I"ve been cycling 35 years and have tried many, many saddles. I always go back to Brooks.

This is a post to make you giggle. From 1967 to 1972 I rode a nice Austrian-made 10-speed (we didn't call them road bikes then) with a saddle much like the Brooks saddle. It wasn't easy to locate new saddles in those days, so I continued to use what I had. Around 1971 the leather started to wear down along the middle and the tanning of natural leather would leave a dark brown streak down my behind. As you can imagine, I had to be careful not to wear light-colored shorts or pants on long rides! Cheers :) Thanks for the saddle tips.

I bought a Charge Spoon based on this video. Was looking for something that stayed comfortable past the 80-100 km mark. Tried Selle Italia Max Gel, Novus, a Serfas Vistoso, among others, but the 80 km barrier was still in play. Took the Charge Spoon out for a 133 km ride the other day and it worked really well for me. Felt like I'd ridden half that distance. Time will tell, but a really good start.

I love the WTB Rocket V Comp that came with my 2012 Kona Sutra, after about 15,000 km, it's still comfortable.

I still love my Brooks. I have a 14 year old B17 on my touring/kick-around-town bike, a 3 year old Swift on my trail bike and a 4 year old C13 on my trail bike which is the only saddle I’m not crazy about. Both leather saddles have been super comfortable and really lasted which is saying something considering what I’ve put them through. While there are a lot of good saddles out there nothing touches Brooks service. A two year warranty that’s extended to 10 years when you register it. I haven’t had to use it but it’s nice to know it’s there. When I get my gravel bike lined out the first place I’ll go for a saddle is Brooks.

This is exactly the kind of helpful content I like. Thanks!

Thanks for the video. After having issues with the build quality of Brooks Saddle, it is good to know that there are other options!

Good honest review. The Charge Spoon is a great replacement especially such a low price.

Have a fat tire bike and recently installed a “Terry” Street saddle. Soooo. comfortable. Just completed a 53 mile ride (mainly paved) to Kangaroo Lake in No Ca. (Great fishing). No discomfort or me movIng all over seat. Great info as usual.

I value a brooks for the way it looks. Bicycles are a mix of beauty and functionality, and stories of old brooks appeal. For my mtbs wtb speed v, no big drama if it gets scuffed, comedy enough, looks cool. Thanks for the video.

I have some Brooks B17, Cambium C17 and Charge Spoon saddles on my bikes. I'm a 90kg guy (not fat, just "big"), but since I tried the Charge Ladle that I originally bought for my girlfriend, there is no way back: the best saddle without questions. I FINALLY found what fits my structure. So, I can confirm your recommendation is 100% true, Russ!

The B17 is functionally not as wide as it appears. My sit bones are 140mm wide, and I kept trying various Brooks saddles wondering why they never seemed to break in. Finally I measured the actual distance between the horns of the cantle over which the leather is stretched: 125 mm. That means that if your sit bones are wider than about 120mm, you’re sitting on the metal frame of the saddle (which will never break in). The Rivet and Selle Anatomica saddles are about the same width. After years of searching, I finally settled (literally and figuratively) on the 160mm wide Ergon SMC. Night and day difference for this wide body.

I've had a Charge Spoon on my road bike for several years. Super comfortable.

I’m using a Brooks C17 which I really like. I was off the bike for almost a year and a half due to injury. When I started riding again, I fully expected to have a sore bum for a few days but it never happened. It’s still very comfortable and well worth the weight penalty. Other than the color fading, it shows no sign of wear after 7 months of riding. I use the saddle with a Specialized CG seat post which was the only surviving part of my Roubaix after being hit by a pickup truck. As funny looking as the seat post is, it does what it’s designed to do and contributes to comfort.

I've had a B17 for about 4~5 years and have been happy it with until quite recently. I have a Charge Spoon upstairs somewhere and I might give it another try this weekend.

Thanks for the video. I'm both surprised and pleased to see the Aliante on your list. I've been a roadie for many years and after trying many saddles my favorite became the Aliante and I've had it on all my bikes for the about 8 years - but not the Versus version. I tried the versus but for some reason it was not as comfortable for me as the regular version without the channel. I can't explain why. I also commute to work and have done a 4-day tour on an old (1998) Specialized Rockhopper that I have racks/fenders on, and recently I have built up an "all purpose" bike (Lynskey Backroad) I for multi surface riding, gravel, touring, etc. I put Aliantes on those bikes too, simply because I already had them, but considered that a temporary situation, assuming all along I would eventually need to put a Brooks saddle or other touring saddle on one or both of those bikes for comfort. But so far the Aliante has been totally comfortable, even on the high mileage (100+ mi) days of the mini tour. I still might try a Brooks when one of my Aliantes wears out but at least I don't need to switch just for the touring cred.

thanks for constantly putting out good content

Former brooks b17 and swift rider here. When looking for an alternative I temporarily got hooked on the wtb pure line, particularly the pure v. I wish I had discovered the ergon 150mm SFC3 gel saddle before buying all those pures. The ergon is the most amazing seat Ive used in 26 years of riding. No padded shorts required (which is a sign of a bad seat.)

I agree with Adam's comment below. I would love to see an updated version of this video. I don't race but I am looking for a good saddle for a 1 day 160 mile road ride.

I would be interested in a 2019 version of this video!

on my road bike, after trying out many saddles for the past years, i am now absolutely happy with a non padded, crazy lightweight full carbon saddle (berk lupina). its so comfy because the shell flexes (especially when paired with a flexy carbon seatpost) and you sit kind of like in a hammock. if it wouldnt be so expensive i would buy a second one for the gravel bike. there i settled with an ergon sr comp. that also work quite well as long as i dont go into an aggressive aero position for long.

I use the Brooks C17 Cambium carved. Straight out of the box all day comfort!!

About 5 years ago I moved away from charge saddles, I found any ride around 100 miles I was in agony and went through them rapidly. My B17 has done 5 years sterling service and still on my touring bike, I also run a cambium C17 and a swift on 2 of my other bikes, to be honest they have been hands down the most reliable comfortable saddles I've ever owned, with the exception of an old flite Ti saddle that's been on all my XC bikes for the last 10 years.

I tried an ISM Adamo Typhoon a few years ago on a MTB, it felt good so I picked up a Prologue for one of my road bikes. I now have 8 of them on various bikes. They seem to be a "love it or hate it" saddle, definitley not for everybody, but I love mine.

I will have to try one of the recommended saddles, my Brooks is just about at the end of its days after many years of use.

I haven’t used the Brooks but did get Selle Antonica which I absolutely love.

I love that you include options for women! so many youtube videos are aimed at men only. Thank you! I have subscribed.

I use a Brooks saddle on my Brompton, but it's a Cambium C17 that the LBS was nice enough to swap when I picked the bike up. It's only a week old, so I can't say how durable it is, but I have to say it's really nice not having to worry about a saddle cover.

I always fight with saddles and end up going back to a Brooks. I can confirm they have a point of no return but the hold that perfect fit for a few years. I'm going through it right now and am about to give up and buy another Brooks. I'd rather have a comfortable seat from the get go and have it last the entire life of the bike I put it on but man finding that perfect saddle is hard and expensive. . .

I've been riding a Brooks Swift almost every day since 2009. It's still in great condition. I treat it with a bees wax based boot treatment a couple time a winter. It's been on tours and is my go-to every day commuter. So far it's lasted twice as long as my previous B-17s, and I can still see years in its future.

+1 on the fizik saddle - I use a fizik Vitesse, I'm a guy, but I find the 155mm width just right, and especially the thin, firm padding over the slightly flexy shell. Good quality cover and build too.

I've been using the Brooks C17. It has the B17 geometry, only with vulcanized rubber instead of leather. It still has the short rail, which is indeed a drawback, but it's waterproof, which the B17 is not, and the most comfortable saddle I've ever used. (Like most people, I've used the B17, and loved it, too, but if you live in the Pacific Northwest, having a waterproof saddle is kind of mandatory.)

Used to ride Brooks (3 different ones), but found the single position to constricting. Have had great luck with the Splesh Toupe for a few years now. Bars are around 1-5 cm below saddle depending on bike and riding.

I use the Specialized Toupee on my Roubaix, very happy with it! I am trying out the SQLab MTB on my Cannondale Fat Caad 1, so far so good...

Super good suggestions. Thanks!

I must be doing something wrong because my Brooks saddles last for years. But I do have a more upright position than most riders, so it's the support at the back that really counts for me. You're right about the short rails though, that is a limitation with the B17. Maybe I'll try the Cambium next time I get a new bike - although I mostly ride recumbents these days. You're also right about the leather not being what it used to be, but they do a premium version I believe, with a better quality leather.

Great, honest review. I prefer the Selle SMP, but finding the 'right' saddle fit for each ...butt... is really trial & replace! Thanks!!

I like how you showed all 4 of these saddles in the rain hahaha

Brooks Cambium C-19 with the cut out center is a very comfortable saddle. Give it a try.

I rode a Brooks Professional for over 10 years. Didn't have the patience to break in another Brooks and am currently riding a WTB Pure V that I purchased about 10 years ago. Looks a lot like the Charge Spoon and was similarly priced IIRC. Very comfortable and durable saddle.

I've switched from B17 that broke its tension screw to a Cambium C17 Carved & love it 😍

Brooks B17 standard fitted to my 1986 Jackson Super Tourist. Still on the bike still in use and still comfortable. Horses for courses!

Very good review my friend! Your new fan from Warsaw

My personal preferred one is the Selle Italia Flite, both the new and old versions. I also like the Brooks Cambium, and most of the Specialized saddles I have tested are really confortable. The Fizic Goby isn't bad at all (it is the only Fizik my butt has get used to..) and the SDG Duster is comfortable enough. At the end it depends on your rear end.

need an updated version of this

I gave up with Brookes years ago due to Numb Nuts. I tried Rido R2 and finished up changing all 5 of my bikes to these. Good width for sit bones , it is important to set them up correctly with nose slightly pointing up, A rolling sensation is felt at first on the sit bones but this is not noticed after a while...it is due to placing you correctly on these bones unlike other saddles. Definitely good for bigger people like me. They look a bit crap but they work. Price is also very competitive, I have no problems now so I don't need to change.

I bought a brooks flyer and will stick with it. The break in period was quite long and I almost gave up on it because I got blisters every time I rode on it. Once broken in, it is pretty comfortable. My final verdict: it's a good bicycle saddle despite the extended break in period. Second conclusion: people get way too worked up about bicycle saddles. THey don't live up to the hype from the fans and don't generally deserve the criticism of those who hate them.

Agree this would be a cool update!

The WTB line of mt bike saddles, like the Volt, I have found are also awesome for gravel and all road. I too ride the Fizik Alliante, i have it on my gravel bike and like it.

Selle Anatomical from San Diego area. Love it and has an even more pronounced dip in the center and a cutout for the men.

I have to say my Marin Gestalt came with its own stock branded saddle. The first bike I’ve ever had with a saddle I’ve not had to replace. It’s so comfy with or without cycle shorts.

I've tried other saddles but I keep coming back to a Brooks or Selle Anatomica. I've got a B-17 on my Brompton with ~ 1500 miles on it that is the most comfortable saddle I own, only thing I don't like about it is use in rain. For my mountain bike, I went with a Brooks Cambium, the jury is still out on that one, I'm not sure I care for it's stiffness and lack of give. On my touring bike, I have a Selle Anatomica, which I find more comfortable than the B17, but it's not going to last as long, I have to tighten the adjustment screw often, otherwise it squeaks when i ride it.

Serfas rx+!! Marvelous! No break in. No worries about rain!

Just bought a Charge Pan saddle, all good so far!

Great Video, thank you for creating it. I gave Brooks B17 a fair shot: 3500 km over 1 year. Still it did not feel like a good saddle for me so I got rid of it and bought a mountain bike saddle with width perfect for my butt bones (they did the gel seat test in the shop). This was not good either. I was riding the Savannah Way on it (2000 km of dirt bumpy road) and ended up power taping a pillow over it and wearing two pairs of chamois. So I changed that to a Tioga double(!) gel saddle on springs... It is a comfy saddle but to wide for me. I am cycling around the world BTW so the saddle is kind of important for me. I still put on two pairs of chamois, Tioga is falling apart too quickly so I am still looking for a good saddle. Before I left off for the global tour I had a Selle Italia FLX Gel Flow - and it seems to me now that this was the best saddle for my butt. Yet again, it was not durable enough. Fisik you show here looks like smthn I would like to try but the price is scaring me. I can have 4-5 Selle Italia FLX Gel Flow saddles for that price. When it comes to the Brooks I have a theory I want to share: Brooks provides comfort in a way that is contrary to the up-to-date knowledge. As we know, we are meant to be supported only on our butt bones, that is why a right saddle for your or mine butt is convex in places where we have butt bones. Brooks breaks in under the butt bones making the saddle concave where other saddles are convex. I am very skinny and my butt bones are just under my skin. Rubbing myself against Brooks caused me pain and at times, when I was not wearing chamois (like cycling to the office) it caused me ulcers. Do you have any advice for me? :)

Personally I like the Flyer, which is the same as the B17, but with springs. I'm surprised so few people seem to use it. However, It's good to know what else is available.

I actually love the standard seat that came with my Brompton.

I rode Brooks Pros for several years riding ultras. Eventually, I gave up on them for many of the reasons you mentioned. Plus, living in the SE US, it’s quite humid here which results in a lot of sweat. Brooks saddles do not do well getting wet, and who wants to use a rain cover every ride to protect it from sweat. Once they start to sag, it’s all over. Tightening the tension bolt only turns them into, as we called them back in the day, “ass hatchets.”

I have a couple of different Brooks saddles and love them. I haven't had any longevity issues, but I keep my saddles waxed with the Brooks leather treatment and also use a waterproof cover when in the rain. The older one is a Flyer model that's about 10 years old and has thousands of miles on it. The springs make this a heavy but very comfortable saddle. I use it on my bikepacking rig and don't need a shock seat post. More recently I've purchase a Selle Anatomica H2. It takes less break in than the Brooks and is super comfortable. One of the nice things about the Selle Anatomica is it is a small family owned company that makes their saddles in the US.

great review. thx. would love to see a review of Ergon saddles.

Brooks B 17 is still my go to saddle. Never let me down

I bought a b17 Last year Dezember. Didnt Found quite the right adjustment yet. But ONLY Rode it twice since i bought. Still waiting for better weather and more sun. Will see in a few weeks. I hope it fits me, that thing wasnt cheap and it looks damn GOOD on my retro bianchi

I own a few charge bikes which have the spoon saddle, I'd say they are easily one of the comfiest saddles I've used. The wittkop velodrome on my moulton is a great saddle too

I have heard a lot of good things about the Serfa RX and that might be the next saddle I try but until then I will happily stay on my Brooks. Even if brooks leather is lower quality (not sure if that is true) I think it would still have to outlast any other saddle, made of a thin layer of padding and a leather or synthetic cover, as long as you take care of it.

Helpful vid - thanks!

Great channel bro. Subscribed

Can you do an annual update on this topic please?? Thanks!! Live your vids!!

Just ordered a Gilles Berthoud Galibier saddle. They do more touring style ones as well. Men and Women specific too. I wanted something more “ comfortable” without the weight of something like a Brooks. So this hit the sweet spot between the two points for me. Will still need to break it in etc but hoping that my rear end will be happy for longer rides.

Ooh, what was that song at the end of the video?! I tried to grab it on shazam, but it wasn't long enough/distinct enough to get an answer...

I've never ridden a brooks but have had a specialized toupe for the past few years. I would get leg and hand numbness after the 50 mile mark (granted everyone is different), but have recently discovered ergon saddles and am really enjoying the flex and comfort (without the weight penalty). Shhh, they're on sale for great prices at nashbar

My personal fave is the chromag trailmaster. Meets your criteria of wide platform, firm but not too firm, comes in leather option.

I use the B17 on my Klein Quantum and would not use any other saddle on it. It is superior in comfort, straight out of the box, to another other Brooks I have used. Tried many others including Fiziks and the awful Specialized BG saddles. I am a Brooks and San Marco Rolls fan. I have a C17 on my gravel bike and an old Brooks (pre Italian ownership) Professional on my 653 lugged bike. The Rolls are on my Specialized MTB and Fondriest. I'm still looking for a home for my Swift Ti which is not as comfortable as the B17 or Professional.

Been trying the Brooks C17 for awhile, and I chose it because it’s not leather, but still utilized flexibility and a cutout.

Try the Brooks Team Pro instead. Thicker leather and a little narrower shape has been fantastic for me over the last year.

you can adjust the sag by adding lacing. They now sell the imperial B17 which comes pre laced and with a cutout for the perineum.

Chargé Spoon has been my go to for years. What are you doing to your saddles whereby they wear out so fast! Mine last for years!

thks for your video. What do you think about the issue of pressure on the perineum? I have a brooks flyer which is fine except for pressure on the perineum. Currently looking into the Brooks imperial. Your thoughts? thanks!

The wear that your see on the Charge (3:34) can be prevented by covering it with black electrical tape when the saddle is new. You can just wrap around the nose and working around the rails. Electrical tape becomes very slippery as your thigh rubs against it and is perfect for this application. I have it on my Selle Italia Turbomatic Gel Flow (also a very good flat saddle) and it works great, even when placed horizontally.

I ride a brooks B17 on my True North custom built touring bike, after 13000 km It shows no signs of wear and provides great comfort on my 100 - 140 km rides. Has weathered well and I have just treated it with Lexol from time to time. Just got some Prooffide and given it a treatment, so It should do even better for the next 13000 km's. I ride a Fi'zik on my road bike and it's fine for 50 - 75 km rides, usually spend more time out of the saddle on my road bike.

excellent review !!!

Hey Russ and Laura! Great informative video. I have a Brooks B17 on two of my bikes but as you said in your video, the leather is not of the quality B17's of the past possessed. My saddles both have the "taint bridge" and my taint aint happy. Have you ever ridden a Selle Anatomica? I have not but would really like to hear from someone that has. They look much longer than the Brooks, and have the anatomic cut-out in the leather. They are in the $200 range, but they might be worth it. I suspect the cut-out shortens the life of the saddle because it looks like they would stretch out easier. Cheers!

I love my Brooks saddle and I'm thinking of getting another one for my other bike. I may change my mind and try the Charge Spoon due to the cheaper price, but I doubt it. Nice video, though.

I have an SQ Labs on my upright tourer which is fab. My gravel bike currently has a WTB MTB saddle which is comfy but not ideal for drops so I'm looking to replace it - some good ideas here.

thanks for the tips.

Quite happy with Selle Italy - Turbo for upright position

Try the pre aged Brooks Flyer with springs. Great touring saddle, with b17 form. The pre aging means it breaks in quicker.

I'm for Brooks all the way! Tried plastic saddles, lots of them, and went back to Brooks.

WTB Pure. Great saddle

Hi Russ, I would like to know you opinion about Fabric saddles. Tanks!

I had been looking at the Charge Spoon, simply because it "looked" comfortable. But I just didn't buy it as I had no endorsements from anyone. Then, BOOM! you mention it first. I just bought one in "Honey" brown (sorry Brooks).

I've had a b17 for 2 years and it was comfortable from the word go (unlike the Fabric one I had before) Unfortunately the adjustment bolt has just snapped. Are they easy to mend yourself? The answer to my own question above (a week later) is no! I bought a new bolt but it's nigh on impossible to wedge back in. My solution was to keep the saddle stem attached and gently open a vice between the metal nose and stem stretching the seat lengthways.

I would say Sella Italia Storica and Epoca as really good alternatives to the B17 Another one I have is the Brooks Seallow a lot slimmer but very comfy.

I’ve run the Toupe for years and highly recommend it.

You could probably try something from Selle SMP next time. The shape of the saddle and the angle of the rails make for slightly odd setup on the seatpost, but these saddles have their fans - myself included. Mine's a Selle SMP Hell (now renamed the "Well"), which is the top model in their "Touring" selection. There are other cheaper models available that come with more padding.

Maintain your b17 tention it then use bees wax or mink oil, they also sell there own proohide and it will last forever. If you don't your saddle will dip then it will over stress the rivets of your saddle and rip the leather. If I can keep a b17 going for 10 years in constant rain you can too

I have the B17 brooks on my canyon urban commuter but on my gravel bike, i am planning to give WTB volt narrow a try. I bought a breezer inversion last year and it came with this wtb volt saddle…when i sold the bike, i kinda regretted that i did not take the saddle off because i miss that cushion but yet comfy feeling i had with that saddle. Hence…looking for the same saddle to try on my diverge. Will compare with my b17 feeling. Although in comparison, the b17 weight a lot more than the wtb volt…probably saving half of the weight here

Can you an update to this please? Would love to hear how you feel now and how your thoughts have changed 4 years later.

Sadly so true about Brooks saddle now. I got my 1st Brooks in 1980's and I take months of riding (1000's of Km's) the brake in! How in only a few days I have broken in and the saddle are just no good any more :-( I was thinking it was to done with the tanning of the leather as it's just too soft?

I'm using Cambium C17 for my rigid Dirt Research MTB and C15 for my Specialized Roubaix.

I have the Aliante on my MTB and Tandem. I like them, but wood like something on my tandem to absorb vibration in the road dew to 5 level fusion with disc removed.