
User submitted reviews
Review by TimothyI love my new B17 Brooks saddle.by TimothyCycling EnthusiastDurango, Colorado and Vignanello, ItalyI put my new Brooks saddle on my Carbon hardtail Niner which I used to ride the Via Francigena last year, 2022, from Canterbury England to Rome. Next year, 2024 my fiancee and I will start the European Divide Trail. The Brooks will get me to the tip of Portugal. I love the history of the Brooks company and it gets better every ride!
Reviewed 9/19/2023Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Timothy was helpful/No, review by Timothy was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I put my new Brooks saddle on my Carbon hardtail Niner which I used to ride the Via Francigena last year, 2022, from Canterbury England to Rome. Next year, 2024 my fiancee and I will start the European Divide Trail. The Brooks will get me to the tip of Portugal. I love the history of the Brooks company and it gets better every ride!
Review by CPretty perfect!by CDeep Appalachia0 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I've bought and tried at least 30 saddles over the past 10 years (after my backside, along with the rest of me, got a bit old and a lot more sensitive.) Some were pretty good for hard 2hr rides, but for long days in the saddle, touring and bikepacking, none were great. But trying a Selle Anatomica saddle (ultimately no good for me) gave me the idea that a cut out + leather might be good if I could find the right shape. Western Bike Works had this Brooks on sale, and as sold, it was pretty good, but after I got my whittling tools on the job, and carefully extended the cutout toward the nose an additional 1.5", well, it's pretty perfect. And of course dealing Western Bike Works was great. Fast shipping, fair prices, etc.
Reviewed 4/7/2023Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by C was helpful/No, review by C was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I've bought and tried at least 30 saddles over the past 10 years (after my backside, along with the rest of me, got a bit old and a lot more sensitive.) Some were pretty good for hard 2hr rides, but for long days in the saddle, touring and bikepacking, none were great. But trying a Selle Anatomica saddle (ultimately no good for me) gave me the idea that a cut out + leather might be good if I could find the right shape. Western Bike Works had this Brooks on sale, and as sold, it was pretty good, but after I got my whittling tools on the job, and carefully extended the cutout toward the nose an additional 1.5", well, it's pretty perfect. And of course dealing Western Bike Works was great. Fast shipping, fair prices, etc.
Review by AnonymousLonger break in than I thoughtby AnonymousCasual CyclistPhiladelphia, PABeautiful saddle; nice quality. Rode it for 100 miles after 2 initial Proofide applications and thought it would break in. But even after that it's still pretty rigid. I'm going to stick with it because the seat has great potential. The cutout was a game changer for numbness. I give the cutout 5 stars and the overall seat 4 stars.
Reviewed 8/12/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Beautiful saddle; nice quality. Rode it for 100 miles after 2 initial Proofide applications and thought it would break in. But even after that it's still pretty rigid. I'm going to stick with it because the seat has great potential. The cutout was a game changer for numbness. I give the cutout 5 stars and the overall seat 4 stars.
Review by AnonymousLove Brooke's Saddlesby AnonymousGreat saddle for my touring bike. Takes a bit to break in but once it is broken in it is super comfortable!
Reviewed 8/29/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Great saddle for my touring bike. Takes a bit to break in but once it is broken in it is super comfortable!
Review by MeancoachBest saddle made.by MeancoachCycling EnthusiastMarina, CAThe longer your rides are the more you need this saddle. Best service and good price.
Reviewed 5/9/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Meancoach was helpful/No, review by Meancoach was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
The longer your rides are the more you need this saddle. Best service and good price.
Review by DaxMonkey see monkey do...by DaxSeattle9 of 10 customers found this review helpful.Monkey see monkey do... Go show up to a rando ride and count the number of Brooks chosen by cyclist who regularly ride 200K to 1200K events. The first time you sit on your Brooks Saddle you will think eh... its pretty good (I road mine fresh out of the box on a 300K event with no problems)
The first time you ride your bike after your saddle is broken in (For me this was at mile 819) you will think Holy smokes! This is wonderful... now I understand why all those old dudes use these saddles!
The bottom line is that once your saddle becomes shaped to YOUR BUTT you will never have a saddle problem again. Just like breaking in a good pair of boots....
Reviewed 5/7/2015Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Dax was helpful/No, review by Dax was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Monkey see monkey do... Go show up to a rando ride and count the number of Brooks chosen by cyclist who regularly ride 200K to 1200K events. The first time you sit on your Brooks Saddle you will think eh... its pretty good (I road mine fresh out of the box on a 300K event with no problems)
The first time you ride your bike after your saddle is broken in (For me this was at mile 819) you will think Holy smokes! This is wonderful... now I understand why all those old dudes use these saddles!
The bottom line is that once your saddle becomes shaped to YOUR BUTT you will never have a saddle problem again. Just like breaking in a good pair of boots....
Review by Michael ThompsonVery comfortable saddle, and I really like its potential for long lasting product endurance. No more plastic saddles for me!by Michael ThompsonDaily CommuterBasalt COThis Brooks B17 Imperial saddle is on my main touring bicycle, a 1993 Bianchi Project 5 cross bike, converted to a gravel bike with aero bars. I will benefit from the comfort of this saddle on multiple consecutive, 40 mile days of cross country travel.
Reviewed 4/27/2020Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Michael Thompson was helpful/No, review by Michael Thompson was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This Brooks B17 Imperial saddle is on my main touring bicycle, a 1993 Bianchi Project 5 cross bike, converted to a gravel bike with aero bars. I will benefit from the comfort of this saddle on multiple consecutive, 40 mile days of cross country travel.
Review by RobertVery easy to break in!by RobertCycling EnthusiastFloridaI applied several coats of Proofhide to the underside of the saddle over a 2 week period. I also loosened the adjusting screw approximately 12 turn. After 50 miles or so of use the saddle is quite comfortable. Much easier to break in than the standard B-17 which I also have.
Reviewed 3/22/2019Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Robert was helpful/No, review by Robert was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I applied several coats of Proofhide to the underside of the saddle over a 2 week period. I also loosened the adjusting screw approximately 12 turn. After 50 miles or so of use the saddle is quite comfortable. Much easier to break in than the standard B-17 which I also have.
Review by Howard MaherBrooks!by Howard MaherRichardson, TX1 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I have been a true believer in Brooks for many years, and this year Ill be exploring with my new Imperial Saddle... watch out world... here I come in comfort! Ride On!
Reviewed 12/31/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Howard Maher was helpful/No, review by Howard Maher was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I have been a true believer in Brooks for many years, and this year Ill be exploring with my new Imperial Saddle... watch out world... here I come in comfort! Ride On!
Review by JoeGreat saddle!by JoeCycling EnthusiastChicago1 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Great saddle,comfortable and they give you the wrench to adjust the tension in the seat.
Reviewed 12/20/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Joe was helpful/No, review by Joe was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Great saddle,comfortable and they give you the wrench to adjust the tension in the seat.
Review by Sam DNo break in neededby Sam Dsavannah, Ga2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.No wonder Brooks is the best. Great saddle from day one. Minimal break in. Looks great and is very comfortable. Dont know what took me so long. May get on for Bike 2
Reviewed 4/20/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Sam D was helpful/No, review by Sam D was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
No wonder Brooks is the best. Great saddle from day one. Minimal break in. Looks great and is very comfortable. Dont know what took me so long. May get on for Bike 2
Review by AnonymousComfy saddleby Anonymous1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.My first leather saddle and glad i made the switch. Fast shipping, no issues
Reviewed 3/16/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
My first leather saddle and glad i made the switch. Fast shipping, no issues
Review by JTYoungerThink it is going to be a good purchase, still breaking in.by JTYoungerCycling EnthusiastNorthern New York2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.It's a great looking saddle. It is very slippery. I think it may be broken in. Rode 54 miles on it the other day with out any soreness. According to the instructions there is maintenance required. Brooks special oil needs to be rubbed on the under side. It is also not suppose to get wet so i bought the saddle cover. I used it and the saddle is less slippery. I think it is going to work out very well. It was a good price through Western Bikeworks.
Reviewed 10/9/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by JTYounger was helpful/No, review by JTYounger was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
It's a great looking saddle. It is very slippery. I think it may be broken in. Rode 54 miles on it the other day with out any soreness. According to the instructions there is maintenance required. Brooks special oil needs to be rubbed on the under side. It is also not suppose to get wet so i bought the saddle cover. I used it and the saddle is less slippery. I think it is going to work out very well. It was a good price through Western Bikeworks.
Review by MauryBest of the Brooks!by MauryNew York4 of 4 customers found this review helpful.This is the fourth Brooks saddle I've owned and by far my favorite. The best part is you don't even notice it while riding, it's just there as a natural extension of the bike. Shock absorbing in the city and a source of ease and comfort for miles, this is the one for me from now on.
Reviewed 9/29/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Maury was helpful/No, review by Maury was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This is the fourth Brooks saddle I've owned and by far my favorite. The best part is you don't even notice it while riding, it's just there as a natural extension of the bike. Shock absorbing in the city and a source of ease and comfort for miles, this is the one for me from now on.
Review by RekrespiteWish I'd bought a Brooks saddle 20 years ago.by RekrespiteCycling EnthusiastIndianapolis, IN1 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I am very satisfied with this saddle. There was virtually no break-in period. Great price.
Reviewed 9/25/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Rekrespite was helpful/No, review by Rekrespite was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I am very satisfied with this saddle. There was virtually no break-in period. Great price.
Review by AnonymousWonderfulby AnonymousI had a selle saddle before and I replaced for a Brooks b17 very comfortable I will recommend to any body
Reviewed 5/2/2019Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I had a selle saddle before and I replaced for a Brooks b17 very comfortable I will recommend to any body
Review by AnonymousCan't wait till it's broken inby AnonymousCasual CyclistPennsburg, PA0 of 1 customers found this review helpful.So far it is not broken in, so it is hard to tell. But since it is supposed to be a very comfortable saddle, I am looking forward to the time it is done breaking in.
Reviewed 11/21/2013Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
So far it is not broken in, so it is hard to tell. But since it is supposed to be a very comfortable saddle, I am looking forward to the time it is done breaking in.
Review by ChicagoCommuterGreat saddle for long distances, no painful break-in periodby ChicagoCommuterCycling EnthusiastChicago, IL2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I have some experience with leather cut-out saddles, as I've owned three Selle An-Atomica versions. The Selle is very comfortable and compliant, but the Brooks Imperial is less expensive, and provides a firmer feel while still providing the benefits of the cutout. This was my first Brooks saddle purchase. The perineal cutout seemed perfectly sized and positioned for me, but the saddle feels fairly wide for my sit bones, I think I might try a B17 Narrow Imperil, if I have occasion to purchase another Brooks saddle in the future. The best part of the B17 Imperial was the absolute lack of any painful/uncomfortable break-in period so often associated with Brooks saddles.
Reviewed 8/12/2013Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by ChicagoCommuter was helpful/No, review by ChicagoCommuter was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I have some experience with leather cut-out saddles, as I've owned three Selle An-Atomica versions. The Selle is very comfortable and compliant, but the Brooks Imperial is less expensive, and provides a firmer feel while still providing the benefits of the cutout. This was my first Brooks saddle purchase. The perineal cutout seemed perfectly sized and positioned for me, but the saddle feels fairly wide for my sit bones, I think I might try a B17 Narrow Imperil, if I have occasion to purchase another Brooks saddle in the future. The best part of the B17 Imperial was the absolute lack of any painful/uncomfortable break-in period so often associated with Brooks saddles.
Review by J HeathB17 is the Bomb!by J HeathCycling EnthusiastLos Angeles3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.What is there to say about this saddle that hasn't been said before? It's the standard for bicycle enthusiasts, and those who want a classic handsome saddle for their vintage beasts. Many people worry about the break in period, I havent found it to be too bad of an issue (that said I havent taken a brand new saddle out on a big tour)
People also go back and forth about the difference the cut out makes on the imperial makes. I own two B17 standards and two B17 Imperials. The difference is indistinguishable. If you wanna save a few bucks, get the standard. If you must have chrome rails, or like the look of the cut out, get the imperial.
Reviewed 4/8/2013Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by J Heath was helpful/No, review by J Heath was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
What is there to say about this saddle that hasn't been said before? It's the standard for bicycle enthusiasts, and those who want a classic handsome saddle for their vintage beasts. Many people worry about the break in period, I havent found it to be too bad of an issue (that said I havent taken a brand new saddle out on a big tour)
People also go back and forth about the difference the cut out makes on the imperial makes. I own two B17 standards and two B17 Imperials. The difference is indistinguishable. If you wanna save a few bucks, get the standard. If you must have chrome rails, or like the look of the cut out, get the imperial.
Review by Odelots RideAh Mazing...Great ride out of the box, never looking back at any other saddle.by Odelots RideCycling EnthusiastChicago1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Have known about Brooks Saddles since I was 15, finally bought one at 36. Had to try the modern styles out only to realize that there was a reason seasoned touring riders swear by them. I do wish they sold a Cutout saddles w Springs on the frame. I'm stoked to another 1000 mile jaunt!
Reviewed 7/20/2012Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Odelots Ride was helpful/No, review by Odelots Ride was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Have known about Brooks Saddles since I was 15, finally bought one at 36. Had to try the modern styles out only to realize that there was a reason seasoned touring riders swear by them. I do wish they sold a Cutout saddles w Springs on the frame. I'm stoked to another 1000 mile jaunt!