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PRODUCT REVIEWS: BROOKS B.17 STANDARD SADDLE
Road Bike Action
August 26, 2008
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The Brooks B.17 Standard saddle is one of Brooks oldest models and falls into the category of retro-cool. The B.17 Standard is considered to be the "affordable" model in the Brooks line. Unlike the other higher-end Brooks saddles, the B.17 Standard is machine-assembled, not hand-assembled. Brooks craftsmen hand set the more expensive copper rivets on the hand-assembled saddles, while on the B.17 Standard a machine press is used to set the steel rivets. The leather hide is suspended on a steel frame and rails. There is no base as the leather is thick and stiff enough that none is required. The tensioner and rails are attached to the saddle using steel rivets. The rivets create an attractive visual contrast against the leather. The B.17 Standard is also available in black with either steel or titanium rails. Our steel railed B.17 Standard weighed in at 565-grams. The look is classic with the Brooks logo embossed on each side and with rivets spaced evenly across the back and nose. Brooks rounds out the B.17 Standard with cool details such as saddlebag loops, a classic metal brooks badge and a hex bolt tensioner under the nose of the saddle.
Leather saddles have an unfounded reputation for being uncomfortable and taking a long time to break in. This is definitely not the case with the Brooks B.17 Standard saddle. The shape of the B.17 Standard has a lot to do with its comfort. The B.17 Standard is 17-centimeters wide and 28-centimeters long giving the rider plenty of room to find a comfortable position. With any saddle there is a brief break in period and while it is slightly longer with a leather saddle it is well worth it. During the braking in phase some people recommend loosing the tension bolt one half turn during the first 100-200 miles and then retighten it. Once broken in the B.17 Standard fits the rider perfectly. To aid in the break in process, Brooks recommends that the B.17 Standard be treated with Proofide to keep the leather supple during the break in period. It is also recommended that it be reapplied every three to six months to prevent the saddle from drying out. While using Proofide is helpful, it is important not to apply to much as it is possible to stretch the leather. For information on leather saddle care visit www.brookssaddles.com.
While the Brooks B.17 Standard is comfortable, especially on long rides, it has its drawbacks. First is its weight. At 565-grams it weighs 400-grams more than most saddles currently on the market. Another drawback is that wet leather is easy to stretch which means that riding in the rain can damage the saddle. If the saddle does get wet the best thing to do is let dry slowly at room temperature. If riding in the rain is common, you might consider investing in a saddle bonnet from Rivendell Bicycle Works. www.Rivbike.com.
If weight isn’t an issue and you have struggled to find the perfect saddle the Brooks B.17 Standard is worth consideration.
PRICE: $114.99
INFO: www.brookssaddles.com
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