ShannonM

I'm a big fan of the B.17, but the other saddles I've had and liked a lot are:

Selle Italia Turbomatic (Turbo shape with little rubber bumpers where the frame met the shell.)
Selle San Marco Concor (Great on mountain bikes, because of the "duck tail" shape, which was great for long, slow, grinding climbs.)
Selle San Marco Rolls (Close to, maybe even tied with, the B.17 for a drop-bar road bike saddle.)

All that said, every body is different, and there's no cheap way to find what yours likes best. There are some that seem to work for a lot of people, but for every saddle that "everyone loves", there's gonna be a minority report of "total ass hatchet... I called for a ride home, and had taken it off the bike becore they got there." Also, your position on the bike will matter as well, as will how hard you tend to ride.

--Shannon

jkinner

Go here: https://www.bikeseatguru.com/

oldwinger14

Looks like an interesting site...thanks

70sSanO

The problem with your question is not stating what issues you are having with a B17.

If you have no pain, numbness, any other issues the answers are yes, almost any other non leather saddle is lighter, but who knows what is better.

I rode a Brooks Team Pro for many years. I was getting some numbness on longer rides, I went to WTB Pure V that I use on my MTB. It was a bit better and I’ve ridden a lot of miles on it. I just went to Selle SMP Well that seems to be a bit better yet.

But because the Brooks and Selle are not comparable designs there are no dots to connect to make a recommendation. There is a trial and error process.

John

oldwinger14

Hi John,
My original posting clearly said I am not having any problems but I'm always looking for a better alternative. Your comments, though, are appreciated...thanks!

tcs

Check out the Selle Anatomica R2. If you're feeling flush, get it with the carbon rails upgrade.

Calsun

The last Brooks B17 saddle I bought was in 1970 and a friend removed the rivets and softened the leather and then riveted back on the frame. I used this saddle for the following 45 years. With every new bike I bought a synthetic saddle that would not require a break-in period. Thousands to choose from and I like to buy them from a reseller where returns are easy to do.

oldwinger14

Unless I get caught in unexpected shower, I rarey ever ride in the rain. Are there other reasons why I should choose the rubber R2 model over the leather X2?

Rick_D

It's possible the R2 does not stretch, the leather saddles will and require the occasional tightening. Leather breathes to an extent and will be less sweaty in the heat.

They have been very good responding to my questions and I'm sure will be happy to give you pros/cons of the two series.

The Chemist

I wonder if the carved nature makes it more flexible. I have the non carved C15 (i.e. no cutout) and it's nice and firm. Doesn't flex more than I'd want it to, and is super comfy for me.

tcs

In post no. 1, you said you weren't looking for another leather saddle.

The Selle Anatomicas' geometry aren't too far afield from the Brooks B17 you said you were happy with (also in post no. 1).

ofajen

It’s possible. I can try the C17 out on my road bike at some point. If it seems ok, fine. If it seems too wide for lower riding posture, the regular C15 may be a better pick.

Otto