MarcusT

Hello
I want to change saddles on my MTB . Currently, on my touring bike I have a Brooks B17, which suits me very well, but, I need something more weather proof.
Can anyone tell me if the C17 has the same fit, more or less?

Thanks

Koyote

No, it does not.

bargo68 

Absolutely not. I have both, like both, but are in no way similar in regards to how they feel.
They make saddle covers specifically for the B17:

By Brooks


By Jandd



By Randi Jo (sold thru Rivendell too)

debade

I bought it assuming they were the same. They are not. The C-17 is a flatter profile. I found more 'soft tissue' problems with the C-17. There were on different style bikes so my body may have been in a slightly different position. But, I think it was the profile for me. A quality saddle, just a different fit. I recently sold it.

mstateglfr 

Brooks advertises them as having the same fit. Well, they used to for years at least, but not sure if they still do advertise them that way.

The C17 is narrower technically, but brooks advertises the C17 as having the same effective width as the B17 since the materials flex differently. The C17 also has the same hammock fit as a leather brooks due to the material.
This is all per what Brooks has written on its website.



As for my experience, they fit the same for width, but I like the C17 a lot more. Significantly more comfortable in every way and I like that it sits level instead of nose up.

MarcusT

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll gamble and try it out. at worst, I'll put it on my commuter.

Rolla

If you're looking for a similar feel to a B-17, I'd recommend the "carve" version of the C-17. The cut-out allows the top to flex more than the standard version, and this makes it very close to a B-17, in terms of fit and comfort.

Bill in VA

I have a rust colored original alloy frame (w/steel rails) C-17 (not the newer weatherproof version). It is OK, but as a prior poster wrote it is a bit hard on the tender bits at first, but it now takes a much longer ride to become noticeable. Unlike a leather Brooks, the C-17 does not really break in like a leather saddle does. I suspect I might have liked a C-15 more. I never had an issue with the fabric surface being sticky or abrasive as some have reported. I decided to keep it, but finally bought a Berthoud Aspin, which is more to my liking.

MRT2

Not even close to the same. I love my B17. I bought a C17 with the idea of moving the B17 to my backup bike. Big mistake. After about 6 weeks, I switched back to the B17 and gifted the C17 to my son.