Brooks B17 Saddle 5000 Mile Review

[@Deus-Too]

Thanks for a very informative review of the Brooks 17 bike saddle. I ordered one on Amazon and am awaiting its arrival. I'm a 71-year-old cyclist here in Florida, and while I don't put in the number of miles that you do, I am, nevertheless, concerned about comfort. And you have made me feel very good about having purchased this saddle!

[@DaveBriggs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@VideoNOLA]

Any feedback to share with us since you've ridden the B17, Doug??

[@the1andonly]

Awesome seat and review. I'm a big fan of this seat and have ridden over 20,000 km on mine. It's still in good shape and exactly as you say. You don't have to think about it.

[@crystaltears9703]

What about the rain?

[@the1andonly]

@@crystaltears9703 Cover it with a plastic bag or seat cover when you park it in bad weather. That's all.

[@HouseFairyDIY]

I bought a used lady's city bike on Ebay a while ago for £100. The Ebay listing title was 'Bike'. However, the photos revealed it was a Raleigh and also had a Brooks saddle! I quickly snapped it up and am absolutely delighted with it...it was like new! The saddle was painful at first but it quickly became comfortable after riding it a few times.

[@tomcatt998]

My first B 17 broke in at about 500 miles, my next one i have put a little over 4,000 miles on ir and it still isn't broken in fully, its comfortable as my old one but still looks practically new.

[@TheLastCockney]

As well as a dab of Proofide once or twice a year, it's worth checking the tension of the screw at the front of the saddle once or twice a year. It's to compensate for the leather sagging, that's why they give you that funny spanner. Don't tighten it too much though, a quarter turn if needed should be enough.

[@garymitchell5899]

You can hear if it's loose because it will rattle if you tap it. Need to tension it as much as it needs, might be a full turn sometimes.

[@Beery1962]

The first thing I do when I buy a new bike is buy a Brooks B17 saddle for it. It looks to me as if the saddle in the video has been ridden while wet a few times. If you get a waterproof cover for it, and use it whenever it's rainy, it shouldn't sag in the middle, even after a few thousand miles. I've cycled at least 3,000 miles on my first Brooks saddle and it's retained its shape. In fact, apart from a few wrinkles, it looks as good as new.

[@garymitchell5899]

The sag is the wearing-in and happens to them all, and it is necessary. The perils of getting these saddles wet is exaggerated. Yes - totally soaked for long periods would be bad, but occasional rain in is fine. Just the same as leather shoes.

[@Beery1962]

@@garymitchell5899 I've had my Brooks saddle since 2012, I used it to commute to work every day for 4 of those years, rain or shine, and I still use it to this day, and I still haven't noticed any sagging at all. I stand by my earlier comment - serious sagging comes from rain saturation. Normal wear and tear does not and should not result in any serious sag. And profound sagging is not normal or necessary. That's why Brooks saddles have a screw under the nose to tighten the saddle if it starts to sag.

[@grzegorzgrotkowski6575]

Sacrifice the chicken :D love your sense of humour. Thumbs up for you! Great job!

[@davidristau9260]

Grzegorz Grotkowski More like sacrifice a bull! I have over 20,000 km on mine and it's still looks really good. The weather gods have done little to fade or crack it.

[@davidreeves3396]

I thought you had to have a pint to break it in

[@Michael-wn4jj]

21000 km on my Brooks Flyer Imperial. I've sensitive sciatic nerve. For that the coil springs are excellent absorbing horizontal buttoks bony movement. There is nothing better on market. Sattle is still in good shape by giving regulary two fingertips of Proofide service, also enough reserve on screw to tension the leather. About each 3000 km the springs and where leather has contact to metal needs a short load of silicon spray to prevent noises. I hope Brooks will manage brexit well because it belongs to an Italien company.

[@michaelnedsmar9106]

A great review , thanks for uploading. when i bought my full susser EMTB i promised myself i would keep the original saddle on no matter what . Im no stranger to Brooks as ive had them on fixies and old fashioned path racer bikes...but who in the right mind would have a brooks on a full susser? After 500 miles and a painfull bum during and after the ride i had to give in to comfort over looks. its the first brand new Brooks ive bought and is a bit slippery, guess that will go in time.

[@kens7050]

Good review. I just purchased one for my Specialized Tarmac SL2 road bike.

[@Rickinsf]

I was surprised at how chewed my B17 was after flipping my bike for a roadside adjustment. Do put a rag, or glove, between it and the pavement.

[@DaveBriggs]

Yep - A lesson to be learned only the once hopefully! The scuffing faded away after a few days of riding though for the most part.

[@hansschuller1789]

Nice review of the BROOKS B17 Got a black B17 on my 22 y.o trekking bike. Did 45.000 miles on it... Never a probem. , Not even a schratch

[@Heimdall-hb5it]

Awesome, I love the fact with the numb ass. Thats one major problem for me with saddles. Had an SQ Lab Saddle as well and had that numbing problem as well.

[@erwinerwin1245]

Will this fit on a straight candle seat post and is it comfortable on male parts as like the groin area at the front. Great video.

[@khalidbalbalushi6863]

thanks for the review helped me to decide and buy

[@DaveBriggs]

I hope you find the B17 as comfortable as I do!

[@peterbaskind9872]

There is nothing better. I own SEVEN Brooks saddles, five of which are B17s. No problem with break-in; within 20 mile or so, they are softening up.

[@tomcatt1824]

My 1st one broke in fairly quickly, less than a thousand miles,, 2nd one i hv put over 4,000 miles on it and still not completely broke in

[@fenman150]

thanks for the review, i have thought about buying one before.

[@DaveBriggs]

No problem! I think the Brooks B17 is definitely worth considering if you ever decide to swap out your current saddle.

[@ianbing]

get one, you will never look back

[@quarryfield]

Great video thanks, I'm going to order one right now :-)

[@thebigchip]

Hi Dave, I've searched the map looking for the area where your next trip will be. I think I understood Thesalia. Is this the area where the monastries sit on fingers of rock featured in a Bond film once? You will need legs of steel if it is. Can't wait for the Vlogs though wherever.

[@DaveBriggs]

Hi - Hope you're doing well! The two regions I'm heading for are Epirus and Thessaly. You're right with those mountains - that area is called Meteora, and I'll definitely be passing through there! From Meteora, I'll head to Metsovo (Pindus National Park), Ionnina, Dodona (UNESCO site) and loop back. If I've got time, I'll try and film in Delphi this time. The trip is still very much in the planning stages, but hoping to get 3 weeks or a bit longer starting 7th Sept!

[@thebigchip]

Just been watching the Transcontinental #6 Race which finished in Meteora this year. I have to say I was underwhelmed with what I saw of the town. I kinda hoped it would be a bit more quaint. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3mkc4WDopuajdk

[@1959Berre]

A standard B17 lasts untill the white metal rivets break out. Those rivets are poor quality; considering the price of the saddle, that is simply unacceptable. Brooks should have installed the better copper rivets, which are larger and spread the tension better over the surface of the leather. Besides, copper won't rust or corrode easily.

[@MrOzzy281]

Yeah but they have that option in the 'Special' available at a higher cost as copper has to be hammered by hand. If that was the only option you'd complain they were too expensive.....

[@Useaname]

Yes they have to be hammered by hand, but there are setting tools for this purpose. A half decent leather worker with the correct tools and a proper base can set a copper rivet very quickly. Not much cost needs to be added. And there are also machines for setting copper rivets precisely. I'm sure Brooks has such a machine with all the sales they make.

[@tacituskilgore8379]

I still bought a cambium c17 despite your review, Dave. I probably should’ve gone for the narrower C15. I wish the B series matched my bikes and riding conditions. Who was the thrash metal band you went to see???

[@DaveBriggs]

If you ever trade the C17 for the C15, let me know what you think to the narrower version! The band was Kreator - I saw them locally here with Vader and Dagoba. It was an ok gig, but somehow a lot quieter than I seem to remember them :D

[@tacituskilgore8379]

Dave Briggs, I’m going to put the C15 on my Christmas list. Like you, I’ve been through all manner of saddles and think I’ve invested enough by now... the C17 isn’t bad, I just I feel a slight pinching on my left sit bone, maybe that feeling will pass with time. I’ve only done one 120km Ride with it thus far.

[@4336aaa]

Well said.

[@SuperBullyone]

you can polish your saddle - clean with saddle soap and then french shoe polish.

[@peterdeboer2839]

As the back pushes down at the back does it push up at the front?

[@paullee5894]

Hi Dave, would you use a Rohloff again as I see your latest bike has a derailleur setup?, thanks Paul ps the next bike will have a B17 for sure!

[@DaveBriggs]

Hi Paul - Yes I would use the Rohloff again, and have it on my main bike. The bike shown here was loaned so I could test it out (Thanks Simon!!). I've still had no issues with the Rohloff, and think it's well designed and made. I'd stick with a chain rather than try out a belt though.

[@paullee5894]

Hi Dave, thanks for the reply, I am just a bit curious why would you not use a chain drive, the belt drive although a bit more expensive is relatively hassle free.

[@DaveBriggs]

I guess I'm just not completely sold on the idea of the belt drive yet. And honestly, I don't know enough about the system either at the moment!

[@Dnhwzy]

Ever your brooks, on a rainy days without covering it? Sorry my English not really good

[@DaveBriggs]

I don't cover it on a rainy day to ride - but I do cover it overnight when I am camping

[@ListinTheGuitar]

Do I still need cycling pants for long distance bike touring?

[@wilkbor]

Thanks for the video. How often do you treat it and what do you use?

[@DaveBriggs]

Hi, I use the Brooks proof hide every 3 months or so on this brown saddle. I have another saddle I haven't looked after quite so much - maybe once a year with the Brook proof. That saddle is not in terrible condition, but certainly not as good as the more regularly treated one.

[@wogahboy]

Good evening Dave! When I apply the proofide, do I also need to put it on the underside of the saddle? Thanks in advance for answering this question.

[@DaveBriggs]

Apologies for the late reply! - Yes I put the proofhide on the underside as well, probably once every six months, and less frequently than the top of the saddle.

[@wogahboy]

@@DaveBriggs No problem. Thanks sir!!

[@naseefep4452]

I would love to get a brooks for a long ride review

[@haythemismail4784]

hi Dave thanks for the video very useful, any thoughts or trials on brooks swift or swallow saddle? Thanks Also in terms of maintenance does the proofide only ever go on the bottom surface?

[@malcolmtaylor518]

Both sides.

[@quarryfield]

Just got one and after about 40 miles I got caught in a downpour and the underneath got absolutely soaked from the wheel spray. It seems to be ok now that its dried though, just a few wrinkles in the top.. Has yours ever got soaked? Thanks for a great video.

[@DaveBriggs]

Hi, yes it's got soaked more times than I remember! When it's dry again, I'd suggest putting some proofhide on the underside if you hadn't already. A little bit more on the top as well, and it shoukd all smooth out after a few rides.

[@quarryfield]

@@DaveBriggs Thank you for replying , I feel better now hearing that from you :-)

[@Ostebugle]

I just bought a new touring bike for commuting, and the saddle that came with it gives me that sore ass you were talking about 😂 My question is which Brooks saddle to choose, i ride about 25miles/40km each day.

[@DaveBriggs]

I'd say go for the standard B17 (unless you prefer wider or one with a cut out)

[@Steaks652]

B17 with the springs, very comfy after break in period of 100 miles.

[@tomcatt998]

What brand is that bicycle?? i like it..

[@ajwilliams7757]

Mine barely lasted year of light use before both rails broke. Brooks doesn't stand behind their warranty either.

[@robfrench3379]

I've had a Brooks B17 for four years and do a lot of riding. An application of Proofide now and then plus a couple of times I've given the adjusting nut half a turn is all I've ever had to do to it

[@fuerLutzi]

Broken rails here, too. Greetings from Germany. I'm riding a Gilles Berthoud saddle now for years. The frame is a stainless steel/plastic combination wich does the trick in puncto elasticity.

[@beto008]

Hello Dave! I wonder if you could respond here or lead me to a tutorial on what is the best angle to install the saddle. I notice you have the point a bit upwards. I tried following the website tutorial and it’s fully straight but I’ve used it for abt a year on regular commutes and some 20mi rides and it still feels quite stiff. Any ideas? I’ve used proofide and all abt every 4-6months inside and outside. So I figured I might check some KZbin videos

[@garymitchell5899]

The angle is whatever suits you. Mine is quite high at the front. Just keep moving it slightly until you like it. I don't think the angle will affect the wearing-in.

[@arimiraldi]

Halo.. is it okay to use this saddle without padded pants?

[@DaveBriggs]

Yes, I do so quite often.

[@Cube_Ernator1077]

3 years on my Brooks C17 and the damned thing "hasn't quite" conformed to my 'behind'- as yet. I have noticed its "more" malleable than it was New, lol

[@xannyrune]

C17? The cambium isn't supposed to comform to your body like the leather ones do

[@Cube_Ernator1077]

@@xannyrune C17 Is Leather!

[@AndersFloor]

@@Cube_Ernator1077 The "C" stands for Cambium. There is no leather C17 saddle. See www.brooksengland.com/en_eu/saddles/leather.html

[@Cube_Ernator1077]

@@AndersFloor Say what you like-I'm riding it.

[@AndersFloor]

@@Cube_Ernator1077 I guess you're riding the Brooks Swift or Swallow then. They look similar to the C17. The C17 series is and has always been non leather - www.bikeradar.com/news/brooks-c17-cambium-non-leather-saddle-details-released/ - and won't adjust to your body.

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

is there no perineum hurt when bending over to the bars?

[@Levendisjeagiapimou]

I've owned brookes but there definitely some snobbery in owning brookes..metal bars with a layer of leather covering..it cannot beat other padded designs for comfort.

[@Klunker1]

I suggest you never flip your bike upside down, not necessary. Love my B17 softened.

[@pmd7914]

Have you turned the tension nut?

[@seyo8068]

I got the same in black. Just road my First 10 miles on it. Have to brake it in. That thing looks so beautifull on my 1978 bianchi. ONLY thing im not Sure about is the leather wax. I didnt bought the Original wax.. i Think its called proofade. I bought a Different one thats cheaper, i hope it dont mess up my brooks. Do somebody has some experience whit other leather wax than the expensive one from brooks?

[@crystalvitugg455]

Have you needed a rain cover at all for the saddle? Did you ever use proofide to clean or treat it? Thank you!

[@DaveBriggs]

Hi - I've not used a specific rain cover. If it's looked like rain overnight and I'm camping, I'll put a plastic bag over it. I proofhide top and bottom every 2-3 months depending on how often I've used it.

[@philhouck3560]

Breaking in a saddle by soaking it in water and then treating it with mink oil is not rubbish. This method is supported by Lon Haldeman who has a lot more miles on Brooks saddles.

[@chuckvincent5691]

But is it a necessary process? Clearly not.

[@r.williams8349]

good video thanks

[@DaveBriggs]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@douglasherr4645]

How do you know which Brooks saddle to get?

[@DaveBriggs]

Totally good question! In all honesty like any saddle, you are going to just have to buy one and see what suits you more! All I can say is I've had the opportunity to try out probably a dozen or so different saddles over the years, and personally, the B17 works best for me. Does that mean it will for you - No idea! best bet, is to see if you know another rider with one, and borrow either the bike or saddle for a few days perhaps?

[@ianbing]

Yo Doug, just get the Brooks B17 Special Copper, you cant go wrong, when I first put mine on it changed my life immediately and got better and better with every ride

[@Joiedevivredesilives]

Looks like it needs its nut tightened it sometimes breaks if you dont

[@lmaoroflcopter]

Wait. I don't need to sacrifice a chicken? Dammit... :) good review. Looks a bit saggy here like you need to tension it a bit but whatever is comfy for you.

[@byronquirk5140]

Do you use padded bike shorts when riding? I'm wondering how that affects the break in fit

[@DaveBriggs]

When touring I wear slightly padded shorts, when commuting I do not. I'm not sure it would affect the breaking in period much either way (haven't though about it to be honest!)

[@byronquirk5140]

@@DaveBriggs Thanks!

[@martinhkelly]

Hi, Do you cover it in the rain?

[@DaveBriggs]

HI Martin - I'm not overly precious about covering it. So, whilst I will cover it at night when camping and I think there's a chance of rain, I don't worry about actually cycling with it in the rain. I generally just put a plastic bag on it.

[@tomcatt1824]

Walmart bag

[@huannabis2666]

Nice vids sir

[@andrewrife6253]

But what if I wanted to sacrifice a soaking chicken?

[@B4R4Y4N]

Cooooooooool！😎👍👍👍

[@davidreeves3396]

My current saddle on my Trek is miserable after 30 minutes

[@40letniiMyjik]

hi, I want to try Brooks B17. Can you tell me what to take, Imperial or standard? My maximum travel time per day is 150 km

[@VideoNOLA]

I've looked at the site(s) and still cannot state with certainty what the difference is between Imperial and Standard?

[@faironlinereviews]

Just bought a Brooks B17. Rode with it 1000KM. Within the first 10 hours, a center longitudinal ridge started to develop. Very painful as you sit on a spine. I contacted the company and they did everything possible to blame me, making assumptions about mishandling the saddle. I just rode it! Maybe it's a good saddle when not defective but if it is defective as mine was, the company will do everything they can to blame you and not take any responsibility, not even offering an exchange. Buy from better companies!

[@pedaldriven417]

I have bought one for $80 that a good price?

[@DaveBriggs]

If that's a new saddle then you got yourself a real bargain!

[@Steaks652]

You don't get that friction as with those nasty gell seats.

[@lr7815]

I disagree. My saddle was not comfortable until I sacrificed a chicken and soaked the saddle in the chickens blood

[@arigosaki_corp]

looks funny, looks like an old boot😅

[@nicholascruz7517]

This saddle cost as much as my fixie lmao

[@garymitchell5899]

I probably wouldn't buy a second hand bike that cheap, but a fixed gear is virtually worthless whatever the condition.