Brooks saddles

[Max Effort]

I’ve used a Brooks B17 saddle on just about every bike I’ve had over the last 40 years (apart from a a brief spell being a weight-weeny in the early ‘90s, when I used a Ti Flite).
I was thinking it may not be the best choice for a bikepacking bike, with big plus tyres spraying it with muddy water.
Does anyone else still use them, or am I the last remaining dinosaur?

[Max Effort]

Not a single reply!
Maybe I am the last remaining dinosaur??
Time for a change, methinks

[ScotRoutes]

I used a B17 on my Amazon when it was strictly a tourer/commuter but found that mud and grit from off-road riding basically scoured the surface off it.

[Max Effort]

I used a B17 on my Amazon when it was strictly a tourer/commuter but found that mud and grit from off-road riding basically scoured the surface off it.

Exactly!
Need a bad weather alternative...

[Pirahna]

B17 Imperial for me if I'm touring, C17 Carved most of the time. Annoyingly the B17 is right in the middle of the C17 and C19 width wise, if they made a C18 it would be perfect. Having said that I'll happily ride a C17 in normal undies for long multi-day rides, so I suppose it's as close to perfect as I'll find.

[Ledburyjosh]

I've got one on my bikepacking bike

Not fussed about mud on it

[lune ranger]

Ti B17 on my Krampus and Ti Swift on my Fargo. They get covered in mud and water no problems. They do need a bit of looking after with Proofride but are still looking good and working fine.

[Mart]

Used C17's for a few years, but had issues recently with the rubber splitting
Think Ive now found an non brooks alternative

[In Reverse]

C17 on the *checks notes* #gradventourer. 6 years old and has seen a lot of filthy action.

Had no issues with my rubber splitting.

[RIP]

if you had a dropper post you'd have no problems getting it up when required either.

Reg 'Finbarr Saunders' Perrin

[sean_iow]

Used C17's for a few years, but had issues recently with the rubber splitting
Think Ive now found an non brooks alternative

I'd be interested to know that that is? I've the same splitting issues plus my C15 isn't as comfy as it once was so looking for alternatives.

[pistonbroke]

Not a single reply!
Maybe I am the last remaining dinosaur??

I think that unlike another well known forum, the members of this one actually ride bikes on a Sunday morning so are probably on microadventures (TM) and definitely you'll get replies that are based on experience and not snidey meaningless drivel. Quality always trumps quantity imo.

Edit, except Reg and In Reverse but they're a bit strange

[RIP]

compliment accepted .Look upon us as the light entertainment interval .

[Mart]

Used C17's for a few years, but had issues recently with the rubber splitting
Think Ive now found an non brooks alternative

I'd be interested to know that that is? I've the same splitting issues plus my C15 isn't as comfy as it once was so looking for alternatives.

Sean
Same as your picture - we covered this off on the other brooks thread
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15250&p=189852#p189852

I’m now testing a SQlab saddle to see if it suits my arse

[sean_iow]

Thanks Mart. It was the new saddle details I was after, I'll look that up thanks.

[ootini]

Used C17's for a few years, but had issues recently with the rubber splitting
Think Ive now found an non brooks alternative

What s the alternative you've found ?

[trob6]

I have a b17 and its the comfiest saddle ive ever had , it gets wet and muddle and the shine is rubbed of so I lube it and carry on, I was concerned about the weight but the comfort out ways that easily.

[Mart]

Used C17's for a few years, but had issues recently with the rubber splitting
Think Ive now found an non brooks alternative

What s the alternative you've found ?

When trying to find a replacement for the Cambium C17 (which is quite a wide saddle)
Im trying out a SQLab - They come in different widths so have chosen a similarly wide version

Other makes were much thinner (most only go up to around 150mm)

[Motorman]

I have had a B17 on my fatbike for the last 8 years without any issues and another fitted to my Fargo. That said, I have recently fitted an Ergon SMC4 to my S/S 29+ bike for the winter as it is one less thing to maintain when it is properly grim outside.

[Bumpy Jonas]

I like a B17 but I have heard a few horror storied about getting the underside wet. I use a C17 on bikes without mudgards find it just as comfy. A few people I know use Selle Italia saddles like the Regal they are about £35 from On One Cheers Peter

[lune ranger]

I like a B17 but I have heard a few horror storied about getting the underside wet. I use a C17 on bikes without mudgards find it just as comfy. A few people I know use Selle Italia saddles like the Regal they are about £35 from On One Cheers Peter

What’s the horror?

My B17 and Swift have been getting their undersides wetted and muddied regularly over the last decade and are still going nicely.
Admittedly they look a bit sorry for themselves after a bikepacking trip on Dartmoor in winter but after they’ve dried out and had a lick of Proof Ride all is good.