Dion Lewis
Brooks B17 vs. C17. Which one is better suited to which specific types of riding and maintaining certain cycling positions? Along the course of this article, we shall be providing you with an in-depth analysis and describing the similarities and differences in-between these distinguished Brooks saddles.
Brooks is a very prominent manufacturer of cycling saddles, if not the most prominent name out there. They are very well known and revered for designing classic, leather made saddles for your cycle. Brooks originates and was founded in 1866 at Smethwick, West Midlands, England. They have started making leather-made goods and accessories since 1866. However; they did not start manufacturing and patenting bike saddles until 1882. In 2002, the owners of Brooks sold the company to Selle Royal who originates from Italy.
Brooks is up there setting the standard when it comes to manufacturing well-functioning and chic leather saddles. Their leather saddles are a very popular choice among cyclists. Irrespective of the type of riding you’re into, be it road biking, cyclo-cross, mountain biking, touring, or everyday commuting. Therefore; getting yourself a Brooks saddle will serve you with the perfect blend between comfort and performance. Any professional cyclist or an avid cyclist will vouch for the quality of Brooks saddles.
The founder of Brooks saddles, John Boultbee Brooks, considered using cycles after his horse had died. However; upon using cycles, he found the saddles on them to be quite uncomfortable, especially to the sit bones. So; this is when he considered taking matters into his own hand and started manufacturing comfortable bike saddles. The elementary design of a Brooks saddle includes a comfortable and well-designed leather-made cover outstretched between metal chunk plates at the nose and aft sections of the saddle.
The B17 and C17 are two of Brooks’s outstandingly designed and elite bike saddles. So, there were times when many cyclists were at a crossroads between these two biking saddles. Therefore; we shall be reviewing these two saddles and making an in-depth analysis between them.
Brooks B17 Saddle
Brooks B17 happens to be one of the earliest versions of Brooks’ England saddles. These saddles are quite heavy. Also, initially right after you take these saddles out of the box, they tend to be a bit stiff.
The shape of these saddles is very well designed, so that you can perfectly position your derrière, as you cycle. You may feel a bit uncomfortable sitting on these for long periods, because of its sturdiness. However, as you keep on using these saddles; these tend to soften up in the right places; molding your buttocks. Therefore, you’ll feel even more comfortable using these upon usage and progression of time. These saddles are constructed from thick leather material. Also, there are sloped bezels surrounding this saddle. There are also huge, glossy rivets made from copper.
The cover of this saddle is made entirely from leather materials, meaning, you need to take proper maintenance of these in order for these saddles to survive the test of time. We advise you to use a conditioner that Brooks sells, known as Proofide. You should clean these saddles using the conditioner so that they don’t dry up too much and cause cracks. As previously stated, these saddles seamlessly adjust to your posterior as you keep using it. Lastly, if you require to make adjustments to the tension; then note that there is a tension adjusting bolt underneath the nose of this saddle. Turning these bolts every 6 months should do the trick. These saddles are perfect for commuting, trekking, touring, etc.
Brooks C17 Cambium Saddle
Brooks C17 has a similar structure to that of other classical Brook saddles. However; unlike Brooks’s famous leather-made saddle, this one is made from a processed pure rubber material. Therefore; this makes the saddle waterproof. Also, it consists of a guaranteed canvas made from cotton materials.
The topmost texture is textiles made. Additionally, this top portion of the saddle happens to be very flexible and the rubber-made top section is quite flexible as well. These saddles would serve you with maximum comfort. Moreover, as you sit on this saddle and pedal, it tends to move quite a bit, this slight movement does you a great deal of help in preventing any potential chafing. However, your buttocks may need some time in getting used to the shape of this saddle. Although, it would not require too much time for that to happen.
This saddle also happens to be quite wide in shape. The width of this pedal won’t make you feel too uncomfortable. Rather the fact that it moves slightly does a great deal of good for you. The aluminum-made ends of the saddle have a curved design. However, weighing in at 418g, this saddle can be quite heavy, compared to many other saddles designed by Brooks. Lastly, the only major concern remains for its durability. However, you can quite easily replace the back and nose sections; as well as the rails if these ever get damaged. These saddles are perfect for road biking, commuting, etc.
Major similarities between Brooks B17 and Brooks C17
Major differences between Brooks B17 and Brooks C17
Conclusion
For you to differentiate and select your desired saddle depends on a few factors, these include; the type of bicycle you want to fit these into, the position or posture on which you prefer riding on, most of the time. Also, a lot depends on your bike’s handlebars. We will recommend you to check for the adjustability of a given saddle and how easily you can fit these saddles into your bike. So, if you are into long-duration rides or touring, then the B17 will be the ideal choice for you.
Whereas the C17 should be your pick for commuting. It is very comfortable and is also very capable of serving you with optimal performance. Brooks B17 is the perfect choice for your mountain bikes. On the other hand, the C17 is perfect for your road bikes. To conclude, you will highly recommend you to precisely identify your requirement and based on that choose the saddle that your feet will tick all the boxes.
Carry out proper research and analysis before you for buying a saddle for your bike. Maintaining a proper posture should be of utmost importance for you when choosing a saddle for your bike. We sincerely hope our review and in-depth analysis will help you to choose between Brooks B17 or C17. Good Luck!
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