Brooks B17 Standard Saddle Honey

Bought for my touring bike, these are the recommended from other tourers for comfort on long, daily journeys. Despite other riders saying the saddle can be very firm to start with until you've leather proofed it, then ride on it for a number of hours, mine has been excellent from day one, including a full on technical day in the Peak District. Highly recommend these saddles. My wife bought one too but it is the B17S (slightly shorter for women's bone structure) and this too has been fantastic from the first ride!

Brooks B17 Saddle for Men.

I purchased this saddle after reading many reviews online. The reason I chose this saddle was that I was looking to find a saddle that made my riding much more comfortable, got rid of saddle sores and chaffing. (My previous saddle had worn out and was causing issues). I knew I was taking a risk, given than the saddle doesn't suit everyone, and it is not inexpensive. With my first ride I definitely knew that I was riding on a firm, stiff saddle, but strangely, it felt good. I really liked how easy it was to move around on the saddle. I have ridden about 275 miles on the B17 and I am finding it better than my previous saddles. I expect it to continue to mold itself to me.If there were any issue I had with this saddle, and it is not with the saddle itself, but that ... MoreI purchased this saddle after reading many reviews online. The reason I chose this saddle was that I was looking to find a saddle that made my riding much more comfortable, got rid of saddle sores and chaffing. (My previous saddle had worn out and was causing issues). I knew I was taking a risk, given than the saddle doesn't suit everyone, and it is not inexpensive. With my first ride I definitely knew that I was riding on a firm, stiff saddle, but strangely, it felt good. I really liked how easy it was to move around on the saddle. I have ridden about 275 miles on the B17 and I am finding it better than my previous saddles. I expect it to continue to mold itself to me.If there were any issue I had with this saddle, and it is not with the saddle itself, but that there is a product (a small amount is included with the saddle) that must be applied to the new saddle that takes about a week to soak in before the saddle should be used. I only learned this after purchasing the saddle and reading the instructions.After all of this, I purchased a second B17 saddle for my second bike. Also, if you would be riding this saddle in the rain be sure to purchase the Brooks rain cover for the seat; leather doesn't like water.

Brooks has known people's butts for over 100 years...

Its a great saddle. Its heavy, but here's why it works so well and is worth an extra 200 or so grams:1) Brooks has made saddles for 100 years or more, and they know the shape of peoples butts2) The leather changes shape in minor ways to fit better over time, you can adjust tension to help fit3) You naturally move a bit for/aft in the saddle during a ride. Some riders do this more frequent or make larger adjustments than others. With their smooth leather and most shorts, sliding is between saddle and shorts rather than between shorts and skin (ouch!). So less saddle sore issues (Ah).4) They make their different saddles based on how upright (vs tucked) you plan to sit on the bike; buy accordingly. Many saddle makers assume a certain position and don't really tell ... MoreIts a great saddle. Its heavy, but here's why it works so well and is worth an extra 200 or so grams:1) Brooks has made saddles for 100 years or more, and they know the shape of peoples butts2) The leather changes shape in minor ways to fit better over time, you can adjust tension to help fit3) You naturally move a bit for/aft in the saddle during a ride. Some riders do this more frequent or make larger adjustments than others. With their smooth leather and most shorts, sliding is between saddle and shorts rather than between shorts and skin (ouch!). So less saddle sore issues (Ah).4) They make their different saddles based on how upright (vs tucked) you plan to sit on the bike; buy accordingly. Many saddle makers assume a certain position and don't really tell you what that is.5) As humans, we like to shift blame to problems other than ourselves. If you really need to save 150-200 grams from non-moving parts, consider forgoing the next few dietary splurges and loose half a pound off your stomach or butt. Its probably the wiser place to drop weight. Or go for a couple more rides to get in that bit better shape to compensate for a bit heavier bike.

More comfortable than I remembered

Years ago I had a B17, but as time went on I got swept up in the ‘new is better’ trend. I finally decided the current latest and greatest was at best adequate and decided to return to the B17 fold. Biketart had a good price on a beautiful honey-coloured model. I won’t be changing this for anything! Even from day one it was comfortable, just right for me. And of course looks great.

Much much better than expected

I accelerated breaking in my B17 by conditioning it w the tube that it comes with, waiting 12 hours, then soaking it in the sink for 30 minutes and riding it wet for 30+ mins. (I wrapped it in rubber bands to make sure sides don’t deform. And rode it w rubber bands. Also, dry it w a towel first and wear some old shorts- the dye will rub off a bit when wet). Let it dry overnight and condition it again w Brooks saddle conditioner. Small cans are like $10. And keep on riding comfortably. Honestly, I was skeptical how comfortable these could be. Convert here.

Not the "Perfect Saddle" many websites & Users may imply

Remember Saddles are a VERY PERSONAL fit. I purchased a B17 based on wealth of recommendations but have since found the B17 still causing pain after 250+ miles. Not so bad on short fast 1-2hr rides, but the slippery seat, lack of cutout, shape and lack of padding causes significant pain in my perineum on 3+ hr touring rides. After a $200 bike fitting it was determined the Brooks is just the wrong saddle for me. But note it is an exceptionally well made saddle suitable for someone else.

Perfect for the wide based human

I used the stock saddle on my road bike for quite some time and it didn't start to bother me until I started doing more frequent rides over 40 miles. I figured I needed something wider because the painful points weren't actually on the saddle, they were where my rear end was hanging over the edge of the saddle.Opted to go for a Brooks as the first option since I've heard good things. A few things to note:- The saddle is a bit slippery at first so it will feel like you need to angle it up to keep yourself from sliding off the front, this does improve a bit over time. What helps the most is when you begin to get a bit sweaty the moisture will create a good amount of friction and it doesn't become a problem after 15 minutes or so of riding.- I have not noticed any ... MoreI used the stock saddle on my road bike for quite some time and it didn't start to bother me until I started doing more frequent rides over 40 miles. I figured I needed something wider because the painful points weren't actually on the saddle, they were where my rear end was hanging over the edge of the saddle.Opted to go for a Brooks as the first option since I've heard good things. A few things to note:- The saddle is a bit slippery at first so it will feel like you need to angle it up to keep yourself from sliding off the front, this does improve a bit over time. What helps the most is when you begin to get a bit sweaty the moisture will create a good amount of friction and it doesn't become a problem after 15 minutes or so of riding.- I have not noticed any forming of the leather to my anatomy, which is something I've heard from other people as the benefit of a leather saddle.- I don't have much experience with a lot of saddles but I can say I have done multiple century rides with this saddle and it is comfortable the entire time.- Due to it being leather, you can't really ride it in wet weather.Overall, definitely worth the price and would recommend it to anyone that has a large rear end and needs something equally as wide to support it.

Professional Review from Bike Radar.com

Reviewing a B17 saddle as new piece of gear may seem a bit odd – the design was introduced into the Brooks range in 1910. This all-new Select version uses extra-tough organic leather though – the Scandinavian material comes only from herds that are fed organic food and have more freedom than intensively farmed cows. This, it’s claimed, means the leather takes longer to become usable, meaning a saddle that’s tougher and longer lasting. It should also be more supple and form to a comfortable fit better.The B17 is never going to be a racer’s perch – that’s not its purpose. Its wider shape and slim, short nose make it ideal for more upright rides, and especially touring bikes. Our test saddle weighed in at 574g. That’s pretty heavy by modern saddle standards. Where it ... MoreReviewing a B17 saddle as new piece of gear may seem a bit odd – the design was introduced into the Brooks range in 1910. This all-new Select version uses extra-tough organic leather though – the Scandinavian material comes only from herds that are fed organic food and have more freedom than intensively farmed cows. This, it’s claimed, means the leather takes longer to become usable, meaning a saddle that’s tougher and longer lasting. It should also be more supple and form to a comfortable fit better.The B17 is never going to be a racer’s perch – that’s not its purpose. Its wider shape and slim, short nose make it ideal for more upright rides, and especially touring bikes. Our test saddle weighed in at 574g. That’s pretty heavy by modern saddle standards. Where it scores highly though is in the comfort stakes. We’ve always been pretty sceptical over the whole ‘breaking in a Brooks’ thing, with tales of having to ride hundreds of miles to get the saddle to fit your shape. We thought it might be our undercarriages that shape to the saddle, not the other way round. But we’ve run the Select on a suitable machine and found it comfortable enough straight out of the box. Plus, over the time we’ve had it fitted, the shape has changed and adapted, turning the Select into a truly comfortable and cosseting perch. You can adjust the tension of the leather with a 13mm spanner (included).Brooks saddles are handmade in Birmingham, as they always have been, and we love the hand hammered brass rivets that hold the leather skin to the steel base. The Select saddle, with its natural pale leather, is also ageing the more we ride it. With a distinctive patina appearing it’s becoming a true one-off, and that’s something we really like. After many miles of use the Select is still perfect, and with the reputation Brooks’ standard saddles have for longevity we have no doubt that the Select will outlast our riding career. Its the kind of thing you could leave to your offspring in your will. And you could probably assume they’d get plenty of use out of it too.

Very comfortable even without padded bike shorts

I purchased my 1st B-17 a few months ago for a bike with an upright riding position. I was expecting to no enjoy it through some break in period. However, I was shocked to actually enjoy the B-17 on the 1st ride. My sit bones were a little sore after riding that same bike everyday for a week - but nothing considering I did ever ride with just ordinary shorts - no chamois, padding, etc. I've since adjusted the saddle angle 4-5 times to find the pocket where its supportive but no pressure on soft tissue areas. My bottom is very happy to sit on this B-17 now. I am online right now about to purchase my 2nd B-17 for another [upright] bicycle. I would not use the B-17 on my fancy CF road bike, nor my budget MTB - both bikes I ride in a more forward / agressive position. ... MoreI purchased my 1st B-17 a few months ago for a bike with an upright riding position. I was expecting to no enjoy it through some break in period. However, I was shocked to actually enjoy the B-17 on the 1st ride. My sit bones were a little sore after riding that same bike everyday for a week - but nothing considering I did ever ride with just ordinary shorts - no chamois, padding, etc. I've since adjusted the saddle angle 4-5 times to find the pocket where its supportive but no pressure on soft tissue areas. My bottom is very happy to sit on this B-17 now. I am online right now about to purchase my 2nd B-17 for another [upright] bicycle. I would not use the B-17 on my fancy CF road bike, nor my budget MTB - both bikes I ride in a more forward / agressive position. However, for a more upright riding position the B-17 is surprising compfy.

You already know

You already know about Brooks Saddles. I'm 6'0" tall and 190LBS, athletic fit. The Fizik Arione saddle I had was a bit too slim for me and decided to purchase the tested and proven Brooks B17 for my Cinelli Vigorelli. I have not broken into them yet but after about 20miles, I can say that it's a better fit for me. It has a bit of a slippery feel compared to synthetic materials that offer more of a "rubbery" feel. I wouldn't say its better or worse, just different. So far satisfied with the product as well as State Bicycle's service and delivery. I would continue to feel very good and confident about purchasing from State Bicycle. So far have purchased this saddle, seat post, 2 omnium cranksets, and a cog.Red pic before with Fizik Arione saddle and white background ... MoreYou already know about Brooks Saddles. I'm 6'0" tall and 190LBS, athletic fit. The Fizik Arione saddle I had was a bit too slim for me and decided to purchase the tested and proven Brooks B17 for my Cinelli Vigorelli. I have not broken into them yet but after about 20miles, I can say that it's a better fit for me. It has a bit of a slippery feel compared to synthetic materials that offer more of a "rubbery" feel. I wouldn't say its better or worse, just different. So far satisfied with the product as well as State Bicycle's service and delivery. I would continue to feel very good and confident about purchasing from State Bicycle. So far have purchased this saddle, seat post, 2 omnium cranksets, and a cog.Red pic before with Fizik Arione saddle and white background pick with the honey Brooks B17 with Brooks England Microfiber Honey Bar Tape (match 90% from Amazon.