BrooksB17 Standard Saddle(Return to Product Page)

Been riding Brooks saddles for years. Very comfortable once broken in after a few hundred miles of riding. Remember to tension the saddle when it begins to sag by tightening the bolt at the front of the saddle. Use Proofide to condition the saddle and aid in softening it more quickly.

Scored this saddle at a discounted price here on BTD (thank you) and am very pleased with it. We've all probably read about the break in period and the discomfort associated with it, but honestly, I don't find that the Brooks B17 is all that uncomfortable straight out of the box. I set it up using a level so that the profile is absolutely horizontal. The packaging included a little pouch of Brooks Proofide (about enough for the first application), but I would recommend purchasing a vial of the stuff so that you have it on hand when the 3-4 months mark rolls around. This saddle looks really sharp on my Charge Plug 3 which has a utilitarian flat khaki finish. I complemented the brown saddle with new brown Salsa bar tape and I have to say it looks pretty sweet.

Two summers ago, I spent a lot of time and energy and money on finding the 'right' saddle for my road bike. This summer, I bought a flat-bar urban style bike used, it came with a well-used Brooks B17 that was in need of some TLC. I found I liked this old saddle, and decided to try a new version that would break in to my anatomy instead of someone else's.

I'm amazed at how comfortable this leather saddle is right from the start and reportedly, the comfort will only get better as I break it in. I'll keep the fancy (and hard) Selle I bought two summers ago for awhile, just in case, but it might be showing up on Craigslist next season!

I bought this Brooks B 17 saddle for my newest bike. I already have B17s on my Cannondale Synapse, and on my Raleigh touring bike. The Brooks on my touring bike has more than 14,000 miles on it. I've ridden it in all weather, all day on multiple day tours.

In my experience, the break-in period is 500 -700 miles. Treat the saddle as Brooks recommends, and you will be rewarded with long-lasting comfort.

Extremely comfortable, just like your favorite pair of leather shoes. And, for me, comfortable right out of the box as well. You can't go wrong with Brooks.

Had a Brooks saddle when I was young and I remember thinking that this seat feels good . As a fifteen year old kid, I road this saddle and it was comfortable. Fast forward forty years to now. It feels good still. Short break in and I love the way it rides the road. The other synthetic padded saddles....they leave me constantly adjusting my position. There is something about a quality Brooks leather saddle ,-)

so comfortable--switched out an older generic seat for this one and i can finally enjoy biking without the constant reminder of an uncomfortable seat -- so far so good!

Wow did this take time to get use to. Finally after a few hundred miles I can feel the saddle giving a little and maybe my sit bones are adjusting. I see the saddle being a great choice with time.

Started off thinking I made the wrong decision. But, after the seat broke in, it is extremely comfortable. Will continue to use this seat for my future bikes

Debated a long time for spending that amount of money for a saddle. Finally decided to go for it. Took about 200 miles to get used to it, and properly adjusted. Love it now.

This saddle is the most comfortable saddle I have ever ridden. The break-in period is a little rough, but once you are past that it becomes the most comfortable saddle you can buy. I use it daily on my 8 mile commute and it only gets better the more you ride it. Just make sure to keep up with the maintenance and put some Proofide on, especially at the beginning.

You really appreciate the B17 when you ride another bike with a plastic saddle.

I once upon a time worked in bike shops on and off for years. My younger days. Always considered a Brooks from time to time, but my sit bones were just too young to demand it. The saddle on my fixed gear was becoming painful and tiring then I came across this little gem. Like I said, I always wanted one but it was the color that eventually sold me. Long story short, Snow Seal the bottom once hit the top with Lexol and Proofide it from time to time if you got it. A couple hundred miles later and you'll find yourself in a whole other world. Great job Brooks and thank you Biketiresdirect for the excellent prices and service.

After having suffering from numerous saddle sores on my new Pelizzoli road bike I decided that an old world saddle should be the way to go. On the very first ride it felt like I was riding on butter. It had been many, many years since my last Brooks so I had forgotten just how easy it was to move around on the saddle itself. I think some of the newer ones actually try to hold you on the saddle where as the Brooks allows you to float over the saddle thus helping you maintain the most comfortable position. I think that might have been the reason for my saddle sores but hopefully no more.

I'm a cycling enthusiast who rides my late 80's Miyata LT1000 about 1,200 to 1,400 miles per season, depending on the weather. After quite some time of trying to decide if I wanted a leather saddle, after reading many positive reviews about the benefits of a leather saddle, I decided to get a Brooks B17 saddle. I'm 5'11 and weigh about 195 to 200 pounds. I read that breaking a leather saddle in was very important, so I preped the B17 with Brooks proofide as instructed by Brooks. I read in some reviews that it would take about 100 miles of riding to break in a new saddle, and in other reviews, it was suggested that breaking in a new Brooks leather saddle would take 200 to 300 miles. After about 6 shorter trips of 20 to 30 miles, I started some longer rides of 40 miles or slightly more. The Brooks saddle feels good, but I believe another hundred miles or so is what it will take to break in this saddle. It's comfortable right now, but I'm sure will progressively get better. I wear my padded baggy shorts when riding, but feel the need to get some better padding during the off season. No problem with any saddle sores, just some discomfort when the miles exceed 30. I'm sure some better quality padded cycling shorts or padded underwear will take care of that problem. If you do decide to purchase a Brooks leather saddle from Bike Tires Direct.com, I'd suggest ordering a large tin of the Brooks Proofide along with the saddle. The small tin of Proofide included with the saddle is enough to coat the underside of the saddle for protection from water spray from the rear tire, and only about enough left for 2 complete coatings of the saddle for the break in period. I like this Brooks saddle, I just wish I had purchased one much sooner!

I was in need of a new saddle. My Avocet gel saddle on my Myata LT1000 had finally become uncomfortable. I looked at many saddles and read the great reviews on Brooks saddles. I really didn't see how something without gel padding could be comfortable. I decided I would give a brooks saddle a try. I figured I may have to shelve it if it didn't work out. I ordered the B17 standard saddle in the Honey color. The workmanship is impressive, but the comfort was my main concern. I mounted the saddle after treating it with Brooks Proofide and proceeded to break it in as suggested by reviewers, by doing some 10, 20, and 25 mile rides over a 10 day period. I can honestly say that this saddle, even though the only padding is from my behind, is very comfortable! No hot spots or sore area developed after a 40 mile ride today! I'm 5' 11 and 200 pounds, so I do give the saddle a workout! I believe that I will be buying a second Brooks B17 for my other bike. I wish now that I hadn't waited so long to try a Brooks saddle!

Used for transportation around town. Very comfortable in that it doesn't stick to clothing. Old world craftsmanship and quality.. Very cool.

Great comfort from day one. Even before the first treatment!

Was going to get a narrow, but glad I didn't.

Fits me perfect - 6ft 4 in. 220lbs. - and looks great on my late 60's Raleigh grand prix!

Considering buy another for my other bike.

I ride a hybrid bicycle 400 miles per month on city streets and bicycle trails. The Brooks B17 provides an excellent balance of comfort, weight and rigidity for my style of riding, and requires - in my case - no break-in period. I enthusiastically recommend the Brooks B17 saddle to other riders.

I ordered the honey color, which in the photograph looks a little orange, so I'm happy to announce that it is a beautiful medium brown that matches the Brooks handle bar tape very well. It's winter so I can't speak to it's much comfort because its been to cold to get out too often. But I'm confident that it will be perfect come biking season!

Haven't had a long break in period yet. Looking forward to many years of riding.