I've been cycling for well over fifty years now, almost all of it on road racing frames (with Brooks B17 saddles for the past 10 years). But I have an older Cannondale touring bike that I use for local gravel and dirt trails, shopping trips, bad weather, etc. I finally put a Brooks Flyer with springs on it about five years ago and could not be more pleased with the comfort and durability, despite the small bit of extra weight. I just wish I had had the Flyer 20 years ago when I was living in Europe and riding (for fun, not racing) on the famed cobblestone roads of the Classics.
Go, Brooks!!
I'm a long time fan of Brooks saddles, having a vintage B72, B66, and Imperial on other bikes. I recently purchased a VanMoof S3 eBike and the factory saddle felt like it was made of concrete. The Brooks Flyer was the perfect upgrade. After about five rides the saddle is broken in and my @ss will outlast the bike battery. : )
I purchased this Saddle from Bike Tires Direct a couple of weeks ago. So far, I have about 65 miles into it. At first I thought I might have made a mistake, as many have said before, because it was very hard and with the cycling shorts it was so slick I thought I was ice skating with my butt. Most of my miles have been indoors, due to weather mostly. Today, I was able to take a short ride and found the saddle to be amazing. I could feel that I hit bumps, but not ill effect. Suddenly, I noticed that my sit bones weren't hurting. I must be breaking it in. I should have purchased one of these decades ago. (One slightly embarrassing note no numb dinky, which is amazing in and of itself. I have tried a variety of saddles and always had a bit of numbness). I expect that I shall find, as others before me, that my saddle is no longer the BIG issue when riding. I can't say enough good things. I have no cons to report.
Have three B17s, on a Kona Touring, Lynsky Gravel bike at a Fat bike. This saddle is the best on long rides, 50 miles plus. First, its long saddle with 2 or 3 places to perch depending on whether you're on hoods, drops, areos, etc. Second the stiffness is adjustable, this means a little tinkering as the saddle ages and stretches, but also a little adjustment during a long day. Finally the springs, a source of endless deresion from the spandex crowd, they really absorb aging concrete seams and other jolts. Best seat ever.
I could never afford a Brooks saddle until now. I value it so much that I have it secured it with a lock and cable. I can't believe that I lived without it. I'm saying goodbye to those other bike seats, forever. Thanks a bunch.
After years of readinghearing other people praise their Brooks saddles, I finally got enough ahead to buy my own. Cannot describe how this has changed my cycling. After nearly 500 miles indooroutdoor riding the seat has molded to me. I no longer even think about the saddle I am sitting on. It allows all the control without any of the issues the previous saddles created. The springs on this saddle are perfect. Somehow the engineers were able to create it in such a fashion that it soaks up all but the worst bumps, and yet still lets you know I hit something without the associated pain. Because of my Brooks saddle my bicycle has become my go-to exercise platform.
been breaking it in slowly and i won't call you shirley....i'm planning on a 6600 mile tour to celebrate the 30 years i've been bike touring, and finally stepped up to the best rated saddle in the world. first day of breakin period i felt that this is an awesome saddle. so when i start my longest tour in middle of may, it should be broken in and by the end of 6600 miles, it should part of my anatomy.... i'm riding from virginia to oregon, down the west coast to san francisco back to my house in colorado....
I purchased this originally for my touring bike, and ended up putting it on my hardtail mountain bike. This saddle provides a comfortable ride with a little bounce, especially since I don't gave full suspension.
While I haven't yet ridden my bike with this saddle on it yet (Midwest winters , are too cold for me to ride), I found the workmanship impeccable, with all the classic style that one would expect from the Brooks company. I am looking forward to getting this on my bike and beginning the breaking in process so the saddle is nice and comfortable for this years tour. Take time to look closely at the Brooks line up I believe you will see the difference.
I have several Brooks saddles. This one is the most comfortable one yet. It seemed broken in on the first ride. It's heavy, but I can't really tell it on the touring bike. My only complaint is the nuts holding the springs to the saddle come loose easily. I lost one nut on the first long ride. I love this saddle.
I bought the B17 for my Jamis Commuter. I knew there was a break-in period but, because I don't use the bike that often (maybe every once a week or two) my experience of the saddle on my tenth ride is, so far, the same as on my first ride... hard as a brick!
This is a saddle that you can ride all day and it only gets more comfortable with time in the saddle. Legendary quality workmanship.
A saddle that you will never think about during the ride...its that comfortable.
Finally finished building a touring bike and finished with this. Wish I had started here as it was a lot comfier than my old saddle. Springs definitely add security if you hit a bump or something when you are busy watching traffic. Happy rear end happy life.
When this seat arrived and I unboxed it I laughed. It was smaller than I had imagined. I thought for sure I'll be sending this one back. Couldn't believe the difference it made in riding experience. Tried many seats and this one hear was the answer for me. Don't Evan used padded shorts anymore.
I live downtown orlando and commute to and from work every day. Only about 1.5 miles each way in a very urban environment. I also like to get out of town almost every weekend and ride the florida wilderness trails along with an occaisional bmx trail or two. I replaced the gell seat that came on my Jamis hudson Sport with the flyer saddle and cant be happier. The Flyer is much more stable while maintaining a tremendous comfort level. The gel seat I replaced was very soft and comfy, but I found my rear was mushing all over the place sliding from side to side. Too much softmess and movement. The Brooks saddle assumes the shape of my bone structure and allows just the right amout of up and down movement while keeping your bumm in placeside to side.
The asthetics of the Brooks saddle is unquestionable. In the short time it's been on my bike I have and numerous compliments and inquiries about it.
I onjly have about 500 miles in the saddle. It is true, I really do find myself forgetting I am sitting on anything. Had a little hesitation about the price...I'm hoping the longevity of this piece will reveal great value down the road.. So far no regrets.
