The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Brooks Saddle + Reviews
Finding the best Brooks saddles is not impossibly hard – it’s actually fairly easy, all things considered, since Brooks is already a brand known for the quality of its products, meaning you are already on the right track if you are thinking of acquiring a device made by this British company. Checking out their products, we’ve come to some conclusions. Our top pick from the models that we’ve verified is the Brooks England B17 Bike Saddle – Handmade Leather Bike Seat, which comes with plenty of advantages. Since it uses traditional techniques that originated in England, you have a clear image of a high-quality product. The vegetable-tanned leather lets you feel cool when you ride the bike. The product also lets you have thigh freedom, which is great. If this model isn’t available, you can also try the Brooks Saddles Flyer Bicycle Saddle (Men’s), which has a lot of advantages as well.
Comparison table
1st Choice
The product is made using traditional English techniques from 100 years ago, so you get a new level of confidence in its quality. The vegetable-tanned leather lets you feel cooler when riding, and the thigh freedom lets you have a better time.
The edges under the saddle can be a bit rough if you touch them with your bare hands, so you need to be careful and try to fix it later.
Relying on classical, traditional English techniques, having vegetable-tanned leather and thigh freedom, this product is one that manages to stand out in any offer, without a doubt, being a high-quality device you can trust.
2nd Best
You gain trust in this product when you find out it is using some century-old English techniques. The product is classically sprung, making it good for trekking and touring. The rails made from hardened steel offer the product a higher resistance.
Because it is made from shiny leather, the surface can be a bit slippery sometimes, especially at the beginning.
Being created using a century-old English technique, being classically sprung, and having frames and rails made from hardened steel, this device is one that is sure to attract a large audience, no matter what.
Also To Consider
You can use this product anytime as it is a waterproof one. It is also made from materials known for their resistance, like vulcanized natural rubber. The reinforced backplate lets you place your saddlebag there or any other accessories.
When getting on the saddle, you must be very careful not to let your shorts get caught on it, to avoid an embarrassing moment.
Since it’s created from resistant materials, it is waterproof and has a reinforced backplate for your accessories, you would be hard-pressed to find a product that can go into direct competition with this device right here.
10 Best Brooks Saddles (Updated Reviews) in 2021
If you would like to find the best Brooks saddle, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve taken a look at some of the most popular models of the moment and checked all their pros and cons. Keep in mind what you look for in such a product and find the perfect one below.
- 1. Brooks England B17 Bike Saddle – Handmade Leather Bike Seat
- 2. Brooks Saddles Flyer Bicycle Saddle (Men’s)
- 3. Brooks England Cambium All Weather Bike Seat – Waterproof
- 4. Brooks Saddles B67 Bicycle Saddle (Men’s)
- 5. Brooks England Saddles Men’s C17 Cambium Bike Saddle
- 6. Brooks England Swift Bicycle Saddle
- 7. Brooks Saddles B15 Swallow Bicycle Saddle
- 8. Brooks England Cambium C13 Carved, All-Weather Carbon Bike Saddle
- 9. Brooks Team Pro S Bicycle Saddle – Women’s/MTB
- 10. Brooks England Vegetable Tanned Leather Flyer
- Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Brooks England B17 Bike Saddle – Handmade Leather Bike Seat
One of the cool things that you will notice about this product is the fact that it was made in England using traditional techniques that date back to 100 years ago. This also includes the use of fine vegetable-tanned leather. Just knowing this info, you already have an idea of how this product is probably fancier than many on the market.
This product is one of the top choices for sporting cyclists who like to have their thigh movement as free as possible, while also offering the amount of comfort that one should get from such a product in the first place. One of the things that influence the comfort is the natural ventilation this product has.
The pores of this type of leather lead to natural ventilation taking place, so you can feel cool always when you ride the bike. Also important are the chrome frame, the stainless steel rivets, but also the black steel rails, giving the product a new level of strength.
Pros
This product uses various traditional techniques that date back to a century ago, in England, making it a more refined one compared to other models.
The use of vegetable-tanned leather lets natural ventilation take place through the pores so that you can feel cooler while you are riding the bike.
The chrome frame, stainless steel rivets, and black steel rails, all work together to make sure that this product is going to benefit from the needed strength.
Another cool feature of this saddle is the freedom it offers when it comes to the thigh movement, making it a stand out among all other models.
Cons
The edges under the saddle are maybe a bit too sharp, which makes picking up the bicycle by the underside more difficult than it should be and creates the risk for you to get a sort of paper cut, so to say; you can fix this by rolling the edge a bit with a screwdriver through.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($140)
2. Brooks Saddles Flyer Bicycle Saddle (Men’s)
The products from Brooks are handmade in England, and they follow strictly traditional techniques that have been around for at least a century, thus proving they work, and this model is not an exception either. Naturally, it is made out of high-quality materials so that you’ll enjoy it fully.
This model is classically sprung, which, if you didn’t know, makes it a very good option for activities like touring and trekking, so in case that you are into those activities, you should pay closer attention to this product as it could be the one that you are looking for to let you enjoy touring and trekking as they were made to be enjoyed.
The saddle has rails and frames that were created using hardened black steel so that you will enjoy the mix of strength and style that you deserve, thus surely making this option a stand out in any store.
Pros
The saddle was created using classic and traditional techniques that have been used for this for over 100 years now, originated all the way in England.
The product is classically sprung, which makes it a very good option for various activities that many enjoy today, such as trekking and touring.
You will also notice the double rear spring as the product has two rear springs so that you can enjoy an extra layer of comfort when you are riding the bike.
In order to mix strength and style, the frames and rails of this saddle are created from hardened black steel, which is, obviously, a plus.
Cons
Since the saddle is created out of shiny leather, you will find it to be a bit slippery at times, especially at the beginning and if until now you have relied on the help of synthetic saddles; it just takes some time to get used to it, but it’s not a huge deal, in itself.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($218.99)
3. Brooks England Cambium All Weather Bike Seat – Waterproof
When you pick such a product, you have to be sure that it’s one that fits the general criteria of quality for a saddle, and this one, fortunately, does. One of the features that you will notice and surely like is the waterproof and weatherproof nylon cover that was created so that it can work in any condition.
This saddle is made from really interesting materials that make it a stand out, such as vulcanized natural rubber and organic cotton canvas. On top of them, there is also a thin layer of structural textile so that you will have even better resistance, making this choice a rather obvious one for many people that check it out.
Other features that make this product a stand out are the flexibility and the fact that it’s maintenance-free, so you will feel comfortable when you ride it and use it without having to struggle.
Pros
A really good thing this product comes with is the waterproof and weatherproof nylon cover, which means that you can use the saddle in all weather conditions.
The saddle is created from vulcanized natural rubber and organic cotton canvas, covered with a thin layer of structural textile, for a superior level of resistance.
The product is also a flexible one, and it’s maintenance-free, which means that you can ride it without having to struggle, and you will also feel comfortable.
Also, the saddle has a fiberglass reinforced backplate with loops for a saddle bag or various other accessories that you may carry with you.
Cons
Due to its design, you must be very careful when you climb the saddle, as having shorts over the cycling shorts increases the chances of them being pulled down when you do this activity, which, naturally, would create a rather embarrassing moment if you are not careful.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($93.62)
4. Brooks Saddles B67 Bicycle Saddle (Men’s)
This Brooks Saddle is created using traditional techniques that date back to at least 100 years ago, confirming the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. People that have tried this product can confirm this. One of the things that stands out, in this case, is the fact that the product is made out of fine vegetable-tanned leather.
The model has micro-adjust pillars. This means that the single rails can be attached to these modern pillars. The classically sprung saddle represents another cool feature, as it has a wider rear portion as well, thus making it a product that many people can use.
Also very important is the fact that the saddle is made out of all black steel, tubular steel rivets, and features a single rail design, for a better overall experience in riding your bike. This clearly makes this product a very interesting one for many.
Pros
You can attach the single rails to the modern micro-adjust seat pillar, so you can be sure that the ride will go much smoother from now on.
It is a classically sprung saddle with a wider rear portion as well, so a wider variety of people can rely on using this model.
The pores of the vegetable-tanned leather of this saddle offer you ventilation in a natural way so that you can be cool throughout the ride.
It is made using a technology that is dating back to a century ago, clearly showing that the old methods can still be highly relevant even today.
Cons
The product can produce a creaking sound as time goes by, which can be unpleasant for many people, so our advice is to keep oiling it up in several points to fix this problem; this may not always fix the problem completely, but it will surely make a difference.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($150)
5. Brooks England Saddles Men’s C17 Cambium Bike Saddle
If you want a good saddle for your bicycle, then, clearly, you need to pick one that is made out of qualitative materials, and this option is one that manages to stand out as it is made out of vulcanized natural rubber and organic cotton, all so that you can enjoy a superior level of comfort that you rightfully deserve on your trips.
Of course, we also have to mention the presence of a cambium top that has the ability to move and flow naturally with your movement, as you ride the bike, so that you can enjoy better control of the bike and a better way of pedaling. This is, as you can tell, highly important, and it’s a good thing that this product has it.
The product has a die-cast aluminum structure and tubular steel rails, which will offer you much more durability and strength in the long run.
Pros
The saddle is made out of vulcanized natural rubber and organic cotton, which means you will have a superior level of comfort when you are riding the bike.
The cambium top is a really cool feature, as it can move and flow naturally and easily with your general movement when you are riding the bicycle.
The fact that the cambium top plays a big role in making sure that you can control the bike better, while also pedaling better, is another big plus.
For higher durability for the years to come, the saddle has a die-cast aluminum structure and tubular steel rails, clearly making a world of difference.
Cons
The color of the saddle can wear off pretty quickly, especially if you live in a humid climate or if you tend to sweat a lot. This can happen pretty fast, in only a couple of weeks or months, so people who don’t like the “used” look of objects may not like this either.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($105.1)
6. Brooks England Swift Bicycle Saddle
This product manages to stand out thanks to a variety of features, such as the fact that it is chrome plated. This means that the rails and frames are completely made out of chrome-plated steel, which has the goal of offering you a good combination of the strength that you need and the style that you want.
Like many other Brooks England Saddles, this one is also created in England and relies on 100-year-old traditional techniques for the quality that you want and need. The product is made out of fine superior vegetable-tanned leather. Also important are the skived sides, which feature delicate hand skived lower sides.
On top of that, there is a thin strip of the leather surface that is cut back so that you can enjoy a superior level of comfort and flair as you are riding your bicycle into some brand new adventure.
Pros
The rails and frames are created using chrome-plated steel so that the product will have the strength that you need while also looking stylish.
It’s a quality product that is made in England, and that is relying upon 100-year-old traditional techniques in order to be created to the level you need.
The skived sides have delicate hand skived lower sides with a thin strip of the leather surface being cut back so that you can feel the superior level of comfort and flair of it.
Also very important for this product is the fact that it has partially cutaway flaps, which makes this saddle a good option for products such as mountain bikes or road bikes.
Cons
One problem that seems to be encountered by some of the users of this saddle is the constant sliding forward when the product is set on a level, which can be quite uncomfortable at times.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($189.53)
7. Brooks Saddles B15 Swallow Bicycle Saddle
If you enjoy products that have a vintage appeal to them, you are likely to be interested in this saddle model. Not only does it have a vintage vibe about it, but it is also created using the same patent principle that the company has been using since 1937! The brand relies on 100-year-old traditional techniques to create their products, and it makes quite a difference.
This model has the entire frame of the saddle made from chrome-plated steel. This not only gives the saddle the strength that it requires in order to be stable and resistant to multiple uses, but it also gives it a certain special type of style, that is not very common in today’s market, so, if you want to stand out, this option could be the one for you.
As it is presented as being a versatile and comfortable option for many of you out there, it is recommended that you will use this device for your mountain or road bike.
Pros
The vintage design that this saddle has is sure to turn heads and make the people who appreciate a retro aesthetic for their bicycles very happy.
It is a product that was created using the same patent principle that this company has been using since 1937.
As the entire frame of the saddle is made out of chrome-plated steel, the product is bound to be more resistant as time goes by and also more stylish.
You can rely on using this model of the saddle for both road bicycles and mountain bicycles, so you have another reason to invest in it.
Cons
Although the seat is known for being really comfortable, a problem you may encounter is the rail design limits that are pushing the saddle further back; this doesn’t seem to be a general problem for this product, though, so it can be said it’s more the exception than the rule.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($175)
8. Brooks England Cambium C13 Carved, All-Weather Carbon Bike Saddle
A highlight of this product is the materials it is made from – vulcanized natural rubber that is reinforced with nylon on top for better flexibility and better comfort. The carbon frame of this device is also created specifically for it to enjoy more strength, and it is described as being the ultimate weight saving.
One of the things that should definitely be mentioned in regards to this product is the fact that it can absorb shocks and vibrations so that it will keep the rider in a much better control level, compared to your usual saddle, as it has a static base and foam padding. The waterproof nylon top lets you enjoy the comfort you need in any weather.
Furthermore, you can find this product in both narrow and standard widths so that you can pick the size that fits your body and your riding style the best with no limitations.
Pros
It is a product made out of vulcanized natural rubber that was reinforced with nylon on top, so you will enjoy greater flexibility and comfort when you ride it.
The nylon top that is used for this product is waterproof, which means you may be able to ride the bicycle in any type of weather with no worries.
It has a carbon frame, which makes the device enjoy more strength making it a weight saving type of product.
The saddle has the ability to absorb shocks and vibrations when you are riding the bike, which means you will enjoy a better level of control.
Cons
In some cases, even with the available narrow and standard widths, some people may find this model as not being very comfortable or being too small for them; while you may get used to the level of comfort, there isn’t that much you can do if it’s too small.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($198)
9. Brooks Team Pro S Bicycle Saddle – Women’s/MTB
If you wonder if this product has enough features to make it an attractive option for you, the answer would be ‘yes, it has’. For example, you can’t ignore the fact that the frames and rails are all created using chrome-plated steel, which makes sure the saddle will have enough strength while also being a stylish choice for you.
The product has skived sides. It has delicately hand skived lower sides, where a thin strip of the leather surface has been cut back so that you will enjoy more comfort but also a bit more flair. The vegetable-tanned leather that was used for this product has cool features, such as being form molding, thus making sure that it molds to your body for more comfort.
All of this was created using technology that goes back a century ago, being originated in England, and now it is ready for export.
Pros
The frames and rails were created with chrome-plated steel so that your saddle will enjoy enough strength; at the same time, it makes this choice a stylish one.
The product has delicately hand skived lower sides where a thin strip of the surface of the leather has been cut back for extra comfort and some extra flair.
It was made from vegetable-tanned leather, which lets it mold on your body so that you can enjoy even more comfort on your ride.
It was created using the same English technology that this company has been using for about a century now, which is clearly a stand-out.
Cons
This product is not a very light one. Yes, you can say that it more than makes up for what it has in quality, but if you are looking for a light saddle, this may not be exactly the one you should check out.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
10. Brooks England Vegetable Tanned Leather Flyer
This Brooks saddle is made in England, as all Brooks saddles are, a country renowned for its love of bicycles. As a result, it also relies on the traditional techniques that it has always used, for almost a century now, but also on high-quality materials, which are necessary when dealing with such a product, after all.
One thing that is really attractive regarding this product is the fact that the company has hand-hammered all the pure copper rivets that are found on the device, thus keeping in line with the old traditions. It also has the frame and rails created from hardened black steel, so you will have a product with enough strength and also style.
The company always relies only on fine European vegetable tanned leather to create the saddles, bags, and accessories they have, and this model is no exception, so you know you will enjoy the quality that you deserve.
Pros
It’s a saddle that is created using traditional techniques that date back to England, 100 years ago, showing that the quality of the product has never changed.
In order for the company to deliver your product at the level that you want, it only uses high-quality materials, which should be the norm for everybody.
The company is in charge of making sure that the saddles have hand-hammered pure copper rivets on them, in line with the traditional techniques.
In order for the product to be ready, it is worth mentioning that the brand uses European vegetable tanned leather, so the quality is right there.
Cons
It takes a little bit of time until you break in this product. While this is a pretty common thing, it should be mentioned, just in case, some people don’t know that their first rides may not be the most comfortable. It just takes a bit of time.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($170)
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Finding the best Brooks saddles is not that hard since Brooks is already a company known for its quality products, so you aren’t so much looking for products that fit the quality criteria as you are looking for the ones that fit your needs the best. But, with so many Brooks saddles USA options, the final choice can become a bit difficult.
Finding a comfortable Brooks Flyer saddle, for example, is going to let you feel more comfortable when you are riding the bike. And, as you feel more comfortable, you will be able to ride it faster and for a longer time. Nevertheless, comfort, in this case, can become a really subjective thing.
This is because, as you sit on a bike, your weight is going to rest on the sitting bones, which are positioned differently on different people. So the most affordable Brooks saddle can work wonders for somebody, while the most expensive Brooks B17 saddle can cause discomfort to the same individual.
Another thing that influences the comfort you will feel when riding Brooks saddles B 17 is the riding style you have and the set-up of the bike. This means one person will feel the Brooks Flyer saddles in a different way, making a difference in the pressure, for example. This is why you need to still pay a bit of attention when buying such a product.
The cover material
One of the things that are really important is the material that covers the saddle. Brooks Cambium saddles are really popular because of the material, just like how Brooks leather bike saddles are also very sought after. A cheap Brooks saddle will be made from or covered in synthetic materials.
While it is tempting to simply go for the most affordable Brooks saddles or cheap Brooks saddles, the difference in price can also make a difference in the overall quality. Leather is clearly better than synthetic, which is why you should keep that in mind, as you want to feel all that the best Brooks saddles can offer you.
The shell
Searching for the best Brooks saddle, you will probably find a word used often, shell. This can be made from nylon or carbon reinforcement, and, as you can imagine, both can have their own advantages. Check out Brooks bike saddles reviews online, and you can form a general idea about these materials.
The design
One thing you can be sure of when buying Brooks swallow saddles is that they are not just high-quality, but they also look really good. Check out the variety of Brooks bicycle saddles that you can find in many Brooks saddles reviews, and you will notice the diversity in design that these products have.
Many Brooks bike saddles have a vintage appeal, in direct connection to the old fashioned way they are produced, which puts saddles Brooks on top of the list of products you may be interested in. A Brooks leather saddle is one of those that really have a throwback feel to them.
Are they worth the price?
In just about any Brooks saddles review, you can find details about what makes the Brooks cycle saddles so great in the first place, why they are a bit more expensive than others, and what you can expect from them. A Brooks bicycle saddle may not be cheap, but, as they say, “you have to pay for quality”.
Since Brooks road bike saddles are so popular, you can get the idea that there must be a reason for that. Any Brooks bike saddle has something going on for it, which is why any Brooks bike seat can be a perfect choice if it’s one that is comfortable for you, be it Brooks saddles B17 or not.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How long does it take to break in a Brooks saddle?
As a result of the fact that Brooks saddles are made from high-quality materials, breaking in such a product doesn’t take such a long time. There is not a clear consensus on that as opinions vary from people who say even one day is enough to people who say these saddles don’t even need to be broken in.
The whole idea of a saddle, especially a Brooks saddle, is to find one that is comfortable from the very start. For example, Brooks leather saddles can break in over a couple of uses, but the change won’t be significant, some argue, which is why it is so important that your choice of a saddle is comfortable from the get-go.
If, after a month, you are still not feeling comfortable with the choice that you’ve made, it’s time to return it and ask for a different size or model, as things won’t change further than that.
Q: Are Brooks saddles comfortable?
The general consensus is that Brooks saddles are highly comfortable – it’s hard to tell if they are the most comfortable option on the market, but they are a sure candidate for that title. This is due to a series of factors, like how once the product has been molded to your body shape, it basically becomes a saddle that you can use for the rest of your life.
The breaking in process is debated in the case of Brooks saddles, meaning some people aren’t sure it really exists, since these products are made from high-quality materials that are meant to match your backside from the start, and generally, they won’t really change shape. An exception to this could be considered the leather ones.
Leather is a fabric that needs to be broken in often, as is the case with leather shoes also, for example, but overall, if the product doesn’t feel comfortable from the first couple of miles, it may not be for you.
Q: Do you need to take special care of a Brooks saddle?
One of the many advantages of a Brooks saddle is the fact that they don’t require a high level of maintenance. You can only take special care of it every now and then, a couple of times per year, and that should be enough. Not taking any kind of special care can lead to damage to the saddle because of the overuse and extreme weather.
You just need to apply the Proofide Brooks brand on the shiny side of the saddle. Don’t overdo it; a simple dab would suffice and start massaging it into the saddle by using something like a small rag. Let it sit for around 10 minutes and finish the whole thing by polishing it off using a clean rag so that you’ll remove the excess.
That is pretty much all that you have to do, maybe 2 – 3 times a year, to guarantee that the product is good.