Brooks B-17 Bicycle Saddle at Wallbike

Pictured left: B-17 Standard, black left and B-17 Narrow, black right

Pictured below: B-17 Narrow, antique brown

Pictured left: B-17 Standard, honey

What Correspondants Have Said About The B-17

(Comments, reviews, and essays are welcome and appreciated - especially by other cyclists that are considering one of these saddles.)

"I had purchased a Brooks B-17 saddle from you about 7 or so months back. If is by far the most comfortable saddle I have had the pleasure to own in my 25 years of cycling. Even out of the box it was comfortable, but like a pair of shoes, it gets more comfortable with use. Count me as one of the Brooks converts; I have seen the light! Your website and it links did much for me in terms of education about Brooks and this information really is what drove me to buy the saddle. Last, just wanted to let you know that your advertising on Crazy Guy on a Bike is what led me to your site in the first place. I noticed you sold Brooks saddles, and curious about the product, decided to read more. I'm glad I did. I am happy to support individuals like yourself who support Neil and his efforts. Thanks."

"Just wanted to let you know that I received my B17 Champion last Friday and rode it on Saturday. It's like sitting on butter, I wish I had bought one 20 years ago. No more squirming and fidgeting in the saddle...just riding."

"I bought the Brooks B 17 Saddle and installed it last week.I have had serious leg problems for three years. Four months of physical therapy was no help. My leg pain disappeared on the first ride. I rode 250 miles last week and am pain free. I bought another B 17 for my other bike. The biking literature should say what results when the sit bones are not supported. Leg pain and hip pain are the result of non support of the sit bones. I tried many well known saddles.None dealt with the pain. The Brooks saddle is a miracle"

"Thank you for your your helpful advice on a saddle. Out of the box it (B.17) was great. Felt better than my old saddle ever did. after 120 miles I took it on a 65 mile ride and I hard absolutely no soreness, none. Your help has made riding enjoyable again."

"I wanted to wait a week before emailing so I wouldn't sound like an idiot but my B-17 arrived last week. Just out of the box and with no apparent break-in yet it is the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden. What's it going to be like AFTER break-in? I probably won't want to get off my bike. Thank you!!"

"Just a quick note to tell you how much I enjoy the saddle (B.17) I bought from you. As you mentioned, the first couple of hudred miles for break in were the toughest and everything else from there's been a boon. I have ~600 miles on it now and only gets better."

"Hi, I'm the fellow that called you from West Texas while on a tour to Phoenix. My sit bones were really angry with the gel foam saddle they were having to use. I'd known about the Brooks for some time, but found the testimonials a little much to believe, considering the thing was hard as a rock! But, after hearing a talk about the thousands of miles people ride horses sitting on hard leather, the analogy suddenly made sense. So, when I got to Brownsfield, Tx, I called you and had you send me a B17 to Roswell, NM by priority mail. After riding it nearly 700 miles, I'm a true believer! Not quite like sitting on a good sofa, but a lot better than foam. Took some minor position adjustments to get it just right, but I really look forward to using it now. Looking to the day I won't even notice it. Thanks."

"Your standard B-17 saddle is one the best I have tried, and its so confortable that now I ride 2.2 miles in 9 minutes;it use to take me 14 minutes to ride 2.2 miles. Also, it's great how you guys sign the receipt, it makes the purchase seem personal. Nowadays that kind of service is rare to find and to get."

"Just wanted to add my review of your store, and your products. Both get an "A+" in my book! Fantastic customer service, great advice when I called, and fast shipping. I love my new Brooks B17 honey saddle! After 3 applications of Proofide, went for a good ride today, and it was the most comfortable saddle I can remember using, right out of the box -- much better than every gel saddle, or "anatomically designed" saddle I've tried."
" For what it's worth, I've read a number of different theories on breaking in a leather saddle, from soaking the thing in a pan of oil, to beating it with a baseball bat, to soaking it with water before riding. I used your advice, and Brooks', and just applied the Proofide and rode it! Not rocket science!"
"Also, for other bigger riders out there, I am 6'8", 285 lbs., and can say that the B17 seems just right for me. If you are considering a Brooks saddle, JUST BUY IT ALREADY and start riding! You'll love it!"

"I recently purchased a Brooks B17 from your store. When I received it, I put 4 coats of leather conditioner on it to soften it up some. After two
weeks and 250 miles, I love that saddle. I was looking at recumbents or giving up biking because my previous saddle was causing quite a bit of pain on
long rides, the B17 feels the same after 4 hours as it does after 1 hour - comfy. Your 6 month return policy provided a "nothing to lose" opportunity to try the Brooks I've heard so much about. I bet you don't get very many that return their saddles. Thanks for saving my love of cycling.

"I have always wanted a Brooks saddle but was afraid of them due to the folklore; like riding on a concrete saddle, break in problems, pain for hundreds of miles, etc. Was I woefully wrong, as so many others have said. Within the first 10 meters I realized how comfortable a Brooks (B17N) can be. Sure, it was/is firm but can tell it is a great platform. I was all over the saddle here and there, as it is so smooth/slick, but when you get into a proper position, it is stunning.I found that I did have some not so perfect positioning, so the Brooks really is helping me get tuned again."

"I've been riding bicycles as an adult since 1972, when I bought my first new bicycle, a Schwinn Varsity (boy, was that a learning experience!). From there, I went directly to a Schwinn Super Sport which I bought used -- couldn't afford a new one. The Super Sport came with a Brooks B.15 which I have recently learned was specifically ordered by Schwinn at the time. I was in love. From there, I moved to the B.17 (slightly wider and thicker) and to the Champion Flyer (same as the B.17 but with single springs). The B.17 is on my road bike and the Champion Flyer is on my ATB. I have a new-in-box Champion Flyer for years down the road in case something happens to Brooks. (My last two saddles came from you.)The only maintenance I do is, in the fall I gently snug up the leather with the Brooks spanner and lightly cover the top and bottom with Proofide for winter storage. I've tried many, many, other saddles and Brooks is by far the best for comfort and durability. Ever notice how the plastic ones break at the rear rail? When I change bicycles, the Brooks' stay with me."

"Just out of the box it looked hard and uncomfortable, BUT looks can be deceiving. It took about 10 miles of fine tuneing, then i found out all them good reviews i read were true. In a week i have put over 100 miles on it, no ARSE pain. My old saddle was a terry libarator,fine saddle BUT not as comfy as the B17. Got laid off from the citrus for the season and goeing to pedal up north, will let you know how many TOOTS it gets when i get back this fall. THANKS AGAIN."

" I really like it! (B.17) I will call wallbike in the future when I need things. It is amazing how something made of leather stretched over a metal frame can actually be more comfortable than a gel saddle. I have ridden it a few times now (would have more except these days it rains every day in KY) and I can tell it is going to work out great. My only problem was at first--I put the goo on it and shined it up and I kept sliding off of it until it broke in some!!

"well, i'm a believer! first day - 34 miles, next day 35 miles. today i did 50 miles wearing UNpadded pants and my arse has no complaints
whatsoever! i may have to buy another bike just so i can get another brooks saddle...one isn't enough."

"after riding 400 miles on the new B17, I made the big mistake to switch for a short ride to another bike with an italian saddle. Ouch!
Will need to get a second Brooks!"

"I would like to return this saddle under the terms of your Brooks saddle return policy. The saddle is not defective but it is very uncomfortable. Thank you."

A review of the B-17 Standard by Grey Taylor in from February 3, 2004.

"I received my new Brooks B17 Champion Special about six weeks ago and I'm a very satisfied convert.. The so-called 'break-in period' is vastly overstated; after a couple hundred miles the saddle is conforming to my behind but right out of the box it was the most comfortable saddle I've ever had. I commute up to one hundred miles per week and played saddle roulette with almost every style of saddle. The Brooks eliminates the need for a suspension seatpost and gives a cushioned but firm ride."

"Believe it or not, I tried to return this (B.17) to you after seven months but you refused. I suppose I should thank you for not taking it back. This forced me to work more on the fit and spend more time breaking it in. Now it is one of the most comfortable saddles I have ever had. I installed this saddle on my Schwinn Paramount Ti. This is a classic bike design and the Brookes only compliments the bicycle's classic lines."

"I received the saddle on Friday afternoon and took a 35 mile ride in the mountains on Saturday morning. I didn't really have time to dial in the position but the seat was great. I can't wait until it is "broken in". I'll be sure to tell all my friends about your site and the comfort of this saddle."

"I ordered a B-17 Special TI and received it within two days! I installed it on my bicycle, went for a 12 mile ride and was VERY IMPRESSED! The saddle was comfortable right out of the box! I felt as if I wasn't sitting on a saddle. I 'm looking forward to many great years with it."

"I rode the 'new york century ride' last sunday on the brand-new black Brooks B17 you guys shipped me 2 weeks ago.
Completely comfortable, no pain at all (well, none from the seat anyway)."

"4000 miles so far on the b17 narrow purchased from your closeouts page in july/august 2002. after the first 600 miles it became ultimately comfy. after 4000 miles, cyclocross season including rough landings on the saddle, training through the winter in rain, snow, sleet, and ice, and a brevet season including 140-250 mile rides, i could not be more happy with the b17 narrow. i've purchased another from you for my fixed gear training bike, and plan to outfit the rest of the " stable" with fine brooks craftmanship. words cannot express the happiness of my rear-end."

"After agonizing for weeks, I took the plunge and bought a black Team Pro based on my research on this site and others. As a "clydesdale" (I'm 6'4" and 230 lbs.) I was a little nervous about whether the Team Pro would fit my "sit bones." Worst case, I figured, would be that I had to take advantage of Bill's generous return policy."
"When my Team Pro arrived, I put it on and spent some time trying various fore and aft positions, tilt, and height. I just could not find a position where I did not feel like I was sliding down and forward, except with the nose pointed _way_ up, which of course caused another sort of problem ;-)
So, reluctantly I sent the Team Pro back to Bill and had him send me a B-17 Standard. I installed the B-17 and within a few minutes, had it dialed in. Perfect! I went for a two hour ride on the first Saturday, two hours on Sunday, various shorter rides the next week, and a three hour excursion the next Saturday. Bliss! No pain, no chafing, no nothing!"
"In summary -- in my case the adage about a saddle fitting right out of the box proved true. With the Team Pro, it was immediately apparent that saddle and clydesdale weren't meant for each other. With the B-17, it was just as obvious that we had a perfect match. I expect the B-17 will get even more comfy as the leather adapts to my wide load. No more stinkin' gel saddles for me! Thanks Bill and Diane!"

"i bought a b-17 standard from you folks about a year ago, and i'd just like to say how much i enjoy it. i'm a younger guy and was a little scared about riding a leather saddle, but you're satisfaction guarantee made me feel comfortable enough to take the dive. i've put some ungodly number of miles and hours on it since i've gotten it and every minute has been pure heaven for my bony rump."

"This is my first Brooks saddle. I've heard people talk about them for years - usually things like "it's the best saddle I've ever ridden" or "it's was the worst saddle I ever rode" - never anything in between. So, I wasn't sure which one of the two comments I'd be making. And, when I took it out of the box and it felt like a piece of hickory, I got worried. Well, it's finally stopped snowing here in the Philadelphia area so I put it on my bike and went out for ride. After a little messing around with the angle and thirty miles later I can report I should be on the "best" side. You were right, it did feel good from the start and stayed that way. If the break-in makes it better, I'm sure I'll be on the "best" side."

"I purchased a B17 Narrow from your scratch & dent page last June/July. It arrived in wonderful condition. Riding the saddle was complete hell for the first 600 miles. I've sat on some painful saddles, but(t) this one made me a firm disbeliever--until mile 601. On that next ride, I noticed some "break in". I know this doesn't happen overnight, and wondered even if it was my rear on the receiving end of the adaptation. It kept getting better from there. Since purchase I've put about 2000 miles on thesaddle, with numerous long rides and centuries, several cyclocross races in mud, ice, and freezing rain, and over many steep mountain roads. Last Saturday I spent almost 10 hours on the B17 Narrow (with only 40 minutes off the bike during that time), and am happy to report that I started and ended the ride with the same concerns about my rear end: none. I'm lucky it only took 6 years to find the right saddle."

"The Brooks B17 Special arrived yesterday and was promptly mounted on my 15 yr old Trek. I found that the saddle was supremely comfortable during my usual noon-time ride of 15 miles today. Low and behold, there was no blood on the chamois in my shorts as has been the case after riding a plastic McSaddle (Vetta). I believe that saddle sores are a thing of the past. It was a pleasure doing business with you folks!"

"I bought it (B.17) on the basis of reviews and ads that made it sound like the solution to my numbness problem, but it's even worse than the OEM seat I'm trying to replace. Too bad - I had high hopes."

"In mid-July I bought a B-17 from you after we talked back and forth about its suitability for a guy built more like a linebacker than a road cyclist. The saddle has been great from the first ride!! Its maiden voyage was a 45 miler. There have been no break-in problems. It just keeps getting better. Thanks for your good communications before the sale. I can't imagine owning any other saddle from here on."

"I now have about 200 miles on my saddle (B.17 C.S.) and still can't seem to wipe that silly grin off my face for the comfort it affords me. The last time I had a Brooks was back in the 70's, why oh why did I ever forsake them! The savings of about 4 ounces compared to a nylon shelled saddle is not worth the trade off in pain!"

"I got the Ti B17--thank you. Seems to be working well on the front of a Bushnell custom road tandem. In the comprehensive information you provide on Brooks saddles, perhaps you might want to consider explaining that the Brooks one uses on a single racing bike may not be the right Brooks for tandem use--even if it works perfectly on the single. I'm finding that there are major differences, what with the added muscle that's necessary to control a tandem, less opportunity to get off the saddle when tandeming etc. The bottom line seems to be that the B17 is a better tandem saddle--even for performance riders--than the Swift. And again, even for someone who loves the Swift on a single.

"Just wanted to get back to you on the B.17. Al I can say is WOW. I purchased mine in erly Oct. of last year. I started using it just four days before my first century (on a mountain bike). The riding gods say not to start using any new gear right before a big ride... this time they were wrong. I completed the 100 miles and much to my surprise...no pain. It was a great feeling. I never found myself having to stand on the bike just to releive numbness. Anyone who is looking to for the holy grail of saddle comfort might well find it in the Brooks B.17."

"Happy to report that the B.17 arrived pronto and I just took it out for an initial 25 miler. Feels as lovely as it looks right out of the box - nowhere as near as hardpan as I had anticipated. A whole set of little annoyances I've been fussing with recently in terms of positioning myself on the new cycle seem to hav suddenly vaporized, so the Brooks legacy appears to be working its magic."

"Please credit my visa for this return. I didn't like the seat."

"I have the B17 on my commuter road bike which I also ride on the weekends. My commute is 20 miles each way and I often ride 60 plus miles on weekends. My motivation for trying the B17 was I was tired of my groin going numb after 30 minutes in the saddle. I would often have to stop and walk around for a few minutes just to get some feeling back. Frustrating. I tried a few other saddles and adjusted them all sorts of ways. Nothing worked."
"Until now. I could tell immediately that the B17 was going to work out for me. It was a little harder than I expected, but also lighter. I expected a brick, but overall I think it added 1/2 a pound to my bike. I'll just east one less slice of pizza each week to make up for it! Within one ride and treating the saddle with the Proofide and the saddle fits like a dream. I still get a tinie bit of numbness after a few hours, but I just ride out of the saddle for 10-15 seconds and it goes away and I'm good for another few hours."
"This saddle has renewed my love of biking."

"The B-17 seems like a pretty good choice for me; it was a little smaller than I expected, which was nice-- I was worried actually that it was going to be too large, you may recall. I kinda wish from a style perspective that I'd gotten the upgraded one (dressed edges and the larger rivets might have looked cool), and/or in black matching my bike trim (though I think the tan actually will show what's happening to the leather a bit better) but this one is breaking in just beautifully and I have no complaints about the choice, really."

"ONLY PROBLEM: I spent a fair bit of time messing with the setup of the seat; it seems to work best in its extreme rear position; but, with a microadjust post, I can't get the nose of the seat down. In its extreme down position, it remains only barely horizontal. Is that by design? I find a raised saddle nose feels rather strange; so I had to slide the saddle forward slightly to at least get it to horizontal."

Jack Loganbill has made a product review page for the B.17.

"I ordered my saddle 6/13 and received the very slightly "used" saddle 6/15. I took the chance and installed in on my bike that evening for an 82 mile ride the next day known as Tour de Blast, a route that follows the Toutle River up to Mt. St. Helens volcano overlook. While not a perfect fit at first - it seemed just a bit wide - it was as comfortable after 60 miles as any of the other saddles I've tried. Rode it for a few club rides, a century the following weekend with the final 25 miles in the rain (should order some Proofide), more club rides, and then the 200 mile STP (Seattle to Portland) last Saturday. At more than 400 miles on the Brooks, I'm a convert. I doubt I'll ever consider another ultra-light Italian saddle no matter how cool they look. I've never been so comfortable on a bike saddle as I am on the Brooks. Long rides will continue to be challenging, but at least it won't be because of a sore butt. Ah, RAMROD, is just two weeks away."

"I've ridden the B-17 about 70 miles so far and it was comfortable from the start. I only expect it to improve with time."

For more comments click here. . .

Comments are excerpted from e-mail correspondence with customers and Brooks owners. I have tried to fairly represent the range of comments that we have received about these particular models and I have also tried to avoid taking comments out of context. Parenthetical italicized elements are editorial insertions. -Bill


John Henderson has set up this pretty Mercian for centuries and long distance riding. He chose a B.17 Champion Special saddle.	Ron Trostle is happy with the B.17 on his nice LeMond.

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