Brooks saddles are some of the most highly-crafted biking accessories in the world today. With a higher degree of craftsmanship rarely seen in the cycling world. This company carries forward a long tradition of producing quality work for over 100 years.
For using the latest in hand-chosen leather, Brooks saddles continue to be one of the most recognized and preferred saddles of riders worldwide.
These saddles are not only beautiful but add significant value to any bike. Handmade in England, they are built with tubular frame construction and are lightweight.
It does require a break-in period between 100 to 1,000 miles, but most riders will find the perfect fit sooner with perfect positioning for the sit bone.
Given all the supplied information throughout this Brooks saddles review, the Brooks England B17 Standard Black Steel Saddle comes highly recommended. With no break-in period and using natural materials, this saddle is a clear representation of the quality that Brooks has been producing for decades.
Brooks Saddle Review
1. Brooks England B17 Standard
For over 100 years, the B17 saddle from Brooks has been the flagship bike seat that started a new trend throughout the cycling industry. Ideal for long distance touring and mountain bike use, this model has durable, vegetable-tanned leather with black steel rails and copper steel titanium metalwork.
This saddle is classically-designed and feels more comfortable the more you use it, as it conforms to the shape of your body with a minimal break-in period required. It is compatible with micro-adjust seat posts and continues to be the most popular bike seat from the entire line of superiorly-crafted Brooks saddles.
Available in a variety of colors, the leather will break in beautifully over the lifetime of the saddle, making it more attractive through the years. It is recommended for all types of cycling.
Pros
- It is simple and stylish with a great look.
- It provides much better comfort than expensive, Italian-designed saddles.
- There is minimal break-in period required.
- It is compatible with micro-adjust seat posts.
Cons
- It has a crooked and sharp rivet at the front.
- It is not waterproof.
- It does have a break-in period that’s longer than expected.
Riders using the B17 should note that although Brooks has stated a break-in period, individual riding styles and lengths of rides will determine the overall time that this saddle provides the comfort sought.
Riding only on weekends will extend the break-in period, so be patient until you receive the comfort level sought.
Look more information and possible discounts on the B17 by clicking the following link:
2. Brooks Saddles B67 Bicycle Saddle (Men’s)
The modern version of the B66 saddle that first appeared in the market in 1927. Crafted with all black steel, tubular steel rivets, and patented single rail design. The honey leather saddle gives you an amazingly comfortable ride once broken in.
The tensioned leather with brass rivets provides a wider rear portion for comfort that is immediately noticeable.
The B67 is a classic saddle with contemporary styling that is definitely appealing. Its single-rail frame configuration combined with finely aged leather, make this saddle incredibly soft.
Double coil springs on the rear of the seat absorb large shocks while the pores of the vegetable tanned leather circulate air where it is needed the most.
This saddle is keeping you cool and comfortable, especially on longer and more demanding rides. It is another example of the quality and engineering stemming from over 100 years in the cycling industry.
Pros
- This saddle is comfortable while providing good control.
- A great balanced circular shape.
- It is available in four colors (Black, Brown, Honey, and Tan black).
- There is no chafing on the interior of the legs.
- It is affordable.
Cons
- It is too firm.
- The leather is slick.
- Its springs squeak.
There is only one Brooks saddle on the market that is break-in ready right out of the box. When this saddle is not properly broken in, it can feel hard and uncomfortable.
More information and possible discounts on this Brooks saddle can be found by clicking the following link:
3. Brooks England Swift Bicycle Saddle
This vintage-looking leather bike saddle takes inspiration from the Brooks 1890 catalog first produced over 100 years ago. Perhaps a bit more expensive than other Brooks saddles, the quality built-in this bike seat greatly compensates for the additional overall cost.
It is built with chrome-plated steel rails for strength and durability, as well as a hand skived lower sides to add comfort and style. It features hand-hammered pure copper rivets, too, on the nose and tail.
It is slightly stiffer than other Brooks saddles and features cut-away flaps that are ideal for road or mountain bike riding.
Handmade in England using 100-year-old traditional techniques, this saddle is available in a wide array of colors with either chrome or titanium rails.
Pros
- The saddle has hand skived lower sides for comfort and flair.
- It features nine hand-hammered pure copper rivets on the nose and tail.
- It has a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- This saddle is great for long distance rides.
- You get an additional 10-year manufacturer’s warranty when registering a new saddle.
Cons
- It constantly slides forwards when riding.
- A little bit pricey.
- The saddle is stiff and uncomfortable.
When it comes to style and comfort, this Brooks England Swift Bicycle Saddle is worth a second look. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but after it’s broken in, you get a stylish and very attractive saddle that will make any ride comfortable.
Look at the following link for more information.
4. Brooks Saddles B15 Swallow Bicycle Saddle
The timeless design of the B15 Swallow make it an excellent choice. There are two versions of this saddle available: the chrome plated and the titanium plated metalwork. The tensioning plate on the underside of this saddle still shows the original patent information.
This B15 saddle is a faithful reproduction of the saddle, made explicitly for the sporting cyclist. It is often considered as a predecessor of the modern-day racing saddle.
The B15 is an elastic saddle with 100 percent tubular construction, designed for commuting road bikes and affordable mountain bikes. It is built of the toughest leather available, specially-designed for high mileage riders.
Offering increasing riding comfort from day one, this saddle has remained a preferred favorite of professional cyclists for years.
Pros
- This saddle is great for vintage bikes.
- It offers superior quality.
- The seat is perfect for relieving sit bone issues.
- The bike and saddle geometry work very well together.
- It is available in two versions: chrome or titanium.
Cons
- The nose bolt design does not work.
- There are issues with seat adjustment hardware.
- There are shipping issues with Amazon.
Available in various colors to appease even the most selective rider, this saddle comes highly recommended to riders who seek quality without compromising construction.
With an affordability factor that remains on the higher-end of the pricing spectrum, the chrome frame is currently priced at half of the titanium frame. Both frames are designed and engineered to this perfection.
Additional 2-year warranties are also available upon completion of registration of your new Brooks B15 saddle. For dedicated riders who want more information on this stylish saddle, please click the following link.
5. Brooks Saddles England C15 Cambium Carved Saddle
The Cambium C15 carved saddle is designed for the serious biking enthusiast. This saddle is considered as the racing model in the long line of the Cambium family of saddles. Perhaps firmer than other models, this saddle will greatly benefit you on longer rides with a comfort level that can only be experienced.
With the same narrower shape as the Cambium c15, the Carved C15 is designed with an ergonomic cutout that provides welcomed relief in areas that often take the brunt of long distance riding. It is made of vulcanized rubber with an organic top; it uses no leather but still retains the same high quality associated with all Brooks saddles.
The saddle’s organic top material covers a die-cast aluminum frame with rugged and durable tubular steel rails. The classic “hammock” construction brings forth a damping effect that will increase your comfort level significantly.
This saddle made for years of hard riding in a forward position. The specially-designed holes relieve pressure, eliminating high contact points, which are often associated with rider discomfort.
Pros
- It is made of vulcanized natural rubber and organic cotton construction.
- It is well-made and extremely comfortable.
- There is no break-in period required.
- The carved saddle has greater flexibility.
- It is completely weather resistant.
Cons
- It is hard and heavy.
- It is too short from front to back.
- The cutout did not help with blood flow as expected.
The Brooks Cambium C15 review definitely shows it is one of the best bike saddles available today.
FAQ: Brooks Saddle
What is the difference between “One Size,” “Standard,” and “Regular”?
The terms actually all mean the same thing. Different saddle manufacturers often use many different terms which unfortunately just confuses the consumer.
There have been reports that the Brooks B17 is slippery. Is this true?
It probably is slippery to some who are wearing the wrong clothing for riding. This saddle is not slippery once it is properly adjusted.
What is the break-in period of the Brooks B17?
That is going to depend on the amount of riding that you do and of course the distance. There is no specified break-in timeframe that covers this saddle or all of Brooks saddles.
I really like the honey colored saddle but have noticed that there are two different prices. Why is that?
The cage or framework, if you will, on one of the saddles is made from titanium. This metal is very expensive. It is a durable material that is reported to outlast any other material used on saddles. Many high-end manufacturers of cycle components will use titanium basically as an attractive lure to consumers.
Does below zero weather effect the leather on the B67?
If you are done riding for the year, take the seat off and keep it inside where it is warm. Apply a thin layer of Brooks leather treatment before putting it away to keep the leather soft.
Which Brooks saddle is the best?
That is a matter of personal preference and the funds available. Remember, there is a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty plus an additional 10-year warranty after registration of your new saddle.
Someone told me that the Brooks C15 does not last very long. Can someone tell me if this is an accurate statement?
With any product, if you do not take care of it, it will not last. Brooks saddles are made with the best leather in the world to ensure a long life. The rest is up to you.
Can I replace the springs on the B17?
Yes, but if your replacement springs are not Brooks, your warranty will be voided.
Conclusion
Taking pride in ownership is what cycling is all about. From mountain bikes to the more traditional looking bike, adding a Brooks saddle sets you apart from all others. This high-quality saddle is available in a wider range of colors, making your bike look stylish.
The Brooks saddle review shows you a bike accessory that is sure to draw attention. Replace the ordinary with a bold style saddle that is both appealing while adding value to your bike. These high-quality saddles will continue to set a precedent for others to follow.
Perhaps a little more expensive than the ordinary bike saddle, the overall cost of buying Brooks saddles is well worth the additional investment. Look to Brooks saddles to change an ordinary bike into a work of art.
Relative Reviews: