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Submitted by
greg stearns
a Weekend Warrior
from Kelowna, BC Canada
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$109.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | B17 Special- copper rivets, copper plated rails on black leather it is great just to look at. Got the saddle but the proofhide did not arrive so I put it on my bike and completed a metric century yesterday. I brought my other saddle just in case but ended up tossing it part way through the ride. Today put another pain free morning the bike but had to stop because of a rainstorm, Now I wish I had waited for the proofhide but the saddle seems fine. I will let it dry out and wait for the proofhide before going out again. Wish I hadn't tossed out my old seat. | | Weaknesses: | a little slippery | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale six | | Bottom Line: | Cool retro look, comfortable right out of the box. No one else in my has one especially with the cool copper. I am thinking of having some of the parts on my bike electroplated to match the seat. Good for anyone who rides except the hardcore weight conscious rider. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
artnoll
a Cross Country Rider
from USA, USA, USA!
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | hiawatha cyclery, mi | | Strengths: | Classic, looks great with a wool jersey | | Similar Products Used: | WTB oem mtb saddles | | Bike Setup: | Surly Long Haul Trucker, stock build, arkell bags | | Bottom Line: | Saddle should be great after a short run-in period of 100 to 3,000 miles durring which the pain receptors in your arse are fried out and your pelvic bones conform to the shape of the saddle.
In the past I've done well with a cheaper oem wtb saddles on my mtb and road bike.
the brooks came highly recomended by several experienced riders, so I would say this seat is probably acceptable if you have the right physiology for it.
Myself, I bought a $10 walmart gel pad cover after 500 miles of arse blistering torture. Look for my saddle on ebay after the completion of this trip.
Suggest a test ride before a buy on this item. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
danrack
a Weekend Warrior
from westport
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | ct | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Comfort | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bike Setup: | Redline R750-Tiagra/tires700x25/alex wheels- a good road bike, not the best not the worst. | | Bottom Line: | I ride 10-12 miles five days a week. I have owned this same Brooks saddle, (it appears to be a B-17 or simmilar), for 34 years and have moved it from bike to bike. I have rid myself of every seat that has come with the original bike. This saddle is old, the leather is checked, it is comfortable, it is like an old friend. 'nuff said. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc Irwin
a
from Delton, Mi USA
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Permaco | | Strengths: | Comfort, durability and comfort. | | Weaknesses: | You don't want to get it soaking wet. | | Similar Products Used: | Brooks B17, selle san marco, selle italia, and a couple other lousy "scientifically designed, anatomically correct" pieces of crap. | | Bike Setup: | 1985 Trek 500, Reynolds butted tubing, mostly original. | | Bottom Line: | I put my old B17 on my bike when I bought it in 1985, but gave into the common "wisdom" and switched to the newer, lighter, egonomically designed stuff in the late 80's. If you are not racing and weight conscious, they are useless.
I just decided to let the scientists go back to their marketing campaigns and use what works.
I bought a B66 (fully sprung, and Brooks most popular saddle), have ridden 300 miles without any binding or discomfort at all, and I feel no road vibration in the pelvic area at all. I haven't been wearing a chamois underwear or shorts and don't think I will need it until it gets really hot. I've heard about all the "break in" methods from soaking them in oil overnight to using only Profide and think it's unnecessary. It feels great! Every other leather manufacturer (shoes and saddles) recommends Mink Oil for their product, that's all I used on the other one I had and what I will probably use on this. The B66 has a double rail but I attached one rail to the micro-adjust seatpost and went to the local hardware store and bought short bolts to attach the existing adapters to the rails behind the post to distribute the stress. I don't see a need for the special "seat sandwich" that is sold out there.
I'm back to comfortable biking and the scientists should go back to MIT and build a better toaster oven. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin moore
a Weekend Warrior
from pittsburgh pa 15211
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Oil Creek in Pa | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | the Bike shop | | Strengths: | I have a Brooks B73 black.I put it on my 1955 English 3 speed bile.It is at home looks great and gives a new smooth ride to a bummy old war horse.Like a great pair of shoes. | | Weaknesses: | Break in time | | Similar Products Used: | san marco. | | Bike Setup: | 1955 3 speed. | | Bottom Line: | It is worth every cent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justine Nicholas
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY USA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | the one to the Sea of Tranquility | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bikes | | Strengths: | Made well and beautifully, conforms to anatomy, timeless. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy (though the Swift, which I'm reviewing, weighs roughly the same as the Selle Italia Turbo saddles I used to ride). Arguably expensive, but I think a good saddle is like a good pair of shoes. Plus, the Brooks will outlast most other bike equipment. | | Similar Products Used: | Fizik Pave, Terry Zero and Dragonfly, Selle Italia Turbo and Flite, Concor, Ideale, way too many others. | | Bike Setup: | Road--Land Shark 853 with Ouzo fork, Ksyrium SSC SL wheels and SSC brakes, TA Zephyr Light Crank (50/36 compact), Record Ergo controls and Chorus derailleurs and cassette, King threadless headset
Fixie: DeBernardi Pista with Velocity wheels, Sugino RD crank and 46T FSA chainring, Izumi chain, Miche cogs, King headset | | Bottom Line: | Back in the 70's and early '80's, I rode the Ideale all-leather saddles, which were similar to (but, I believe, a bit narrower than) the Brooks saddles that were available at the time.
Then I started to race and obsess about weight (my own and the bike's!). I listened to everyone who said those all-leather saddles were heavy and retro and such. Thus began a two-decade cycle of changing saddles every year or less. In the meantime, Ideale ceased to be and it was nearly impossible to find Brooks.
Now I've returned to my roots, so to speak. With advice from Diane at Wallingford, I chose the Swift because it's narrower than the Team Pro. (I have narrower sit bones than most women.) It's also a good bit lighter, and the tension is adjusted with a 6mm allen key rather than that goofy wrench.
Already the Brooks saddles feel better than what I'd been riding--and they're not broken in yet! And they look great! (I chose British Racing Green for my 'Shark, which is purple and green, and an Antique Brown Swift for my red-and-gold De Bernardi.) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Schmidt
a Weekend Warrior
from Spokane, WA USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Spokane | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bicycle Parts | | Strengths: | Comfort. | | Weaknesses: | Requires a little maintenance from time to time and need to keep dry as much as possible. | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to mention | | Bottom Line: | It's great to see all of these satisified Brooks customers which compelled to throw in my two bits. I thought a sore butt was an unavoidable part of bike riding until I purchased my first B17 in 98. I road 125 miles on my fourth day on the saddle and there wasn't a bit of discomfort. I couldn't believe it since it wasn't even close to being broken in. A couple years ago I road the perimeter of Australia using a Champion Flyer (sprung B17)and never experienced any kind of soreness after 11,000 miles and 10 months.
Unfortunately, it's easier to swim the English Channel than try to convince a non-Brooks use that this is the only way to go. First impressions it is heavy and hard so why even try. Do yourself a favor and try it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wade Patton
a Racer
from Woodbury, TN
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Chinquapin Ridge, Fall Creek Falls | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Fantastic use of Cowhide. | | Weaknesses: | Not completely weather/idiot proof. | | Similar Products Used: | you name it. | | Bike Setup: | SISS (for now, custom SS in coming) | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the B5N--an old discontinued saddle by Brooks. It is very similar to the B17, but has a textured top. Many of these have appeared on Ebay as new-old stock (NOS) That is new in the box--but made in the 70's! Mine is a 1979.
Having recently bought a B17 and a Swift from Wallbike.com, I knew that I'd like anything Brooks makes. So I "bought it now" for just under $40. Got it---unlike the late-models I had just dealt with, which were pliable out of the box---this one was dry and hard as a rock. I used the Sheldon Brown oil soak method (neatsfoot for 30 mins) to jump start the break in. Rode about two hours on it and my butt felt like it was going to fall off. Then--in the last hour (three hour ride) it melted. The oil, sweat, rain, humidity, pedaling all came together and the saddle became a hammock. Just damn beautiful. If your butt has EVER bothered you on at ALL, you really should try one of these. Wallingford Bike Parts has a six-month return policy on these saddles. ALL my bikes are getting Brooks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce Herbitter
a
from MIdland, MI USA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Harris Cyclry, online | | Strengths: | Gorgeous look, custom fit to your bottom | | Weaknesses: | a bit heavy, break in required. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuji "Tush Cush", Oasis trail seat | | Bike Setup: | Trek steel frame/Shimano Altus drivetrain/ 100 psi 1.25 x26 road slicks or 45-60 psi knobbies, depending on the ride. | | Bottom Line: | The Conquest is Brook's ATB seat. Same shape as road touring but thicker leather, and coil springs underneath. You can speed up break in with their "proofide" compound, but product life is shortened (by a lot if you over-apply the stuff). I have not used any. Seat conforms to your sit bones and is surprisingly comfy. Springs absorb a lot of bounce, making shocks un needed on many rough trails. The honey color is cool and makes the bike easy to spot in a crowded meet or tour. the seat is adjustable over time to take out slack, with a little wrench. This saddle is good for touring bikes, rail trail bikes and moderate off road bikes. I don't do serious rock climbing so I don't know how it will do there. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Zichron Ya'acov, Israel
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ---yeah right! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bicycle Parts | | Strengths: | Hand made to a very high standard (90% hand made compared to an average of 10% for most other saddles), top quality leather, comfortable, shapes to your own anatomy, retro looks and different. | | Weaknesses: | Slightly heavy (only 80g more than my Selle Italia Flite Titanium), not totally waterproof. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Flite Gel Titanium (three of them), WTB, CODA, Rolls, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Blur, XT and XTR, Hope, Chris King, Rock Shox Psylo SL, Thomson, Easton, Mavic 517, etc..... | | Bottom Line: | I've only ridden once on this saddle. When I took it from the box I thought how uncomfortable it looked, it reminded me of a rock, however, I was more comfortable riding 35 km on this than my Flite...and this is even before the breaking-in period has begun. So, from the other reviews I have read this saddle will get even more comfortable with time. The saddle is truly a piece of quality hand-made craftmanship, top quality leather and copper rivets. From the other reviews I've read it will easily last 20-30 years compared with the average of 2 years my other saddles (mostly Selle Italia Flites) have lasted. $150 seems a lot to pay, but really with this quality and the lifespan it has it seems more economical. After all, Brooks have been making saddles for 140 years, they must know a thing or two...anyhow the human anatomy hasn't changed in this time and with a Brooks you get a totally customised saddle to the shape of your butt. It's a shame that most Mountain Bikers don't know the Brooks saddles, the company need some serious marketing to appeal to the masses of riders out there who want a comfortable perch..it seems that only tourers and roadies know and respect the brand. If you live in a hot climate it's also excellent - less sweating! Thanks also to Bill at Wallingford Bicycle Parts for their excellent advice on which saddle to buy http://www.wallbike.com/ (do I get a commission?) plus their 6 month return guarantee. In the beginning, I was confused and thought that Brooks were only for crusty old men on old-fashioned touring bikes - How wrong I was - It's now my mission to spread the word for BROOKS SADDLES!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Zichron Ya'acov, Israel
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ---yeah right! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bicycle Parts | | Strengths: | Hand made to a very high standard (90% hand made compared to an average of 10% for most other saddles), top quality leather, comfortable, shapes to your own anatomy, retro looks and different. | | Weaknesses: | Slightly heavy (only 80g more than my Selle Italia Flite Titanium), not totally waterproof. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Flite Gel Titanium (three of them), WTB, CODA, Rolls, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Blur, XT and XTR, Hope, Chris King, Rock Shox Psylo SL, Thomson, Easton, Mavic 517, etc..... | | Bottom Line: | I've only ridden once on this saddle. When I took it from the box I thought how uncomfortable it looked, it reminded me of a rock, however, I was more comfortable riding 35 km on this than my Flite...and this is even before the breaking-in period has begun. So, from the other reviews I have read this saddle will get even more comfortable with time. The saddle is truly a piece of quality hand-made craftmanship, top quality leather and copper rivets. From the other reviews I've read it will easily last 20-30 years compared with the average of 2 years my other saddles (mostly Selle Italia Flites) have lasted. $150 seems a lot to pay, but really with this quality and the lifespan it has it seems more economical. After all, Brooks have been making saddles for 140 years, they must know a thing or two...anyhow the human anatomy hasn't changed in this time and with a Brooks you get a totally customised saddle to the shape of your butt. It's a shame that most Mountain Bikers don't know the Brooks saddles, the company need some serious marketing to appeal to the masses of riders out there who want a comfortable perch..it seems that only tourers and roadies know and respect the brand. If you live in a hot climate it's also excellent - less sweating! Thanks also to Bill at Wallingford Bicycle Parts for their excellent advice on which saddle to buy http://www.wallbike.com/ (do I get a commission?) plus their 6 month return guarantee. In the beginning, I was confused and thought that Brooks were only for crusty old men on old-fashioned touring bikes - How wrong I was - It's now my mission to spread the word for BROOKS SADDLES!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Madelaine t
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | south lk washington loop | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop in burien, wa | | Strengths: | comfy. Retro. | | Weaknesses: | For me, there haven't been any | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | now: new raleigh cross c700 | | Bottom Line: | I am training for a 200 mile 2 day bike ride.
I am riding with other people who complain about
their butts on every ride. They get rashes on their
butts (sorry) and wiggle and squirm.
I have gotten sore legs, arms, and hands, but have never ever gotten a butt rash or been uncomfortable because of my seat.
This old S66 Brooks saddle is THE one for me. For 15 years
I have been teased about having it, but now a sizeable population of the tricked out riders are buying..
gasp.. brooks saddles! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Adler
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Collins CO.
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Risk canyon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Brave New Wheel | | Strengths: | Very comferable, Great look, When your plastic fantasic saddle is worn out the Brooks are just starting to become a old freind | | Weaknesses: | Hevy | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | lots of bikes all old classics from 70's and 80's | | Bottom Line: | The B17 is the most comfy saddle on Earth. If you take care of a Brooks it can last for 20 years or more. I have a 15 year old Team pro that still is very comfertable. How many things are still hand made and all for less then $100 bucks. Go get a hand made part for your car for $100 bucks Not a chance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gray
a Cross Country Rider
from waterloo, wi
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Budget Bikes | | Strengths: | beauty, comfort, durability, comfort, comfort | | Weaknesses: | weakness?.... ya mean the first 500 or so miles? | | Similar Products Used: | lots! | | Bike Setup: | Specialized, custom flat bar road bike | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE THE B-17 N ...if you don't want to break it in, don't buy it...Best thing to do it slather the proofide on, top and bottom and leave in the sun to heat up....
I have ridden 4 consecutive century+ days...586 miles in a week...and was NEVER sore (lots of whining from the gel seat users though, (the butt-balm crowd))
See, you get sore from chaffing, hard slick leather allows you to slide across it, with the added advantage of being a LOT easier on those $65 shorts! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerhardt Willett
a Cross Country Rider
from Old Saybrook, Ct usa
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Comfort, durability, quality, looks, will last for a LONG time. | | Weaknesses: | you have to take care of it. proofide, keep it dry. adjust once in a while. Not really weaknesses....its fun to get involved with the bike you ride. | | Similar Products Used: | SDG Bel air, Ritchey plus rail. Brooks B5N | | Bike Setup: | Raleigh Super Gran Prix, internal 5 speed hub with drum brake,
front drum brake. Brooks b-17, moustache bars. Mavic ma3 w/ bontrager elite inverts 700x38 | | Bottom Line: | Honey leather Brooks B-17 is as comfortable as it is pretty. Broke in within a month. Like riding on a hammock. Bumps that look like they are going to hurt, I just bounce over. My favorite saddle. I also have a 25 year old Brooks B5N that looks like new and is an absolute delight to ride.
Great saddles to use if you like quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chika
a Racer
from dallas texas
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | san diego somewhere | | Strengths: | beauty, class quality durability,heritage | | Weaknesses: | pricey | | Similar Products Used: | every oem saddle out there, other brooks' | | Bike Setup: | ROAD BIKE!!! HAHAHA BIANCHI EROS | | Bottom Line: | beautiful! simply beautiful! it gives a touch of class to any mud encrusted mtb and because beauty and elegance are not fashionable in the hyper-masculine world of mtbing, as an owner of a brooks, your good taste is obvious!
now it took me less than 2 weeks of riding to break 'er in. in between it felt like i was sitting on a polished stone and had to get up out of the saddle a few times.
but like magic after coming from the store you unchain your machine and then you notice the indentations on the saddle. whoppee!!! the saddle molds itself to you and from that point on you wouldnt change it for all the selle italians in the world.
i use kiwi saddle soap (except when its wet) whenever i feel like it. ive had my conquest for 4 yrs now and its durabilty is clear like a good steel road bike it will be your companion forever! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chika
a Racer
from dallas texas
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | san diego somewhere | | Strengths: | beauty, class quality durability,heritage | | Weaknesses: | pricey | | Similar Products Used: | every oem saddle out there, other brooks' | | Bike Setup: | ROAD BIKE!!! HAHAHA BIANCHI EROS | | Bottom Line: | beautiful! simply beautiful! it gives a touch of class to any mud encrusted mtb and because beauty and elegance are not fashionable in the hyper-masculine world of mtbing, as an owner of a brooks, your good taste is obvious!
now it took me less than 2 weeks of riding to break 'er in. in between it felt like i was sitting on a polished stone and had to get up out of the saddle a few times.
but like magic after coming from the store you unchain your machine and then you notice the indentations on the saddle. whoppee!!! the saddle molds itself to you and from that point on you wouldnt change it for all the selle italians in the world.
i use kiwi saddle soap (except when its wet) whenever i feel like it. ive had my conquest for 4 yrs now and its durabilty is clear like a good steel road bike it will be your companion forever! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clay
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene, OR
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The hype before I used it. | | Weaknesses: | This seat does not break in to your butt. Your butt breaks in to it. I kept using this seat since I was told you have to break it in. After thousands of miles I finally had it broke in, but when the winter came it got wet and it seemed like it was now conforming to someone elses butt. To tell you the truth it never was that comfortable even after the long break in period. | | Similar Products Used: | Lots. Trying some of the nutcutout seats these days to find something that truly works. | | Bottom Line: | Don't waste the money if you are a mountain biker or if you ride in the wet. If you only ride in the dry don't just listen to the old farts hype, chuck it if it sucks. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A B
a Cross Country Rider
from Somewhere
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Where I am | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | www.wallbike.com | | Strengths: | Bought this saddle four days before my first century. Rode 101 miles and no sore ass. I only had to stand two or three times to stretch. Hard to believe, but true. I have used the proofide on it and have begun to see my sit bones indentations. I never thought it could be this comfortable. This is the main point...buy it from Wallingford Bikes. You've got six months to try it out. What have you got to lose but the pain. | | Weaknesses: | If your a racer concerned about an extra gram of weight on your $5,000 dollar bike... forgert it. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, Serfas, Body Geometry, Flite | | Bike Setup: | Wheels and stuff | | Bottom Line: | Believe me I tried like hell to enjoy the more trendy looking saddles. Also I really wanted to keep my Selle Italia Flite. Nothing has come close (so far) to the comfort level of the Brooks B-17. If you tour or do centuries... or any long distance cycling then this may be the saddle you are looking for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Loganbill
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodridge, Il,
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Illinois Prarie Path | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bicycle Parts - www.wallbike.com | | Strengths: | Comfortable, cool, leather, built to last, beautiful | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Avocet, Vetta, Specialized Body Geometry | | Bike Setup: | Trek Aluminum Road Bike, SPD Clip-Less pedals | | Bottom Line: | Without a doubt, the most comfortable seat I have every used. The Specialized Body Geometry was an absolute waste of $$$. The Vettas were okay, but after 15-20 miles I would get sore, numb, chaffed, etc. The B.17 Standard is almost transparent, meaning I barely know its there. I put 120 miles on it in the first week and had absolutely no soreness, numbness, tingly feet, chaffing.....
I purchased a second B.17 for my ATB after less than one week and a week later purchased a Team Pro. If you would like a more detailed review, check out Jacks Bikes
http://pages.prodigy.net/jack.loganbill/bikes1.htm
Previous reviewers comments regarding the good servicec of Wallingford (wallbike.com) were right on. Great outfit to do business with and he offers the 6-month refund. Hard to lose on that deal! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rastro
a Weekend Warrior
from Central Ca
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | wallbike | | Strengths: | Great looking. Has that classic appearance. | | Weaknesses: | Just plain ol' painfull. | | Similar Products Used: | None like Brooks, but about 7 or 8 other brands. | | Bike Setup: | litespeed road | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the Pro. I really wanted to like this saddle. It is really beautiful. I could even deal with the extra weight.(and there is a lot of it) But tenderness would set in after 2-3 hours on the road. I followed instructions on breaking it in and rode at least 1200 without any substantial increase in comfort. I must say that the honey brown leather was starting to look really good, darkening up nicely from sweating on it. The problem appears to be zero padding.
I would like to recomend wallbike if you are interested in
a Brooks. The owner was helpfull and has a great return policy. I sent mine back after 4 months and a lot of miles
for a full refund. That's service.
Four flames for Value, considering the labor that must go into them, and 2 overall for the pain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Lawai, Hawaii, USA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Poipu | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bicycle Parts | | Strengths: | Classic looks, cool temp. for butt, some suspension effect. | | Weaknesses: | Swift never "broke in," busy feeling on less than smooth surfaces, slippery, pain. | | Similar Products Used: | About 15 saddles including a Belt leather (friend owns a bike shop) | | Bike Setup: | Richey Road Logic, 19c tires, light components, also used for light-load vacation international touring. | | Bottom Line: | Although this section notes the Brooks Conquest as the subject for reviews, it seems all sorts of the many Brooks saddles are commented on. Also, road riders offer their views here (and why not?). My maroon Brooks Swift with ti rails was remarkably cooler (even in padded road shorts) to ride than other saddles here in the tropics. It was lovely to look at and hard as a rock -- when I got it and just as hard -- when I sent it back 900 miles later (Bill at Wallingford bicycle parts is very understanding; don't screw up the saddle for him if you might return it because he sells good-shape returns as pre-owned). Training again for the Honolulu Century, at age 53, I put 900 miles on my Brooks Swift. The saddle never broke in -- not a dent. I used the recommended Proofhide, plenty, but I was reluctant to try water soaking and oils which some Brooks riders advocate and others warn about. I stuck to the Wallingford and Brooks instructions of Proffhide only. I did loosen, in desperation, the adjusting nut to no effect. This Swift was an ok saddle for shorter rides, but busy and tiring, like some other brands' ti-rail saddles on poorer surfaces, for hours of long training or touring. The Swift was a tad slippery when conditions required body english. Downhill, on a crummy section of highway shoulder mottled by shadow, it make a great handling bike seem spooky. But altogether, the final bottom line was the condition of my bottom. I had two livid black-and-blue-and-yellow, painful, bruises over my sit bones for months with no hope they would go away using that saddle. Other Brooks may be better for longer distance riding than the Swift. Some Brooks are wider for broader support and maybe have thinner leather that breaks in easier (I weigh 170 pounds). My comment -- if you want to join the Brooks religion and are not a racer, the Swift might not be your best first choice. If you want a Brooks, though, I found Wallingford and Bill reasonable, personable and helpful with advice to do business with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mario
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$149.00 | | Strengths: | Most comfortable saddle I've ever used. Very nice retro looks. | | Weaknesses: | A little on the heavy side, but the saddle is so nice who cares! | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Flite & Gel Flite, and Specialized geo & ergo. | | Bike Setup: | Serotta w/ D ace | | Bottom Line: | You techno fobs, get rid of your so called state of the art saddle. I have the Brooks ti Flite, and this is the best saddle there is... period! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TC
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Back roads up and down the Niagara Escarpment | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Classic! Looks great on my "retro" Raleigh, nothing else will do. Great comfort after 30 years (!) of hard use. I'm shopping for a new one, no reason to buy anything else. | | Weaknesses: | Long "break in" period (worth the trouble!). Needs to be dried thoroughly after being left in the rain for a while (OK to ride in the rain, however). Easy to scuff and scratch, mine looks very beat up but still performed great until recently (see "Bottom Line", below). Needs some maintenance from time to time (nothing too onerous, but you can't just bolt it on and forget it like a more modern, plastic & foam piece). | | Similar Products Used: | A few "modern" gel type saddles for short trials, always went back to my old Brooks. Nothing better! | | Bike Setup: | Raleigh Record, purchased new 1971. Campagnolo rear derailleur, SunTour SVX front, Altenburger "Synchron" brakes (original, work great), Sturmey-Archer rims (lots of chrome, very retro-look). This bike will last forever. Long live the Raleigh "lightweights"! | | Bottom Line: | I bought my Raleigh road bike brand new in 1971, used it for commuting for years and recreational riding since. It just keeps going, I replace parts as they wear out but the main components (frame, bars, gearset, etc.) are still original and still going strong. The Brooks B-17 saddle came on the bike when new & was one of the reasons I chose this bike over some others at the time. I remember thinking I'd made a mistake after the first few rides because it seemed so stiff and painful. 30 years later... I guess you could say I've changed my mind. 30 or 40 mile rides are nothing with this saddle, even at my age (I'm 48 yrs. old). At first, some "tinkering" is necessary with the tension and the seat angle (tipped forward a bit more than normal works best for me). Once set up and broken in, it's fantastic. I recently noticed that the leather is torn at one of the side rivets (a result of years of careless use, bumps and scrapes). I'm shopping now for a new Brooks B-17, I can't think of a reason to buy anything else.
Bottom line: If you appreciate classic, beautiful craftsmanship, if you want comfort, if you plan on keeping your bike for decades (as I have), buy this saddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHARLES
a Downhiller
from NYC NY
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | WALLIBIKES | | Strengths: | TOUGHNESS, COMFORT, SPRINGS, DURABILITY, CLASSIC LOOKS | | Weaknesses: | WEIGHT, SOME MAINTENANCE | | Similar Products Used: | IDEALE, SELLE FLITE, SPECIALIZED BODY COMP | | Bike Setup: | AIRBORNE TI, ALL XT, TIME ATACS, | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS A CLASSIC SADDLE, THAT TAKES THE EDGE OFF A HARDTAIL FRAME. ONCE BROKEN IN IT WILL BE THE BEST SADDLE YOU'VR RIDDEN. CONFORMS TO YOUR BODY. JUST WIPE OFF AND WAX EVERY COUPLE OF RIDES AND IT SHOULD LAST FOREVER. THIS SADDLE IS A TRUE CLASSIC | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Vitasport | | Strengths: | It fits - nothing else I've tried is better. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy (500g)
It will be ruined by sustained exposure to moisture. It needs regular maintenance. Cover it with a plastic bag when its wet out. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, Botranger, San Marco Rolls + all kinds of cheap plastic stuff | | Bike Setup: | Fischer Cronus XC | | Bottom Line: | The seat cost me $20 30 years ago. The seat has outlasted 3 frames. Best investment I've ever made. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wacx
a Cross Country Rider
from south jersey usa
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford | | Strengths: | expertly crafted, b-utiful quality, comfortable, lasts and lasts and..... | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | flite titanium, sella italia max-flite, wtb, specalized (crap), flite gel, terry liberator (good but not best), and several others to painful to mention. | | Bike Setup: | c-dale saeco w/campy record and zipp stuff. | | Bottom Line: | this review is for a swift titanium which is on my road bike. i also have a b17 and professional used for touring and off road. i have no complaints about any of these chairs. also, Wallingford bike is one excellent place to do business with. this saddle is for riders that spend lots of time in the saddle and don't mind a little upkeep. got to give 5 warm road kills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a
from Santa Rosa, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wine Country roadie | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | www.BranfordBike.com | | Strengths: | VERY COMFORTABLE; looks - people comment on how cool it looks | | Weaknesses: | weight. | | Similar Products Used: | Koobi, Serfas, all sorts. | | Bike Setup: | Kestrel 200SCi road bike | | Bottom Line: | Team Pro pre-softened saddle is the most comfortable I've ridden - it arrived hard as wood and I soaked it in oil for 3 days before riding it. After about 150 miles it felt great and it's the first saddle I've found that after a century, or a day in the saddle, my seat is the one part of my body that doesn't hurt.
It weighs almost a pound more than the Koobi or other modern saddles, but for a long ride is worth it. In the past I've wound up standing just to relieve pain from other sadles.
It looks cool too - lots of people notice it.
When I'm riding on the drops I slide back so I'm sitting on the metal bridge at the back - it's still comfortable though, and tilt is important. I tilt it down maybe 10 degrees. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
STUART BRENNER
a Racer
from ATLANTA, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ROADIE | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | WALLBIKE.COM | | Strengths: | I am a multi-decade veteran of Brooks Saddles, and all I can tell you is, I'll never ride anything else. After some 23 years I finally had to retire my beloved B-17. I replaced it with a Swift Ti model in the burgundy finish. I have over 1000 miles on it at this point, and would sooner sell my bike than consider riding some plastic and foam, high buck "selle something Italian" gel filled thing. The Swift Ti is light weight (for a tensioned leather saddle) extremely supportive, form fitting (after about 300 miles) and long lasting. After 1000 miles, I have not even had to add tension using the allen keyed tension bolt. My saddle still looks brand new. I like this saddle so much, that upon hearing of Brooks' (Sturmey Archer) demise, I immediately purchased a spare Swift and 2 cans of Proofide leather treatment. Proofide is great stuff, and it is the ONLY leather treatment you should use on a Brooks saddle. | | Weaknesses: | It will only last me about 25 years | | Similar Products Used: | B-17 | | Bike Setup: | Habanero Ti frame, Campy Athena 9 speed and Racing Triple components, Campy Moskva 80 clinchers laced to Campy chorus hubs. Light and fast, but don't give me any single tracks | | Bottom Line: | BUY ONE NOW WHILE YOU STILL CAN!!! retail prices are at $200.00 and rising. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from TN & CA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$135.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford | | Strengths: | Comfort, coolness, Craftmanship | | Weaknesses: | Minor maintenance needed | | Similar Products Used: | fizik, sdg, many others | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed Tellico and Litespeed Blue Ridge | | Bottom Line: | By far the best saddles for me. Not for everyone. Gram counters go elsewhere. NEWS - there is an interuption in the supply - Sturmey Archer/Brooks is, at this writing, out of business! The full story is at Wallbike or Rivendell's web sites. Availibility is nearly dried up and prices are waaay up. This, sadly, could be the end of this fine product. I have four of them and they will likely last me a lifetime. Others however, may never get to own this fine saddle and that is regretable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joeseph Piscoe
a Cross Country Rider
from Mansfield Ctr., Ct, usa
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | All of 'em | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$79.00 | | Purchased At: | Harris Cyclery | | Strengths: | So far so good... Stylish, surprisingly comfortable... I'll repost in another 3-5 months with an update. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. Some might say the break in period is a weakness, but I expected it, and it's not that bad. | | Similar Products Used: | stock mtb saddle | | Bike Setup: | 94 giant yukon frame, Halson hd4 Inversion fork, Dotek crank, original alivio stock parts(brakes deraill etc) | | Bottom Line: | I use my bike for everything as I choose to avoid car ownership, that entails a daily two hour commute plus extras. I picked up a Conquest saddle from Harris Cyclery in Massachusetts after some research. I normally don't post until I've used a product for awhile, but I'm very impressed with this saddle already. It does take some time to break it in, but it was expected so I don't consider that a drawback. Springs do take some of the roughness out of my ride, and thus far the deceptively hard leather is actually quite comfortable. I bought a nylon saddle cover to protect it from the elements and have been applying Proofide frequently while I break it in. Kudos to Brooks, and to Harris Cyclery for great service (and a great website). Down with motorists, long live bikers! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn Sr
a Cross Country Rider
from Southern California
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | INDIAN CANYON | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$135.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bicycles | | Strengths: | Very comfortable,Durable,Cool looking and Rare | | Weaknesses: | None, this is the seat to have if you really ride a bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Revolution, WTB SSX and Coda. | | Bike Setup: | Almost stock 98 Specialized Stumpjumper M2 Pro with a Brooks
Swift Saddle and Time ATAC Carbon pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I don't like to Review products until Iv'e used them for 6
months but I've gotta make an exception about the Brooks
Swift. The seat has about 190 miles on it now and is the most comfortable seat I've used yet. The Ti rails absorb
some small hits for you. This seat is not soft But it
supports you really well and that's what makes it so good.
Your supposed to ride it for about 500 miles until it con-
forms to your particular anatomy. Mine felt good from the
start and is just great at 190 miles. Wallbike.com gives
you a 6 month no questions asked return policy. They are
not gonna get this sucker back thats for sure. Now let Me
get to the real reason for such an early product review.
Me and My wife took our bikes to the beach for the weekend
I put the bikes on My Thule roof rack with Velo vise carrier
and like an idiot pulled into a low over pass hitting a
drywall covered support colunm with the seats of both bikes.
My wifes Coda seat was simply ripped off the seat frame
leaving only a bare seat frame attached to the post. My
bike was ripped clear out out the velovise sliding the rack
to the back of the car and leaving My Stumpjumper hanging
from a hole in the drywall by it's Brooks Swift saddle.
The rails diden't get tweeked at all. All I had to do was
dust off the white drywall dust and I rode the seat for 51
miles this weekend. I recommend this saddle for anyone who's
serious about there cycling. Another really cool thing is
that very few people have this seat really giving it the
cool factor. I've got the Black swift with the copper rivets
This nicley broken in seat is gonna go on the Custom Moots
I'm building now. Ten flaming fupahs for this seat.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | I bought the B66 after realizing that the 8 other saddles I had tried were not catching my sit bones completely. I weigh 220 and had really hurt myself using a few other saddles. Either I have really wide sit bones or most saddles are too narrow.
I had no break in period, it was co | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Body Geom. (Ouch !), Turbo, ... basically everything. | | Bottom Line: | I finally found one that isn't going to jeopardize the fatherhood. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Saint Tony
a
from Los Angeles area
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | Seriously, the B-17 is the most comfortable seat I've ever sat on. I'm big -- 260 pounds, 6'2" -- but I like to spin (not hammer), so I end up seated about 85% to 90% of the time. I ride about about 100 miles a week, usually broken up into three or four 20 to 30 mile rides. Sometimes on the weekend I'll take a 50-miler. My old seat was a Selle Italia Turbo that I used to switch to every new bike I bought, because I thought it was so comfortable. That was before I tried the Brooks B-17.
What makes the Brooks saddles different is that the leather is actually suspended between the nose and the rear of the saddle. When you look at it (and knock on it!) it LOOKS very uncomfortable, but those looks are definitely deceiving. There's nothing under the leather: no padding, no plastic. You sit down and you're just suspended there on this hard piece of leather, but it's amazingly comfortable. I found this saddle to be very comfortable right out of the box., but it gets even better. The leather breaks in after a few hundred miles to fit your individual posterior. I now have aobut 500 miles on the thing, and I just can't say enough about how comfortable it is.
Some of the reviews I read before I bought my Brooks talked about it being heavy. That's a bunch of BS! It's not any heavier than my old Turbo, and about 400% more comfortable. Those people are looking at spec sheets somewhere and comparing grams. (If you've ever bought a dub, you know how small a few grams is!)
I bought my B-17 from Wallingford Bikes (www.wallbikes.com). They have lots of information about all the various models of Brooks saddles, and a few other cool things as well. The guy who took my order (I think he was the owner, 'cause it looks like a one-man operation) was very nice, and the seat arrived in about two days! He even sent a couple pages of information on how to care for the saddle. If you order a saddle, get a can of Proofide too; it's a wax that's specially made by Brooks to help condition the leather.
And no, I don't work for Wallingford or Brooks. I'm just a very satisfied customer. So satisfied, in fact, that I wish I had money to upgrade all my bikes to B-17s. (I currently have one mountain and two road bikes.) I took a ride on my second road bike the other day, perched on top of that old trusty Selle Italia Turbo. YIKES! I can't believe I ever rode that torture device for any longer than about 10 minutes.
Baptize me in a can of Proofide; I'm a Brooks convert!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lyndon
a Weekend Warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Danube River To Budapest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | After the long break in period, this saddle delivers a very comfortable ride for 8 to 10 hours a day of fully self contained touring. My B66 has springs, and takes the sting out of rough roads like in Alaska. Very durable material.
| | Weaknesses: | Have to be careful with the leather and rain! Let the saddle "breathe" after the day's ride and then covered it during the night. Long break in period. Crummy "copper colored" rivets on this model, the color wears off leaving a dull look. In Europe the same model has stainless steel and looks much better. Double-rail means you have to use a old style "pipe-type" seatpost, unless you use a seat sandwich device. | | Similar Products Used: | Used the unsprung model, not as good. Will go for the Swift or the B17, when I buy my next road bike. Before the Brooks, I tried the Serfa Gel, the Specialized, and others, this was the first one that made it a dream to do 1400 miles in Europe, and 1700 miles in Alaska, the last two years. | | Bike Setup: | Full touring racks, zefal fenders, Terry handlebars, STI shifters, Profile ATB stem for easy breakdown, Ritchey pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Heavy on the weight, but your touring, right? This saddle delivers more than any product I have bought in the last four years, and I am constantly amused by rider's comments about my retro saddle. I don't know about these new "pre-softened" saddles, and if that really works. Wish they would make more of an effort to present their product in the States, and that they would have the pride not to use those fake copper rivets...properly maintained, these saddles can last almost forever, and it is shortsighted to use those rivets. The German B66, black with a pebble finish
and stainless steel rivets may just be the best looking one next to the new honey colored ones(though I suspect they would show a nasty stained look after a few years)The B66 Touring Saddle gets a "4" from me. One off for those rivets! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joey
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, Washington
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Very confortable, great looks, and bomb proof. Great warranty. You can try it for 6 month, and return it for a refund if not satisified for any reasons. | | Weaknesses: | I little heavy. But who cares, when this saddle is super confortable. I did not have to go through any break in period on this saddle. Got use to it the moment I sat on it. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia ti Flite/Gel, Specialized geo, Specialized prolong. | | Bike Setup: | ti frame | | Bottom Line: | This is the best dam saddle that I ever owned. I can ride on this for hours with no discomfort what so ever. Second best thing I ever bought for my bike. The first best thing is my Serotta ti frame. What a perfect match. At first I thought this saddles look ugly. But after looking at it some more, it has it'w own unique beauty. Forget the weight factor, and buy this saddle. I got the Swift ti rails model, and it's only 100 grams heavier than my previous Selle Italia ti saddle. Big deal! The other saddles that I've owned gave me butt pains. Brooks is the best! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Seaton
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | paved roads | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Comfortable | | Similar Products Used: | Ideale 90 and a few cheap narrow plastic torture devices | | Bottom Line: | The titanium Brooks Swift weighs 405 grams. The Brooks B-17 weighs 560 grams. Have used the Swift for 2 plus years. 5,000 miles. It is narrow. I would prefer the wider Team Professional. But its still comfortable. The leather does sink below the pretty hand hammered copper rivets in the back. Exposing the front edges aobut 1/32". For rides over 150 miles this exposed edge does irritate. The B-17 and my old Ideale have smooth rivets so no exposed edge to irritate. The cost of the Swift seems high but when you compare its $130 to $100 or more for those Specialized split saddles, it is pretty competitive.
Bought the B-17 recently after buying a mountain bike. It came with one of those WTB SST things. Wow. No wonder people stand up all of the time when riding a mountain bike. It was so narrow it made everything numb after 20 miles. The B-17 is comfortable. Meant to sit on. After my old Ideale 90 dies on the touring bike I will move the B-17 to it and get one of those Conquest or Flyer spring saddles from Brooks for the mountain bike. Built in suspension. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a Racer
from Boca Raton FL USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Comfortable... what more can you ask of a saddle. | | Weaknesses: | Needs care - periodic applications of Proofide; protection from rain. Expensive, but not when you consider how long they last; mine is now well under a penny per mile... and wll only get better. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia, San Marco (don't remember models | | Bike Setup: | Bianchi Campione D'Italia. . Campy equipped. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great saddle! It was comfortable for me from day one. I have ridden over 14,000 miles on it so far; the only sign of wear are a couple of scuffs from an accident. After a fairly short time, the saddle adapted to my 'sit bones', something a plastic saddle will not do. The workmanship is top notch. The best place to buy them is from Wallingford Bikes (good web site, great return policy). http://www.wallbike.com/wbp.html | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Patrick Stewart
a
from LaQuinta, CA USA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Comfort, Looks, Durability, Weight (330gm)- not bad for all leather | | Weaknesses: | Not ONE | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Flite Gel, Specialize Body Geometry, CODA | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale R1000, Full Ultegra, Velomax Ascent Comps, EastonCT2 Carbon Seatpost and my BROOKS HONEY SWIFT | | Bottom Line: | I purchased the Brooks Honey Swift with the Titanium rails. It weighs in at about 330gm (comparable to Specialized). It is the most comfortable saddle I have ever owned. I spent months "breaking in" my other saddles and then realized it is a little tough to break in PLASTIC covered in a millimeter of leather (Selle Italia)- then the leather started to peal off of the front of the saddle. I had had enough.... researched the saddle thing and ended up at Wallbike.com and talked at length with Bill (Top notch operation). He offers a 6 month NO QUESTIONS ASKED return policy...... How can you go wrong? I bought one and would never trade it for anything. Almost no break in and it molded to my butt in no time. I have ridden Centuries on this thing and my butt never bothered me! This saddle will go on every bike I ever own and the funny thing is- that it should last that long or longer. FYI, it takes 4 months to make a single saddle- These are real works of art and craftsmanship. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Loughran
a Cross Country Rider
from Bristol, UK, england
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Parpaillon, the french Alps | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | I have two brooks saddles, the Swift Ti and and a B17 Standard. The B17 is a bit of a fat-bum hammock, with enough internal springiness for acceptable off road use. But heavy -more for expeditions than racing. off road deck-downs do shred the leather a bit too.
The Swift Ti is on my road bike and it is the best saddle I've ever had: light (for Brooks), skinny, and comfy. Every spring I do have to break my butt in to riding on it for hours on end, but it soon becomes like a second home.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Little Bear
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | comfort, classic look, durability | | Weaknesses: | price but considering the quality it really isn't much of a downside | | Similar Products Used: | Selle San Marco Rolls, SDGs | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Paramount road / Raleigh M80 | | Bottom Line: | I've reviewed once before for the Swift. I now have the B17 Narrow for my roadbike. I can't say enough about it's comfort. The retro look complements the 853 steel frame. All leather product requires nourishment in the form of oils or creams & the Brooks is no exception. Properly taken care of, it'll last a lifetime. I've also discovered that you can actually secure spare tube/s & a few tools in the hollow underside of the saddle !!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from EagleRiver, Alaska
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Johnsons pass | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Your own custom fit. Great looks. | | Weaknesses: | Weight | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F700 | | Bottom Line: | 5000 miles on seat in 2 years and its just getting started. This saddle will last a lifetime. Rode from Montana to Alaska on it as well as lots of trail riding. My Cannondale got ran over which totaled about everthing except the brooks. Buy one, who cares about the weight! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne Cagle
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas City, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Comfortable, retro look, sturdy | | Weaknesses: | Gotta use Brooks Profide to keep it going | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Bassano EZ Rider | | Bike Setup: | Ususal ride: Trek 520
Rain Bike: 1977 Peugeot UO10 | | Bottom Line: | Although you might not think so taking it out of the box, the Brooks Team Professional saddle is a perfect product. After a short break-in period, I was able to wear soccer shorts on my everyday 16-mile rides and have no chafing, and no sore posterior. The no-chafing seems to be a product of the near-vertical sides of the front part of the saddle.
I bought one of these seats a year ago, and it turned out so comfortable, that I just bought a 2nd one for my rain bike. The only downside that I can see is that you have to apply Brook's leather conditioner, Profide, every three months or so. It's a small price to pay for one less kick in the butt during a lifetime. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Rosenfeld
a Weekend Warrior
from Collingswood, NJ
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Great looks, comfort, and durability | | Weaknesses: |
heavy, requires maintenance | | Bottom Line: | I really like the B-17 I got. Mostly because I like the look, feel, and smell of the leather saddle. The very first ride I took, I found the saddle very hard. For the first week or so, I always had to wear bike shorts for their padding ( normally, on short rides, I wear whatever I'm wearing). Otherwise, I found it comfortable by the second ride. The only thing I had to watch out for was not to bang myself on the nose of the saddle, which felt like banging oneself with an iron bar.I rode a hot metric century the second week I had this saddle. It was quite comforatble.After the metric, the saddle was broken in enough to not wear bike shorts if I wanted to.Now, 6 months and 2000 miles later, it's quite comfortable. My only complaint is that the edges and nose of the saddle are hard, making it less comfortable to slide around the way I might on a plastic saddle. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from Rochester
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
road | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Very distinctive looking. Comfortable. Durable. | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy at 330 grams. Expensive at $130. Not waterproof. | | Bike Setup: |
Litespeed Ultimate | | Bottom Line: | I have the Brooks Swift, and purchased this through http://www.wallbike.com, where they have a great 6 month no questions asked return policy. I have ridden on it all of three times so far, and each time on rollers, so it isn't time to say I have a real in depth view of this saddle yet. However, in that short amount of time I can already tell that this is indeed a comfortable saddle. After riding it for 50 minutes I had no problems whatsoever, whereas my expectations were that until I broke it in I wouldn't be able to ride for more than 20 minutes without getting a sore butt.Because the saddle is so hard the wedding tackle doesn't end up touching the seat at all. Your so called sit bones really can support all of your weight on a hard surface without discomfort. This is, in effect, the same as if you had a cutout in the middle of your seat like with the Terry models. In both cases your soft tissues in between your legs do not contact the seat at all. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Mars
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Comfortable | | Weaknesses: |
HEAVY!!! | | Similar Products Used: |
Gel Saddles | | Bike Setup: |
Stumpjumper
Diablo
Allez | | Bottom Line: | The Brooks saddle is without a doubt the finest bicylce componentry I've ever bought. Yeah, yeah, I know the thing weighs a ton, but if you can forgo the extra weight, it's the most comfortable saddle - there is no comparison. The saddle will comform to the shape of your butt, giving you a perfect custom fit. However, your butt will suffer during the break-in period. Most folks who don't like the Brooks probably don't give it enough time for the break-in period. But once it's achieved, there's no going back. Damn, I love my Brooks!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a Racer
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Durable, looks good | | Weaknesses: |
takes a while to break in | | Bottom Line: | It's a great saddle once you've taken the time to break it in. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy Duhamel
a Weekend Warrior
from Jefferson City, MO
Date Reviewed: July 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Katy Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Comfort, looks, durability | | Weaknesses: |
Needs care, but thats fine | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized seat, Nashbar gel with springs | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized Rockhopper | | Bottom Line: | I now have 1945 miles of use with my Brooks. I would estimate 99,9% of my time on the bike is in the saddle turning the cranks. My longest ride in one day was 74 miles in hot humid weather, on the flat Katy Trail. The last 20 miles or so were not comfortable - but then no seat would have been. I regularly ride weekends a 21 mile trip. I can say that I do not notice any discomfort on these rides from the saddle. I would recommend the Brooks to anyone who wants a saddle to sit in for shaort or long periods and who wants a distinctive, good looking item.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Pinkert
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
yep | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Comfy, durable, unique | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy! Hard to find | | Similar Products Used: |
several touring saddles | | Bike Setup: |
Fat City | | Bottom Line: | This saddle provides all the suspension that I need on technical climbs, and any bike part that lasts 10 years (about to me mounted on its third Fat City frame) must be a good deal. Anybody know where i can find the Ti version when this one finally does bite the dust? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry Von Moss
a Cross-Country Rider
from Columbia, MD
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
It's indestructible. | | Weaknesses: |
It's indestructible. Heavy, uncomfortable, ugly. | | Similar Products Used: |
Serfas ARC | | Bike Setup: |
I had this on a road bike. | | Bottom Line: | I heard all the pros and cons before I bought this and thought I'd give it a try. After 500 miles it was still rock hard (funny, the leather has 'Pre-Softened' inscribed in it, practical joke?). So I took a hammer to it to soften up the leather and started banging away. Then I got a tip to soak it in warm water before a ride. This worked great and molded the seat perfectly. But I soon found myself riding on the back edge of the saddle, where the brass buttons are, to get support. The design is really similar to a hammock, only supported at the ends, nothing in the middle. So you either ride on the back edge or fall in to the middle, even with the leather pulled taut.Also, this seat is so ugly and so heavy that was a major relief to remove it from my bike. Still, I think if Brooks could modernize it, lighten it up, change the design a bit, add a soft leather cover, the seat could be potentially great. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rähnº
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
classic looks, durability | | Weaknesses: |
allow a period for leather to be broken-in | | Similar Products Used: |
Selle Hyper-Pro, SDG Ventura Comp | | Bike Setup: |
Raleigh M80 Rockshox Indy S | | Bottom Line: | I love this saddle for its look, which you either love or hate. The one I got is the Swift with ti rails, which probably is the priciest Brooks out there but still at US$113 is a good deal I think since it will probably last a lifetime. As with all leather products, there'll be a transition period when you have to break it into the most firm & comfortable saddle you'll ever pass down. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KENNETH MAROLD
a Weekend Warrior
from PROVIDENCE R,I,
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
ROAD | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
VERY STRONG | | Weaknesses: |
MANY,The rails are to short and do not allow the wide range of adjustments that we have been use to | | Similar Products Used: |
selle italia flite gel
san marco pro
specialized comp.
wst | | Bike Setup: |
schwinn peloton
gary fisher hadr tail | | Bottom Line: | This saddle brought me back to the 1950's I am 48 years old, It made me realize how far we have come, althouh it is a very srtong seat, Idon't know why anyone would need such a thing, after useing it on both my road and mountain bike, I was never so happy to get back to my selle italia flite gel,As these new saddles evolve it sure make's bicycleing so much more enjoyable, those who like the brooks must also like 40lb,bikes and full fenders, 1 flamming chile for a saddle that should be put to REST | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: March 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Most comfortable.
Best looking. | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy. | | Similar Products Used: |
Bontrager Saddle.
WTB SST Saddle.
Avocet touring saddle.
Specialized touring saddle. | | Bike Setup: |
Commuter bike. Old Miyata 210 with 27x1 1/8 tires and moustache bars. | | Bottom Line: | I bought the B-17 Champion Special from Rivendell last September and it is the best. I commute 12 miles on it everyday and have taken several 20-30 mile road rides. It is beautiful, classy and comfortable. I am going to get one for my other bike. P.S. Get the honey brown from Riv and use Proofide and nothing else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Toby Whitley
a cross-country rider
from England
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a flite Ti on my mtb and bought a Brookes Team Pro for my touring bike, why? Just like a pair of good leather shoes, to start a bit hard but once broken in (~200miles) it's like a tailor made saddle and fits sooo well. Also they last, top marks for a top product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr. M.
a cross-country rider
from The Desert Southwest
Date Reviewed: January 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I am broad in the beam and do fully-loaded touring on dirt. I have been into leather since 1971 so everyday I give thanks before the altar of the Brooks Gods for they have never failed me or my buns. Amen. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rogue
a weekend warrior
from Phoenix, Az
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Review model, Brooks Conquest. Blessed by being able to work at a bike shop part time I have been fortunate to be able to ride some really sweet bikes and be able to even purchase a few. I do not race, and I do not ride to beat everyone on the trail. I have found that my Brooks Conquest has provided me with the level of comfort and performance I require for my style of riding. I have gone back to a hardtail, (Litespeed Ocoee). I now have over 3K miles on this set up and love it. It provides enough suspension to take the edge off the stutter bumps and small to medium stuff. The weight for some is a disadvantage, but the benifits are great. Easier to set up then most suspension seat post, and less expensive them full suspension. (Especially if you really don't need it). My ride on this setup is very similar to what I have experienced on the Moots YBB, and the new Litespeed Unicoi. I would highly recommend that one should at least try this saddle, to see if it will work for them. I ride in northern AZ, and a normal ride is long, and slow, taking time to enjoy the elk and deer of the area. This setup has most recently been used camping, and pulling a BOB trailer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Curtis Durham
a weekend warrior
from Atlanta, Georgia
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a Brooks Swift titanium, used from Wallingford Bikes awhile back and that saddle was comfy from the get go. I rode it for about 80 miles before getting nervous that my 200 pounds would break, or bend the titanium rails. At first, your butt is a little sore from getting used to the hardness of the saddle. What I think happens is that your butt just gets used to the two points where the saddle hits. The advantage of the saddle being hard though, is that you don't squish down into the foam or gel and it keeps your man-parts suspended a little and keeps the pressure off of them. I replaced the Swift with a Conquest, the one with springs. It is comfy and the springs soak up the bumps. I don't even ride with cycling shorts anymore :) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a cross-country rider
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: July 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Laughed my ass off when this saddle showed up on the Fleetwood my brother got for me. I am truely amazed and refute all that laugh now. This saddle is the most incredible piece of leather. After riding day after day for two years I have never been saddle sore. It is a pleasure to return to the Brooks after riding the San Marco saddle on my mountain bike. My kiester has never been happier. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy Duhamel
a weekend warrior
from Missouri
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Brooks Special B17 ~~ I now have 17 rides and 496 miles on the saddle. Yesterday was a long ride,for me at least, just over 70 miles and all sitting! It was comfortable until about the 50 mile mark. Then it was not so comfortable. But, I would imagine anything except my Intrepid ES seat would have been the same. On my normal weekend rides of 21 miles I can find no fault with the Brooks. I would recommend them to anyone wanting a good saddle with very good looks to go with the comfort. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy Duhamel
a weekend warrior
from Missouri
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Had my Rockhopper in the shop 9Columbia, MO) for new cassette,XT (upgrade) rear derail. and new cables. Decided to ride it home (Jeffersen City) which was all flat Katy Trail, 35.4 miles. In the sadde the whole time. The sadde is good. It is getting broken in cause I can see the start of two indentations in the saddle. I hve ridden on it 12 times now since I got it - a total of 270 miles s far. I would say it is at least as comfortable as my original saddle and maybe a bit mor comfortable! I was not hurting today from being in the saddle for 2 hrs and 29 min of pedal time. What do you think????? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy Duhamel
a weekend warrior
from Missouri
Date Reviewed: May 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Brooks Special B17:: Now out 9 times with 212 miles sitting on that thick leather saddle. Yesterday was 30 miles, on the Katy Trail, all flat, all in the saddle. A warm and humid day. I still like the Brooks saddle very much. It is comfortable. I am using the Brooks Proofide wax treatment, sparingly on it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy Duhmel
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have an earlier review. I now have over 100 miles on my Brooks Special B17. That is a standard B17, but with the thicker (1/4) Pro leather thickness.I have been out 5 times with the new saddle. It is surprisingly comfortable right from the start. But, after several miles/trips it gets a bit uncomfortable. But, when it does, I imagine my original saddle (Specialized Comfort Saddle) would have been the same???? I plan to ride this saddle as if it were the most comfortable in the world. If it does not live up to this standard, I will so state.So far I am satisfied that it will become the most comfortable saddle I have owned!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a cross-country rider
from Mt. View, CA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Tried a B-17 for 2 months on my commuter bike (KHS Fleetwood), and went back to a WTB SST X. The Brooks did look pretty cool, but it just didn't work for me at all comfort-wise. 2 stars for the super-cool retro look, minus three stars for my sore butt. Anyone want a slightly used B-17 for cheap? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy Duhamel
a weekend warrior
from MO
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Brooks Special B17 just gor it in the mail yesterday. Put it on my Specialized Rockhopper last nite. Took a half day off from work to ride this afternoon with the Brooks. It is sure a thick piece of leather, must be right at a quarter inch thick. Put your hand on it and it feels like smooth wood, and just about as hard to the touch. I did put one light coat of Brooks Proofide on it and rubbed it clean and dry. The saddle does sit a little higher than the Specialized Comfort Seat that came with the bike. I left it the little bit higher and adjusted the fore and aft and just rode for 21 miles. No - not non-stop. The seat is surprisingly comfortable for the first time on it and for as hard as it feels to touch. My biggest problem was sliding around. The Proofide kind of makes the leather a bit slick. It was better coming back since I had worked up a sweat going out and the seat probably absorbed some. But the discoloration I saw on the way out and back did not stay on the saddle. It was that real pretty honey brown when I took it off the rack at home.I have read several articles as well as reviews here on MTBR. I am looking forward to this being the most comfortable saddle I will own. Time will tell and I will report back what I experiance. I can't really rate the saddle until I have at least 50 to 100 miles on it. I'll give it a 4 while I check it out! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a weekend warrior
from Belleville,Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: May 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased my first MT Bike, a Giant ATX 860 that came with a WTB SST saddle. After a week of fiddling with the adjustments I still got sore after
even a short ride.
20+ years ago I installed a Brooks B-17 saddle on a 10 speed road bike, that bike has not had much use lately because of the general road conditions in my area.
A week ago I installed the B-17 on the Giant and once set up correctly with the nose down a hair was perfect. No more sore/numb bits.....
If you are a racer and weight is a real concideration then Brooks saddles do weigh a little more.... But if you are like most people where every ounce is not as much of a concern as being able to ride further in more comfort then consider the Brooks saddle.This is their homepage
http://www.sturmey-archer.com/layout4.htmBrooks have been making saddles for 130 years. In an age of so much plastic/synthetic stuff it is so refreshing to find something made with traditional materials that just plain works better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a weekend warrior
from Prince Frederick, MD USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have used Brooks B-17 saddles for 25 years. They are the only saddles I can ride. I have used Ideale and many plastic ones, but I always return to the B-17. I have them on road, touring, folding and tandems and they work well for all. Break-in can be an issue, but once that is over, they are good forever. I have a new, unused spare for the day one of my old ones finally dies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a weekend warrior
from Suffolk England
Date Reviewed: February 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've tried several saddles always returning to the trusty Brooks. I have three
bikes with brooks team professional, swift and colt saddles. I prefer the swift
out them all. The colt is a little bit too wide for me, the team professional
comes out a close second. I recommend Brooks to anyone, what's more the're very robust! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hugh Graham
a weekend warrior
from Dubuque, Iowa
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Began using my moutnian bike as I trainded for a metric century. i had not ridden in over 8 years. My new bike, a stumpjumper came equipped with the standard specialized saddle. i was going numb on every ride greater than ten minutes. Read a few revies about the Brooks saddle, found a good deal on the b-17, have NEVER been numb since. The saddle is ultra comfortable and awesome looking in a semi- retro way. I love this thing on my daily commutes, on my longish city rides and when i am hammering off-road | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Huli Honu
a weekend warrior
from Alamogordo,NM, USA
Date Reviewed: January 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Love It!
Since a spine injury forced me to become(temporarily, I hope)a roadie, I've
been looking for a way to ride for more than an hour at a time. I chose the Conquest because it's easier to switch between bikes than a suspension seatpost. After an hour's soaking in Neatsfoot oil it was comfortable on the first ride. This saddle has given me a new lease on cycling life. Wish I could give it more than five chili peppers!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob VonMoss
a weekend warrior
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: January 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
model I use: B17. used for strictly commuting/transportation. Comfortable, quality construction, should last a long time. Break in time was minimal (don't let that be the breaking point of whether you get it.). The B17 is not the lightest saddle, but since I don't race and weight is not my number 1 concern. My scale says it weighs 18.5 oz. (530 g). The front tip of the saddle to tension the leather seems to be the heaviest part. For more info see: http://www.wallbike.com/
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Henry
a cross-country rider
from SW Fl.
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
All Brooks saddles are simply the best. It will last almost your whole riding life time. Ultra comfortable, for me right from the beginning. I've even got some local die hard roadies converted at my local shop. Rivendell's honey brown special edition with the camphered edges is the prettiest. Icant wait to get a Carradice bag to go along with it. The hardness of the leather isnt what makes it so comfortable, its the wideness, supports your sit bones. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerry
a
from London Canada
Date Reviewed: December 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
My Team Professional at $130 Canadian is a work of art worthy of framing. I am going to mention it in my will. In 20 years from now someone will be pleased to get it. A good soaking in Neatsfoot oil made it as soft as a babies posterior.See Sheldon Brown site for article at http://www.sheldonbrown.com/
I also use on my stationary cycle during the winter. An excellent purchase for a recreational rider. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dominic
a weekend warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: December 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I use a Brooks Conquest -- way cool, and comfortable. While heavy (about 800+ grams), I am not a weight freak. It adds a nice touch to my retro looking Newsboy. One set-back though, the springs squeak even after oiling it, etc. -- minus one hot chilli for that. Anyone who loves Brooks but is concerned about weight can get the Swift (with Ti rails) model. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reid Swick a weekend warrior
a
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've only had my Brooks Professional for about 400 miles, but its already very comfortable. These saddles can do what others can't - form to the shape of your butt! I too was concerned about the weight, but decided that the great looks and wonderful comfort was worth the extra 250 grams. I got mine from Wallingford Bicycle Parts on the web, which seemed to have the cheapest price and a no-questions-asked 6 month return policy.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a weekend warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been using the Brooks B-17 leather saddle I bought from Rivendell for about 5 months now. Here are my impressions: 1)It is very comfortable, and I'm talking I ride this saddle on my mountain bike 2)I'm not concerned about the weight(about 500g)because I'm not a weight freak and can pedal up anything I want to seated anyway. 3)When you get it, you'll be somewhat surprised that it can be comfortable, given that it is basically a very hard,rigid leather *shell*...that's right, there is no padding or springs, etc on this model. BUT, it will be your most comfortable saddle. 4) Everyone comments on its looks (light brown leather) and it makes your bike super unique looking 5)reported to last for many many years and does take about 100miles or so to adjust to your sit bones. 6)overall great saddle and highly recommended. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marcus
a cross-country rider
from australia
Date Reviewed: July 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
brooks b 17 , swift ti. the best saddles tou will ever buy you can even give one to the grand kids when you hang up the bike . only hard riders use hard saddles. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Grimm
a weekend warrior
from Mankato, MN
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
First off, the picture on the review page is not of a Conquest. Nice going.Now to my review. The worst leather saddle is better than the best plastic
saddle. Brooks saddles are the best. The human/machine interface is the
most important part of any system and Brooks saddles excel at providing
comfort for years. $70.00 may seem like a lot of money, but if you treat it well, you'll
never have to buy another. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Moeur
a
from Phoenix AZ USA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've used a Conquest on my cruiser (see http://members.aol.com/rcmoeur/cruiser.html) for about 2 years, and I think it's one of the best saddles I've ever owned. The leather's ability to flex, combined with the spring action, means that I can cruise for 50-75+ miles with minimum discomfort. Another excellent Brooks product. :) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Garry Lee
a weekend warrior
from Cork, Ireland
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I am cycling seriously for about 15 years and am a big-time cycle-tourist
as a form of holidays. I have used leather saddles for years and this
is an incredibly good saddle. Flexibility is what makes saddles
comfortable, not padding. This saddle is designed for MTBs and has two
heavy springs. Rear suspension on the cheap, and not half bad.
They take a while to shape but if yours is hard, soak it in a bucket of
water before you take it out and one spin like that will shape it.
| | Overall Rating: |
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