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Submitted by
Marc Irwin
a
from Delton, Mi USA
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Permaco | | Strengths: | Comfort, durability and comfort. | | Weaknesses: | You don't want to get it soaking wet. | | Similar Products Used: | Brooks B17, selle san marco, selle italia, and a couple other lousy "scientifically designed, anatomically correct" pieces of crap. | | Bike Setup: | 1985 Trek 500, Reynolds butted tubing, mostly original. | | Bottom Line: | I put my old B17 on my bike when I bought it in 1985, but gave into the common "wisdom" and switched to the newer, lighter, egonomically designed stuff in the late 80's. If you are not racing and weight conscious, they are useless.
I just decided to let the scientists go back to their marketing campaigns and use what works.
I bought a B66 (fully sprung, and Brooks most popular saddle), have ridden 300 miles without any binding or discomfort at all, and I feel no road vibration in the pelvic area at all. I haven't been wearing a chamois underwear or shorts and don't think I will need it until it gets really hot. I've heard about all the "break in" methods from soaking them in oil overnight to using only Profide and think it's unnecessary. It feels great! Every other leather manufacturer (shoes and saddles) recommends Mink Oil for their product, that's all I used on the other one I had and what I will probably use on this. The B66 has a double rail but I attached one rail to the micro-adjust seatpost and went to the local hardware store and bought short bolts to attach the existing adapters to the rails behind the post to distribute the stress. I don't see a need for the special "seat sandwich" that is sold out there.
I'm back to comfortable biking and the scientists should go back to MIT and build a better toaster oven. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kevin moore
a Weekend Warrior
from pittsburgh pa 15211
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Oil Creek in Pa | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | the Bike shop | | Strengths: | I have a Brooks B73 black.I put it on my 1955 English 3 speed bile.It is at home looks great and gives a new smooth ride to a bummy old war horse.Like a great pair of shoes. | | Weaknesses: | Break in time | | Similar Products Used: | san marco. | | Bike Setup: | 1955 3 speed. | | Bottom Line: | It is worth every cent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justine Nicholas
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY USA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | the one to the Sea of Tranquility | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bikes | | Strengths: | Made well and beautifully, conforms to anatomy, timeless. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy (though the Swift, which I'm reviewing, weighs roughly the same as the Selle Italia Turbo saddles I used to ride). Arguably expensive, but I think a good saddle is like a good pair of shoes. Plus, the Brooks will outlast most other bike equipment. | | Similar Products Used: | Fizik Pave, Terry Zero and Dragonfly, Selle Italia Turbo and Flite, Concor, Ideale, way too many others. | | Bike Setup: | Road--Land Shark 853 with Ouzo fork, Ksyrium SSC SL wheels and SSC brakes, TA Zephyr Light Crank (50/36 compact), Record Ergo controls and Chorus derailleurs and cassette, King threadless headset
Fixie: DeBernardi Pista with Velocity wheels, Sugino RD crank and 46T FSA chainring, Izumi chain, Miche cogs, King headset | | Bottom Line: | Back in the 70's and early '80's, I rode the Ideale all-leather saddles, which were similar to (but, I believe, a bit narrower than) the Brooks saddles that were available at the time.
Then I started to race and obsess about weight (my own and the bike's!). I listened to everyone who said those all-leather saddles were heavy and retro and such. Thus began a two-decade cycle of changing saddles every year or less. In the meantime, Ideale ceased to be and it was nearly impossible to find Brooks.
Now I've returned to my roots, so to speak. With advice from Diane at Wallingford, I chose the Swift because it's narrower than the Team Pro. (I have narrower sit bones than most women.) It's also a good bit lighter, and the tension is adjusted with a 6mm allen key rather than that goofy wrench.
Already the Brooks saddles feel better than what I'd been riding--and they're not broken in yet! And they look great! (I chose British Racing Green for my 'Shark, which is purple and green, and an Antique Brown Swift for my red-and-gold De Bernardi.) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Schmidt
a Weekend Warrior
from Spokane, WA USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Spokane | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bicycle Parts | | Strengths: | Comfort. | | Weaknesses: | Requires a little maintenance from time to time and need to keep dry as much as possible. | | Similar Products Used: | Too many to mention | | Bottom Line: | It's great to see all of these satisified Brooks customers which compelled to throw in my two bits. I thought a sore butt was an unavoidable part of bike riding until I purchased my first B17 in 98. I road 125 miles on my fourth day on the saddle and there wasn't a bit of discomfort. I couldn't believe it since it wasn't even close to being broken in. A couple years ago I road the perimeter of Australia using a Champion Flyer (sprung B17)and never experienced any kind of soreness after 11,000 miles and 10 months.
Unfortunately, it's easier to swim the English Channel than try to convince a non-Brooks use that this is the only way to go. First impressions it is heavy and hard so why even try. Do yourself a favor and try it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wade Patton
a Racer
from Woodbury, TN
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Chinquapin Ridge, Fall Creek Falls | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Fantastic use of Cowhide. | | Weaknesses: | Not completely weather/idiot proof. | | Similar Products Used: | you name it. | | Bike Setup: | SISS (for now, custom SS in coming) | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the B5N--an old discontinued saddle by Brooks. It is very similar to the B17, but has a textured top. Many of these have appeared on Ebay as new-old stock (NOS) That is new in the box--but made in the 70's! Mine is a 1979.
Having recently bought a B17 and a Swift from Wallbike.com, I knew that I'd like anything Brooks makes. So I "bought it now" for just under $40. Got it---unlike the late-models I had just dealt with, which were pliable out of the box---this one was dry and hard as a rock. I used the Sheldon Brown oil soak method (neatsfoot for 30 mins) to jump start the break in. Rode about two hours on it and my butt felt like it was going to fall off. Then--in the last hour (three hour ride) it melted. The oil, sweat, rain, humidity, pedaling all came together and the saddle became a hammock. Just damn beautiful. If your butt has EVER bothered you on at ALL, you really should try one of these. Wallingford Bike Parts has a six-month return policy on these saddles. ALL my bikes are getting Brooks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruce Herbitter
a
from MIdland, MI USA
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Harris Cyclry, online | | Strengths: | Gorgeous look, custom fit to your bottom | | Weaknesses: | a bit heavy, break in required. | | Similar Products Used: | Fuji "Tush Cush", Oasis trail seat | | Bike Setup: | Trek steel frame/Shimano Altus drivetrain/ 100 psi 1.25 x26 road slicks or 45-60 psi knobbies, depending on the ride. | | Bottom Line: | The Conquest is Brook's ATB seat. Same shape as road touring but thicker leather, and coil springs underneath. You can speed up break in with their "proofide" compound, but product life is shortened (by a lot if you over-apply the stuff). I have not used any. Seat conforms to your sit bones and is surprisingly comfy. Springs absorb a lot of bounce, making shocks un needed on many rough trails. The honey color is cool and makes the bike easy to spot in a crowded meet or tour. the seat is adjustable over time to take out slack, with a little wrench. This saddle is good for touring bikes, rail trail bikes and moderate off road bikes. I don't do serious rock climbing so I don't know how it will do there. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Zichron Ya'acov, Israel
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ---yeah right! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bicycle Parts | | Strengths: | Hand made to a very high standard (90% hand made compared to an average of 10% for most other saddles), top quality leather, comfortable, shapes to your own anatomy, retro looks and different. | | Weaknesses: | Slightly heavy (only 80g more than my Selle Italia Flite Titanium), not totally waterproof. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Flite Gel Titanium (three of them), WTB, CODA, Rolls, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Blur, XT and XTR, Hope, Chris King, Rock Shox Psylo SL, Thomson, Easton, Mavic 517, etc..... | | Bottom Line: | I've only ridden once on this saddle. When I took it from the box I thought how uncomfortable it looked, it reminded me of a rock, however, I was more comfortable riding 35 km on this than my Flite...and this is even before the breaking-in period has begun. So, from the other reviews I have read this saddle will get even more comfortable with time. The saddle is truly a piece of quality hand-made craftmanship, top quality leather and copper rivets. From the other reviews I've read it will easily last 20-30 years compared with the average of 2 years my other saddles (mostly Selle Italia Flites) have lasted. $150 seems a lot to pay, but really with this quality and the lifespan it has it seems more economical. After all, Brooks have been making saddles for 140 years, they must know a thing or two...anyhow the human anatomy hasn't changed in this time and with a Brooks you get a totally customised saddle to the shape of your butt. It's a shame that most Mountain Bikers don't know the Brooks saddles, the company need some serious marketing to appeal to the masses of riders out there who want a comfortable perch..it seems that only tourers and roadies know and respect the brand. If you live in a hot climate it's also excellent - less sweating! Thanks also to Bill at Wallingford Bicycle Parts for their excellent advice on which saddle to buy http://www.wallbike.com/ (do I get a commission?) plus their 6 month return guarantee. In the beginning, I was confused and thought that Brooks were only for crusty old men on old-fashioned touring bikes - How wrong I was - It's now my mission to spread the word for BROOKS SADDLES!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Zichron Ya'acov, Israel
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ---yeah right! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bicycle Parts | | Strengths: | Hand made to a very high standard (90% hand made compared to an average of 10% for most other saddles), top quality leather, comfortable, shapes to your own anatomy, retro looks and different. | | Weaknesses: | Slightly heavy (only 80g more than my Selle Italia Flite Titanium), not totally waterproof. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Flite Gel Titanium (three of them), WTB, CODA, Rolls, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Blur, XT and XTR, Hope, Chris King, Rock Shox Psylo SL, Thomson, Easton, Mavic 517, etc..... | | Bottom Line: | I've only ridden once on this saddle. When I took it from the box I thought how uncomfortable it looked, it reminded me of a rock, however, I was more comfortable riding 35 km on this than my Flite...and this is even before the breaking-in period has begun. So, from the other reviews I have read this saddle will get even more comfortable with time. The saddle is truly a piece of quality hand-made craftmanship, top quality leather and copper rivets. From the other reviews I've read it will easily last 20-30 years compared with the average of 2 years my other saddles (mostly Selle Italia Flites) have lasted. $150 seems a lot to pay, but really with this quality and the lifespan it has it seems more economical. After all, Brooks have been making saddles for 140 years, they must know a thing or two...anyhow the human anatomy hasn't changed in this time and with a Brooks you get a totally customised saddle to the shape of your butt. It's a shame that most Mountain Bikers don't know the Brooks saddles, the company need some serious marketing to appeal to the masses of riders out there who want a comfortable perch..it seems that only tourers and roadies know and respect the brand. If you live in a hot climate it's also excellent - less sweating! Thanks also to Bill at Wallingford Bicycle Parts for their excellent advice on which saddle to buy http://www.wallbike.com/ (do I get a commission?) plus their 6 month return guarantee. In the beginning, I was confused and thought that Brooks were only for crusty old men on old-fashioned touring bikes - How wrong I was - It's now my mission to spread the word for BROOKS SADDLES!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Madelaine t
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | south lk washington loop | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$15.00 | | Purchased At: | bike shop in burien, wa | | Strengths: | comfy. Retro. | | Weaknesses: | For me, there haven't been any | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | now: new raleigh cross c700 | | Bottom Line: | I am training for a 200 mile 2 day bike ride.
I am riding with other people who complain about
their butts on every ride. They get rashes on their
butts (sorry) and wiggle and squirm.
I have gotten sore legs, arms, and hands, but have never ever gotten a butt rash or been uncomfortable because of my seat.
This old S66 Brooks saddle is THE one for me. For 15 years
I have been teased about having it, but now a sizeable population of the tricked out riders are buying..
gasp.. brooks saddles! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Adler
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Collins CO.
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Risk canyon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Brave New Wheel | | Strengths: | Very comferable, Great look, When your plastic fantasic saddle is worn out the Brooks are just starting to become a old freind | | Weaknesses: | Hevy | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | lots of bikes all old classics from 70's and 80's | | Bottom Line: | The B17 is the most comfy saddle on Earth. If you take care of a Brooks it can last for 20 years or more. I have a 15 year old Team pro that still is very comfertable. How many things are still hand made and all for less then $100 bucks. Go get a hand made part for your car for $100 bucks Not a chance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gray
a Cross Country Rider
from waterloo, wi
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | Budget Bikes | | Strengths: | beauty, comfort, durability, comfort, comfort | | Weaknesses: | weakness?.... ya mean the first 500 or so miles? | | Similar Products Used: | lots! | | Bike Setup: | Specialized, custom flat bar road bike | | Bottom Line: | I LOVE THE B-17 N ...if you don't want to break it in, don't buy it...Best thing to do it slather the proofide on, top and bottom and leave in the sun to heat up....
I have ridden 4 consecutive century+ days...586 miles in a week...and was NEVER sore (lots of whining from the gel seat users though, (the butt-balm crowd))
See, you get sore from chaffing, hard slick leather allows you to slide across it, with the added advantage of being a LOT easier on those $65 shorts! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerhardt Willett
a Cross Country Rider
from Old Saybrook, Ct usa
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Comfort, durability, quality, looks, will last for a LONG time. | | Weaknesses: | you have to take care of it. proofide, keep it dry. adjust once in a while. Not really weaknesses....its fun to get involved with the bike you ride. | | Similar Products Used: | SDG Bel air, Ritchey plus rail. Brooks B5N | | Bike Setup: | Raleigh Super Gran Prix, internal 5 speed hub with drum brake,
front drum brake. Brooks b-17, moustache bars. Mavic ma3 w/ bontrager elite inverts 700x38 | | Bottom Line: | Honey leather Brooks B-17 is as comfortable as it is pretty. Broke in within a month. Like riding on a hammock. Bumps that look like they are going to hurt, I just bounce over. My favorite saddle. I also have a 25 year old Brooks B5N that looks like new and is an absolute delight to ride.
Great saddles to use if you like quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chika
a Racer
from dallas texas
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | san diego somewhere | | Strengths: | beauty, class quality durability,heritage | | Weaknesses: | pricey | | Similar Products Used: | every oem saddle out there, other brooks' | | Bike Setup: | ROAD BIKE!!! HAHAHA BIANCHI EROS | | Bottom Line: | beautiful! simply beautiful! it gives a touch of class to any mud encrusted mtb and because beauty and elegance are not fashionable in the hyper-masculine world of mtbing, as an owner of a brooks, your good taste is obvious!
now it took me less than 2 weeks of riding to break 'er in. in between it felt like i was sitting on a polished stone and had to get up out of the saddle a few times.
but like magic after coming from the store you unchain your machine and then you notice the indentations on the saddle. whoppee!!! the saddle molds itself to you and from that point on you wouldnt change it for all the selle italians in the world.
i use kiwi saddle soap (except when its wet) whenever i feel like it. ive had my conquest for 4 yrs now and its durabilty is clear like a good steel road bike it will be your companion forever! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chika
a Racer
from dallas texas
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | san diego somewhere | | Strengths: | beauty, class quality durability,heritage | | Weaknesses: | pricey | | Similar Products Used: | every oem saddle out there, other brooks' | | Bike Setup: | ROAD BIKE!!! HAHAHA BIANCHI EROS | | Bottom Line: | beautiful! simply beautiful! it gives a touch of class to any mud encrusted mtb and because beauty and elegance are not fashionable in the hyper-masculine world of mtbing, as an owner of a brooks, your good taste is obvious!
now it took me less than 2 weeks of riding to break 'er in. in between it felt like i was sitting on a polished stone and had to get up out of the saddle a few times.
but like magic after coming from the store you unchain your machine and then you notice the indentations on the saddle. whoppee!!! the saddle molds itself to you and from that point on you wouldnt change it for all the selle italians in the world.
i use kiwi saddle soap (except when its wet) whenever i feel like it. ive had my conquest for 4 yrs now and its durabilty is clear like a good steel road bike it will be your companion forever! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clay
a Weekend Warrior
from Eugene, OR
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | The hype before I used it. | | Weaknesses: | This seat does not break in to your butt. Your butt breaks in to it. I kept using this seat since I was told you have to break it in. After thousands of miles I finally had it broke in, but when the winter came it got wet and it seemed like it was now conforming to someone elses butt. To tell you the truth it never was that comfortable even after the long break in period. | | Similar Products Used: | Lots. Trying some of the nutcutout seats these days to find something that truly works. | | Bottom Line: | Don't waste the money if you are a mountain biker or if you ride in the wet. If you only ride in the dry don't just listen to the old farts hype, chuck it if it sucks. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A B
a Cross Country Rider
from Somewhere
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Where I am | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | www.wallbike.com | | Strengths: | Bought this saddle four days before my first century. Rode 101 miles and no sore ass. I only had to stand two or three times to stretch. Hard to believe, but true. I have used the proofide on it and have begun to see my sit bones indentations. I never thought it could be this comfortable. This is the main point...buy it from Wallingford Bikes. You've got six months to try it out. What have you got to lose but the pain. | | Weaknesses: | If your a racer concerned about an extra gram of weight on your $5,000 dollar bike... forgert it. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, Serfas, Body Geometry, Flite | | Bike Setup: | Wheels and stuff | | Bottom Line: | Believe me I tried like hell to enjoy the more trendy looking saddles. Also I really wanted to keep my Selle Italia Flite. Nothing has come close (so far) to the comfort level of the Brooks B-17. If you tour or do centuries... or any long distance cycling then this may be the saddle you are looking for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Loganbill
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodridge, Il,
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Illinois Prarie Path | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bicycle Parts - www.wallbike.com | | Strengths: | Comfortable, cool, leather, built to last, beautiful | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Avocet, Vetta, Specialized Body Geometry | | Bike Setup: | Trek Aluminum Road Bike, SPD Clip-Less pedals | | Bottom Line: | Without a doubt, the most comfortable seat I have every used. The Specialized Body Geometry was an absolute waste of $$$. The Vettas were okay, but after 15-20 miles I would get sore, numb, chaffed, etc. The B.17 Standard is almost transparent, meaning I barely know its there. I put 120 miles on it in the first week and had absolutely no soreness, numbness, tingly feet, chaffing.....
I purchased a second B.17 for my ATB after less than one week and a week later purchased a Team Pro. If you would like a more detailed review, check out Jacks Bikes
http://pages.prodigy.net/jack.loganbill/bikes1.htm
Previous reviewers comments regarding the good servicec of Wallingford (wallbike.com) were right on. Great outfit to do business with and he offers the 6-month refund. Hard to lose on that deal! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rastro
a Weekend Warrior
from Central Ca
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | wallbike | | Strengths: | Great looking. Has that classic appearance. | | Weaknesses: | Just plain ol' painfull. | | Similar Products Used: | None like Brooks, but about 7 or 8 other brands. | | Bike Setup: | litespeed road | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the Pro. I really wanted to like this saddle. It is really beautiful. I could even deal with the extra weight.(and there is a lot of it) But tenderness would set in after 2-3 hours on the road. I followed instructions on breaking it in and rode at least 1200 without any substantial increase in comfort. I must say that the honey brown leather was starting to look really good, darkening up nicely from sweating on it. The problem appears to be zero padding.
I would like to recomend wallbike if you are interested in
a Brooks. The owner was helpfull and has a great return policy. I sent mine back after 4 months and a lot of miles
for a full refund. That's service.
Four flames for Value, considering the labor that must go into them, and 2 overall for the pain. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Lawai, Hawaii, USA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Poipu | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bicycle Parts | | Strengths: | Classic looks, cool temp. for butt, some suspension effect. | | Weaknesses: | Swift never "broke in," busy feeling on less than smooth surfaces, slippery, pain. | | Similar Products Used: | About 15 saddles including a Belt leather (friend owns a bike shop) | | Bike Setup: | Richey Road Logic, 19c tires, light components, also used for light-load vacation international touring. | | Bottom Line: | Although this section notes the Brooks Conquest as the subject for reviews, it seems all sorts of the many Brooks saddles are commented on. Also, road riders offer their views here (and why not?). My maroon Brooks Swift with ti rails was remarkably cooler (even in padded road shorts) to ride than other saddles here in the tropics. It was lovely to look at and hard as a rock -- when I got it and just as hard -- when I sent it back 900 miles later (Bill at Wallingford bicycle parts is very understanding; don't screw up the saddle for him if you might return it because he sells good-shape returns as pre-owned). Training again for the Honolulu Century, at age 53, I put 900 miles on my Brooks Swift. The saddle never broke in -- not a dent. I used the recommended Proofhide, plenty, but I was reluctant to try water soaking and oils which some Brooks riders advocate and others warn about. I stuck to the Wallingford and Brooks instructions of Proffhide only. I did loosen, in desperation, the adjusting nut to no effect. This Swift was an ok saddle for shorter rides, but busy and tiring, like some other brands' ti-rail saddles on poorer surfaces, for hours of long training or touring. The Swift was a tad slippery when conditions required body english. Downhill, on a crummy section of highway shoulder mottled by shadow, it make a great handling bike seem spooky. But altogether, the final bottom line was the condition of my bottom. I had two livid black-and-blue-and-yellow, painful, bruises over my sit bones for months with no hope they would go away using that saddle. Other Brooks may be better for longer distance riding than the Swift. Some Brooks are wider for broader support and maybe have thinner leather that breaks in easier (I weigh 170 pounds). My comment -- if you want to join the Brooks religion and are not a racer, the Swift might not be your best first choice. If you want a Brooks, though, I found Wallingford and Bill reasonable, personable and helpful with advice to do business with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mario
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$149.00 | | Strengths: | Most comfortable saddle I've ever used. Very nice retro looks. | | Weaknesses: | A little on the heavy side, but the saddle is so nice who cares! | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Flite & Gel Flite, and Specialized geo & ergo. | | Bike Setup: | Serotta w/ D ace | | Bottom Line: | You techno fobs, get rid of your so called state of the art saddle. I have the Brooks ti Flite, and this is the best saddle there is... period! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TC
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Back roads up and down the Niagara Escarpment | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Classic! Looks great on my "retro" Raleigh, nothing else will do. Great comfort after 30 years (!) of hard use. I'm shopping for a new one, no reason to buy anything else. | | Weaknesses: | Long "break in" period (worth the trouble!). Needs to be dried thoroughly after being left in the rain for a while (OK to ride in the rain, however). Easy to scuff and scratch, mine looks very beat up but still performed great until recently (see "Bottom Line", below). Needs some maintenance from time to time (nothing too onerous, but you can't just bolt it on and forget it like a more modern, plastic & foam piece). | | Similar Products Used: | A few "modern" gel type saddles for short trials, always went back to my old Brooks. Nothing better! | | Bike Setup: | Raleigh Record, purchased new 1971. Campagnolo rear derailleur, SunTour SVX front, Altenburger "Synchron" brakes (original, work great), Sturmey-Archer rims (lots of chrome, very retro-look). This bike will last forever. Long live the Raleigh "lightweights"! | | Bottom Line: | I bought my Raleigh road bike brand new in 1971, used it for commuting for years and recreational riding since. It just keeps going, I replace parts as they wear out but the main components (frame, bars, gearset, etc.) are still original and still going strong. The Brooks B-17 saddle came on the bike when new & was one of the reasons I chose this bike over some others at the time. I remember thinking I'd made a mistake after the first few rides because it seemed so stiff and painful. 30 years later... I guess you could say I've changed my mind. 30 or 40 mile rides are nothing with this saddle, even at my age (I'm 48 yrs. old). At first, some "tinkering" is necessary with the tension and the seat angle (tipped forward a bit more than normal works best for me). Once set up and broken in, it's fantastic. I recently noticed that the leather is torn at one of the side rivets (a result of years of careless use, bumps and scrapes). I'm shopping now for a new Brooks B-17, I can't think of a reason to buy anything else.
Bottom line: If you appreciate classic, beautiful craftsmanship, if you want comfort, if you plan on keeping your bike for decades (as I have), buy this saddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHARLES
a Downhiller
from NYC NY
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | WALLIBIKES | | Strengths: | TOUGHNESS, COMFORT, SPRINGS, DURABILITY, CLASSIC LOOKS | | Weaknesses: | WEIGHT, SOME MAINTENANCE | | Similar Products Used: | IDEALE, SELLE FLITE, SPECIALIZED BODY COMP | | Bike Setup: | AIRBORNE TI, ALL XT, TIME ATACS, | | Bottom Line: | THIS IS A CLASSIC SADDLE, THAT TAKES THE EDGE OFF A HARDTAIL FRAME. ONCE BROKEN IN IT WILL BE THE BEST SADDLE YOU'VR RIDDEN. CONFORMS TO YOUR BODY. JUST WIPE OFF AND WAX EVERY COUPLE OF RIDES AND IT SHOULD LAST FOREVER. THIS SADDLE IS A TRUE CLASSIC | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | Vitasport | | Strengths: | It fits - nothing else I've tried is better. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy (500g)
It will be ruined by sustained exposure to moisture. It needs regular maintenance. Cover it with a plastic bag when its wet out. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, Botranger, San Marco Rolls + all kinds of cheap plastic stuff | | Bike Setup: | Fischer Cronus XC | | Bottom Line: | The seat cost me $20 30 years ago. The seat has outlasted 3 frames. Best investment I've ever made. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wacx
a Cross Country Rider
from south jersey usa
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | Wallingford | | Strengths: | expertly crafted, b-utiful quality, comfortable, lasts and lasts and..... | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | flite titanium, sella italia max-flite, wtb, specalized (crap), flite gel, terry liberator (good but not best), and several others to painful to mention. | | Bike Setup: | c-dale saeco w/campy record and zipp stuff. | | Bottom Line: | this review is for a swift titanium which is on my road bike. i also have a b17 and professional used for touring and off road. i have no complaints about any of these chairs. also, Wallingford bike is one excellent place to do business with. this saddle is for riders that spend lots of time in the saddle and don't mind a little upkeep. got to give 5 warm road kills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a
from Santa Rosa, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Wine Country roadie | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | www.BranfordBike.com | | Strengths: | VERY COMFORTABLE; looks - people comment on how cool it looks | | Weaknesses: | weight. | | Similar Products Used: | Koobi, Serfas, all sorts. | | Bike Setup: | Kestrel 200SCi road bike | |
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