10 Best Brooks Saddle Review in 2023

Biking is one of the ways to enjoy the great outdoors while breaking a sweat. When looking for one on your own, do take note that you should choose the right bike saddle as well. After all, it is the one that would help keep you comfortably seated in it, whether on a leisure cruise around the park or in a race.

This guide lets us explore 10 of the best Brooks saddles in the market today. We will look at each one closely, from the materials used to how comfortable they are. After that, there will also be a buyer’s guide to help you with your search.

Best Brooks Saddle Review

Since its first bicycle saddle in 1888, the England-based saddle maker has been producing timeless products. Here are the top 10 products from Brooks.

1. Brooks England Cambium All Weather Bicycle Saddle

The first bicycle saddle on this list is from Brooks England, which is made out of a combination of vulcanized natural rubber and organic cotton.

Aside from that, it is also made with a thin layer of structural textiles to make it even more resilient. This combination enables the rider to have the best experience during their bike ride.

Plus, its nylon cover makes the seat weatherproof. Adding this material onto this Brooks bicycle saddle makes it waterproof too. The material ensures that this seat will last longer compared to its competitors and fellow Brooks bike saddles.

Whether you want to train for the next bike race or try out a new hobby, you can attach a water bottle holder or a small bag to the seat. You can thank the included fiberglass reinforced backplate for this. Now, you can then focus on biking properly while securing your essentials close to you.

If you noticed, this particular Brooks model includes a cut along the center of the bicycle saddle. Thanks to this hole, the riders have better movement around their lower limbs as they pedal their bike. This ensures that they can bike properly.

Its flexible, maintenance-free design allows it to adjust to the bike rider. Usually, every bike seat added to a rider’s bike requires them to adjust to it. Brooks’ expertise in the industry helps the rider not to worry about adjusting to their seat.

This particular Brooks model requires you to spend time for you to adjust to the bike. Its malleability will fit towards your body shape the longer you use this model. Doing this will help you get increased comfort over this model over time.

Related Guide: Find the Best Saddle to Prevent Numbness From Your Cycling Experience!

2. Brooks England B17 Bike Saddle

From a modern-looking saddle, let us take a look at one of their well-known leather bike saddles. This Brooks product is a handmade bike saddle that makes use of the leather techniques over the past 100 years for its top.

Meanwhile, it has been a popular product for over a hundred years. It is one of the popular choices among cyclists over the years.

This is due to its design leaning towards providing a lot of thigh movement. In addition to that, the rider can feel more comfortable due to the pores present on the leather surface. It provides enough natural ventilation during any bike ride.

Said leather is placed on top of a chrome frame using stainless steel rivets. It also comes with black steel rails. These materials help keep this product’s signature shape over its lifespan. Aside from that, this combination makes the bike saddle both sturdy and comfortable at the same time.

Were you thinking about carrying a small bag or water bottle with you? Fret not as this Brooks bike saddle includes a bag loop at the back of the seat. You can match it with any Brooks’ touring bags too.

This bike seat needs constant maintenance after every use. With that in mind, Brooks also includes a leather care kit. That way, you can reduce the effects of wear and tear on it with each use. Using it properly can also increase its lifespan in the process.

3. Brooks England Saddles Men’s C17 Cambium Bike Saddle

This Brooks bike saddle offers yet another modern design to any bike rider. However, it can stand out among competing designs, even within the Brooks family. The design is based on the B17, one of the top-quality Brooks saddles among the leather family.

Speaking of weather resistance, you can thank the included vulcanized natural rubber and organic cotton. It also offers better resistance for rain or shine. In addition to that, it can also keep the rider comfortable on a short stroll or an hour-long race.

When it comes to comfort, the top is designed to improve your bike ride as soon as you bust it out of the box. This means that you don’t have to spend time adjusting to it. Through continued use, you can enjoy a more comfortable ride using this saddle.

Stability is essential for a bike saddle as it helps maintain its overall shape. In this model, it has been achieved with a die-cast aluminum structure and tubular steel rails. All in all, these items help form this product’s signature shape and maintain it over time.

The featured material used makes it more than just waterproof. Using rubber, cotton, aluminum, and steel makes it maintenance-free. This makes it superior compared to its leather counterparts.

Take note that using it more often will cause it to break down faster. With that in mind, you would have to invest in methods to prolong its lifespan. Even so, you can be assured that you can get the best performance for your bike ride using this saddle.

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4. Brooks Saddles Flyer Bicycle Saddle

If you are thinking about using your future bicycle for trekking and touring, this Brooks bicycle saddle might be for you. What makes it unique is the included springs at the back to keep you stable on your bike.

The feature can only be seen on this model and provides superior comfort to its rider. This model’s design is referenced from an older Brooks model. It came from the B66 Champion, once presented in the 1927 catalog.

Aside from that, this bicycle saddle’s shape is a reference from the B17 models. Like all their products, they make sure that they are all handmade from England. Meanwhile, the seat that the springs support is made out of vegetable-tanned leather.

They made use of their 100 years of experience making leather bike saddles to ensure the best comfort and shape for the rider. Brooks makes sure that this and their other bicycle saddles make use of the best materials for high-quality products.

The included frame and rails are made out of hardened black steel. It makes it durable while complementing the classic look of the leather Brooks saddle. Everything is held together with tubular steel rivets, making it durable for any rough ride.

Do take note that, like most of their leather bike saddles, you would need to maintain them. They also recommend using their leather dressing before riding this seat for the first time. In exchange, you can be assured that it will last as long as seats made of non-leather materials.

5. Brooks Saddles B67 Bicycle Saddle (Men’s)

Aside from the Flyer saddle, Brooks also offers this bicycle saddle. Using this will help you ride comfortably over uneven tracks such as rocky or muddy trails. Another feature that it shares with the Flyer is the rear springs. They are made out of chrome and can support your weight.

At the same time, it is a great fit for bikes for rougher trails such as mountain roads. These features are present as this is the direct descendant of the B66 models. What makes it different from its ancestor is the included single rails. This makes it compatible with bikes that have micro-adjust seat pillars.

There is also another feature that makes this model different from the B66. It includes a broader rear portion. This gives way for the rear springs to fit. It also makes itself an improvement from its ancestor.

As with all Brooks’ leather seats, the top is made out of their signature, handmade vegetable-tanned leather. Underneath it is a black steel frame with tubular steel rivets that keep it and the springs together. This makes it a durable model.

For comfort, the handmade leather top also includes pores. This makes it comfortable to sit on. Once you ride your bike with this, you can feel the ventilation that it brings.

As with all leather-made bicycle saddles, this model would involve investing time to maintain it properly. Doing this will reduce the wear and tear it can experience over time.

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6. Brooks Saddles B17 Short Honey

It is one of the classic staples of the Brooks’ bike saddles. This particular bicycle saddle reflects the type of bike saddles this brand is known for over the years. Since its introduction in 1898, it has remained one of the most popular Brooks bicycle saddles available.

Its seat is covered with their signature handmade vegetable-tanned leather. Aside from that, it sports the original Brooks logo that all their models carry as a sign that it is genuinely from the British manufacturer.

This also shows that this product is handmade once you order it from them. Aside from the leather top, it includes other components that give it its signature shape.

The first component comprises of a sturdy steel rail that keeps its shape. Connecting both the top and the rail is a set of tubular steel rivets to form the said shape and keep it stable.

When using this model for your bike, you can be reassured that it can be used for long-distance sports touring and trekking. It can even withstand all-terrain bikes too. You can ride any trail at ease once you use this saddle.

Like the other models, however, you have to maintain it regularly due to its leather seat. Now, you wouldn’t have to worry about its fit as it can adjust to the shape of the biker’s body the longer you use it on your bike.

All in all, it is one of Brooks’ bicycle saddles that focuses on keeping the rider comfortable.

7. Brooks Saddles B15 Swallow Bicycle Saddle

Yet another one of their known leather bike saddles, this Brooks bicycle saddle is known for its signature design. This is a modern release of the first model sold and patented in 1937. It remains as a timeless piece in the market since then.

Known as the father of all modern racing saddles, this product includes the Brooks signature leather top.

Unlike the other models, however, it bears the patent declaration with the word “deposé.” This can be found on the tensioning plate on its underside that has the original patent.

Take note that the leather is vegetable tanned and handmade in England. A chrome-plated steel rail is attached underneath it using tubular steel rivets. You can also get it with a titanium frame. The timeless design fits most bikes. It can be fitted to road or mountain bikes with ease.

This design boasts of versatility and comfort for any bike rider that uses it. Once you get this model, you would need time to let it adjust to your body shape.

All these features above ensure that it will be a great fit for most bikers. It is also recommended for those people who do biking as a sport. You are reassured that it will keep any rider comfortable over asphalt roads or mountain trails.

Do take note that when trying this model for the first time, you would need to get used to it. Even so, you can be assured that this product will fit your bike no matter what. This Brooks bike saddle will help you enjoy the comforts of biking.

Related Topic: Brooks C17 vs C15

8. Brooks Saddles B67 S Bicycle Saddle (Women’s)

The Brooks England was one of the many companies who noticed the number of women who ride bicycles. With that in mind, they added this type of bike saddle to the market. It includes all the signature features of Brooks bike saddles, from colors to frame construction.

First off, the bike seat is wrapped in the company’s signature leather top. It is handmade in England for each purchase. Aside from that, they used techniques gathered in their hundred-year history to tan it using vegetables.

The bike saddle includes a reference from the B67 by adding two rear springs. A wider rear section is provided to give the rider an improved riding experience through any terrain. This structure allows it to be stable on any bike ride.

Also, the springs and the leather top are built onto an all-black steel single rail. They are attached to it using tubular steel rivets. This type of construction helps keep its unique shape intact. Furthermore, it offers a lot when it comes to comfort. The single rails can attach to a bike’s micro-adjust seat pillars.

Its leather top also has pores that make its rider properly ventilated while riding. Now, as with most leather bike saddles, it requires constant maintenance. This means that after every ride and once in a while, you would have to treat the leather properly.

Plus, this will ensure that the material lasts long and reduce the effect of wear and tear on it.

9. Brooks Saddles B17 Carved Short Black

This is yet another Brooks bicycle saddle that has been inspired by a classic. Its design is a nod-off to the classic B86 Imperial design. Using this as a base, they were able to create one of the good Brooks saddles in the market.

In 1890, the B86 Imperial featured a unique “registered cutting.” It is needed as it is “a sure preventative to all perennial pressure.” And, it also includes holes that are added to the lower edge of the leather sides. The sides are threaded together by a lace.

This feature is present in the B17 Imperial, the modern successor of the 1890 model. The special cut is found in the middle of the saddle. Combined with the laced sides, this allows for better comfort for the rider.

Regarding the lace, this enables the rider to adjust to the seat quickly. It can be loosened or tightened, depending on one’s preference. Doing this will help you accommodate a better riding style. Aside from that, it is made using the same leather used in other leather saddles by Brooks.

Its stability can be attributed to the included frame and single rail made out of chrome-plated steel. This structure makes the entire bike saddle maintain its shape in the long run. Do take note that it is a leather seat and requires constant maintenance after every use.

Several people recommend making use of a waterproof saddle cover to protect it from the elements.

10. Brooks England Flyer Special Saddle (Men’s)

The final item on this list is one of the quality Brooks saddles available on the market. This specific saddle combines the style of the B17 with a new suspension. The combination ensures a sleek look and provides better comfort for any bike rider.

This saddle from Brooks is made using vegetable-tanned leather. It is the same material they used for the rest of their saddles, bags, and accessories. They made it using their experience over the past 100 years regarding traditional leather techniques.

Aside from that, the bike saddle includes a rail, frame, and rivets. First, the rail and frame are made out of hardened black steel. Meanwhile, the rivets keep the leather saddle, frame, and rail together. It is made out of copper. Combined, they ensure that its shape is maintained during its entire lifespan.

The included springs are placed at the back of the seat. It is also made out of hardened black steel. They help provide stability to the rider no matter where they use their bike on, whether it may be an asphalt road or mountain trail.

Do take note that this bike saddle is made out of leather. Extending its lifespan is dependent on how much maintenance you perform on it. This includes cleaning the seat properly when it gets dirty on a trip or wet due to rain.

How Do I choose a Brooks Saddle?

When choosing a bicycle saddle, it takes time and effort to identify the perfect one from various available seats.

This is because of the wide range of styles, colors, and designs available. Here is what you should take note of when choosing a bicycle saddle:

Cover Material

Depending on the model, bike saddles can use synthetic or natural materials. Make sure you get the one that won’t chafe as much, especially in seams, sticky bits, or reinforcing panels.

If you are opting for a mountain bike, find a saddle that has a hard-wearing cover.

Shell

A shell refers to the shape of the actual bike saddle. You should check its base depending on the shape and how springy it is. Based on your body shape, the bike saddle should fit your physique. A common example includes having nylon shells with carbon reinforcements.

Grooves or Cut-outs

When you are riding a bike for a long time, the entire saddle can heat up and make you uncomfortable. Depending on your preference, you may prefer a model that has a groove or cut out in the center. This will also help reduce pressure on your most sensitive area while biking.

Suspension

You can opt for a bike saddle with built-in suspension if you are thinking about getting a bike to enjoy rougher trails. They help support the rider as they go up and down the various bumps on any outdoor surface. Make sure to choose the one that makes you the most comfortable.

Padding

A layer of padding adds an amount of comfort once the rider sits on the cover. Its purpose is to distribute the pressure your bottom feels while riding over a period of time. A material used in most bike saddles is polyurethane foam. Depending on the biker, the padding may be firm or soft.

Rails

The rails hold the entire shape of the saddle and the rider’s weight at the same time. Some saddles use steel alloys. Others invest in a lighter design using titanium or carbon ones.

There are several types of rails available on the market. However, the common trend among road and mountain bikes is single rail saddle and post systems. They are chosen as a pair to make the saddle lightweight. At the same time, it makes it adjustable.

Extra Details

Depending on the seller, distributor, or brand, they might include several freebies when you purchase any of their bike saddle models. To prolong its lifespan, it includes Kevlar-reinforced corners or plastic bumpers. Additional items also include mounts for water bottles or saddle bags.

They can also add items that can help you keep them clean. For example, several bike saddle brands include a leather care kit for every purchase. Aside from that, the product can also include seat covers.

Break-in Time

When you get a bike saddle fresh from the store, you should note that you would have to ride it to “break it in.” Depending on the overall build and your riding preferences, it may take as short as a daily ride or a span of several weeks.

Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting a Bicycle Touring Saddle

When selecting a saddle for bicycle touring, it is important to be aware of the mistakes that should be avoided. The wrong saddle cannot only be uncomfortable and cause discomfort but can also damage your body in the long run.

Here are three common mistakes to avoid when selecting a bicycle touring saddle:

1. Assuming the Included Saddle is Suitable

Many cyclists assume that their new bike’s included saddle is suitable for long-distance cycling, and this simply isn’t the case.

Even if it may seem fine for shorter commutes or weekend excursions, it rarely provides enough support or cushioning for extended rides of eight hours or more. When looking for a touring saddle, look for one specifically designed for this purpose.

2. Believing Gel Seats Are Best

While gel seats may feel soft initially, they often lead to chafing and discomfort after a brief period of time due to them not providing adequate support and cushioning.

Consider investing in a saddle made with foam padding instead as they will provide more comfort over longer periods of time without causing any skin irritation.

3. Forcing Yourself to Adjust to an Uncomfortable Saddle

Ending up with an uncomfortable saddle will only result in extreme pain and possibly injury if you push yourself too hard on it while attempting to get used to it.

Don’t risk your health by forcing yourself into an ill-suited saddle; invest in one that fits properly and provides enough cushioning and support so you can ride without any issues.

For those looking for the best possible solution when selecting a touring saddle, consider investing in a Brooks saddle as it has been widely regarded as one of the best options available on the market today.

Be sure not to make any of these common mistakes when selecting your next bike touring seat!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

In this article, we have learned a lot about bike saddles. This can be seen from the Brook saddles available in the market. They come in various models to fit one’s preference. We have reviewed and tested the ten best Brooks saddles available in 2023.

All of these saddles excel in terms of durability, comfort, and suitability for different riding styles. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or someone who just wants to enjoy a casual ride, you can confidently choose any one of these Brooks saddles knowing that it will provide you with quality performance and optimal comfort.

We hope our review has been helpful in guiding you to the perfect saddle for your needs and we wish you many happy miles on your new Brooks saddle!