For long-distance cyclists and dedicated bicycle tourists, the quest for the perfect saddle is never-ending. Comfort is paramount when you’re spending hours in the saddle, day after day. Among the myriad of options available, the Brooks B17 saddle consistently emerges as a top contender. Having personally relied on a Brooks B17 for over a decade and countless miles of touring, I can confidently delve into why this iconic leather saddle might just be the Best Bike Saddle for your next adventure.
My initial foray into bicycle touring began with a pre-loved Dawes Galaxy, a bike often equipped with the classic Brooks B17 as standard. However, my second-hand steed had been ‘upgraded’ with a generously padded, gel-filled saddle. While it looked invitingly plush, the reality on the road was far from comfortable. The excessive cushioning squirmed under pressure, leading to chafing and discomfort. It was a visually appealing saddle, but certainly not the best bike saddle for long, demanding rides. This experience quickly opened my eyes to the critical importance of saddle choice for serious cycling.
Dawes Galaxy with Brooks B17 Saddle
The Saddle Experiment: From Foam to Plastic
Driven by the need for a more comfortable ride, I experimented with other saddles. For my daily commute, I opted for a modern, minimalist saddle. It was a stark contrast to the gel monstrosity – lean, firm, and constructed from dense plastic. Its unusual, beak-like shape proved surprisingly comfortable for shorter, faster rides.
Then came a vintage Raleigh Road Ace, a classic steel-framed road bike. This beauty sported a well-worn, stiff foam saddle. Despite its age and apparent lack of modern technology, this saddle offered a surprising level of comfort. It became another contender in my saddle evolution.
These experiences highlighted that comfort wasn’t necessarily about plushness. The old foam saddle, in particular, offered a significant improvement over the original gel saddle on my touring bike. Swapping the gel saddle for the vintage foam option on my touring bike resulted in smoother, longer rides. This felt like progress towards finding the best bike saddle solution, at least for my touring needs at the time.
Brooks B17 Saddle black leather the best bicycle touring saddle ever made?
The Brooks B17 Revelation
While saddle swapping offered temporary fixes, it wasn’t until I tried a Brooks B17 that I truly understood what a difference the best bike saddle could make. My cycling buddy, Adrian, and I were planning an ambitious European tour. Recognizing the need for reliable gear, we invested in new touring bikes.
To our delight, the new bikes came equipped with Brooks B17 saddles as standard. We had heard whispers of their legendary comfort and durability, confirmed by online reviews and fellow cyclists. The fact that these bikes featured Brooks saddles was a significant factor in our purchasing decision. It felt like a step up in our cycling journey, trusting in a saddle known for being among the best bike saddles available.
Matching pair of Brooks B17 leather saddles with Dawes Galaxy Touring Bicycles
Touring Saddle Setbacks: Learning from Mistakes
My journey to finding the best bike saddle wasn’t without its bumps, literally. Early on, I made a few crucial mistakes in saddle selection for touring.
Mistake #1: The Allure of Softness
Initially, a soft, generously padded saddle seems like the most welcoming option, especially for long rides. However, excessive softness often leads to discomfort over distance. My experience with the gel saddle proved that initial plushness doesn’t translate to long-term comfort. It was a crucial lesson in understanding what makes a truly best bike saddle for touring.
Mistake #2: Foam Fatigue
Firm foam saddles might appear to be a better choice than overly soft ones, but even firm foam has its limitations. Man-made materials can only provide so much support for extended periods in the saddle. While an improvement over gel, foam still wasn’t the ultimate solution in my quest for the best bike saddle.
Mistake #3: Padded Shorts as a Crutch
Relying on padded shorts to compensate for an uncomfortable saddle is another common error. While padded shorts can add a degree of comfort, they are not a substitute for a well-chosen saddle. Furthermore, padded shorts can be impractical for long-term touring due to hygiene and laundry considerations. The ideal solution is to find a best bike saddle that provides comfort even in regular cycling attire.
Brooks B67 leather saddle honey some folks believe this to be the best bicycle touring saddle
Navigating the Brooks Saddle Range for Touring
Brooks offers a diverse range of leather saddles, each with its own nuances. My 2011 Dawes Ultra Galaxy, equipped with a standard Brooks B17, solidified my belief in its status as the best bike saddle for touring. The B17 is often considered the benchmark for long-distance cycling comfort.
The extensive Brooks B17 range includes variations like the B17 Carved, Special, Titanium, Softened, Short, and many more, catering to different preferences and riding styles. Beyond the B17, Brooks also offers modern saddles inspired by the original design, such as the Swift, Flyer, and B67, each with its own set of features like springs, cutouts, and leather finishes. These variations demonstrate Brooks’ commitment to refining and expanding upon their classic best bike saddle design.
Brooks B17S saddle in brown leather
Brooks B17 Specifications: Classic Design, Lasting Performance
The Brooks B17 boasts a timeless design and quality materials:
- Top: Vegetable-tanned leather
- Rivets: Tubular
- Frame: Black enameled steel
- Dimensions: (LxWxH) 242 x 176 x 58 mm
- Weight: 460 g
These specifications highlight the traditional craftsmanship and durable construction that contribute to the B17’s reputation as the best bike saddle for many touring cyclists.
Embracing the Brooks B17 for Long-Distance Touring
With my Dawes Ultra Galaxy and its brand-new Brooks B17, I felt confident that I had found the best bike saddle for my upcoming European tour. The only remaining task was to break in the new leather saddle before embarking on the adventure.
Breaking in the B17 leather saddle in Vietnam
The Art of Breaking In a Leather Bike Saddle
Initially, I was overly cautious with my new Brooks saddle, almost treating it with kid gloves. However, I soon learned that Brooks saddles are built to endure. Breaking in a leather saddle is a necessary process to achieve that legendary comfort, allowing the leather to mold to your individual anatomy and become the best bike saddle for your body.
How Long Does the Break-In Take?
Knowing our departure date was approaching, I dedicated time to several longer rides to accelerate the break-in process. It wasn’t as daunting as I had imagined. In fact, I found the process of feeling the leather gradually softening to be quite satisfying.
There’s a distinct transition point where a Brooks leather saddle transforms from firm to supremely comfortable. For me, this occurred after roughly a hundred hours of riding. In touring terms, it took about ten days of cycling to break in my Brooks B17 from its out-of-the-box stiffness to luxurious comfort, solidifying its place as the best bike saddle in my experience.
Brooks Proofide leather dressing
Maintaining Your Leather Investment
Caring for a Brooks leather saddle is surprisingly straightforward. Leather, as a natural material, possesses inherent resilience and weather resistance that synthetic materials often lack.
Brooks provides Proofide, a specially formulated dressing designed exclusively for their leather saddles. Applying Proofide to the underside and then the topside of the saddle, gently working it into the leather, is a simple yet effective maintenance routine. This process ensures the longevity and suppleness of what many consider the best bike saddle for touring.
Brooks B17 Saddle Review
Final Verdict: The Brooks B17 – A Touring Saddle Legend
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend the Brooks B17 saddle for long-distance bicycle touring. My own B17 has endured over a decade of bike travel across diverse climates and terrains worldwide. Its durability and comfort are unmatched, making it a strong contender for the best bike saddle title.
After years of faithful service, my B17 began to sag slightly in the center. To address this, I implemented a simple modification inspired by the B17 Carved model. By drilling small holes and lacing the sides together, I effectively lifted the center of the saddle, restoring it to my preferred shape and extending its lifespan even further. This DIY repair highlighted the enduring quality and adaptability of the Brooks B17.
Brooks B17 honey leather could be the best bicycle touring saddle
Is a Brooks Saddle Right for You?
Absolutely. The longevity and comfort offered by a Brooks B17 are unparalleled in the cycling world. Investing in a Brooks B17 is investing in a piece of cycling history. Brooks has been crafting these exceptional leather saddles for over a century, a testament to their quality and enduring design. The Brooks B17 isn’t just a saddle; it’s a classic. If you’re seeking the best bike saddle for touring, the Brooks B17 deserves serious consideration.
Do you have your own experiences with the Brooks B17 on your bicycle tours? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
