
User submitted reviews
Review by GHowBROOKS C17 CAMBIUM SADDLE by GHowCasual CyclistSouthwest Virginia3 of 5 customers found this review helpful.Best dang saddle, very comfortable and treats my bottom like a VIP.
Reviewed 1/29/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by GHow was helpful/No, review by GHow was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Best dang saddle, very comfortable and treats my bottom like a VIP.
Review by caxambuas good as leather without the break-inby caxambuCycling Enthusiastdetroit, mi3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.I received the brooks cambium saddle and placed it on my exercise bicycle. I was wonderfully surprised by how comfortable it was on the first ride. I have a brooks b-17 saddle that took several rides over 100 miles total to soften up the saddle. Wow .. what a difference. i also like that i do not have to worry about rain and sun light damaging the saddle as well. Awesome product out of the box.
Reviewed 1/11/2019Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by caxambu was helpful/No, review by caxambu was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I received the brooks cambium saddle and placed it on my exercise bicycle. I was wonderfully surprised by how comfortable it was on the first ride. I have a brooks b-17 saddle that took several rides over 100 miles total to soften up the saddle. Wow .. what a difference. i also like that i do not have to worry about rain and sun light damaging the saddle as well. Awesome product out of the box.
Review by Salty ChimpThe best non-lightweight saddleby Salty ChimpCompetitive RacerSyracuse, NY2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I'm really pleased with this saddle, so much so that I have it on 3 bikes. I don't put it on my light race bike because it is a bit more substantial but for gravel and cyclocross I am happy with it. It flexes quite a bit and because of that, if you spin at really high cadences (over 105rpm) you'll notice some bounce but the benefit is that on gravel, dirt, cx courses, it serves to add some absorption so you actually stay in better contact with your bike. I have wide sit bones and the width of the c17 is perfect. Probably the only saddle I'd want to be on for rides over 3 hours.
Reviewed 3/30/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Salty Chimp was helpful/No, review by Salty Chimp was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I'm really pleased with this saddle, so much so that I have it on 3 bikes. I don't put it on my light race bike because it is a bit more substantial but for gravel and cyclocross I am happy with it. It flexes quite a bit and because of that, if you spin at really high cadences (over 105rpm) you'll notice some bounce but the benefit is that on gravel, dirt, cx courses, it serves to add some absorption so you actually stay in better contact with your bike. I have wide sit bones and the width of the c17 is perfect. Probably the only saddle I'd want to be on for rides over 3 hours.
Review by JohnBest saddle ever. This is my second C17.by JohnCycling EnthusiastNJ3 of 4 customers found this review helpful.I use C17 on both my 2 road bikes. I ride around 5K miles a year and never really feel sore.
Reviewed 11/23/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by John was helpful/No, review by John was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I use C17 on both my 2 road bikes. I ride around 5K miles a year and never really feel sore.
Review by ChrispComfort from mile 0by ChrispCycling EnthusiastNorCal1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.Very comfortable saddle and no break in period.
Reviewed 8/21/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Chrisp was helpful/No, review by Chrisp was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Very comfortable saddle and no break in period.
Review by Scott SGreat for the long haulby Scott SPortland 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I used this on a multi day gravel ride having only 2 previous rides on it. It was comfortable during 8 hour days in the saddle.
Reviewed 6/3/2019Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Scott S was helpful/No, review by Scott S was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I used this on a multi day gravel ride having only 2 previous rides on it. It was comfortable during 8 hour days in the saddle.
Review by JeffDgreat seat for 100 mile rides.by JeffDMontanaI do longer rides ie 60-100 milers and I have found the Brooks C17 to be perfect for that. I have one on two different bikes and use both bikes for longer rides and while they are heavier than many saddles at 80 miles I am not worrying about the extra 3 or 4 ounces. On this particular saddle I put it on a new bike than proceeded to do an 80 mile ride with no issues. I have 3 Brooks 2 C17 and a B17 all are great.
Reviewed 9/14/2023Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by JeffD was helpful/No, review by JeffD was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I do longer rides ie 60-100 milers and I have found the Brooks C17 to be perfect for that. I have one on two different bikes and use both bikes for longer rides and while they are heavier than many saddles at 80 miles I am not worrying about the extra 3 or 4 ounces. On this particular saddle I put it on a new bike than proceeded to do an 80 mile ride with no issues. I have 3 Brooks 2 C17 and a B17 all are great.
Review by GraveljunkieGreat saddle by GraveljunkieIllinois 3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.Saddles are always a personal choice obviously...very comfortable, it's like having a bit of suspension! Great classic look with no break in...A bit heavy but everything is a tradeoff...Have it on my gravel bike and very happy with the purchase!
Reviewed 7/20/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Graveljunkie was helpful/No, review by Graveljunkie was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Saddles are always a personal choice obviously...very comfortable, it's like having a bit of suspension! Great classic look with no break in...A bit heavy but everything is a tradeoff...Have it on my gravel bike and very happy with the purchase!
Review by CraigwpBroken-in comfort out the box!by CraigwpCasual CyclistPhiladelphia, PA5 of 5 customers found this review helpful.They say upgrading your touch points is always a good investment when it comes to your bike and that rings particularly true with this saddle! The Brooks C17 Cambium has that broken-in comfort you'd get from a leather saddle straight out of the box but with the plus of this vulcanized rubber and cotton covered saddle being more weather durable. Slim enough to be sporty whilst also being wide enough for comfort. You can't go wrong with this saddle unless your game is reducing the weight of your bike.
Reviewed 6/24/2019Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Craigwp was helpful/No, review by Craigwp was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
They say upgrading your touch points is always a good investment when it comes to your bike and that rings particularly true with this saddle! The Brooks C17 Cambium has that broken-in comfort you'd get from a leather saddle straight out of the box but with the plus of this vulcanized rubber and cotton covered saddle being more weather durable. Slim enough to be sporty whilst also being wide enough for comfort. You can't go wrong with this saddle unless your game is reducing the weight of your bike.
Review by RProssVery comfortable and Easy to Clean!by RProssCompetitive RacerIowa1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I think this is a very good saddle, especially for the convenience factor of being low maintenance. It is very comfortable for a gravel rides--especially longer rides. The color was interesting to me too. I bought both the black and the slate. The slate has natural color rubber so I guess there is a difference. Overall, great product and I would buy again. Both are very comfy!!
Reviewed 6/7/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by RPross was helpful/No, review by RPross was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I think this is a very good saddle, especially for the convenience factor of being low maintenance. It is very comfortable for a gravel rides--especially longer rides. The color was interesting to me too. I bought both the black and the slate. The slate has natural color rubber so I guess there is a difference. Overall, great product and I would buy again. Both are very comfy!!
Review by BikeSantaVery well made, but not as comfortable as a B17by BikeSantaCycling EnthusiastOntario, Canada12 of 18 customers found this review helpful.I'll start by saying that this a very well crafted saddle. Maybe the best I've ever seen. I have several, well-ridden B17 saddles, but as we all know, these require breaking in, some maintenance, and must be protected from rain. I love my B17 saddles, and had great hopes for the C17 Cambium. The surface has just the right amount of friction to keep your butt where you put it.
Most modern saddles have some sort of soft area in the middle, where the shell is cut away, or otherwise relieved to prevent dreaded numb crotch. There is no obvious relief in this area on the C17, but in 400 km of riding, I had no numb crotch, so the plastic shell might be thinned in the middle, but I couldn't tell by looking.
The bad news was that during my 400 km tour, I developed a nasty saddle sore - something that has never happened with a B17. So, while the saddle required no break-in, my butt definitely did. I've never had this experience with a B17. I really wanted to love this saddle. However, I believe it's a mistake to do what I did put this saddle on a bike and start riding on a long trip.
So I give the saddle 4 stars for its design, looks and construction. Just don't expect it to feel like your favorite leather Brooks right out of the box.
Reviewed 4/27/2015Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by BikeSanta was helpful/No, review by BikeSanta was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I'll start by saying that this a very well crafted saddle. Maybe the best I've ever seen. I have several, well-ridden B17 saddles, but as we all know, these require breaking in, some maintenance, and must be protected from rain. I love my B17 saddles, and had great hopes for the C17 Cambium. The surface has just the right amount of friction to keep your butt where you put it.
Most modern saddles have some sort of soft area in the middle, where the shell is cut away, or otherwise relieved to prevent dreaded numb crotch. There is no obvious relief in this area on the C17, but in 400 km of riding, I had no numb crotch, so the plastic shell might be thinned in the middle, but I couldn't tell by looking.
The bad news was that during my 400 km tour, I developed a nasty saddle sore - something that has never happened with a B17. So, while the saddle required no break-in, my butt definitely did. I've never had this experience with a B17. I really wanted to love this saddle. However, I believe it's a mistake to do what I did put this saddle on a bike and start riding on a long trip.
So I give the saddle 4 stars for its design, looks and construction. Just don't expect it to feel like your favorite leather Brooks right out of the box.
Review by AnonymousUnique look and out-of-the-box immediately comfortableby AnonymousCycling EnthusiastOlathe, KS3 of 4 customers found this review helpful.This is my first Brooks. Bought it for my Kona Rove steel gravel bike. The saddle has a definitely unique style, with the natural cotton seating surface. The Cambium's flexible construction means it needs no break in at all, it's just unbelievably comfortable from the moment you mount it. Now they've got me thinking about a C15 version for my road bike
Reviewed 4/27/2015Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This is my first Brooks. Bought it for my Kona Rove steel gravel bike. The saddle has a definitely unique style, with the natural cotton seating surface. The Cambium's flexible construction means it needs no break in at all, it's just unbelievably comfortable from the moment you mount it. Now they've got me thinking about a C15 version for my road bike
Review by AnonymousNiiice!by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastWalla Walla, WA3 of 5 customers found this review helpful.This is definitely not an inexpensive saddle (at least on my budget), but it is certainly a good one. Saddle preference is very personal thing, so I can't speak for everyone, but for me this is a winner. As I understand it, the geometry is very similar to that of the B17, so if you know that that saddle works for you, this one would be a safe bet. Unlike the B17, you don't have to worry about this saddle getting wet when it rains or stiff when it's cold. You also don't have to sit through a long break-in period for the saddle to get used to your butt. For me, this saddle is worth the money (especially if you can get a deal on it).
Reviewed 6/9/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This is definitely not an inexpensive saddle (at least on my budget), but it is certainly a good one. Saddle preference is very personal thing, so I can't speak for everyone, but for me this is a winner. As I understand it, the geometry is very similar to that of the B17, so if you know that that saddle works for you, this one would be a safe bet. Unlike the B17, you don't have to worry about this saddle getting wet when it rains or stiff when it's cold. You also don't have to sit through a long break-in period for the saddle to get used to your butt. For me, this saddle is worth the money (especially if you can get a deal on it).
Review by CharleyGreat saddle from day one. by CharleyCycling Enthusiast2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I used to use Brooks Leather saddles when I was much younger and loved how they fit and felt after the sometimes agonizing break-in period. This Cambium C17 had no break-in period at all. It felt great from the first ride.
Reviewed 5/19/2019Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Charley was helpful/No, review by Charley was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I used to use Brooks Leather saddles when I was much younger and loved how they fit and felt after the sometimes agonizing break-in period. This Cambium C17 had no break-in period at all. It felt great from the first ride.
Review by SlivAwesome saddle, it was comfortable form the moment i sat on itby SlivCycling EnthusiastBay Area1 of 3 customers found this review helpful.I use it on my commuter bike.
Reviewed 5/4/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Sliv was helpful/No, review by Sliv was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I use it on my commuter bike.
Review by AnonymousGreat saddleby AnonymousVermont1 of 2 customers found this review helpful.Ive always been a fan of Brooks b17 saddles. So I decided to try the c17 because its no maintenance saddle and I couldnt be happier. Ill always love my b17s, but for my commuting bike, the c17 was a great choice.
Reviewed 2/27/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Ive always been a fan of Brooks b17 saddles. So I decided to try the c17 because its no maintenance saddle and I couldnt be happier. Ill always love my b17s, but for my commuting bike, the c17 was a great choice.
Review by TonyPComfortable, has turned into one of my favorites.by TonyPCycling EnthusiastMidwest3 of 6 customers found this review helpful.water proof compared to a leather saddle
Reviewed 10/9/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by TonyP was helpful/No, review by TonyP was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
water proof compared to a leather saddle
Review by jjayMost comfortable saddle, but has a rough covering.by jjayCycling EnthusiastSeattle, WA6 of 10 customers found this review helpful.The Cambium saddle is the most comfortable saddle I have tried and I have tried a lot. Unfortunately, I developed a saddle sore on longer rides (100 mi). I use it for shorter training rides.
Reviewed 7/24/2014Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by jjay was helpful/No, review by jjay was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
The Cambium saddle is the most comfortable saddle I have tried and I have tried a lot. Unfortunately, I developed a saddle sore on longer rides (100 mi). I use it for shorter training rides.