User submitted reviews
Review by AnonymousReviewed 12/3/2019by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastTampa, Florida5 of 5 customers found this review helpful.UNRIVALED COMFORT AFTER SHORT BREAK-IN. I had a Brooks Pro on my first really nice bike. It was a 1972 Cinelli. I rode that classic steel frame for seven years and that was the only saddle ever mounted to that beauty! Since then I have been through a lot of bikes and saddles, and only this year have developed issues with perineum and pudendal neuralgia. So finally decided to try a Brooks since nothing else seem to be feeling good. I opened the box and my first thought was this thing is really hard and heavy! The first few rides of 20 to 30 miles were okay but a little hard and uncomfortable for me. Now though I have to say that I love this saddle! I no longer have any crotch numbness and that is a very big deal. The numbness was gone with the first ride even before the saddle was broken in.
I now own both newly purchased Brooks Pro and Brooks Swift saddles. They are both great and get more comfortable as you ride. This is what I did to pre-soften and speed up the break-in process I took both saddles off the bikes and saturated the undersides with Brooks Proofide then baked them in the oven at 220 degrees F for about an hour. Then applied Skidmores Biker Edition Leather cream top to bottom.
It is really hard to believe that a hard leather saddle can become so comfortable but believe me it is true.
If you do not mind the weight these saddles are unlike any carbon, plastic saddle you will find. I have tried all of the top brands. Brooks is in a class of its own. I would not put one of these on my Pinarello Gan RS. I put the Swift on my new classic steel road bike. And I put the Pro on my fixed gear track bike.
Comparing the Swift to the Pro.....I love both but the Swift is my favorite for these reasons
1. The Swift has more room for slide foreaft adjustment on the rails so is easier to properly position on the seatpost. The Brooks Professional saddle does not have a very long rail placement for the saddle clamp . I was able to pair the Fizik R1 seatpost with the Brooks Swift and achieve a proper setback on my road bike. The Fizik seatpost has a 2.5cm set back. I could not get the Pro far enough back on my road bike but it works great with the frame geometry on my Dolan Track bike . I think the Fizik seatposts all have the 2.5 setback and you most likely need this much or more for the Brooks saddles.
2. The other difference between the 2 saddles is that the Swift is a bit narrower across the top back part of the saddle by about a 1.5cm. And the leather sides do not come down quite as far on the Swift as they do on the Pro. For these reasons I prefer the Swift.
3. They both look very cool. The pro has larger copper rivets that really stand out. The Swift has saddle bag holder clamps which I will never use and wish were not there. The Pro does not have them. Overall though I prefer the look of the Swift, it is really classy and cool!
I love BOTH saddles! The Swift is my first choice for placement, function, feel, fit and look.
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I had a Brooks Pro on my first really nice bike. It was a 1972 Cinelli. I rode that classic steel frame for seven years and that was the only saddle ever mounted to that beauty! Since then I have been through a lot of bikes and saddles, and only this year have developed issues with perineum and pudendal neuralgia. So finally decided to try a Brooks since nothing else seem to be feeling good. I opened the box and my first thought was this thing is really hard and heavy! The first few rides of 20 to 30 miles were okay but a little hard and uncomfortable for me. Now though I have to say that I love this saddle! I no longer have any crotch numbness and that is a very big deal. The numbness was gone with the first ride even before the saddle was broken in.
I now own both newly purchased Brooks Pro and Brooks Swift saddles. They are both great and get more comfortable as you ride. This is what I did to pre-soften and speed up the break-in process I took both saddles off the bikes and saturated the undersides with Brooks Proofide then baked them in the oven at 220 degrees F for about an hour. Then applied Skidmores Biker Edition Leather cream top to bottom.
It is really hard to believe that a hard leather saddle can become so comfortable but believe me it is true.
If you do not mind the weight these saddles are unlike any carbon, plastic saddle you will find. I have tried all of the top brands. Brooks is in a class of its own. I would not put one of these on my Pinarello Gan RS. I put the Swift on my new classic steel road bike. And I put the Pro on my fixed gear track bike.
Comparing the Swift to the Pro.....I love both but the Swift is my favorite for these reasons
1. The Swift has more room for slide foreaft adjustment on the rails so is easier to properly position on the seatpost. The Brooks Professional saddle does not have a very long rail placement for the saddle clamp . I was able to pair the Fizik R1 seatpost with the Brooks Swift and achieve a proper setback on my road bike. The Fizik seatpost has a 2.5cm set back. I could not get the Pro far enough back on my road bike but it works great with the frame geometry on my Dolan Track bike . I think the Fizik seatposts all have the 2.5 setback and you most likely need this much or more for the Brooks saddles.
2. The other difference between the 2 saddles is that the Swift is a bit narrower across the top back part of the saddle by about a 1.5cm. And the leather sides do not come down quite as far on the Swift as they do on the Pro. For these reasons I prefer the Swift.
3. They both look very cool. The pro has larger copper rivets that really stand out. The Swift has saddle bag holder clamps which I will never use and wish were not there. The Pro does not have them. Overall though I prefer the look of the Swift, it is really classy and cool!
I love BOTH saddles! The Swift is my first choice for placement, function, feel, fit and look.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 11/16/2019by AnonymousFlorida1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Unique like none other. Brooks saddles are in a class of their own. I had a Brooks Pro on my 1972 Cinelli. The only saddle i ever mounted to that classic bicycle. Rode it many thousands of miles for many years. This year I tried cut out saddles for the first time in hope of ending perineum numbness. Finally after trying several saddles that didn't work I purchased a Brooks Swift recently. I really love the Swift. Have had no numbness since using it. After a few rides i took it off, saturated the underside with proofide, covered it with nylon cover provided and baked it in the oven at 200 degrees F for an hour. I love the Swift. It's really heavy and I wouldn't put it on my carbon Pinarello but it's beautiful and suits my classic steel bike which i ride alot. The first few rides i felt soreness in my sit bone area but after the bake job i did a 45 mile ride and it felt great.
Comparing the Team Professional to the Swift,
One big difference is the Swift has more rail length for seat post clamp area. I ending up using fizik seat post with 25mm setback. That works great for the Swift but not the Pro. The Pro has a shorter clamping area.
I also like the look of the Swift. The sides don't come down quite as far as the Pro. The Pro has bigger copper rivets... very cool and the Pro is about a centimeter wider than the Swift. I ended up putting the Team Professional on my fixed gear track bike. It looks and feels great. Both saddles are fantastic and surprisingly and amazingly comfortable once you get about 100 miles on them. They look very cool! I do tend to prefer the Swift for its adjustability but the Pro is smashing as well!
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Brooks saddles are in a class of their own. I had a Brooks Pro on my 1972 Cinelli. The only saddle i ever mounted to that classic bicycle. Rode it many thousands of miles for many years. This year I tried cut out saddles for the first time in hope of ending perineum numbness. Finally after trying several saddles that didn't work I purchased a Brooks Swift recently. I really love the Swift. Have had no numbness since using it. After a few rides i took it off, saturated the underside with proofide, covered it with nylon cover provided and baked it in the oven at 200 degrees F for an hour. I love the Swift. It's really heavy and I wouldn't put it on my carbon Pinarello but it's beautiful and suits my classic steel bike which i ride alot. The first few rides i felt soreness in my sit bone area but after the bake job i did a 45 mile ride and it felt great.
Comparing the Team Professional to the Swift,
One big difference is the Swift has more rail length for seat post clamp area. I ending up using fizik seat post with 25mm setback. That works great for the Swift but not the Pro. The Pro has a shorter clamping area.
I also like the look of the Swift. The sides don't come down quite as far as the Pro. The Pro has bigger copper rivets... very cool and the Pro is about a centimeter wider than the Swift. I ended up putting the Team Professional on my fixed gear track bike. It looks and feels great. Both saddles are fantastic and surprisingly and amazingly comfortable once you get about 100 miles on them. They look very cool! I do tend to prefer the Swift for its adjustability but the Pro is smashing as well!
Review by Brooks (my real name)Reviewed 2/5/2015by Brooks (my real name)Cycling EnthusiastPasadena, CA4 of 4 customers found this review helpful.Heavy saddle you should not go withoutWell, I had this saddle on a 1973 PX10... bike was stolen in 1984. What I missed was the well broken-in Brooks saddle, the rest of the bike pretty well just worn out!
I couldn't find this saddle for a decade or so. Maybe I didn't have the internet or BikeTiresDirect.
I'm glad they still make this saddle, and it's much the same except they use the large copper rivets.
I have it on a 20lb. steel frame sport bike.
It looks like a hard saddle, but it's really pretty comfortable. Doesn't look good on a plastic bike.
Get the Brooks Proofide conditioner while you are at it.
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Well, I had this saddle on a 1973 PX10... bike was stolen in 1984. What I missed was the well broken-in Brooks saddle, the rest of the bike pretty well just worn out!
I couldn't find this saddle for a decade or so. Maybe I didn't have the internet or BikeTiresDirect.
I'm glad they still make this saddle, and it's much the same except they use the large copper rivets.
I have it on a 20lb. steel frame sport bike.
It looks like a hard saddle, but it's really pretty comfortable. Doesn't look good on a plastic bike.
Get the Brooks Proofide conditioner while you are at it.
Review by Roadie YatesReviewed 1/23/2015by Roadie YatesCycling EnthusiastBucks County Pa4 of 4 customers found this review helpful.Brooks Are The BestComfort is the key. A lot of people are turned off because of the break in period. There are tricks to help break them in.First put on the saddle protector that Brooks sells or Neats foot compound. Put the saddle in front of a space heater or in the oven. If you choose the oven just put in for a short time on low heat. Once the saddle is warm get a ball peen hammer and pound on the saddle with the round side of hammer head. Be careful not to pound on the rivets. You don't have to pound too long just enough loosen up the leather. This will give you years of true cycling bliss with the most comfortable saddle on the market.
BikeTiresDirect.com CommentsThanks so much for the great feedback and tips!
Anna
BTDWas this review useful to you? Yes, review by Roadie Yates was helpful/No, review by Roadie Yates was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Comfort is the key. A lot of people are turned off because of the break in period. There are tricks to help break them in.First put on the saddle protector that Brooks sells or Neats foot compound. Put the saddle in front of a space heater or in the oven. If you choose the oven just put in for a short time on low heat. Once the saddle is warm get a ball peen hammer and pound on the saddle with the round side of hammer head. Be careful not to pound on the rivets. You don't have to pound too long just enough loosen up the leather. This will give you years of true cycling bliss with the most comfortable saddle on the market.
Review by egReviewed 9/24/2019by egDaily CommuterMinnetoneka-Hopkins Mn1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I can attest the Brooks copper button saddle is one the best if not the most comtable fits. I put many mlles on that seat for 26 years 6 months. on my Peugeot PX 10.
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I put many mlles on that seat for 26 years 6 months. on my Peugeot PX 10.
Review by mdfranciscoReviewed 12/20/2018by mdfranciscoCycling EnthusiastSeattle1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.The BestBrooks are the only saddles I will put on my road bikes. This particular model is the most attractive, in my opinion, and I've ridden thousands of pain-free miles on one of these since 1998.
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Brooks are the only saddles I will put on my road bikes. This particular model is the most attractive, in my opinion, and I've ridden thousands of pain-free miles on one of these since 1998.
Review by CafeRacer63Reviewed 11/8/2018by CafeRacer63Daily CommuterTwin Cities, MN1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Of Course It's Awesome - It's A Brooks.Legendary Brooks quality with beautiful copper rivets to boot. Properly Proofided and adjusted, it is the most comfortable and durable saddle on the market. I only wish this one came with saddlebag loops.
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Legendary Brooks quality with beautiful copper rivets to boot. Properly Proofided and adjusted, it is the most comfortable and durable saddle on the market. I only wish this one came with saddlebag loops.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 7/27/2018by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastSoutheast PAThis saddle is incredibly comfortable!I purchased this saddle for my Trek road bike 15 years ago. It was uncomfortable at first. I almost gave up on it. I'm glad I rode it out. My Brooks Pro has become the most comfortable saddle I have ever sat on. It is now on my Fuji road bike and is still in great condition. I am looking forward to many more years of comfort on this saddle.
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I purchased this saddle for my Trek road bike 15 years ago. It was uncomfortable at first. I almost gave up on it. I'm glad I rode it out. My Brooks Pro has become the most comfortable saddle I have ever sat on. It is now on my Fuji road bike and is still in great condition. I am looking forward to many more years of comfort on this saddle.
Review by PaddyReviewed 7/16/2018by PaddyCycling EnthusiastHarstine Island, WAThe best seat availableI had a Team Pro for 15 years and during a downpour during a century ride the leather tore. I nearly cried. I've replaced it and the quality is exactly the same and I hope to get at least 15 years out of this seat too.
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I had a Team Pro for 15 years and during a downpour during a century ride the leather tore. I nearly cried. I've replaced it and the quality is exactly the same and I hope to get at least 15 years out of this seat too.
Review by AnonymousReviewed 2/10/2018by AnonymousDaily Commuter2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I like the Team Pro as well or better than my Brooks B17 seatI like the Team Pro. I have ridden it about 200 miles and it's breaking in nicely with depressions forming under my sit bones. I'm 6'2, 200 lb, and ride with my handlebar 1 below the top of the seat. I commute 25 miles round trip 2-3 daysweek. Previously I commuted on a Brooks B-17 and like it very much. However after 5000 miles it sagged more than I liked with my sit bones bumping against the rear seat frame. I adjusted the seat nut about 14 -inch gradually during the 5000 miles. I could have continued to tighten the seat nut more to reduce the sagging and likely happily commuted on it another 5000 miles or more. Instead I splurged and bought the Team Pro Special to see if it has have stiffer leather and would sag less over time. It does seem stiffer, and time will tell if it resists sagging more than the B17. At this point I'm happy with both Brooks saddles and have a slight preference for the Team Pro.
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I like the Team Pro. I have ridden it about 200 miles and it's breaking in nicely with depressions forming under my sit bones. I'm 6'2, 200 lb, and ride with my handlebar 1 below the top of the seat. I commute 25 miles round trip 2-3 daysweek. Previously I commuted on a Brooks B-17 and like it very much. However after 5000 miles it sagged more than I liked with my sit bones bumping against the rear seat frame. I adjusted the seat nut about 14 -inch gradually during the 5000 miles. I could have continued to tighten the seat nut more to reduce the sagging and likely happily commuted on it another 5000 miles or more. Instead I splurged and bought the Team Pro Special to see if it has have stiffer leather and would sag less over time. It does seem stiffer, and time will tell if it resists sagging more than the B17. At this point I'm happy with both Brooks saddles and have a slight preference for the Team Pro.
Review by billReviewed 2/2/2018by billCycling Enthusiastflorida1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.one of the best saddles ever made.bought to replace the original saddle on my 1974 Raleigh pro. as with all brooks saddles there is a break in period. i have got over 300 mi on it now and it gets better every day. the original saddle lasted 44 years until the nose started falling off. can't beat that.
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bought to replace the original saddle on my 1974 Raleigh pro. as with all brooks saddles there is a break in period. i have got over 300 mi on it now and it gets better every day. the original saddle lasted 44 years until the nose started falling off. can't beat that.
Review by JerryReviewed 11/27/2017by JerryFront Range Colorado1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Wanted to love it but . . .After 5 miles it was like sitting on a sofa. No need to fidget after 50 miles, if fact I don't move at all once seated. It also looks great with the large copper rivets getting shinier with every ride.
This is the only saddle I have ever set to dead level, so there is something special about a Brooks.
I took one star away because the rails are too narrow to use clamp-on seat bags and 5 different seat posts confirmed that the rails are too narrow. However you can force the rails into place.
Another issue with the rails is the lack of saddle adjustment back to front and the saddle sits higher than other saddles (Fizik, San Marco WTB, Giant). I ended up about 12 of an inch too far forward and too high for a perfect bike fit.
It won't work on my endurance bike, which is sad because it's an endurance saddle. I will definitely find a home for it, it's too nice to let gather dust.
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After 5 miles it was like sitting on a sofa. No need to fidget after 50 miles, if fact I don't move at all once seated. It also looks great with the large copper rivets getting shinier with every ride.
This is the only saddle I have ever set to dead level, so there is something special about a Brooks.
I took one star away because the rails are too narrow to use clamp-on seat bags and 5 different seat posts confirmed that the rails are too narrow. However you can force the rails into place.
Another issue with the rails is the lack of saddle adjustment back to front and the saddle sits higher than other saddles (Fizik, San Marco WTB, Giant). I ended up about 12 of an inch too far forward and too high for a perfect bike fit.
It won't work on my endurance bike, which is sad because it's an endurance saddle. I will definitely find a home for it, it's too nice to let gather dust.
Review by VelocipedeReviewed 6/15/2017by VelocipedeCycling EnthusiastHot Springs AR1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.For 60-years these have been my saddle, What more can one say?Raced in the 1950-s France with UVXIV and VCP (Velo Club de Paris) qualifying for the nationals in 1957 or 58 and rode training rides with Anquetil and Darrigade around horse track in bois de boulogne. The Brooks appears to be the only survivor of a hundred-year tradition. My butt grew up on them and that makes them very comfortable.
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Raced in the 1950-s France with UVXIV and VCP (Velo Club de Paris) qualifying for the nationals in 1957 or 58 and rode training rides with Anquetil and Darrigade around horse track in bois de boulogne. The Brooks appears to be the only survivor of a hundred-year tradition. My butt grew up on them and that makes them very comfortable.
Review by ElizabethReviewed 10/1/2018by ElizabethRockport TXBoyfriend likes the bike seat. My boyfriend likes his new bike seat and the transaction was seamless.
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My boyfriend likes his new bike seat and the transaction was seamless.
Review by A-pedal-RReviewed 11/11/2012by A-pedal-RCycling EnthusiastCA7 of 7 customers found this review helpful.Like Birkenstocks for the rumpI used to laugh at all of the old timers riding Brooks Saddles. Over the years, the further I rode, the more Brooks Saddles I'd see out there...
Once on a double century ride in Death Valley, I had one of those old timers tell me, Brooks are like Birkenstocks for your rump. Finally, I purchased this one for my Bianchi Pista fixed gear training bike. After the initial break in period of 400 miles or so, he was right. This saddle feels like it was molded to my unique anatomy.
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I used to laugh at all of the old timers riding Brooks Saddles. Over the years, the further I rode, the more Brooks Saddles I'd see out there...
Once on a double century ride in Death Valley, I had one of those old timers tell me, Brooks are like Birkenstocks for your rump. Finally, I purchased this one for my Bianchi Pista fixed gear training bike. After the initial break in period of 400 miles or so, he was right. This saddle feels like it was molded to my unique anatomy.
Review by Bruce BrittonReviewed 4/16/2012by Bruce BrittonCycling EnthusiastND6 of 6 customers found this review helpful.It may be sideways, but your Butt will be smilingReplaces a modern saddle on my road bike and is only retro in appearance. These are comfortable because the saddle supports you properly. Aerodynamics don't make sense behind your legs and under your butt, comfort is key.
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Replaces a modern saddle on my road bike and is only retro in appearance. These are comfortable because the saddle supports you properly. Aerodynamics don't make sense behind your legs and under your butt, comfort is key.
Review by Angel de VilleReviewed 1/19/2011by Angel de VilleCycling EnthusiastABQ11 of 12 customers found this review helpful.Bought Mine used 18 years ago!My bikes have changed over the years but the saddle has remained the same. Can't be beat for comfort!
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My bikes have changed over the years but the saddle has remained the same. Can't be beat for comfort!
Review by AnonymousReviewed 12/14/2009by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastWest Cheater PA17 of 18 customers found this review helpful.After 20 years looks and rides like new. I took several months of riding to break in. Leather adjustment screw and Durability are excellent. I bought the pre softened professional model many years ago. I ride 8 months a year. Seat has been out in the rain then ridden on after work with no problem, dries very fast. Seat is very heavy but the comfort is worth the extra weight. I purchased a new bike this year and rode it with the new seat for a week, replaced seat with my original Brooks seat and have been very happy
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Leather adjustment screw and Durability are excellent. I bought the pre softened professional model many years ago. I ride 8 months a year. Seat has been out in the rain then ridden on after work with no problem, dries very fast. Seat is very heavy but the comfort is worth the extra weight. I purchased a new bike this year and rode it with the new seat for a week, replaced seat with my original Brooks seat and have been very happy
Review by M RiegerReviewed 7/5/2018by M Riegermontana1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Awesome saddle.Awesome saddle! Takes a little longer to break in due to the thicker leather. Looks great on my Warbird.
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Awesome saddle! Takes a little longer to break in due to the thicker leather. Looks great on my Warbird.
Review by slakjackReviewed 12/5/2013by slakjackCompetitive Racerall over the west2 of 3 customers found this review helpful.only problem is you need one for every bike!road,mt,cross,fixi,touring all have books team professional saddles
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road,mt,cross,fixi,touring all have books team professional saddles