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Brooks saddles

Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2019 9:51 am
by Max Effort
I’ve used a Brooks B17 saddle on just about every bike I’ve had over the last 40 years (apart from a a brief spell being a weight-weeny in the early ‘90s, when I used a Ti Flite).
I was thinking it may not be the best choice for a bikepacking bike, with big plus tyres spraying it with muddy water.
Does anyone else still use them, or am I the last remaining dinosaur?

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2019 8:19 pm
by Max Effort
Not a single reply!
Maybe I am the last remaining dinosaur??
Time for a change, methinks 🤔

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2019 8:31 pm
by ScotRoutes
I used a B17 on my Amazon when it was strictly a tourer/commuter but found that mud and grit from off-road riding basically scoured the surface off it.

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2019 10:20 pm
by Max Effort
ScotRoutes wrote: Sun Sep 01, 2019 8:31 pm I used a B17 on my Amazon when it was strictly a tourer/commuter but found that mud and grit from off-road riding basically scoured the surface off it.
Exactly!
Need a bad weather alternative...

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2019 10:29 pm
by Pirahna
B17 Imperial for me if I'm touring, C17 Carved most of the time. Annoyingly the B17 is right in the middle of the C17 and C19 width wise, if they made a C18 it would be perfect. Having said that I'll happily ride a C17 in normal undies for long multi-day rides, so I suppose it's as close to perfect as I'll find.

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2019 10:40 pm
by Ledburyjosh
I've got one on my bikepacking bike :-bd

Not fussed about mud on it

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2019 10:50 pm
by lune ranger
Ti B17 on my Krampus and Ti Swift on my Fargo. They get covered in mud and water no problems. They do need a bit of looking after with Proofride but are still looking good and working fine.

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 8:43 am
by Mart
Used C17's for a few years, but had issues recently with the rubber splitting
Think Ive now found an non brooks alternative

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 8:53 am
by In Reverse
C17 on the *checks notes* #gradventourer. 6 years old and has seen a lot of filthy action.

Had no issues with my rubber splitting. :wink:

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 9:01 am
by RIP
:lol:

if you had a dropper post you'd have no problems getting it up when required either.

Reg 'Finbarr Saunders' Perrin

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 9:09 am
by sean_iow
Mart wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2019 8:43 am Used C17's for a few years, but had issues recently with the rubber splitting
Think Ive now found an non brooks alternative
I'd be interested to know that that is? I've the same splitting issues plus my C15 isn't as comfy as it once was so looking for alternatives.

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 9:41 am
by pistonbroke
Not a single reply!
Maybe I am the last remaining dinosaur??
I think that unlike another well known forum, the members of this one actually ride bikes on a Sunday morning so are probably on microadventures (TM) and definitely you'll get replies that are based on experience and not snidey meaningless drivel. Quality always trumps quantity imo.

Edit, except Reg and In Reverse but they're a bit strange :roll:

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 10:25 am
by RIP
compliment accepted :lol: .Look upon us as the light entertainment interval :wink: .

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 11:56 am
by Mart
sean_iow wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2019 9:09 am
Mart wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2019 8:43 am Used C17's for a few years, but had issues recently with the rubber splitting
Think Ive now found an non brooks alternative
I'd be interested to know that that is? I've the same splitting issues plus my C15 isn't as comfy as it once was so looking for alternatives.
Sean
Same as your picture - we covered this off on the other brooks thread
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15250&p=189852#p189852

I’m now testing a SQlab saddle to see if it suits my arse

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 12:01 pm
by sean_iow
Thanks Mart. It was the new saddle details I was after, I'll look that up thanks.

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 3:22 pm
by ootini
Mart wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2019 8:43 am Used C17's for a few years, but had issues recently with the rubber splitting
Think Ive now found an non brooks alternative
What s the alternative you've found ?

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 4:17 pm
by trob6
I have a b17 and its the comfiest saddle ive ever had , it gets wet and muddle and the shine is rubbed of so I lube it and carry on, I was concerned about the weight but the comfort out ways that easily.

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Tue Sep 03, 2019 2:30 pm
by Mart
ootini wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2019 3:22 pm
Mart wrote: Mon Sep 02, 2019 8:43 am Used C17's for a few years, but had issues recently with the rubber splitting
Think Ive now found an non brooks alternative
What s the alternative you've found ?
When trying to find a replacement for the Cambium C17 (which is quite a wide saddle)
Im trying out a SQLab - They come in different widths so have chosen a similarly wide version

Other makes were much thinner (most only go up to around 150mm)

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2019 6:52 pm
by Motorman
I have had a B17 on my fatbike for the last 8 years without any issues and another fitted to my Fargo. That said, I have recently fitted an Ergon SMC4 to my S/S 29+ bike for the winter as it is one less thing to maintain when it is properly grim outside.

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2019 8:13 am
by Bumpy Jonas
I like a B17 but I have heard a few horror storied about getting the underside wet. I use a C17 on bikes without mudgards find it just as comfy. A few people I know use Selle Italia saddles like the Regal they are about £35 from On One Cheers Peter

Re: Brooks saddles

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2019 10:39 pm
by lune ranger
Bumpy Jonas wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2019 8:13 am I like a B17 but I have heard a few horror storied about getting the underside wet. I use a C17 on bikes without mudgards find it just as comfy. A few people I know use Selle Italia saddles like the Regal they are about £35 from On One Cheers Peter
What’s the horror?

My B17 and Swift have been getting their undersides wetted and muddied regularly over the last decade and are still going nicely.
Admittedly they look a bit sorry for themselves after a bikepacking trip on Dartmoor in winter but after they’ve dried out and had a lick of Proof Ride all is good.