badger_biker 

After riding a variety of Brooks saddles I find the B17N the most comfortable for me. I have a relatively new standard B17 that seems to have thinner leather than the Narrow version. The combination of extra sag and width requires quite a nose elevation for me to be comfortable on the regular B17 and keep from sliding forward on it. I tend to prefer a firmer less broken in feel to a Brooks for longer rides and I'm looking for something to provide comfort for longer touring days.

Anyway I'm contemplating a Cambium purchase and would like to know which model is the closest in shape/width to the B17 Narrow. I've found the width dimensions on the Brooks site but they do not correlate directly based on model number.
C17 162mm
B17 175mm
B17N 151mm
C15 140mm

So if any of you good folks have experience with comparisons between the 4 models above I would appreciate your take on the "feel" width wise between them. I'd also be interested in your comparisons between the standard and carved Cambiums.

oddjob2

I'm new to Cambium, about two hours worth, but here are my observations:

• The C17 fabric is grippy relative to the smooth leather.
• The convex shape of the butt of the saddle opposed to the relatively flat butt of the B17 makes the C17 feel narrower than 1/2 inch.
• The C17 is a firmer ride and will likely stay that way.

Still, well made, handsome, and comfortable IMHO.

BTW, I have a black narrow on my Dawes and would be looking to trade for a B17.

badger_biker 

I appreciate your input on the narrower feel of the C17 oddjob2. I think part of my issue with the standard B17 as well as other saddles I've used is the degree of flair rather than the overall width. I like to sit way back on a saddle and that tends to initiate me sliding forward.

I toured on my B17 (honey BTW) within the first week I got it and was very comfortable. The added tilt up has been needed since it has started to break in. I snugged up the bolt a little and will give it another couple of attempts to get it dialed back in. If not I may send you a PM regarding a potential trade for your N.

jeirvine 

I normally ride a Brooks Pro, and I've found the C17 is virtually identical in terms of dimensions. Definitely feels narrower than a B17, but not as narrow as a B17N (which I can't ride). But note that there is a difference in the way the rear cantle plate attaches to the rubber, which means there's a little less real estate at the very rear of a Cambium than there is with leather saddles. If you like to ride at the rear edge, you will feel it.

mstateglfr 

I have a B17 and a C17s. I got the 's' model because it was unused and $90 less than a regular C17. I cant say I miss half inch of length. Anyways, the C17 is effectively a little bit narrower than the B17, but I dont think its a lot.
The B17, to me, rides narrower than 175. The actual seating area of the B17 is basically the same as the C17 for me.

My C17s is standard, so not carved. Its a heck of a saddle. Its comfortable immediately. It isnt squishy, but still has good flex so it isnt like sitting on a board.


I have seen a few shops in my area and Chicago with a Brooks loaner program for the C17. Hefty investment to otherwise just try with hope that itll work. Maybe one around you has a loaner to try?

fietsbob

Narrower than the C17 is the C 15 .

I use a Fizik Vitesse (plain Black)

dim

here is one for less than half the price of a Brooks, has thicker leather, and is more waterproof, an has rave reviews:

SPA CYCLES Aire Leather Saddle :: £45.00 :: Parts & Accessories :: Saddles - Leather :: Spa Cycles, Harrogate - The touring cyclists specialist.

noglider 

If the Cambium is too grippy -- remember suede saddles? who thought of THAT? -- you can get a Lycra cover from Niagara for about $3. It's slick, and you can hardly tell it's a cover.

Vintage Raleigh

Probably a counter culturist

badger_biker 

Good info and the rear of the saddle and the C17 feel - thanks.

As a follow up I snugged up the bolt a little on my B17 and laced the side flaps. Took it out on a 36 mile ride yesterday and it was much improved so a Cambium is not an imminent need now.
mstateglfr - I'll have to inquire to see if there are any loaner options in the TC area for a Cambium to try out.

arex

I found it interesting that the C17S that I bought by accident is approximately the same size as a Swift saddle I have...looking from above, the shape is almost identical.

mstateglfr 

Yes! I was a little hesitant to buy it since its marketed as a woman's saddle, but when I got it and compared it to a couple of saddles I have and use, it was basically the same effective width and length. So while its shorter than the regular C17, its the same as some men's saddles by other companies. Goes to show the specs are so much more important than the marketing.

seedsbelize 

My C 17 feels wider than my B 17, and thus less comfortable. I have on the way a C 15, in the hope that it will be more comfy than the C 17.