User submitted reviews
Review by Scott D.
I researched 5 different saddles, from $100 to over $400 dollars. After reading reviews and taking into account that Brooks has been making saddles for over 150 years I decided to go with the C17. I am quite happy with it. I highly recommend considering a saddle from Brooks before you make your decision. Happy riding!
Review by Mike Bingham
I�m using this saddle in my gravel bike. I have more than 300 miles on it so far. I am not having a problems with sit bone soreness post ride. It�s a great saddle for me.
Review by Anonymous
I have two bikes and three Carved C17 seats: one is for our of town bike rentals, like my XC100 pedals. Don't leave home without them. US stores (I know about) only have this black model in stock. I ordered from Brooks U.K. to get an Octane and a Brown version. Good luck.
Review by Art in CO
I have two C17s for my fat bikes, and two C15s for my gravel bikes. I have found them to be very comfortable in those applications. They are far more flexible than their leather counterparts, and they are weather proof. They also have cut outs, so maybe a little less pressure in sensitive areas. My journey to the C17 has taken my through a number of different saddles, many far more expensive, but none as comfortable for me as the C17 and C15. Not light, by any means, but I value comfort over saving a few grams any day.
Review by OregonCoastBiker
all great, i use this with dropper posts on mtb and gravel bikes, i actually own two of these
Review by Art in CO
I bought this to replace a B17 on my fat bike. I have been trying out cutaway saddles after my doctor suggested that bicycling with regular saddles might be having some negative health consequences. Roughly the same shape as a B17, it is much more flexible, and therefore more comfortable over uneven terrain. It is waterproof as well so no Proofide needed. Not light by any means, but I am not concerned with the weight. I also think the price is reasonable. It is certainly worth considering.
Review by Anonymous
I bought this saddle to replace a lighter, thinner Italian saddle which was beautiful cosmetically, but was doing me no favors to my nether regions. This saddle weighs nearly 1 lb about 6 ounces heavier than my old saddle, heavy for a road bike, but I am ok giving up a few ounces for more comfort. The first few rides were rough. I got very sore and was uncomfortable. However, after a few rides to allow my gluteus maximus to get used to it, the seat does get very comfortable. My suggestion is if you buy and it is not comfortable right away, give it a chance and be patient. It is worth it.
Review by Anonymous
Own both the C19 (carved) and C17 (carved) and enjoy them both equally. No break-in required, saddle holds its shape for years. Yes, saddle is "heavier" (air quotes) than many, but its the comfort that keeps me in the saddle for miles and miles. I'm a 200 lbs., 6', 68 year old rider that rides 140 miles/week.
No need to worry about the saddle when caught in inclement weather. BTD's prices are very fair and shipment is quick. Don't hesitate on purchasing.
Review by Will Murphy
I am an adventure racer so I sometimes do long rides, including on rough gravel. A comfortable saddle is key. Brooks has a great reputation and this saddle was offered at a very good price. So far I have not found it to be the perfect fit for me. That said, I have had some medical issues that kept me from riding for a while. I will see if my butt and this saddle can learn to live in harmony now that I am riding more. The surface is very grippy which takes a little getting used to. If you want to shift your position you need to lift, you can't just slight with your weight on the saddle. On the plus side the saddle is zero maintenance. Waterproof and durable.
Review by BikingBill
The nose rail on my beloved leather Brooks B17 broke which I took to be a positive omen to try the (relatively) new C17 that I'd been considering anyway. On my first ride I paid attention to the saddle and how it felt. But...after a short while I realized I wasn't paying attention,everything was just fine for me right out of the box. Saddles are very personal, it might be different for you. I like not having to carry a rain cover and I like the look of the saddle on my bike.
Review by Anonymous
saddle. I have been searching for a new saddle for years. My current saddle is a Terry Ti Race saddle that is over 15 years old' I bought two and they are now both quite worn.
My sit bones measure 127mm and I purchased a few saddles with those dimensions in mind but none have been comfortable. Besides seated comfort I also wanted a saddle to provided support when sliding back to climb. My Terry Ti Race has a slight ramp at the back that seemed keep me from sliding too far back when climbing.
The Brooks C17 Cambium Carved is absolutely a big surprise comfort wise, and the a bonus of the Cambium surface is that I do not slide off the saddle when I slide back to climb even though the saddle is flat. I honestly believe my multi-year search for the perfect saddle ends with the Brooks C17 Cambium Carved. I plan to buy another one to ensure I am set for years into the future.
Review by Tim B
A saddle is a personal choice so take what I say with a grain of salt. I wanted to like this saddle but I just could not make it work for me. I tried the regular C-17 as well as the carved. I found the carved version to be only slightly better. As much as I wanted it to be true these are not the same as a Brooks B-17. The difference is the shape. A well broken in B-17 develops more of a scoop shape (thing equestrian saddle) over time. The shape, in my opinion is what makes these saddle so comfortable. The C-17 is not that. The shape is more round. They try to replicate the scoop with the hammock effect of the rubber but unfortunately it falls short. I finally gave up on these after trying a C-17, 15, and 19 all in the carved version.
Review by Anonymous
I needed a new saddle for my bike as my old one was worn out. I had always read reviews on brooks saddles and saw they made a vegan friendly one.
I gave it a go and liked how it feels when dialed in.
Review by Ed
Amazing saddle for all day comfort. Unlike other brooks saddles the C17 Cambium has no break-In
Period and won't get ruined in the rain.
It is not the lightest saddle in the world but not everyone is that concerned about weight.
Bonus points for being really nice looking.
Review by Anonymous
When I took it out of the box and felt how stiff it was I thought I was going to send it back, but I tried it out and it felt great, I'm happy with the size being wider. It's a little heaver than my last saddle , but the butt likes it.
Review by Bikegirl
This saddle is comfortable for long rides. I have two, one on a road bike and one on a gravel bike. I was having problems with saddle sores and switched to the Brooks saddle. I have had no problems with discomfort since. I love that it is rubber. I ride everyday rain or shine.
Review by j p
I use this saddle on my road bike. I like it so much I put one on my gravel bike. I ride anywhere from thirty to a hundred miles.it would be nice if the openings on the rear of saddle were a bit larger so I could have more options on what I mount on my saddle.my gravel rides are pretty constantly rough and I have no issues at all with my sit bones. very comfortable after four or five hours on either bike.
Review by markpea
Back in the day I had a Brooks saddle which I brought with me to the States attached to my Raleigh Record Ace. But after years of neglect I had to replace it. Now, many moons and many different saddles later, I've found the ultimate replacement - another Brooks. I agonised between the C15 & C17 eventually plumping for the latter as having more 'tail room' and indeed it provides the support my bony buttocks need. For me it required no running-in, so to speak, but it does seem to get more comfortable on every ride. Absolutely brilliant & well worth purchase price.
Review by Anonymous
Excellent quality and durability. Comfortable, cycling shorts become optional. Not for super light racing bikes, too heavy.
Review by frosty
Put this saddle on my daily commuter and already enjoying the difference. Although it is a hard saddle, the fit is excellent and the groovechannel makes it very comfortable. It flexes nicely and, although much stiffer in the cold, winter temperatures, it is still comfortable. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather to see how it feels when it has even more flexibility. As an added bonus, it looks absolutely fantastic.