Length: 275mm
Width: 175mm
Height:65mm
Weight: 520g The B17 is our flagship model, ideal for long distance spors touring, trekking and atb use. It has been on the market for over 100 years, being featured in as early as the 1898 catalogue . The model is available for gents and ladies: the B17 (gents) and B17 S (ladies). The Standard models feature black steel rails, the B17 Special features copper plated steel metalwork, and the B17 Titanium … Both the B17 Special and the Titanium also feature hand hammered copper rivets.
MADE IN ENGLAND
*Cost excludes shipping
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!!!!
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.
Dear BROOKS, I am a Pedicab driver in Denver, Colorado and recently purchased the B17 in place of the cheap seats placed on the bikes by the company which cause me much discomfort. Literally the first night let me tell you your seat saved my rear end! Thank you BROOKS!! NCO
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?
I installed a B17 on my bicycle after fifty miles on a foam-and-plastic saddle left me sore for three days. I was scheduled to do another, more difficult ride (fifty miles and 4,300 feet of elevation gain) two weeks later, and worried that I wouldn't have enough break-in time. And then I got a head cold and couldn't ride for one of those two weeks. I did the second ride on the new saddle (it had under 100 miles on it at that point, though I did give it a second go-round with the proofide), and despite it being essentially straight out of the box, I was much more comfortable throughout the ride and had no soreness at all the next day. My saddle has only continued to improve over the last few weeks. I am a mother of two, the second of whom weighed almost ten lbs. at birth, and my sit bones are wider than most. I had gone through four saddles in the last 18 months, and I am very happy to have found a product which does so much to improve my cycling experience. I would also mention that I very often ride in a skirt in the summer and I have no trouble doing so even on the longer-nosed saddle. The only problem I have with the B17 is that I will have to get a second one for my other bicycle.
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.
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.
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.
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!
My feelings were not of joy when 20 miles into a transcontinental journey across the USA the frame on my trusty stead snapped. I had travelled thousands of miles on the bike and we had moulded together. The success and joy of the trip now relied on the stock of the local bike shop. Although I did not realise it at the time it was probably the best thing to have happened. Located at the back of the shop behind all of the mountain bikes lay the proprietors wife's almost unused touring bike with what at that time I considered a dinosaur in place of a seat, a Brooks leather saddle. In order not to offend the proprietor who had specified and built the bike I rode off with the dinosaur in place with a view to swapping it a the end of the day. A few additional trips and 7500 miles later the seat has still not been removed and i have not intention of removing it. Almost instantly the seat was the most comfortable I have ever had, 500 miles in and was perfect. Other people have ridden with the saddle even with it bedding into my shape and have gone on to purchase a brooks saddle. Best piece of cycling equipment I have ever purchased.
I purchased a Raleigh One Way today, which comes with a Brooks B17 stock. I hadn't heard of Brooks until today, but the B17 is an incredibly comfortable saddle. I also like its looks. I was surprised to see a mid-range bicycle come with such an expensive saddle, but I'm happy that it did. I put about 20 miles on the bike today, and am not sore at all -- my last saddle, a foam/plastic Speicalized stock saddle was uncomfortable on long rides, but I didn't realize how uncomfortable it was until I spent some time on the B17. Who knew that hard leather could be so comfortable?
I purchased a b17 standard after finding my padded saddle uncomfortble. This saddle has been a revelation. Having not looked forward to breaking my new saddle in it came as a pleasent surprise to find instant comfort.
PROBLEM > I had 2 B17's both broken now (after 1,5 years of daily usage or even less). I weigh 95Kg, maybe that is the reason for the problems, but for me it is not working out. The first one I got replaced by a new one (guaranty) but the next I did not even bother any more. In both cases I did about 2000Km before they broke down. As soon as I was getting comfortable I had to get a new one. I do 25Km a day to and from work and there are some pretty bad bicycle roads in the daily commute (not more than 1km in total). Is there a way that I can order a new frame (preferably titanium since I think this must be stronger) for my B17 standard saddle?
REPLY > Please use the form in the GETTING IN TOUCH section for claims! Anyway it is possible to get a spare frame.
I've been riding my new B-17 for 5 days now, maybe 100 kilometers total. It was absolutely perfect from the start, once I'd gotten it set up properly. No painful break-in whatsoever. The Proofide I slathered on the day before installation may have helped. Based on my own experience and what I've read from others, I'd say that the decision to buy a Brooks saddle is a small scale version of Pascal's gamble. At worst, you're out a few dollars (or euros) on a saddle that does not work out, but you (or at least the part of you that you sit on) will have a good chance of experiencing what seems like heaven, compared to most saddles.
When I first rode bicycles, I had absolutely no regard as to parts and components upon which I would sit on and ride. But when I first came to University, I noticed these saddles everywhere and I could only remark at their elegant lines, simplicity and beauty. Setting off to get my own, I purchased a B17 Honey Standard. I figured a black one would have gone better with my old steel Raleigh Nottingham, but going bold would make me stand out in terms of colors. Riding on that Brooks, which I still have, I have logged over 1500 miles on it yet, It still looks rather new and hasn't really broken in at all. Save for a little area around the left sitbone. But because of the quality and the look, I have outfitted both my Raleigh touring bicycle and Raleigh track bicycle with Brooks saddles.
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
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!!
After riding on a Brooks saddle for 36 years i have decided its time to break in another one - for my next 36 years of riding. I believe the model is a B17 standard, although i'm not sure since all markings have long since worn away. It came on a 1973 Schwinn Super Sport bike purchased when i was a freshman in high school. Little did i know that the saddle on this Schwinn would grow into the gem it is today - it draws frequent comments for its spartan look as well as looks of awe from those who know the legacy of a Brooks saddle. I have owned three bikes since this one and each time i would try the new saddle that came on the bike and they were never as comfortable as the Brooks. And my bikes do not spend alot of garage time. The bike that it is presently on - a Trek 520 touring bike - i would estimate it has over 50,000 miles on it. The previous bike about the same. In the past 25 years i have been an active touring cyclist completing a week-long, self-supported tour about once per year, and last year completed a 4,300 mile summer-long tour across the U.S. No gel seat can touch the comfort of my beloved Brooks! Although i will not part with this one, i do feel that it is time to start breaking in another. i would like to send a picture, if possible, so i might get some advice on what model to purchase (you may be able to tell which model it is as well as see how it has aged over 36 years). i look forward to hearing back - thanks for you time! Sue Fisher Apex, NC
I have ridden Brooks saddles for over 35+ years from the B17 saddle that came on my 74 Raliegh (still own), Brooks Team Pro saddle on my 72 Raliegh comptetion pro (still own), aged Brooks Team Pro on my 1980 Peugeot team bike (forced to return to the team when I left Europe), aged Brooks Team Pro on my 1982 PUCH LUZERN (sold it in 2002), aged Brooks Team Pro on my 2000 Trek Y foil 77 (still own), to the Brook TI Swift on my 2007 Trek 6.9 SSLX Madone (still own). The thing about Brooks saddles is that they get better with age unilke other saddles that are wear out and are never as comfortable as a Brooks to begin with. The concept of a Brooks saddle is that you are litterally sitting on a leather hammock that means you are suspended with zero pressure points. The leather confirms to your anatomy whether you are the 5.5% body fat pro like I was in the mid 70s to the mid 80s or the 54 year old Engineer sitting at a key board all day and only riding 6-9000 km a year depending on work loads.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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
B17 Special is my 1st Brooks saddle, and I'm gonna put all my bike with Brooks saddle. Edwin, Indonesia
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
I bought my B17 more than 4 years ago. I have found it extremely comfortable. One time 3 years ago I went to a bike repair shop. An old mechanic came, looked at my bike and then nodded with his head and said "Respect..." :-) I may change my bike but will never part with my B17.
I now have approximately 945 miles on my test saddle and I have to say I love it. I've been riding it on a non-suspension MTB that has been converted to a commuter and all around duty bike. Two days ago I switched it out and put it on my Trek 7.3 to ride that bike for a while. I also have a B17 Std on a comparable bike (Giant FCR3) that I can do a side-by-side comparison with. I'm really pleased at the difference in this saddle. I take really good care of my stuff and this saddle is no exception. It hasn't shown any signs of wear or breakdown. You could probably rub a little Proofride on it and put it in a box and sell it for new. I was a bit concerned that it would give some because of the size of the cut-out. I haven't noticed a thing. I haven't done anything to alter the lacing either. I just took it out and bolted it on as-is.
Others have provided feedback about how hard the saddles are, how long it takes to break in, slipping around...etc. I don't find any of these characteristics to be a problem. In fact, I wouldn't be entirely displeased if the saddle stayed hard. I think squishy, lesser quality saddles have been part of what has contributed to the perennial pain I've suffered over the years. I'm not sure what originally drew me to the B17, but it's been my personal choice since. I wouldn't buy anything else. If I had to give up my B17's, I'd probably just hang the bikes up for good. I haven't found anything that provides this amount of comfort and quality and I've tried other options. I think this new design is just going to give people like me one other option to keep on riding without pain or numbness. I think you guys have a winner. Thanks people..GREAT products. I'm a Brooks lifer!
Wow. When I got my first BROOKS B17, back in January, initially, I was rather dismayed by its firmness. It took a few months but eventually, my boney butt pressed itself into the leather and I was officially hooked. When the Imperial arrived, I was expecting to go through the same discomfort. However, right out of the package, this baby felt like it was made for my rump. I know lacing is nothing new for BROOKS saddles, but I was really taken by how much control they allow the user in getting the "flex" right where it is needed. My interest in having a cut-out saddle is due to my perianal fistula. This was due to my having Crohn's disease. This fistula occasionally becomes inflamed and turns into an abscess in a most undesirable area. Any time that it has happened in the past, I have had to forgo cycling for a week or so. Last week, it flared up again and I had some tenderness in this area. I was prescribed antibiotics, which did clear it up, but I didn't miss a day of riding. This very incident has made the Imperial tops in my book. I'm even considering a cut-out and laces for my original B17. Awesome saddle. I can't say enough about the comfort.
The IMPERIAL is the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden. I really wish I had some piece of constructive criticism to add here, but as far as I'm concerned, BROOKS knocked this one out of the park. Job well done.
Still after more than 1500km the Brooks B17 Imperial seems to be the best saddle I've ever had. I'm curious about the durability...
Generally, the B17 Imperial makes my genital area feel much less numb than the normal Brooks B17. If the saddle turns out to be strong enough to last over a long time, I would buy another of these saddles and I would recommend it to our customers. This because of its comfort.
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
Before trying the Brooks Imperial, I had always regarded the B17 as a comfortable saddle. However, I could only use the regular B17 on bikes with a fairly upright riding position or I would experience excessive perennial pressure, leading to numb genitals. I was excited to hear that Brooks was considering the idea of producing saddles with cutouts, and was ecstatic to hear from Brooks that I had been accepted in the Brooks Imperial pilot program. I mounted the Imperial on my recently completed randoneering bike, a 2007 Salsa Casseroll. This bike has 1" saddle to bar drop, and after trying for 700 miles, I couldn't make a regular B17 work comfortably. No matter how I adjusted it, I'd get perennial pressure and genital numbness. This isn't a failing of the B-17, it's just engineered for bikes that have the handlebars approximately level with the saddle. The first 400 miles on the Imperial were somewhat uncomfortable. I was expecting the saddle to break in after about 100-150 miles like my other B17s, but this one took much longer. The laces make the saddle stiffer, and the leather seemed a little tougher and thicker than it is in my other B-17s (but this could be my imagination). But even though the saddle was still breaking in, I noticed a major positive change - the problems with genital numbness and perennial pressure were gone! After about 500 miles, the Brooks Imperial showed definite dimple marks from my sit bones (indicating that it was breaking in), and it started getting much more comfortable. After 700 miles, the Brooks Imperial fits me like a glove and it's honestly hard for me to ride any other saddle. I pamper this saddle out of fear that Brooks will never put it into production. I rate its comfort as a perfect 10/10 and I can't think of how Brooks could make it better. Please put this saddle into production, I'm begging you. I plan on buying three of them for my other bikes.
The Imperial virtually eliminates the perineal pressure that hounded me with other saddles. I had a surgery that left me with a very sensitive bottom, and the only saddle that I've been able to ride since then has been the Brooks B17, but this Imperial has changed the game. Even with the B17's comfort level, I've been limited to rides of about 40 miles or so... but I've found that I can ride the Imperial on rides of 50+ miles for three consecutive days! I cannot tell you how I love this saddle! The Brooks Imperial has given me my bicycle back...
The initial 'break-in' period was much shorter with the Imperial than with my B17 Champ. Std. I was concerned at first, that I might run into hammocking problems as I put more miles on it, but the lacing has kept things taut; just like my Champ. Std... except that I punched and laced that one myself around 2000 miles to fix the problems I was having. I've done 2 century rides so far (200km and double century planned over the next 2 months) and over 300 commuting miles on the Imperial and I don't plan on switching to a different saddle. Especially for long distance riding and lots of climbing (7000+ feet) the Imperial is the most comfortable saddle I've been on. The cutout really helps to alleviate the pressure I was getting from my Champ. Std. when sitting for a long climb (hills longer than 2 miles.)
I've been riding the Brooks Imperial for about a month now. Prior to the Imperial, I was riding a well broken-in Brooks B17, which had about 6000 miles on it. The B17 had a long break-in time (1000 miles at least). The Brooks Imperial has been more comfortable during the initial break-in period that was the B17 standard. While it's not yet as comfortable as my old B17, it's breaking in faster. I'm looking forward to putting more miles on the Brooks Imperial. BRAG (Bicycle Ride Across Georgia) is coming in about two weeks!
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)
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
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.
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.
One of my first ever, proper bikes had a Brooks saddle, passed down from my fathers bicycle. The saddle lasted for a good few years before it passed on, through lack of care, and the odd accident damage, Now after a long lay off from cycling, it therefore seemed a normal thing to replace the nasty plastic saddle on my new bike, with a lovely, new Brooks saddle, and I chose to fit a B17 Standard. What fantastic memories of the past! The saddle is a work of art, and I know that it may well out live me with proper care and attention! We are still going through our 'getting to know each other' period for now, but the saddle will only get better with time and more use. My next purchase will have to be another Brooks (of course!) to go on my latest road bike...
Beautiful saddle, when I first recieved the saddle I just stared at it for ages. It was a pleasure to Proofride and stick on my vintage road bike to complete its restoration. I have done about 20 miles on it and it feels great and is beginning to 'break in' to the shape of my backside. The only downside was the leather seemed to be put on scewed but you do not notice it when riding. Will purchase for my next bike!
Recently I bought a new bike, a koga miyata light trekking, the standard saddle was good for 30min's on the saddle before the pain in the perineal area began -the saddle has the same height as the handlebar. -Quite a while I was looking for the "perfect" saddle I tried gel, anatomically designed etc etc, nothing seem to work, or the saddle was nice but only with bicycle shorts with a patch. After a few day's searching for saddles I read al lot of good comments about leather saddles, so I ordered a Brooks B-17 Standard with a tub of proofide. Now with ~200km on the saddle it is starting to break in, and it feels fantastic from day 1, the only thing that was a little bit tricky was the saddle positioning. No more pain in the "area", no more sweating, and also with jeans it rides fine I think I found my saddle..... QUESTION > I live in Holland and it rains a lot here, I am a little bit concerned with riding in the rain and in the cold and wet wintertime. Does the saddle need special care, or should I ride with a saddle cover on it when it rains?
ANSWER > You should protect the saddle from moisture from below with occasional application of Proofide on the underside of the saddle and put a rain cover on the saddle when you are parking the bike in the rain.
Great saddle. And it's beautiful. I ride it on both of my Mericans, and cannot imagine riding anything else. The copper-railed honey Pro is, to my eyes, one of the most beautiful bicycle components made. But most important, it's the most comfortable saddle I've found, by a wide ma If you're trying to decide which model to buy, ask whether you can test-ride friends' saddles or see whether a shop near you has "loaners." Or, you can buy a saddle from Wallingford Bike and, if it's not right for you, they'll let you return it within six months. In my case, I tried both the standard and narrow versions of the B-17, the Pro and the Swift before settling on the Pro. And, I tried men's and women's models of each. Although I'm tall and rawboned, I have unusually narrow sit bones for a woman. So, the men's version of the Pro turned out to be what my Mercians and my bum needed. By the way, I ride a brown B-67 on my commuter/townie bike. I have difficulty imagining myself riding anything but Brooks saddles.
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..
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).
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.
I like this saddle but found the B17N version to be difficult to set up properly, however once dialed in it is well worth the time and effort. This is not my first Brooks saddle but it was one of the more difficult ones to dial in. I think the B17N has a flatter profile than either my B17 Standard, or Swallow which is my reference saddle. When the saddle is dialed in correctly it is absolutely forgettable, that is I don't notice it. When it wasn't dialed in properly I found myself constantly fidgeting, repositioning myself in a vain effort to find that sweet spot where the saddle disappears. All in all I would say I am favourably impressed with the saddle, I initially had some doubts about the longevity of the saddle with the cut out but these have been dismissed as the saddle hasn't lost it's shape or required numerous adjustments due to sagging leather.
It has been a privilege to have taken part in the testing of the new Imperial saddles. I've always held Brooks saddles in high regard and the Imperial has lived up to my expectations. The weather here has been unusually wet this year, floods and all, and life has been unusually hectic, so my anticipated mileage is way below what I had planned and hope for so far. My longest ride so far with this saddle has been around 30 miles, other rides have averaged around 20 miles, and a lot of shorter jaunts around town of under 5 miles, and so far there have been absolutely no numbness issues or problems in the perineal regions. This saddle so far has surpassed my fond memories of my B17 I rode for thousands of miles way back in the 1970's, and I anticipate the Imperial will continue to provide good service. Once the Imperial begins production I can foresee adding these to several of my other bikes.
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...
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!
The 1st thing I noticed about the saddle was how simmiliar it was to the b17 I already have. I also notice that I thought it broke in faster than the 17. I think it was more comfortable because of the cutout. At times my clothes got snagged on the cutout when I stood up or got off the bike after sitting on it for a period of time. I really like how at times, I would not notice the saddle at all. I had to realize that I was testing it and I needed to be aware of how it was operating. I really like the saddle. I has gotten rid of some of the pain I felt from prolonged riding. I commute to work about 35-40 miles a day. So, it is worth it to have a good saddle to ride on. I think that initially after the leather started breaking in, it started to sag. So, the tension of the saddle needs to be tightened. I have not done this yet. But I think if the saddle can hold up the correct tension and not sag, it should last for quite a while.
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.
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.
While break-in of the Imperial has been gentler than that of the new B17 standard I can't say it was great right out of the box. I experienced pain in the genital area and discomfort on my sit bones. I found I had to tweak the adjustment considerably before I found a comfortable spot. I am just now getting there. At 80 miles this does not seem excessive to me for a saddle of this quality and supposed durability. It helps that I anticipated the break-in issues and was fully prepared to deal with them. With the saddle in a flat position I felt considerable discomfort in my genital area just as I had done with the standard B17. I had never adjusted a saddle before (!) nor had I ever experienced genital discomfort. I have had a lot of squeaking in the saddle which I find quite unpleasant. I have not yet adequately addressed this. I believe applying oil and running the tightening bolt back and forth will solve this as one BF member suggested. I just haven't gotten around to it. I would think Brooks might want to address that before these saddles go out of the shop to avoid a flurry of questions and complaints upon delivery. I did not note this with my standard saddle from Brooks. I have never once been aware of the cutout. I wear street clothes (blue jeans, khakis, hiking shorts) and have not had any issues with grabbing or pinching my clothes. As I begin to get adjusted my overall impression is that for me having the saddle lowered about 1/4 to 1/2 inch has been very important. I also have the nose very slightly raised. At 80 miles there is just beginning to be some dimpling at the cutout where it is cut on the underside and the chamfered edge is beginning to fold down.
My last ride just brought my mileage to 100 and this suddenly seemed a breakthrough in comfort. I went from 6.5 to 8 and at times did not notice the saddle at all, other to enjoy its firm support and smooth feel. No discomfort in either the sitbones or genital area. The weather was 80 degrees F and that may have been a factor. I have not adjusted the laces after the initial installation, nor have I tweaked the tightening bolt. I applied a thorough proofide application on the saddle's top and a thick layer on the underside at the outset. No reapplication since. My mileage is low due to late delivery of the saddle. I was on tap for the female version which did not make it out of the shop. I am not sure why the cut-out flares at the top. My uneducated guess is that a smaller cut out might work as well and lend increased durability to the saddle. I do not expect the same level of durability with the standard yet that seems a reasonable trade-off if the comfort continues to improve as I expect. I would pre-grease the tightening bolt to reduce problem with squeaking which I have had and others have reported. I would debate between the Standard and Imperial. My one question would be re durability. I like the standard a lot. Once it started to break in (a process interrupted by the arrival of the Imperial -- a Brooks quandry!) I was pretty devoted to the B17 Standard. I'm not yet sure if I like the design of the cut-out as much, but it is growing on me. I love the elegance and feel of these saddles and the notion (so far just abstract) of their longevity. I honestly don't think I'll ever use another saddle. I appreciate the idea of a saddle that conforms specifically to my shape. Then again, I'm someone who uses a fountain pen! It has been a real pleasure to take part in this test.
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.
I have been in serious biking for the last 3 years.All my bikes viz.Firefox,TREK,Cannondale and Colanago came with the pvc narrow seats.Though i dont complain about the design but surely after riding a distance of 100 kms my i used to feel the burning sensation.I bought the B-17 basic seat thro wiggle U.K and my rides are very comfortable.I have already done 9oo kms and find it superb.Thanks to BROOKS. I am 61 years old and hail from South India capital Chennai which is hot throught the year.
Awhile back I laid my bike down at speed on some wet streets and was super bummed to see that my B17 was scratched and gouged along the top rear corner. It had also picked up some white paint scratches from the road striping. Sad. I've continued to ride it since then, and the combination of multiple proofide applications along with more miles, has resulted in the saddle repairing itself! All the roughness has laid down and the gashes filled. The white paint has also been buffed out by my ass. I mean, you can still see a little wound there, but it looks 80% better than it did before. How awesome is that?!
A> Pretty awesome!
...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...
Q > When I built up my actual touring bike last year I decided to give the B17 a try. When I got it my first thought was "holy crap, I will be sitting on a brick!" The first week the saddle was quite hard, but although it took about 600 km to ride in, I had only few butt problems on the third day. Probably just the time to get used to loaded touring 100-150 km daily. After this year's tour the bike and saddle have about 3000 km. The saddle is well broken in and quite o.k., but I think my butt needs someting narrower than the B17. Any suggestions?
A > The Team Pro and B17 Narrow are our best sellers among the sports models. If you like the B17, I would recommend the B17 Narrow. Alternatively, the Swift is a bit more elastic.
I have know owned four of these- two at present on my dawes tourers, They are unbeatable. Comfort is quite astonishing- it makes sense ,really, as the leather moulds to your bott. shape. One word of warning- i loaned a bike with a B17, to a friend of mine for about 6 months- big mistake- he has a completely different bum to me. I couldn't use the saddle comfortably after that! Thanks Brooks!
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!
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!
Q > Hi! Could we now in this Ipod age have White saddles in a range of models (and not just for the very exclusive few!), please.
A > White BROOKS Saddles are much more difficult to make. It takes us more than triple the time than any other colour and lots of leather is wasted in the process. These are the reasons why we can't offer them in the standard range.
Q > My B-17 standard in black leaves a big ugly nasty looking stain on my bottom after rides. I am considering a replacement, like a Terry Liberator or some such thing, because I cant continue to show up at work looking like I got scared and soiled my knickers. Would one of your brown saddles be a better choice?
A > Normally honey stains less than black, but if you are riding with light coloured trousers you might still not solve the problem.
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!
Q > Why don't you make the B17 Standard in the nice brown rather than the sickly honey? If I were to treat the honey with some oil over a period of time would this work in darkening the colour whilst not damaging the saddle? A > Honey tends to become darker with use, but not as dark as brown.
I ride rigid singlespeed mountain bikes for the past 3 years and have tried many seats in the past. Bent rails, broken bases and lack of support were just some of the complaints. Installed the honey version B17 2 years ago. After one ride in steamy Florida, I was sold. 1 application of Proofhide on the top and bottom. 6 hr/12 hr races in rain and heat and it still looks good and the support is great- Thank you for your product- I get so many questions about this seat!
I opened the box of my B17 saddle this morning before work and haven't even had a chance to ride it yet. I just wanted to thank you so much for such a considered product. I haven't bought something in years that wasn't swathed in masses of plastic and cellophane. Every single bit of the Brooks packaging can be recycled (almost all paper/card), except for a tiny, tiny piece of plastic that secured the saddle in place in the box. Oh - and the saddle is beautiful too!
B17 standards are on all my cycles, including the Brompton; fitted before Brompton 'discovered' Brooks!. I keep trying to persuade people that Brooks are the ONLY good saddles. One chap even fitted his cheapo with a Brooks cover. Did him no good, it still broke. Brooks are cheaper over the long run as they outlast the rest by miles; thousands of them.
As my half-century approaches, I decided to celebrate the milestone by recruiting a couple of like-minded, if younger, friends to ride from Lands-End to John-O-Groats. I'd a lot of fitness to regain, and started by putting in a lot of miles on my old turbo-trainer. After buying and rejecting five saddles of various types and costs, I remembered that in an old Karrimor saddlebag in the garage was my trusty old B17 which had been on every road-bike I'd owned since my first Carlton which was given to me at 14. It had been used on an almost daily basis, often for rides up to 90-100 miles per day, and even one of 190 miles in a day. I imagine it had covered probably something like 50,000 miles before it was retired (but not thrown out) when my Merlin frame finally gave up the ghost after about 30,000 miles in 1992. Once the B17 was back on the trainer, miles were no object, and it now graces my new road-bike, looking slightly anachronistic on a carbon seatpost, but it is so far superior to all the other saddles I've tried that I will never again ride anything else. It is so old now (34 years) that I may have to replace it, but it will definately be replaced with a Brooks... I might splash out on the Titanium rail version to save some of the weight, but the leather and Brooks workmanship are a must.
In 1996, I decided to cycle from London to Jerusalem. I was using those skinny, lightweight saddle you see everywhere nowadays. When I reached Holland, my butt couldn't take it any more, so I bought a Brooks B17 at a flea market in Amsterdam. I had never used a leather saddle before, but I was desperate. It took me until Austria that I felt the saddle broken in. Want to know when you have a good saddle? When you never think about it. That's how I felt with the Brooks - it was so comfortable that I didn't even feel anything under me. Ever since that three month trip, I have used Brooks exclusively on all my tours. During one of those trips, I cycled across the Bolivian altiplano in 1999. I made some mistakes on that trip, and had to abandon my bicycle and gear at 16,000 feet. I walked for about 100 miles over three days. During that time, I encountered no one. The only thing I took from my bike was - you guessed it - my Brooks. I still have that saddle today, and it's been to over three dozen countries. I will never part with it.
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!
CLAIM > I've always enjoyed Brooks saddles. However, a month ago I purchased two B-17 standard saddles and found that one of them had rails of unequal height. (Making the seat tilt to the left when mounted.) I am returning the saddle for a replacement, but I am surprised that Brook would ship a defective saddle.
REPLY > Defective saddles are always replaced, as can be read in the instruction leaflet which comes with all saddles. Please do not post your warranty claims here, but use the form in the GETTING IN TOUCH section.
Hi, I was always very content with my Brooks which I bought from a friend about ten Years ago until this morning on my way to work through a snowstorm the Metal under the leather cover broke. Can you repair it?
answer - All Brooks saddles may be repaired, please visit the Getting in Touch section of this website!
Q > Your saddles (B-17 Ti, standard and Special) are on each of my three road bikes and are exceptionally comfortable. The Special is around seven years old and has about 7000 miles. I use Brooks Proofide three or four times a year, and seldom is the saddles wet, however the leather is cracking a good bit around the back upper most four rivets. Is this detrimental to the life/quality of the saddle? Is it repairable?
A > Leather is subject to detriment, as any other material. This depends on the climate and use. Unfortunately we can only repair the metal parts...
The Classic range includes many of our best selling models for the modern cyclist, since all saddles have single rails and are thus compatible with micro-adjust seat posts. The B17 is the most popular saddle in the BROOKS Classic range. It is certainly the oldest Brooks model and longest living saddle in cycling history. This icon has been sold as far back as 1896 and for over a century never went out of production. Most of these models are available also in the Aged and Imperial lines.