Brooks B17 Saddle Review! (ONE FULL YEAR RIDING brooks saddle)

I purchased the Brooks B17 saddle on amazon a year ago and have riding over 1000 miles on it since buying it. In my brooks b17 saddle review you'll learn that this brooks saddle is my favorite bike seat i've ever owned. I have tried handfuls of bike seats over the years and even though this one weighs a bit more than most, and it's susceptible to water damaging it, this bike seat is more beautiful and more comfortable than any other saddles i've tried. If you are considering buying a brooks saddle, the b17 is a good choice. There are other variations of this brooks saddle available on amazon, some that are more narrow, and some with springs, and some that are not even a leather bike saddle at all. The standard width brooks b17 saddle is the traditional way to go, and this bike seat has been selling for over 100 years. There must be a good reason why so many people give this brooks saddle such a good review, and why they have been making it and selling it for so long.

[TailHappyTV]

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[kenlowey]

i've had a b17 for at leased 20 years, it go's from bike to bike, it's now on my motus grand tour e-bike, and yes it bought a cover as it rains a lot in England

[MeneerHerculePoirot]

For rain prevention I use a helmet cover w/3 coats of a white spirits/clear caulk solution mixed 50/50. 2" China bristle brush. I coat the inside and outside paying particulat attention to any seams. It's a 3 day process. You gotta let it dry completely between each coat. Works a treat, too. 3 of our bikes have Brooks saddles. Black, honey and brown. They all have the spirit/clear caulk bike helmet covers. It rains alot in Wellington, NZ, so these covers are utilized quite often. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Cheers, mates from New Zealand! 🇳🇿

[simongee]

I bought a B.17 a few years ago as an investment. Best money spent - ! Once it's broken in, amazingly comfortable and no padded shorts required - !

[jerryhorn]

I am 67 Years old and buying my first B-17 saddle, mainly because I had to give away my B-72 saddle that I have had since I was 17. Yes that's correct FOR 50 YEARS! And it was on alike newTrek560( bought 1983) They are BULLET PROOF, as you can see durable. But after 50 years it does not fit the new style seat post. And a new post in carbon is more than the seat. so the seat-and bike- went to a new home. And I will have to break in a new seat. I just do not know if the 17 can replace the 72. But with patience nothing is better than Brooks. PERIOD

[sonicstep]

I like how you've matched your handle-bar tape to the sadle's colour.

[johnwelch]

I've ridden Brooks for 56 years. I still have one from 1964 and another, 1968. My latest is from 2008. I still average over 10, 000 miles per year. I'm actually faster over an entire ride because I'm not thinking about my butt. I've experimented at times throughout the years with other saddles. Some are ok for a short time, but always wish I was riding the Brooks before the day is over. I proofide the thing top and bottom every six months. Takes about 10 minutes. It's been soaked during touring for an entire day and never degenerates. Proofide helps seal. The English cowhide that Brooks selects is the reason no one else has been as successful. I'm not a prissy guy, so looks would not matter. No poser! Just no need to waste money on anything else. Weight? BS. Get one.

[nickschoenbaechler]

drinking game: everytime he says „brooks saddle“ :)))) cheers

[at-gete]

Ive had mine for years. Commuting and weekend rides in the Pacific Northwest. Its seen a lot of rain and still looks great. That being said, i do put a waterproof cover on it when i have to leave it parked in the rain for a few minutes. But it still takes a beating in the rain and looks/feels better by the mile.

[brokenspine]

I bought my first B17 in the late '80s but unfortunately I killed it too soon because of non/bad/wrong care, I was young didn't know what I was doing. I tried many seats over the decades but the B17 is for my lower end the best even out of the box. I use B17's on several bikes for years on a Single Speed Commuter on a Touring Bike and a Surly Pugsley the only seat that doesn't give me grief and I still love the classic look + style but I learned from the mistakes of my youth and they are perfect for a long time.

[SabrinaCWB]

I bought mine used (but excellent condition) about 6-7 years ago after hating a Selle Royal. One of the things I love about my b17s is that it has a natural amount of spring in it which makes going over rough roads a bit bouncier. :)

[KarlDelphi]

Thanks for the video! I'm at the 30 hour mark of saddle time on my B17 which I got in July and it's gone from feeling like rock hard plastic to feeling like real leather. It should be the last saddle I'll ever need. Very comfortable now, unlike at the beginning.

[davidoof]

People tend to go for the B17 as it’s the quintessential Brooks BUT it’s really only good for bikes where the bars are higher, level, or only very slightly lower. If you ride with any drop look at the Swallows or Swifts as those are more the ‘racing saddle’ equivalents.

[quarryfield]

Great review, I love the comment about stopping off at the pub for a pint (especially on an English saddle) :-)
Ps I've ridden my B17 soaked a few times in the rain, mainly from spray underneath and its fine, just needed tensioning a bit when dry.

[malcolmtaylor]

My Brooks Flyer, pre-aged with the springs and leather thongs on the side, has taken some 7 to 800 miles to mould to my sit bones. Never use padded shorts. You have to persist with a Brooks if you want the best from it.

[nyqon]

Im a completely new cyclist (bought the 2020 Marin Nicasio, properly fitted). I rode the stock seat once with padded shorts and my rear had shooting pain. Installed brand new B17 on my second ride, no padded shorts, and the pain was 90% gone. Hope this helps

[vakantieman]

The addle won’t be ruined if it’s wet. I’ve my das used his for 20 years. It may get some discoloration but it will be fine. Off course it’s leather so oil it but still. These saddles are durable af.

[Shaugh]

I bought a B17 just because I could long before I saw this video. I found it amazingly comfortable after a week or so. I got the Brooks rain cover off ebay but I notice your amazon link shows the cover down with the frequently bought together. Maybe I bought it for the panache or maybe not... but it certainly has earned my thumbs-up.

[VideoNOLA]

I'm a heavy rider looking to break my "overstuffed padded Selle Royal spring-loaded saddle" habit. I'm constantly moving forward and backward trying to reduce the "bum burn" every tenth of a mile. I get the feeling this one's worth trying long term. My only worry is that I will break the rails due to metal fatigue (ask me how I know this can be a problem, lol)!

[BradinManheim]

I have had four Brooks saddles over 20 years. I have had a love/hate relationship with them. They have the correct shape and width for my large American butt. However, they are hard as a rock when new. I have tried everything to make them rideable. I have done the proofide only, various oils and greases, used a hairdryer, I tried about everything I read that other people have tried. The Brooks feel great the first five miles and then it turns to pain. They gave me long lasting bruises. On the first three I owned I rode them between 1000 to 2000 miles, but they never became comfortable. You might ask why I would stay with the Brooks. When I ride other saddles they never feel right. Too narrow, wrong shape, etc. I kept coming back to Brooks. With my fourth B17 I was trying just Proofide with the usual painful results. I decided to try a new method. I coated the saddle with neatsfoot oil and baked it in the oven. Twice. I know people say some of these methods will make the leather too soft and ruin it, but after torturing four Brooks saddles that has not been my experience. All remained fairly hard and they have not stretched. After baking my Brooks is now comfortable. And it fits! Finally a good Brooks experience.