The Great Saddle Debate Brooks Cambium Vs. The Professional

In this video, I discuss a few of the similarities and differences between the Brooks Cambium C-15 and the Professional. Both are similar in size and shape, with the Professional being slightly shorter and wider than the C-15. I also give you my opinion on where each saddle is best suited.

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

My butt loves my Brooks

[@mariamartins367]

Me too. But it wasn’t love at first sight, tbh. First meeting was conflictual.

[@garyleese9398]

Me too. But the short rails on my B17 won't allow me to get it far enough back. So, I bought a C17. Just like he mentioned at 3:20. Brooks really needs to modify the rails on their leather saddles; they could offer new and old rail versions, but I suspect the new, longer rail version would be the bigger seller.

[@carlescastellollopis5855]

For me is love at the first sight haha. Probably ‘cause I used to have rubbish and hard saddles.

[@Henrywildeberry]

One important point I failed to mention in the video is how well the saddles ride with or without cycling specific shorts. If you're the type that likes to ride in jeans or shorts, the leather saddle is a better choice. It's also very comfortable in cycling shorts as well, so in a way, it's quite versatile for a wide range of uses.

[@robertomphd]

Had Brooks for years, I'll take my SMP Glider. It's a leather cover.

[@coriemackinnon9225]

Great video. Very helpful. I just got a B17 special, so stoked.

[@bertschuh5720]

Excellent comparison containing many insightful points that you miht not think of and that other reviewers have missed!

[@n00bicon4]

so cool to meet you today at the farmer's market, look forward to buzzing some west county with you soon

[@Henrywildeberry]

Thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself, it was great meeting you too! That's what this is all about! Now I know, it's about meeting good people and sharing information, so we can all benefit. Please feel free to reach out when you head this way.

[@andrew097]

Recently started using the Specialized Mimic really comfortable for my first 300 with it. The shorter nose really reduced chaffing to zero on the inside leg. I'm someone who never really has saddle issues but this was a big improvement on the saddles I have used in the past.

[@JamesaSW5]

A very helpful assessment. Thank you

[@malcolmtaylor518]

Have the pre-aged brown Brooks Flyer with springs. Still taken about 800 miles to get it comfortable. Love the saddle and its not sagged, it did squeak a bit, but spray wax household polish underneath solved that. On a 50 mile ride you forget the saddle. Mine is just very slightly tilted up. Thanks for video.

[@xavcarmic0686]

Hi Henry, thanks for the vid. I have the following Brooks England saddles, a pre-Italian ownership Professional, a B17, a Swift Ti and Cambium C17. All have there good points however the B17 is by far the most comfortable for my arse. Then the Professional, C17 and Swift. I also use San Marco Rolls on a couple of bikes which are also very comfortable saddles. The Professional took about 12 months to break in and was uncomfortable prior to the breaking in. The B17 was great from the get go.

[@Henrywildeberry]

mick carmic0 thanks Mick! I haven’t tried all those saddles you mention, but the Professional has become my best long distance saddle. Getting the angle right has proven to be the toughest adjustment, but once you find the best angle these are very comfortable saddles. Cool!

[@RobertNazarov65]

Thanks for the info I think I needa comfier saddle I have a narrow fizik saddle and I’m pretty heavy now compared to before. I’m around 240 and I measured my sitbones recently which were like 128mm. I think I need something above 150mm. I’m considering a brooks b17 special I’m not sure though.

[@damonleonard686]

Yeah a lot of my bikes are older and I have down shifters on most of them even retrofitted downtube shifters on a newer colnago that I was lucky to get from a friend. I also work on a lot of bikes and I was happy to stumble upon your channel I'm going to check out he rest of your videos LOL I'm going to holler at you if I get stomped on something cuz I'm always putting bikes together out of several bikes. Be safe my friend

[@Henrywildeberry]

Thanks Damon, I appreciate your comments, and I'm open suggestions. Feel free to point out any technically incorrect points for everyones benefit, or if you see any areas where I can improve on to make these video better. I'm having a lot of fun.

[@jthepickle7]

I rode a Brooks Professional from Miami to Seattle and rode about 220 miles per week for a couple of years, until that bike was stolen. The seat was never babied. It got real wet fairly often (I did put a thick layer of neutral shoe polish on the inside of it) That saddle had about 30,000 miles on it and was about halfway through its life. (really bugs me hear 'they wear out' when the don't! Someone else said, "You ride on a plastic saddle, you ride in a Brooks saddle." I concur

[@SamCarleton]

I ride the C17 had have since the year it came out. I love riding long (200-600km) and the saddle serves me wonderful. I tried the B17, but the sore spots I got during the break in period was too much for me and I returned to my beloved C17. Mind you the C17 is wider than your C15, so that might have a lot to do with our different experience with the saddles.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Sam, I wouldn't mind checking out the C-17 one day. The C-15 is narrower and stiffer, but fine for fast shorter rides in an aggressive riding position. The C-17 looks to be the choice for touring. Glad to hear you like it.

[@mikelees5093]

I have been cycling with my b17 brooks saddle for 5 weeks now, and I have to say I can now press my thumb into it and its becoming more comfortable well impressed with it.

[@Twinhit]

After a year how do you like that B17 now???

[@mikelees5093]

@@Twinhit Its just fine thank you, no more pain.

[@Twinhit]

@@mikelees5093 Thanks. I just bought a B135 for my 54 Schwinn cruiser. Hoping for the best.

[@mikelees5093]

@@Twinhit It looks like a nice saddle, with all the springs, you should be in for a pleasant ride.

[@Twinhit]

@@mikelees5093 Thank you, i may have some fiddling to do on it (for mounting) first, then try it out. Will throw out a video let you know my thoughts. May 8 purchase date. Its in New York.

[@garydavis9844]

C-19 carved super comfy mile 1 on my Salsa Vaya=now on all my bikes love them!!

[@roberthoyle6371]

I hear a lot of people, yourself included, that you need to be very careful with a leather Brooks saddle. I’m going to disagree. I have a standard B-17 that’s 13 years old and has probably 30,000 miles on it. I’ve ridden it in all sorts of weather and all I do is put Proofride on it from time to time. It did stretch out a little bit at one point and I cured that by turning the bolt in the front. No problem since. I think it might be true that the version with the copper rivets that you were showing might have thicker leather. However, the thinner leather on the standard B-17 has held up quite well and I don’t see myself ever having to replace it. Another thing that people who review saddles often forget to mention is that a saddle needs to fit you. No matter what brand or type it is. I went through many saddles trying to find one that was comfortable. I finally happened upon a Brooks and have never looked back. I have four of them at the moment, one on each of my bikes.

[@theautumnalcyclist7629]

I completely agree, I use a B17 as my daily commute saddle. Come rain, shine and snow I ride to work, the roads are not the best in the UK for cycling and the Brooks definitely saves my back side. Also I haven't adjusted the B17 really and enjoy the bounce that it allows.

[@georgecarlinn6288]

😀 nice experience with Brooks thank you for sharing

[@RicardoRocha-lg1xo]

I loved my C17 so much that when it broke I bought another one. The new one feels different, though, and the rubber on the sides feels much tackier and rubs and pulls against my legs when I pedal. It’s a bit annoying. I wonder if it’s an issue with more recent batches, as I bought the previous one in 2014

[@AgencyScum]

I've been riding my secondhand, 40 year old Brooks Professional for 2 years now with no problems other than an initial week of soreness as it hammered my arse into it's shape. I've owned 2 ( the second was a warranty replacement ) Cambiums: both snapped in half within 6 months.

[@wogahboy]

I sprayed water repellent under my b17 and it's holding up fine.

[@dharmapunk777]

I live in the PNW and so I ordered the Cambium. Hasn't arrived yet. But I'm planning to use it for a daily commute of 12km both ways and in November and April that means getting soaked nearly everyday. I can't imagine not running into issues with the leather.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Nice! I hope it works out for you. The canvas top material does absorb some water, but otherwise it's water resistant.

[@barriewylde5915]

henry I have a Brooks swallow very hard to brake in.Also narrow width Is not good with sit bones.Any suggestions to inploovement.

[@Henrywildeberry]

It can a while to break in. If you haven't already tried the leather conditioner that might help, but in my experience these saddles do take a 1000 miles or more to break in. The Sallow is 153mm wide which is similar to my road racing saddle. I find the narrower saddles to feel good if you like to ride in the drops. For upright touring you're probably going to want a wider saddle like a B-17.

[@rayr.1305]

very helpful for a saddle shopper.

[@MisterChibs]

This was great! just got a black b17! Was choosing between that and a professional copper and didn't realize that their was a difference in the leather. Finished applying the oil to the underside and on top. Am I supposed to let it sit over night or is it okay to go on my first ride a few hours later?

[@Henrywildeberry]

Cool! You can ride it now, and reapply the saddle conditioner later. Use the saddle conditioner once every few months, don't over do it. Also, try and keep the saddle out of the rain. If you don't have fenders, the underside of the saddle could get wet from tire spray. It's a good idea to use fenders to help the saddle last longer in wet conditions. Good luck!

[@MisterChibs]

Thanks Henry! Went on a half hour ride with my daughter and didn't feel discomfort like the stock specialized saddle. Already looking at getting a brown and copper swift for my road bike :) That brown and copper on your bike looks great.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Nice! Thanks for the compliment. I wanted this bike to have a classic look, so I went with the copper rivets. Also the professional is slightly narrower than the B-17 making it a good choice for a "sport touring" bike. Brooks leather saddles take time to break in, so it should get more comfortable as time goes on. If you decide you don't like the B-17, sell it on Ebay, and try a Gilles Berthoud. They make very nice saddles as well. They also offer a selection of different widths and profiles from touring to racing. What I enjoy is having a variety of bikes, set up differently, and then I can choose the bike I'm in the mood to ride. I know that's a luxury, but I live a simple life otherwise. Enjoy!

[@MisterChibs]

"Brooks Team Professional Chrome" found it and will compare to the Swift! Would look cool on my Domane!!

[@rjones2209]

Brooks persistently tell you NOT to apply any oil to it, only their proofide. If you do then it will sag and become a joke.

[@LaserrSharp]

I'm building up an 80s mixte frame for my gf and she wants a saddle and grips that are comfortable and have some style. She likes brown. Any recommendations? Thanks for the video.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Brooks B17 is a good choice.

[@martinquinlan8679]

Henry how much further back do you reckon I would sit on A C17 V a B17 . I have a B17 but I cant get it back far enough.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Martin Quinlan the C17 should allow you to slide the saddle back on the rails further than the B17. The B17 has a slightly different rail design. Best of luck!

[@connorshanks9931]

thought it was a young James May on the thumbnail

[@ar43r]

My b66 Dom is 1984. Its I’m riding it for two years now. Every mile is a pleasure to ride. Can ride it for 7 hours without to much pain. Brooks forever

[@RideAlongside]

Agree. Love my Brooks Professional.

[@gatorback]

is it me or im having James May vibes?

[@cheynisaville9612]

Live in the wetest part of the UK fenders and regular waxing no problem love my Brooks

[@ann-sofiehaiber2901]

Hi Henry! Is the team pro brooks in honey or brown? Thanks so much!

[@Henrywildeberry]

Honey 🍯😀

[@michaelhayward7572]

Went from a beautiful leather Selle Italia Mitica which is a clone of a Brooks B15 Swallow to a Cambium C17.... my arse thanked me for it, especially on longer 60k+ rides.

[@dk2428]

I'll listen to anyone who plays BB King even when they're filming a YT video

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Man!!! I bought one and put 500 miles on it and it still was too stiff for me. I had it on my Cervelo R3 bike with 25 width tires and suffered. So you are right when you say to put the Cambium on a bike with thick tires but still I doubt very much you’ll get a comfort ride. I was 63 and weighted 212 lbs. I would not recommend the cambium.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Yeah, the Cambium is a stiffer saddle than most. Also, the C-15 without the cutout is even stiffer than the C-17. I have my C-15 on a vintage Bianchi with 32mm Compass tires, and I find on that bike I can tolerate the stiffness. When it was on my road bike with 25mm tires it was too stiff. Luckily, there are a lot of people out there who like them so you shouldn't have any problem selling it on Ebay.

[@appa609]

Get a Fizik Aliante. Nice and plush. Matches your bike better as well.

[@rollinrat4850]

A saddle is personal. It has to fit YOU. No one saddle fits everyone. The more comfortable you are, the more you want to ride. If youre serious about spending time on your bike, make the effort to find that perfect fit! It might take some patience, a few different saddles, extra cash etc. Be realistic. Dont worry about current fashion, what ‘looks good’ or is light. Same goes for just about everything on a bike. Get what is comfortable. That is the #1 priority to spending more time on the bike. YOU dont look at your bike while you ride it (or at least you shouldn’t!) and I couldnt care less what anybody thinks about mine. Im proud of being a cycling geek. My bikes are so dorky they’re cool! Because I say they are! I looked at Sheldon Brown’s personal bikes and got lots of ideas.He was one of the original bike geeks.

[@1a2b3c4.]

Do one on the SELLE ANATOMICA Saddle

[@baker2niner]

Agree with the fore & aft fit of the Pro... Haven't seen that information elsewhere. Thanks for confirming. (Considering a Cambium for the city bike - light, old MTB with 1.6" slicks.)

[@stephenimsong3462]

Great information. Quick advice, get a shotgun mic, I had to turn my speakers way up to hear you, other than that I really enjoyed this.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Thanks Stephen! I'm slowly upgrading my video and audio equipment as I learn what works. Check out some newer videos and let me know if the sound is better? Thanks again!

[@mtbboy1993]

Also he could turn the audio up on audio track.

[@vinmarz]

Your audio is poor.

[@CosgroveNotts]

Always one moaner

[@cheynisaville9612]

Content is great 👍

[@ca4Gochops]

Is that a honey that darkened, or a brown that lightened in color?

[@Henrywildeberry]

Yes, this is the honey color saddle with the hand hammered copper rivets. The leather darkened in some areas more than others, but I think it looks great.

[@ca4Gochops]

yeah, thats the color I want long term. I'm a B17 guy though. Love the copper rivets, but can't decide on the copper rails of the B17 Special with a black spoked wheelset, black stem, and black seat post......@@Henrywildeberry

[@BenGeldreich]

What colour is your professional saddle? Also where did you get the seat bag hangers from? I believe the brooks proffessional doesn't come stock with seat bag hangers?

[@Henrywildeberry]

Hi Ben, It's the honey color, with the copper rivets. The saddle loops were from VeloOrange. They just clamp on with screws, so they can be adjusted up or down on the seat rails. The interesting thing about the saddle color is how it naturally darkened. The saddle bag and bar tape are also the honey color, but they have remained very close to the original color. I think sweating on the saddle had something to do with it changing color. I also add a little of the saddle conditioner once every 6 months or so.

[@davidsmith31]

Will the Cambiun break in with time?

[@mariamartins367]

No. It stays the same. And will shorten the life of your pants, too.

[@joecondron2131]

The saddle bag loops on the Cambium are not load bearing like on the B17. My Carradice Classic rack & bag fell onto my rear tyre because the loops on the Cambium are made from plastic.. One of the loops snapped. Very disappointed Brooks Luckily I was only 5km from home into a night time 150km ride & was able to get home.

[@patsmith7710]

I had a rubber c17 saddle, its the most painful saddle i have ever used, it was ok for ten miles but after that it was agony

[@martinhotan8946]

I know one thing for sure - all Cambiums brake right behind the front rail port on the top after 3 -4 years iff dot really use them on a daily basis …

[@memphisjahx7425]

Are you by any chance related to james may?

[@Henrywildeberry]

Memphis Jahx Not that I am aware of.

[@tedifibri]

Haha thought so

[@daveisontherun]

my butt couldn't tave a B17 Carved Short,,i love the leather but can't do it...sad. buying a Cambium

[@ybblue2732]

Does that leather get destroyed from constant weathering?

[@Henrywildeberry]

Nick Senkevich you definitely want to store your bike inside and use the cover provided with the saddle on rainy days. It’s also a good idea to mount full coverage fenders to protect the underside of the saddle from dirt and water spray from the tires. Brooks has a leather conditioning cream you can put on once every 6 months or so to keep the leather from drying out. My saddle still looks brand new and I have had it for almost 3 years now. Best of luck!!!

[@ybblue2732]

Henrywildeberry any recommendations for a waterproof saddle that’s not too stiff? Or burns the pocket too severely? As far as fenders, do you know of any good ones for a rigid 29er? Thanks for the reply.

[@Henrywildeberry]

A synthetic saddle will provide good weather protection and less likely to rub off on to your clothes. I've used Selle Italia saddles and they offer several synthetic models. I've also used Fizik brand saddles too, with the center cut-outs and ones without. They are all road specific saddles, so very light, thin and flexible. Rubbing and chaffing is something everyone deals with in their own ways. I have found the leather saddle to be the most comfortable in regular clothes, but even then on long rides I wear cycling specific shorts (chamois equipped). You can wear baggy shorts over your cycling shorts if you want a more casual look. I do that myself and it works well. The downside is if you sweat a lot, it can be uncomfortable walking around if you go shopping. A pair of synthetic undergarments, coupled with a leather saddle is another potential way to get a comfortable yet breathable ride. Trial and error here is generally the best advice I can give you. All the best!

[@patrick2t724]

I have a cambium and feel that the fabric wears my trousers more

[@michaelhayward7572]

Edit your sound volume up please

[@Poulson319]

Good informative video, but please lose the distracting background music.

[@robertomphd]

I grew up on Brooks Professional Saddles. As with all things you evolve and get educated and I would never consider another one of those monsters again. There are many designs I have found the SMP to suit me.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Redtrail Rider thanks for your honest opinion.

[@robertomphd]

@@Henrywildeberry I've been following a couple small KZbin channels because the big ones are too commercial. I work at a mechanical design house in Ohio, mostly plastics injection tooling. Brand Name bicycle components are marked up about 700%, amazing. Brooks Saddles are some of the finest leather you hope to ever find but there is no substitute for comfort. I threw my Brooks Professional away some years ago for a Sella SMP, I got the leather shell, I don't like plastic seats.

[@robertmccall379]

Redtrail Rider I was brought up with a Wrights leather saddle when in my teens. Great comfort, but can’t find that again with Brooks leather saddles. Selle SMP saddle has provided a massive increase in comfort for me. Wider fitting and I keep as far back on saddle as is possible. 👍

[@billearly7600]

I would watch this but it is inaudible

[@rickdoehler502]

Why woukd you use the proffessional? I road one for years in the 80s. Now I have it as a decoration. Rain: It's not so much when riding it in the rain but the day after is what sucks. Forvtge Cambium you need different type of tire? Come on. I need not suggest an alternative, but there are countless options.

[@markyoung950]

in this video we are going to call you hippy wildberry

[@damonleonard686]

hey man nice to see those downtube shifters.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Thanks Damon! I've gotten used to them, and in many ways like the nostalgia. Moving levers actually making things happen is sort of neat in a weird way.

[@rollinrat4850]

DT or bar end shifters are SIMPLY all you need. Theyll still work no matter what has happened to your hanger or derailleur as long as they havent broken off. I keep going back to bar ends or down tube shifters. I tried Gevenalles and didnt like the position. Im trying STIs now and cant stand the shape or the way they work with my brakes. The only good thing about mine is cables are easy to replace. I cant wait to take them off and its only been 2 weeks! As soon as I get my new brake levers the bar ends are going back on my touring bike. I guess Im old and stuck in my old ways.

[@adgeebike9173]

Background music is a bit annoying, but otherwise good vlog.

[@Henrywildeberry]

Thanks Adge e bike for your critique. I'm working on my editing skills. It's a slow, self taught method, and I appreciate feedback like yours to help me improve.

[@wanderingsailor5503]

dude, I like it

[@leradicideglialberi]

Cambium is TOP! And it's not made with dead people

[@nielskjr5432]

No, the Cambium is made of natural rubber. Not leather.

[@davidrowe8747]

The mis-match between the audio and video was making my head ache so I had to stop watching it.

[@unbdld42]

Dude, I can BARELY hear you…..sounds like the information is spot on but I literally had to press my ear into my computer speaker to hear you. I have a MacBook pro……. sorry bra, but your voice is extremely low.

[@Henrywildeberry]

unbdld42 thanks for the feedback! I’m working on my technical issues, especially with improvements to the sound.

[@Freedom89984]

Bullshit, I can hear him quite well on my Iphone 11

[@classlessbozo317]

30 people are butt hurt.

[@sempi8159]

No debate. Leather is disgusting

[@mariamartins367]

The cambium ruins your pants, it has to be said. It’s abrasive. You have to factor that in the saddle budget.

[@Henrywildeberry]

It’s good you pointed that out. I wonder if there’s a better material they could find that is not as abrasive? By the way, I have noticed the brown leather saddle will leave a mark on light colored jeans or other cotton type shorts. The Selle Italia on the other hand is synthetic leather and doesn’t seem to stain my clothes. There is always a lot to consider with every option.

[@ricardomoonbeam8530]

Brooks leather saddles are used by huge numbers of audax riders in the uk and Ireland, probably the wettest countries in Western Europe...go figure. Look after your saddle and it will look after you.

[@mariamartins367]

In my experience, the problem with leather is not the weather or the rain, it’s you lean the bike over a fence or a wall or anything and the sides get chipped. I invariably chip mine on every ride, despite the care, the marks on the side just show, now.

[@Kewonerdk]

You last video wasn't well done????? And this one was? Try sync the sound to the video!

[@Henrywildeberry]

Are you asking me for my opinion on my latest video? If you ask me it's pretty good. If you ask Martin Scorsese he'd probably bust out laughing.