Brooks leather seats.
07-23-22, 04:13 PM
#26
Senior Member
I have a B17 on my Dahon and a C15 on my Giant. They're both great, but I prefer the C15 primarily because it's weatherproof and I don't need to worry about covers when it rains.
07-23-22, 05:46 PM
#27
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07-24-22, 07:53 AM
#28
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If you can be patient, and keep your eye on prices/set up some alerts, you can get a B17 for well under $100. I didn't really need another one, but I got one from biketiresdirect.com last month for $83 on some kind of 'daily special'.
07-24-22, 12:16 PM
#29
Newbie
You should never buy a bicycle part which is a standard item that virtually all LBS's (Local Bike Shop, brick and mortar shop), have in stock, from Amazon. Support your local bike shop.
07-24-22, 12:34 PM
#30
Senior Member
In my experience, or rather that of my sitting apparatus, a Brooks saddle is a lot like a marriage. It takes time, effort, faith, and energy to make it a good fit. Maybe luck too. Although people talk (endlessly) about "breaking in" a Brooks saddle, I am not sure that the saddle doesn't do its share of breaking in the rider. In any case my rear and my saddles seem to get along pretty well. A long day for me is 4-5 hours in the saddle, and my fanny is happy to get off, but not in pain, unlike my legs.
07-24-22, 03:05 PM
#31
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I have seven bikes and seven Brooks saddles. Three are B17s, three are C17 Cambiums, and one is a Professional. I love them all, and I categorically reject the exaggerated complaints about the break-in period. Yes, they are kind of expensive. Yes, they are kind of heavy. And yes, my shiny chrome 62-year-old ass is worth it. I won’t ride anything else, and neither should you.
07-24-22, 03:11 PM
#32
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07-24-22, 05:50 PM
#33
Full Member
Do you mind me asking if you have a preferred website where you purchased your Brooks seats ? I've been searching for a good place to order a black B17. I've read terrible reviews on 3 places I was considering. I'm undecided on Amazon , kind of feel like its a crap shoot with them. Thanks !
I've ordered from Amazon after I knew exactly what I wanted but I'd rather not. If I was getting something I'd never used before I'd go to a local bike shop. https://pro-velo.com/#bikes
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07-25-22, 06:14 PM
#34
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Some of the Brooks models come in both standard and "carved" versions. The carved ones have the relief cutout and string laces to tie in the lower edges, but are otherwise no different.
I think they're a really cool product line, with various sizes, colors, and options offered. You can get some of wider ones (like the B67) with softened leather, and some models come with copper rivets and copper plated rails as opposed to the usual chrome plated steel.
Brooks also makes very nice bike luggage. It doesn't provide the features and performance of more modern designs and materials, but it's beautiful and quite durable.
Lots of places carry the seats. I think I found mine on sale from one of the British discount sites (Wiggle, probably). Search around and see who has the best price right now. I personally don't like eBay, so I seldom shop there, but there's nothing wrong with buying from a reputable eBay seller.
Since this will be your first Brooks, the B17 is probably a good choice. Consider replacing those rotten old tires, put on a nice seat, and you just might rekindle a love for biking.
07-25-22, 09:58 PM
#35
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I have both the Brooks Team Professional and the B17. For some reason the Professional feels more comfortable. If I was to order the B17 again, I would order the one with the copper rivets. One of the rivets on the B17 is not flush. With copper rivets, there is an easy remedy. I don't know what do do about the situation with the B17.
07-25-22, 10:31 PM
#36
Senior Member
I understand the desire to get the best deal, but in the end, going through anguish to save $10-20, is it really worth it?
Amazon (their own) sells the Brooks and the price is higher than a few years ago. The seller is reliable and they have a great return policy. I say go for it
Amazon (their own) sells the Brooks and the price is higher than a few years ago. The seller is reliable and they have a great return policy. I say go for it
07-26-22, 12:34 AM
#37
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07-26-22, 07:36 AM
#39
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07-26-22, 10:04 PM
#40
Senior Member
I believe you did not comprehend the context of my post. All good. no biggie
07-28-22, 01:54 AM
#41
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I contacted Brooks asking how to remedy the rivet that wasn't flush. They advised me to hit the rivet with a small hammer. I am still not convinced that would work on steel rivets.
07-28-22, 12:53 PM
#42
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I have a silly question. When looking at pictures of the underside of New Brooks seats I don't see the bracket that bolts to the seat post. Do new seats come with that bracket or am I suppose to use the one from my old seat ?
This is a picture of the seat that is on my bike. Do I need to reuse the bracket with a new Brooks B17 ? Will there be any fitmit problems ? Sorry for the questions, this is my first time doing a seat swap. Thanks !
This is a picture of the seat that is on my bike. Do I need to reuse the bracket with a new Brooks B17 ? Will there be any fitmit problems ? Sorry for the questions, this is my first time doing a seat swap. Thanks !
07-29-22, 04:13 AM
#44
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What you say makes sense. However, the person giving the advice may be the secretary. I would think that I would need something underneath the rivet while I am hammering it. I have a somewhat related problem with a stainless steel pot with a riveted handle. The handle is loose. My research informs me that I would need to support the rivet on one side while hammering.
07-29-22, 04:40 AM
#45
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I tried a B17 narrow for quite a while. It was the most uncomfortable anchor weight I have ever had on a bicycle. I never like the looks of them, but finally gave one a try. Never again.
07-29-22, 05:11 AM
#46
Industry guy
I have a number of B17 and B66 NOS saddles for sale.
$140, shipped to CONUS.
They have been in storage all this time, so they would require a good Proofhide application and a lot of riding.
Let me know,
rusty
$140, shipped to CONUS.
They have been in storage all this time, so they would require a good Proofhide application and a lot of riding.
Let me know,
rusty
07-29-22, 05:14 AM
#47
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Thanks so much for the explanation, I plan on ordering a new one soon. Not long ago I brought my 64 Supersport out of storage. I had to replace the rear tube so the tire would stay up. Both tires have dry rot, installed in 1983. I was testing my back to see if it would tolerate riding. I seem to be doing ok so I"m going to replace both tires next week. Next I want to replace my seat with a Brooks. Just trying to make sure I order the right model so I don't have to return it. There was mention of a B17 cutout model, I need to know more about that. If my size makes a difference I'm 5'7 165 lbs. Thanks !
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Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
07-29-22, 05:15 AM
#48
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Like others, I love brooks. I've had five of them. The only one that did not break in quickly was a B-17 narrow. I still have it and am considering selling it.
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Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
07-29-22, 10:18 AM
#49
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What you say makes sense. However, the person giving the advice may be the secretary. I would think that I would need something underneath the rivet while I am hammering it. I have a somewhat related problem with a stainless steel pot with a riveted handle. The handle is loose. My research informs me that I would need to support the rivet on one side while hammering.
07-29-22, 01:11 PM
#50
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If you want a Brooks, get a Brooks!
If you want a tensioned leather saddle...
Berthoud - France
Brooks - UK
Gyes (often marketed under the stencil brands BLB, Cardiff, Dia Compe, Fenix, Fyxation, Lekker, Origin8, Papillionaire, Shinola, Sobdeall, Spa, Torelli, Velo Orange, Zimbale, etc.) - Taiwan
Ideale - France
Lepper - Netherlands
Nasiruddin (Persons-Majestic) - India [sold out? discontinued? MIA?]
Rivet - AFAIK manufactured in Taiwan by Gyes but to their own proprietary designs
Selle Italia - Italy
Selle Anatomica - USA
Selle Monte Grappa - Italy
Tabor - Portugal
If you want a tensioned leather saddle...
Berthoud - France
Brooks - UK
Gyes (often marketed under the stencil brands BLB, Cardiff, Dia Compe, Fenix, Fyxation, Lekker, Origin8, Papillionaire, Shinola, Sobdeall, Spa, Torelli, Velo Orange, Zimbale, etc.) - Taiwan
Ideale - France
Lepper - Netherlands
Nasiruddin (Persons-Majestic) - India [sold out? discontinued? MIA?]
Rivet - AFAIK manufactured in Taiwan by Gyes but to their own proprietary designs
Selle Italia - Italy
Selle Anatomica - USA
Selle Monte Grappa - Italy
Tabor - Portugal
