the saddle & use it to help power the bike. It felt very comfortable for a short ride, I'm so impressed with my new purchase, & very pleased I've gone for a Titanium B17.

If I need another saddle guess which one I'll get?

Written by Bill Owen from USA 9/5/2009

I have to say that I really cannot believe that Brooks saddles don't have a larger following here in the US. They have everything you could want in a bike component... old-school charm, durability, relative affordability (especially compared to many newer "high tech" saddles), and in terms of comfort... well... I have never known another saddle that even begins to approach these in that category. My suspicion is that many potential Brooks owners are put off by the straight-from-the-factory "firmness" of the "brand new" Brooks they might see in their local bike shop. That's a shame, as I suspect that there are thousands of cyclists in this country torturing themselves with some fancy, expensive "seat" when the best saddle in the world is readily available, possibly at a lower cost. The great thing about these products is that, with use and age, their value to the owner actually increases. There are very few things in this world that genuinely get better with time. A Brooks saddle is one of them.

Written by James H from UK 9/3/2009

A truly magnificent saddle - comfort levels are just fantastic. I used to be a devotee of Specialized's BG range of saddles, but since I bought my B17, I have been forced to purchase another to go on my roadbike! Recently my partner bought herself a B17s and is thinking about replacing her other saddle too.

I recently crashed on the commute to work and even though the saddle took quite an impact, enough to dig a couple of chunks out of the leather at the back and slightly displace a rivet, it is still comfortable and solid.

Written by Michael Varga from Canada 9/1/2009

I've read all the raving reviews posted about the B17 on various web sites posted by cyclo-tourists, and wondered whether it was all just so much hype... When I saw it included as the stock saddle on the Raleigh Sojourn (B17 aged), I was gobsmacked as it's usually the sort of thing you'd buy independently as an upgrade. After purchasing the Sojourn, I broke it in in no time (800 km), then bought a standard B 17 for my commuter / event tourer. No saddle sores, excessive sweating, and perineal distress to speak of, and the sit bone adaptation / indents haven't even appeared yet. Why anyone would spend the equivalent money for a junk plastic saddle with an expiry date of a couple of years reflects just how effective advertising and scare tactics (the perineal / erectile nerve compression myth) penetrated cycling culture. Onward, Brooks riders.

Written by KJS from USA 9/1/2009

The B17 should be renamed the B1 because it is THE ONE saddle that is a must-have. I've tried many, many different [other brands] saddles (haven't we all?) and have tossed them all for the B17. When I'm on my B17(s) you can hear my bottom say, "Ahhhhhhhh". I was on a charity ride recently and a seasoned/senior rider who also had a Brooks mounted on his ride approached me at one of the rest stops and asked, "How do you like your Brooks?" I replied, "Is there any other saddle?" He just looked at me and smiled as if to say "it's a Brooks thing, only we Brookies understand." Thanks again for such a comfortable ride. My wish list of colors for the B17: antique brown, British racing green on the standard/non-copper frame, and maroon (I did own a Team Pro S model in maroon long ago that was absolutely georgeous.) Keep up the good work Brooks!

Written by Craig Huizinga from USA 7/23/2009

Howdy, I got my green B17 for a steal via ebay, I almost feel guilty! I always assumed that one needs lycra shorts with the padding because of the uncomfortable nature of modern road and mountain saddles. The saddle isn't even nearly broken in, but I can ride in regular shorts (no lycra! No padding!) with more comfort than on any of my old saddles. It makes all the difference. I sold all of my previous perches to Recycled Cycles. Can't just throw them away, right? Seems that a lot of folks come to Brooks after stubbornly going through the "modern saddle" conundrum. Why isn't the B17 (or other respective Brooks models) the the default saddle at the bike shops? Hmmmmm.

Written by Kenneth Colbert from USA 7/22/2009

First off I must say I love the look of my new Saddle the B17 Special. When I saw this saddle I knew then I wanted it. Now the price of it scared me a little I never though I would ever pay this much for a bicycle saddle. But I new with my new Surly LHT Bicycle and all the other stuff I had bought for it why not spend a little more for a seat that will last me for the rest of my life. My B17 Special is green and that to match my Surly bicycle. I know now days price of anything has went up. Gas for cars cost way to much that was one of the reason I got my self a new bicycle even after spending all of this money for the whole set up. I will still save money in the long run. True it will take a little time to do so but I will feel so much better this way and it also helps me from smoking I quite over a year ago after I started to ride bicycle this is way I did not mind spending money for my new Brooks B17 Special. You may think they cost to much but they really don't you get what you pay for you want the best then get the best. Buy your self a Brooks Saddle end of story. Thanks so much to all the people that work at the Brooks place. With out you people my butt would still be sore. My hat comes off for all you folks. Nice job to all. Many many thanks.

Written by Terry Couch from USA 7/2/2009

I want to let you know two things. I want you to know that Bill Laine (wallbike.com) provided me with the upmost attention and help with making a decision on which Brooks saddle to purchase. I hope all bicycle shops selling Brooks saddles provide their customers with the same high level of respect I received from Bill.

And two, my ride was short tonight. The sun was going down as I set out to test ride my new Brooks B-17 saddle. I applied a coat of Proofide, allowed the saddle to sit for a couple hours while completing some chores around my apartment. Buffed the saddle, mounted it on my bicycle, then set away for a short 25 mile ride. For me, a short ride. I normally would save comments evaluating an adjustment or component until having ridden fifty to one hundred miles. But I am quite confident when telling you I am looking forward to many miles of enjoyable riding. I felt something I had not experience over the past four thousand mile since returning to bicycling, comfortable, unexplainable comfort.

I would like to thank you and all at Brooks for such wonderful experiences to come.

Terry Couch

Written by Colin Grant from Canada 6/21/2009

I first looked at Brooks Leather saddles about 20 years ago when I rode many miles every year. At that time I didn't buy one, thinking the leather would not last or it would be uncomfortable.
After a 10 year absence I started riding again 2 years ago to stay in shape. I bought myself a Cannondale with the "modern" high-tech saddle and was constantly fidgeting while riding. Last year I decided to buy a B-17 Special. ( I wanted a Team Pro but I'm 6'4" and 195 lbs so I got the slightly extra width )
What a joy!! I got the saddle in the mail on a Friday and went out for my usual 55Km Saturday morning ride. It was like riding on butter!! I never fidgeted once. A week later my wife and I participated in a Ride for Multiple clerosis that was 100Km on Saturday and 100km on Sunday. Wonderful!! I had no discomfort and was "flying" the whole time. Man,I should have bought one of these 20 years ago! 5000km later and love riding on my Brooks saddle. Keep up the good work!!

Written by Andoni de Quadra from UK 6/6/2009

I got a B17 standard saddle on Christmas 2008. Never before I had a leather saddle .
I heard a lot about the long break in, suffering, etc. .so I was expecting a long " agony" . In the end, there was no pain nor suffering.
From the very beginning, the saddle is comfortable with padded shorts ( this is my personal experince).
The smooth leather surface lets you slide along the saddle as needed (great) and when I am riding , I am not aware of the saddle, no uncomfort, etc . .
I am delighted with the saddle ( Standard B17). I have bought another B17 STD for my commuter bike, and the experince is being the same .
I treated the saddles, both sides of the leather, nivea in the upper side, proofhide in the reverse side .
For my next bike, i will get another B17 STD for sure.

Written by Chris Lattin from USA 5/24/2009

Len Levesley, where do you live? I want to help you get back on your trike. Judging by some of your spellings, you are across the pond from the US, which is too bad. You are an inspiration! I bought a Brooks B17 to finish off a project bike: a Surly crosscheck single speed. Can I just say that all the info out there is true; With surely less than 200 miles on this saddle, I am already able to conclude that it is the best thing I have ever ridden on. Thank you to Brooks for making such a high quality product!

Written by Tae Ahn from South Korea 5/22/2009

I have ridden on your B17 Special saddle for a month and now I cannot bear to ride on any other saddle. I have no choice but to replace the remaining four non-Brooks saddles, which is going to cost me a pretty penny! Curse you, sir, for your infernally comfortable products!

Written by G P 5/9/2009

B17 is the best saddle I ever had. I bought few saddles before (different gel, air ventilation ... ). Most shops in Germany sell a lot of gel stuff but nobody recommended me leather saddles.  Some shops even advised me against. My B17 was comfortable from start on. I regret I didn't trust you before. Now I'm driving often longer distance without pain.

Written by BOB LAJOY 4/11/2009

i am new to the road cycle scene as of this year and i am quite surprised about your products, in tthree weeks i have tried 5 different saddles and talked to 1,000 cyclists (lol) how to get your a-- to feel better during the ride, and to my surprise i spoke to some individuals who bragged about your product, being in business myself for 31 years, i didn't just fall off the turnip truck (lol). i went out and purchased one of your products ( b17 special ) and installed it on my new road bike and my a-- and i want to thank you big time, the ride is so much better and comfortable, i can't wait for it to get more broken in so it will even feel so much better. i think i am going to have to purchase another one for my other bike, thank you and it is good to see that someone takes great pride it what they build and believe in, good old fashioned quality workmanship.....windsor,ontario,canada

Written by edwin 4/6/2009

B17 Special is my 1st Brooks saddle, and I'm gonna put all my bike with Brooks saddle.
Edwin, Indonesia

Written by Dave Wyman 3/9/2009

Last year I resuscitated my Follis, a 1962 French-made road bike - I am the original owner - with a new B17 saddle. The B17, its leather initially hard as a rock, was none-the-less comfortable for me right out of the box, and has only become more so with time.
In addition to comfort, the saddle adds a healthy measure of vintage class to my old bike. My honey colored B17 frequently garners compliments from other cycling enthusiasts.
Over the years, I've used a variety of other saddles on my Follis, from racing to comfort models. I now know it was a mistake to wait 46 years to make the switch to the B17.
Dave Wyman
Los Angeles, CA, USA

Written by Brooks Garner 6/14/2008

My B17 has been in service since its purchase in 1995 (at Harris Cycles in Newton, MA, USA), and I've loved it since the first ride. I'd fully recommend it to anyone searching for a saddle that will obviously serve for a lifetime. I can ride 150 miles a day without any soreness, unlike other more "modern" designed seats. (You know, the strange ones with the hole cut out of the seat in strategic spots?) Over the last decade, my Brooks saddle has taken me over 15,000 miles around the United States. I enjoyed an extended endurance on my Brooks, during twelve hour rides, when cycling on my tour across America (from Virgina to California), unlike some of my companions, who complained every day of their soreness. Thank you Brooks, for this wonderful contribution to the cycling world! -Brooks G., Massachusetts

Written by Colin Wood 5/22/2007

My titanium-framed B17 is still immaculate after 16,000 miles of hard use. It is the most comfortable all-day saddle that I have ever used, and I only wish I had bought it before I did Land's end to John o'Groats in 2003. If you ever stop making these, sell me the last one. It will last me the rest of my life. Colin Wood (Age 69)

Written by Len Levesley 5/22/2007

I have a Brooks B17 standard (three hole) saddle which I used for 68 years. The saddle is in beautiful condition, being firm and in perfect shape. During its early years I treated it regularly with Proofide and properts white shoecream. It was first fitted to my taper-tube Selback in 1936, being subsequently transferred over the years to replacement machines, including the F.W Evans, after WW2 it adorned a Gillot, then my two George Longstaff trikes.
While on active service in the Western Dessert with the RAF in 1943 I contracted Polio. In 1944 I was invalidated from the RAF, and resumed cycling, on the same B17 saddle. I have ridden over 220 miles in a day on the B17. And also had the honour of riding in the first of the annual ‘Stan Spelling’ 25-mile time trial in Staffordshire. This was the only time in the 100-year history of cycle racing that a full field of 120 trikes had assembled for a time-trial. In 1997 I suffered a recurrence of Polio, and so had a lightweight trike built with an open frame. This I continued to ride, fitted with the same B17 saddle.
Unfortunately, now in my 90th year, I am unable to get on board the trike, due to the Polio. If I had a couple of strong neighbours to lift me onto the trike I could still ride it. But as it is it stands under a dustsheet, still with the original B17.
I hope you have found this of interest.
Yours sincerely
Len Levesley

Written by Martin Kollmann 5/22/2007

My Grandfather (J. Ballardini, born 1905) bought a Brooks B17 in the early 1920s as he started with amateur cycle racing in Vienna, Austria - a friend of famous Ferry Dusika and Max Bulla. A few years later he had to stop his career for family reasons and gave his saddle to a friend. Decades later this friend died and my Grandfather asked the widow for his friend's bicycle. He was surprised as he found his own old saddle on the bike. My Grandpa died in 1980 and since that year his saddle is part of my bicycle.

Written by Bob Crispin 5/22/2007

I find the Brooks B-17 so comfortable that I put in on a drum stool and use it at my desk, or on my deck as shown in the photo. It is a joy, I have them on all six of my bikes, road, touring, and off road. If a design maintains over a century, chances are, its the best one going.

Written by Kurt Gary from United States 10/26/2011

I have B17 Specials on two bikes and it is the best saddle in the world. I have about 7,00o miles onthe one on my Bruce Gordon and I replaced the Brooks Pro from my 1966 Schwinn Paramount last year wtih the B17 after it finally gave up. I have sold a number of people on their virtues.

Written by B. Rooks from Europe 9/16/2009

COMMENT > A lot more comfortable than the Arione but still, after 2000+ kms, not in that famous "forgettable" state.
I would really like to see more advice on set-up and how to angle the saddle in the optimum way on your website.
For example, how do you set it up "level" when it isn´t flat? There must be tons of "Brooks knowledge" in your possession. Please share.

REPLY > Fortunately BROOKS Saddles are so personal, that any advice can be nothing more than a subjective opinion. Nevertheless your advice is precious and we will be working o a series of videos to show some of the most common techniques to get the saddle "right". This is what we wrote in the leaflet we send out with every saddle:

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The rider’s comfort will depend to a much greater extent than is generally imagined, upon the correct adjustment of the saddle on the machine. The great thing to bear in mind is that, to obtain comfort and immunity from injurious pressure, the weight must be carried by the broad part of the saddle. The peak should carry as little weight as possible. The nose is mainly intended to ensure a steady and secure seat, which a peakless saddle would not do. By attention to the following hints the correct position should be readily attained.

The saddle should be placed:

1. just sufficiently behind the crank-axle to allow the rider to sit upon the broad part of the saddle, while riding, without being pulled forward on to the peak by the onward thrust of the leg;

2. with the peak positioned just high enough to prevent the rider from slipping forward; this is normally attained when the surface of the saddle is parallel to the ground;

3. just low enough to enable the rider to reach the pedals comfortably all round, without even a suspicion of stretching after them.

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This is a general guideline, but I have personally experienced that different saddles need different adjustments. Here are my examples:

-the Swallow on my road bike is perfectly parallel to the ground

-the B17 Imperial on my mountain bike is more comfortable if the nose is slightly higher than the back

-the B17 Special on my Brompton folding bike feels perfect when parallel

-the B33 on my city bike is more comfortable if the nose is facing quite a bit upwards

I'm sure my experience is different than someone else's, that's why I thought of publishing comments from different Brooks Cyclists!

Andrea Meneghelli

Marketing Manager

BROOKS ENGLAND LTD.

Written by Ron Howe from UK 5/25/2009

I've ridden Brooks saddles since the early 1970s and I love them. As a 15 stone (95Kg) powerlifter who cycles for fitness I need some width to support my large rear end and I've got three Brooks among a collection of about twelve saddles ... the pricey but worthy Honey coloured Swift, a B17 narrow and a B17 standard, which my wife has hijacked. The Swift Titanium is also really light in relative terms. The classic styling of Brooks saddles just looks so good and draws many comments. Although some of the others are comparatively heavy that extra few hundred grams is a sacrifice worth making for the sake of the great comfort and durability you get from a genuine Brooks hide saddle especially on the longer rides. I continuously recommend Brooks saddles. It's just such a shame that the titanium metalwork is so expensive otherwise I would replace my two other others for the titanium special models withe the big rivets..

Written by Mark Taylor 4/22/2009

I had a tried with a Swift titanium for 2000 miles and still not that comfortable. The B17 Standard was extremely comfortable straight from first contact, now all of my bikes have B17's (one has the titanium version).

Written by dustin 4/14/2009

ever since i bought my first brooks b17, ive been in love with brooks saddles. since then i have had 15 custom builds, and each one has had the brooks b17 on it. from touring to fixed track riding, the brooks b17 BEATS ALL.

Written by Karin van der Lee from Netherlands 7/28/2008

During my cycling trips I always experience a num feeling in my genital area.
For that reason I've tried many saddles. Unfortunately I always had to compromise between the comfort of my sit bone area and the genital area. The normal Brooks B17 Standard was very comfortable to my sit bones but the numbness in my genital area prevented me from choosing Brooks. The Velo Plush and Respiro saddles gave me far less numbness but where to soft for my sit bones.
The new Brooks Imperial combines the comfort for my sit bones without blocking the blood circulation in my genital area, Perfect! Still after more than 1500km the Brooks Imperial seems to be the best saddle I've ever had. I'm curious about the durability...

Written by Andrew J. Mogford from UK 6/24/2008

I must say I've never been a fan of "holey" saddles in the past, I always found the hole very obtrusive creating more points of contact than a normal saddle. On first sight I thought the Brooks would have the same problem so when you ride on it all you feel are the edges of the hole.
On actually riding I was pleasantly suprised that the softness of the leather flexed enough that the corners of the hole were not felt at all.
The saddle then behaved as I would expect the B17 that I took off the bike to.
I did however chamfer the edges of the hole a bit more as when the saddle softened the edges became more aparent. More chamfering helped this and now the saddle is fully softened there is no feel of the edges of the hole.
A production model would need better chamfering and a neater cut of he hole (I know this was a prototype) most people who saw it assummed I'd cut it with a knife myself!

Written by Dominique Partin from USA 6/11/2008

I have found the cutout on the B17 Imperial to be very useful allowing a lower saddle to bar drop that was not achievable with a regular B17. It was comfortable from the second I sat on it. I was curious to how the narrow saddle felt and asked another member if we could trade, so I actually got to test out the B17N Imperial as well. I find the B17N to be better than a regular only because I have thick thighs so the narrow profile is very nice when I am pedaling fast.
Overall I am very pleased with the saddle and the cutout is a really large improvement.
The cutout may lead to wear a little faster than a regular one but it will still be a long lasting saddle in itself it seems.
The simple fact of having a lower saddle to bar drop is a nice thing when you don't want to shell out as much $ for a Team Pro or Swift saddle.

Written by Michael from USA 6/11/2008

This Brooks was typical of all my others in the fact that out of the box it was hard as a rock. My first ride of 3 miles did much to confirm that fact. This was to be expected, the cut out as I hoped would relieve pressure did not disappoint me it performed as expected. I commute daily and have put over two hundred miles commuting and about another two hundred miles in weekend rides the saddle while not actually any softer has comformed to my anatomy and I can ride it without discomfort. I will say that bicycle specific shorts are the more comfortable way to ride with this saddle I can ride in just abou any other pants other than really new jeans without problems for 10 miles or so. The cutout does the job although it could use a bit more easing of the edges and I think it would be a bit more comfortable out of the box that way. I tried this saddle on three different bikes. My hybrid commuter and a Schwinn Volare and a Bianchi road bike each bike has a different ride but the Imperial was better on the roadbikes than the commuter owing to the different geometry of the hybrid which is more relaxed and upright in its riding position. I only included one picture since I usually forget to take my camera when I ride.
Saddle is breaking nicely and I really like the lacing. Cutout needs a bit more easing around the top edges.
I expect this saddle to be as bulletproof as any previous Brooks with the proper care.

Written by Lou Morace from Switzeland 5/22/2007

I have only Brooks saddles on my cycles, a Swift on my racer, a Pro on my tourer and a B17 on my trekker, I won`t ride anything else. Since changing to these saddles 5 years ago I no longer have back ache and I don`t creep on the saddle in hard efforts anymore, I guess that`s all due to the saddle adjusting itself to my hip contours. I recommend these highly for every type of rider. I love sitting on my cycle now and I've never pedalled better.

Written by John Pafford from USA 2/3/2012

Why oh why did I wait so long to get my B-17 Special? This is the biggest mistake I've made in my 35 years of hard core cycling! When I think of the countless hours of pain I needlessly suffered on junk saddles, it makes me cringe. Oh well, better late than never! At least now I can truly appreciate a fine saddle and the unlimited hours of pain-free riding pleasure. Thank you Brooks for your fine line of products.

Written by Michael Thiedemann from United States of America 5/11/2010

...I ride a 70's Schwinn Cruiser to the beach, to surf, regularly. It's only a six mile round-trip, but the usual, big, fat, foam-padded cruiser seats can get pretty uncomfortable on a hot day. I've always admired the styling of Brook's saddles, my brother-in-law had one, but never thought the expense was worth it. All I can say is, Wow!, was I wrong! Not only does my cruiser stand out in a town chock-full of classic bikes, but it's more comfortable than I'd ever imagined. I've only put about thirty miles on it, and it's already like sitting on a cloud. Cheers! Brook's. I'd like to say that I'll buy another, but I think this one's gonna last forever...

Written by Psmith Wainscotting from USA 8/18/2009

Q > Please make a B17 special in brown. You shouldn't have to spend twice as much on the titanium saddle to get that colour. I just starting building bicycles and the brown B17 is an important part of my standard colour scheme.

A > Good point. We'll think about it.

Written by Yumi Aikawa from USA/Japan 1/13/2011

my buttocks are VERY happy. i am a female new to brooks saddle, and i did a lot of research before purchasing one. even though there are brooks saddle models specifically made for women who want to cycle in their skirts, i knew i'd prefer the longer one, so i settled for B17 Special. i am so happy with it. with miles of sweaty rides, it is the most comfortable saddle i have ever owned. there was no "break-in" period either. i do season the saddle with leather treatment cream and i recommend it if you occasionally ride in the rain like myself, because areas where it gets rubbed most are already getting worn out after only a few months of riding. but i kinda like it like that - worn-in like a favorite pair of leather shoes. it is a highly recommended cycling seat, especially for those who cycle everyday!

Written by Andrew Fetchina from United States 4/28/2010

Short and sweet, I never think about my saddle when I'm ridding, it's that comfortable. I have a B-17 on my Peugeot, a Flyer on my 3 speed Club bike and a Swift on my Raleigh Clubman. Excellent workmanship and design!

Written by michael ljungberg from USA 8/15/2009

Q > i apologize if i am being a complete bother, but will the B17 Special be available in antique brown at any point? either way, the new site is beautiful as are your products as always. thank you for existing!

A > I think we've already answered to a similar request. We should offer it in the future.

Written by Hernan nanoburgos from Canada 7/24/2009

Q > I was a Chilean Champion and I had a Brook Saddle all the time in my Bicycle, after the race most of the time I felt numbness in my penis but I did not gave the importance to the fact of having a hard leather saddle, now I am 67 and I just had a Prostate Cancer surgery. You will be the judges and please do not promote something that you are not 100% that is good for Cyclists.
Regards,
Hernan

A > I would recommend one of our Imperial Saddles, either the B17 Imperial or the B17 Narrow Imperial. The cutout in the middle relieves pressure from the delicate genital parts.

Written by Alejandro Aranda from Mexico 5/10/2010

Hi I recently purchased a B17 special (the brompton version, brown top, copper rivets, standard black frame) I have only put 70 kms and it's by far the most confortable saddle I have riden, by far much much more than my previos gel saddles (one with ventilation) they were fine for a few kms then it's was a pain in the butt, literality. Q: My concern is only one, I sweat a lot from the buttocks and I can't always wear padded short, which helps a lot with this matter, so when i use jeans sweat stays there in touch with the saddle, and leaving a very embarassing trace in my jeans. Would this sweat damage severly the saddle eventualy? Because I noticed in some parts of the saddle it has become darker just like a few spots, and in the back part has a little brighter spot as if the color has fell off.

answer - Sweat will not damage your saddle!

Written by Ross Hetherington from UK 7/28/2009

Q > I was wondering if you still get a pot of proofride with a new saddle in the packaging? I guess you don't.

A > No, Proofide is not included with the saddle, just the spanner comes with it.

Written by Ross Bennett from USA 5/20/2009

Q > I am considering buying the greeen B17 Special for my raleigh, and I am wondering, with the B17 Special having copper hardware, will it patina? How quickly does this happen? What will happen with it placed on aluminum or SS seat post? Thanks! Ross

A > If depends on how often you use it as well as how the climate is like where you live, etc.

Written by HANS VERDOUW 5/15/2009

Q > I am choosing a new saddle for mij bike. I'll buy a brooks. Is there a website in Dutch so that I can read all easier.
Greetings, hans verdouw 62 years old Nieuwegein - Holland

A > Unfortunately not, we are a small company with only 1 person doing the marketing. Quite some work to keep up with all requests :)

Written by Cat 4/24/2009

Q > Hi there just wondering if the B17 Special comes in brown?? Thanks

A > No, just the B17 Titanium.

Written by Derek johnson from Seattle, WA. USA 5/25/2009

Q >>> Will the B17 Special mount directly to a Crank Brothers Joplin Seatpost? I am in need of a GOOD saddle and hear rave reviews about your products. I ride an all mountain type of bike. Through wet and mud and muck. Is this a good product for its intended use? Thank you. Derek Johnson

A >>> All our saddles have standard 7 mm rails, so it should work!

Written by Al Niemi 2/14/2009

I have a family of Brooks saddles, a green B-17 on my year round commuter that keeps me looking smart, a new purchased honey colored B-72 on my '60 Raleigh Sports, and a B-17 narrow on my Carlton built 1974 Raleigh Super Course MK II that came with the bike, I bought it a year ago at a garage sale and the saddle was like new, wrapped in a towel in the garage for the last thirty years, a clear testament to the quality of your product. As I see it, if you ride a bike, saddles are like shoes, why walk in flip flops on railroad tracks.

Best,

A. Niemi
Mpls. MN, USA

Written by steve 12/10/2008

B17...what can I say..... riden for years no blisters or soreness. Great saddles, all my family ride various Brooks saddles and wouldnt ride anything else. Keep up the good work! Steve

Written by Andrew Kane 11/18/2008

I have a black B17 Standard saddle. Before I purchased this saddle I had a 'racing' seat called the 'Contour'. After 35 miles the Contour hurt my buttocks so badly I couldn't ride anymore. I put the Brooks on and rode in the Philly MS-150. After a 150 miles my buttocks didn't hurt in the least. I felt great. I've just purchased a green B17 Special for my 1970 hand made Reynolds 531 Raleigh Super Course and I anticipate it will give 100 years of bum comforting service. Seriously, I can't ride a bike without a Brooks saddle anymore. Brooks arrived at this brilliant design over 100 years ago and never changed a thing because there is no need to. Perfection is perfection, even 100 years later. Andrew Kane

Written by andreas paris 10/28/2008

Q > Dear Sirs, I am interested in two products - its the B17 special, or the team professional copper! the question is now if you could tell me the differences? how is the shape, what about the leather? is it a thicker leather on one or the other? is one of the saddles more robust? is one softer, or more stable? thank you very much for your answer! sincerely, Andreas Paris

A > The B17 is wider at the back than the Team Pro. We would recommend the Team Pro if you are riding a road bike, the B17 for less racing bike.

Written by Bill Houlder 10/25/2008

I bought a B17 Special for my No 1 Triathlon bike. As the bike leg is the longest comfort matters. Both in competition AND training. And the Special is a distinguishing feature that's legal, ie cannot be easily removed; unlike towels etc. Of course everyone else thinks I'm mad.

Written by F scott 9/3/2008

I recently installed a B17 Special on my road bike. It is not only of exceptional quality, but is also the most comfortable saddle I have ever used. I live in Fort Worth, Texas, where we have abundant bike trails and lots of active year-round bikers. TheBrooks saddle receives a lot of attention from fellow riders and will undoubtedly withstand a lifetime of regular usage. Thank you for continuing to craft such a fine product!

Written by Richard 9/1/2008

No self respecting touring bike is complete without a B17. It is a work of art and the most comfortable saddle for hours on the road.

Written by gertski 5/24/2008

I still use my grandfather's 1929 vintage B17, and it's truly the Rolls-Royce of saddles!

Written by - 5/22/2007

It all started out with importing the frame from italy.. Took about a week to build up the bike from scratch... lots of patience.. when it was done the bike looked plain and simple.. so i decided to purchase me a Brooks B-17 after all the good stuff I heard about them.. and when we put that beautiful saddle on there everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at the bike.. Gorgeous!! and i have to say its been the best, most comfortable ride i've been on... Brooks for life!