Brooks vs Berthoud - Which is Better?

Comparing the Brooks B-17 and Berthoud Aspin Open. How are they different? Which is better?

[GrahamBewley]

Definitely appreciate the biggest attempt to include disclaimers about subjectivity. Saddles are a tough one. Both are beautiful.

[chrislonsberry]

Good review. I started seriously riding when I was 24 years old. I’m almost 70 now. I’ve tried many saddles over the years but I always end up going back to the Brooks B17. If I could try this saddle for free I would do it but for now I’ll stick with what’s been tried and true through the years.

[WheelsonaBike]

Would love to hear your thoughts on, or the comparison of, the GB and the Selle Anatomica saddles.

[herethere]

One of the primary reasons I chose brooks is zero plastic. I wore out my B67 in distressed brown as the leather is quite soft compared to other brooks' leathers. I primarily ride my rigid BridgeClub on fairly rugged singletrack thanks to our wonderful army of NEMBA, and found the nose way too long on the B67 to float like a butterfly (human bodies make for superior suspension than mechanical complications assuming rational bike geometry).
So went with a Flyer S in fancy-edition black with copper when B67 replaced, and it is perfection for my humble butt (open-boxer at less than half msrp to boot). The springs allow sway of the sit-bones more than comfort from bumps, though they take the bite out of unexpected hits.  Many call the S the woman's, but my man-butt is plenty happy.
Snapped a rail clear in half over one of my favorite hits; an abrupt swale at the bottom of a gulley where momentum is very helpful going back up, yet you become airborne on a rocky corner (with trees) no matter how much you try to absorb the swale. Thrilling if you get it right but precarious otherwise!

Retailer gave a full refund to me via email/pics since they didn't want to deal with warranty stuff. Subsequently reached out to brooks who fixed my beloved saddle for free, even upgrading the nose adjustment to their latest 4mm allen-wrench adjustable nose bolt.
Wonder how Berthoud does in the customer-service realm or the environmental realm (recycled/recyclable plastic bits?). Also wonder how either company does in the humane/non-chemical leather department.

[TheRickurb]

"Taint bridge" This is why I subscribe

[AdventuringBike]

I have a Brooks Imperial (b-17 cutout) on all 4 of my bikes and LOVE it. I also tried the Selle Anatomica but had problems with bending rails that are crazy long and the leather starts to flair out between the legs causing some rubbing and bruising. I was not aware that Berthoud had an open version of their saddle available so I might have to give it a go.

I would love to see a comparison between all three of these saddles.

[dale]

My (closed) Aspin took on a distinct butt shape after just one 50mi ride! Not at all what I was expecting based on many reviews. My (open) B17 took about 200mi to start to see any signs of sit bones, and it is still quite stiff. It now lives mounted on my upright bike, and I have no complaints. The leather used on my Aspin began to show signs of "personality" almost right away. Berthoud's "manifesto for natural leather" states that each leather is different and beautifully imperfect. They say that they love the marks, folds and scars that testify to the life of the animal, and I love it too! Also, their "cork" leather treatment is a thing of beauty.

[s.richards]

Just been for my first ride on the Aspin. Only a short spin. but it was sheer bliss, straight from the box. I am a short woman, riding a Brompton with M bars about 2-3 inches higher than the saddle. Although the Aspin feels like solid wood to the touch, there is some give in it once seated. No problem at all with the hard nose, unlike the women's shorter Brooks. With the added cushioning effect of the Brompton firm suspension block it was like riding a Cadillac. I was very torn between ordering the Aspin or the wider Aubisque because of my riding position which corresponds to the no4 "fitness" illustration, somewhere around 60 degrees. With all the other plastic saddles I have tried, I could "feel" my sit bones after even a short ride - not painful, just aware they existed, and problems with the female bits on longer rides. During and after today's ride without padding, I forgot I even have sit bones or other parts. Really glad I went with the narrower saddle. Now happily looking forward to long rides and Brompton touring at very relaxed party pace. Not saying everyone can afford to splash out, but most people spend more money on cafe coffee or beer in a few weeks than the cost of a Berthoud saddle. Comfort on the bike is worth a small sacrifice in my view. We all choose our own priorities.

[victorsabioni]

12:39 hahah
I was very curious about Berthoud saddles. You did an amazing job here. Thanks!

[brit]

I bought a Berthoud after extensive research between them and Brooks. Russ is right, the Berthoud is spendy, but I like that you can replace parts, as needed. I've never ridden on a leather saddle until my Berthoud and I was surprised how comfortable it was. The first ride was a surprise at the stiffness, but it gets better with every ride. I have it on my Tumbleweed Prospector and I feel that it works really well with the bikes geometry.

[IncogNito-gguh]

I had an Atala bike decades ago. It had a hard molded leather seat. After a few rides it became the most comfortable seat I've ever sat on.

[adhunt]

I have a Brooks Flyer that’s like riding on angels’ wings. I love it. But I’ve also had like 3 to 5 other Brooks that were poor quality. I took the risk on a Berthoud and it’s amazing. Soooo comfortable and handsome. I swear by them now

[hughtuck]

Great review - really useful! Thanks :-) I whimped out when I had to choose - I have both ! A Berthoud on my commute and a B17 on my tourer. Regards, from Bristol, England

[stephenringlee]

We have a small collection of Brooks B17s and love them for around town or shorter, faster rides. Never tried Berthoud or their clones like VeloOrange. For our ultralong (600km+) tandem tours, we've moved to Selle Anatomicas. These are very comfortable on long rides over mixed terrain like cobblestones and bricks. If you pay attention to the front bolt tension (this can loosen over time) and don't let them sag, they provide great support. The cutouts solved my numbness problem instantly. We've read about broken rails but ours, over six years of touring, have never failed. Nonetheless, as Russ notes, each bum is different and one person's ideal saddle is another's instrument of torture. It helps to try before you buy if you can.

[shawnwakeman]

Thank you so much for your hard work and sore butt. You really covered all the questions that I have and have equipped me to make a informed decision. Thanks so much.

[curtbrown]

Still rocking on a B17. Butt now I'm tempted to date others. Thanks Russ for a great comparison! Be swell.

[WALDO]

If possible the next saddle update would be awesome if you did Rivet and Selle Anatomica.

[s.richards]

Interesting timing. My closed brown Berthoud Aspin arrived in the post this morning. Not ridden yet, but felt promising when I sat on it briefly during installation. Despite being female, I found the shorter ladies version of a Brooks to be absolute torture. I have tried several saddles, both leather and plastic, and suffered on all of them. I spent some of the money I have saved over the past pandemic year by not going to various events or on holiday on what I hope will be "the one". I found a very good deal with a discount so it was not a lot more expensive than a Brooks B17 special men's version, the other option I was considering. If it doesn't work out, I will sell it on Ebay, just like its predecessors. That's the advantage of buying quality - resale value is always good.

I have to say the Aspin is a thing of beauty, with that wonderful "new leather" smell. If it rides as well as it looks, I am in for many happy miles. I did a lot of research before splashing out and most reviews I have read agree with your opinion, Russ, that it is a very comfortable saddle for most people. I just hope I am one of them.

[chickensmack]

B-17 Imperial (with the cut-out) might change your mind about the comfort of the Brooks. Keep up the good work. Great stuff, Russ.

[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 (always the standard black with steel rivets) 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.