View Full Version : which brooks saddle?
blantonator
10-05-2011, 09:39 AM
With so many to choose from, I was hoping the forum could give me some suggestions. I'm looking for a saddle for my commute bike(cross check) with flat bars and 1.5"-2" of bar drop. I'd like to be able to ride it for at least 10 miles without bike shorts. I have a fairly narrow sit bone and am running a wtb silverado on most my bikes as well
Thanks,
fourflys
10-05-2011, 09:53 AM
I would say go with the Swift....
christian
10-05-2011, 10:00 AM
B17N for me in that situation.
Agree with the Swift, I just go one on really like it. If you want to go a less expensive route then try the B-17N.
AngryScientist
10-05-2011, 10:24 AM
if you like the "racier" brooks, but arent ready to plunk down the $$ because you're unsure of the shape, Velo Orange makes nice, more affordable alternatives you might consider. just a thought.
http://store.velo-orange.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/530x530/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/v/o/vo_saddle_model_6-2_1.jpg
I would say B-17 N.
And I would buy it at http://www.wallbike.com/
Just for their return policy! If you are not sure it's the best thing going!
nighthawk
10-05-2011, 10:30 AM
Besides what's already been said (B17-narrow, and the swift).. I would also suggest looking at the Brooks Professional. I've had good experiences with all three.
Stan Lee
10-05-2011, 10:30 AM
Depends on the bike and rider- I would say team pro or swift but I have a B-17 that I've had for 15 years and it works perfect on my commuter.
DRZRM
10-05-2011, 10:31 AM
Yup, for commuting without cycle shorts, B-17 is my favorite, sounds like the narrow would work well for you. And +1 for buying from wallbikes (didn't even know they were still around) so you can swap it out if it does not work.
blantonator
10-05-2011, 10:39 AM
whats the difference between the swift and b17n other than aesthetics? Why is the swift 50% more?
christian
10-05-2011, 10:42 AM
The B.17N is more flat laterally. That is the key for me.
fourflys
10-05-2011, 10:56 AM
The B.17N is more flat laterally. That is the key for me.
I always thought the B17 was for a more level bar/saddle combo... but I have no experience with the narrow version... I might have to give that a look as well for my Salsa Casseroll... ;)
The leather on the Swift is a little thicker than the B-17N. My B-17N broke in very nicely after a couple thousand miles. The Swift I think will take quite a bit longer to break in, though that is not a bad thing because it is still very comfortable out of the box.
Stan Lee
10-05-2011, 11:18 AM
The leather on the Swift is a little thicker than the B-17N. My B-17N broke in very nicely after a couple thousand miles. The Swift I think will take quite a bit longer to break in, though that is not a bad thing because it is still very comfortable out of the box.
Leather is thicker and the swift has chamfered edges which really do make a difference if you spend a lot of time in the saddle. The B-17 will break in quicker because of the leather but the swift should last longer.
5 years on my Swift and love it. Comfy out of the box once I got the tilt correct.
jaykosta
10-05-2011, 12:32 PM
For a comfortable saddle consider the B-72. It's wide enough to actually 'sit on' it, and not just 'perch upon' it. I've done back-to-back 100 miles on mine, so it's not just for short distances. On my 30+ mile 'exercise ride' it also works fine.
Downside is that it looks old fashioned and doofy - but that's the view for the people behind me....
Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA
pavel
10-05-2011, 02:04 PM
I do not understand people recommending the b17n. I've had one since last november and it has still not broken in. It is the hardest leather I've ever been exposed to.
My B-17N has broken in quite nicely for me, to the point where I have to tie the skirts to prevent it from saging to much.
christian
10-05-2011, 02:23 PM
I think you are confused as to what is supposed to happen. All that happens is that you get some small, slightly wrinkly, indents at your sit bones. It takes all of 15 miles on most B17 saddles. They're not supposed to become soft or cushy.
Nelson99
10-05-2011, 02:36 PM
If it was my first Brooks and I was putting it on a commuter, I would strongly consider a B17. The B17N might be good if you are really narrow, but the B17 could be just as comfortable. I think that for most people the first time they try a B17 it is a revelation...
I find the Swift and especially the Team Pro less comfortable right out of the box, but they have other advantages. The Swift is lighter with a smaller profile and the Team Pro uses much thicker leather for longer life, but a longer break in period.
Finally, I would suggest not buying an old Brooks unless you are sure it has been properly cared for. Some folks don't take care of the leather properly and if you are riding in street clothes, the surface of the leather will be very important for your comfort. ;)
fourflys
10-05-2011, 03:08 PM
If it was my first Brooks and I was putting it on a commuter, I would strongly consider a B17. The B17N might be good if you are really narrow, but the B17 could be just as comfortable. I think that for most people the first time they try a B17 it is a revelation...
the only reservation I would have suggesting that is the 1.5 to 2" saddle to bar drop the OP mentioned... my B17's seemed to be a bit less comfy when I tried to put them on something like that... I always felt the B17 felt best with a little nose up, which IMHO contradicts that saddle to bar drop... BUT, every butt is different...
buldogge
10-05-2011, 03:22 PM
Pro model sounds right up your Alley...Ti rails are nice if you want to spend the extra dosh. I like Swift even better...but I think the Pro with flat bars would work well...
-Mark in St. Louis
beeatnik
10-05-2011, 03:28 PM
For a commuter definitely go with the B17 over the B17N. I had my sit bones measured and they were 125-130mm apart, normal to narrow. Based on that I went with a B17N (also preferred the aesthetics) but even after 6 months and countless adjustments at an authorized dealer, it was never comfortable without shorts or bibs. Tried a friend's new B17 recently and it felt great from the start.
For reference, I race and do centuries on an Arione.
Ken Robb
10-05-2011, 05:44 PM
If your B-17 seems a little too wide from the middle forward you can drill a few holes and tie the two sides together to narrow the saddle. I use zip ties but shoelaces are popular with some riders.
charliedid
10-05-2011, 05:56 PM
the only reservation I would have suggesting that is the 1.5 to 2" saddle to bar drop the OP mentioned... my B17's seemed to be a bit less comfy when I tried to put them on something like that... I always felt the B17 felt best with a little nose up, which IMHO contradicts that saddle to bar drop... BUT, every butt is different...
I have had the same experience
slowpoke
10-05-2011, 05:57 PM
Also, keep in mind that Brooks rails are pretty short, so if you like setback, you might have to look elsewhere. The Swallow has the longest rails, but it still couldn't match the comfort of my Arione.
blantonator
10-05-2011, 07:36 PM
the only reservation I would have suggesting that is the 1.5 to 2" saddle to bar drop the OP mentioned... my B17's seemed to be a bit less comfy when I tried to put them on something like that... I always felt the B17 felt best with a little nose up, which IMHO contradicts that saddle to bar drop... BUT, every butt is different...
I'm still working on the fit, bars may end up only an inch lower. I'm leaning towards the B17n or possibly just the b17.
Fixed
10-05-2011, 07:42 PM
if you like the "racier" brooks, but arent ready to plunk down the $$ because you're unsure of the shape, Velo Orange makes nice, more affordable alternatives you might consider. just a thought.
http://store.velo-orange.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/530x530/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/v/o/vo_saddle_model_6-2_1.jpg
good choice
http://forums.thepaceline.net/showpost.php?p=888525&postcount=15
i have the b17
i ride with cargo shorts most of the time ..
cheers
christian
10-05-2011, 08:31 PM
If it's flat bars 1" below saddle, I'd go regular B.17. I've got both a B.17 and a B.17N if you want to borrow for a few weeks. You pay shipping both ways unless you're a local.
Stan Lee
10-06-2011, 01:38 AM
Also, keep in mind that Brooks rails are pretty short, so if you like setback, you might have to look elsewhere. The Swallow has the longest rails, but it still couldn't match the comfort of my Arione.
Good point- I run all of mine with a setback post for this reason.
bambam
10-06-2011, 01:48 PM
I suggest going out to Harris cyclerys website. I believe they have the saddle measurement on there site. You could compare your current saddle measurements.
I have b5n's, b17N, team pros and a swift. From memory Team pros and swifts were longer than the 5 and 17. The 5 and 17 have the same dimensions. I think the swift was 5 mm narrower than the pro and swift/5/17 had close to the same width.
Brooks website may be able to help as well. I recall them mentioning b17 for even saddle/bar height.
With all that check out dimensions and the brooks website. But it sounds like b17N would be the way to go with the saddle/bar height differential and price differentiloa between swift and b17n.
Also keep in mind the leather dye may satin your cloth so you may want to keep it dcovered.
Good Luck,
BamBam
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