Alternatives to the Brooks B-17
When we first got into bike touring (almost a decade ago!) all we rode were Brooks saddles. Since then, we’ve sort of fallen out of love with them. It doesn’t help that we now live in the PNW where the constant rain can cause havoc on a nice leather saddle. In this video, we go in a little more in-depth about why we no longer ride B-17s and a couple alternative saddles that give a similar ride feel.
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What’s the seatpost under the Ladle and Toupe? They look nice for the amount of setback and two bolt angle adjustment.
Definitely agree about the changing quality of the Brooks saddles. I do have to say, however, that my B17 ‘Special’ has fared better than my B17 Standard.
I’m currently using a men’s Terry Liberator Y on my Trek 520. It has great support for my sit bones, plenty of rail adjustment, and has a cutout that increases comfort. Six years and still going strong!
Given the shortcomings you’ve experienced with the B17, I would think that C17 would be an obvious alternative – no leather quality in question, and waterproof. I love mine.
Smithhammer,
I have a C-17 and it does solve a lot of the issues with the B-17 (short rail, saddle losing shape, etc.,). However, what I found is that it is a pretty different shape/feel when I sit on it. It feels a bit more rounded and narrower and I can’t set it up the same way. I feel that it begs a position that is slightly more aggressive than a B-17. That’s why I left it off the list of B-17 alternatives because for me it rides like a diff saddle.
Russ
I have a c-17 and it hurts !!!
I have had a b-17 on my touring bike since 2009. It’s time for a change and I was thinking of another b-17. However, now I’m going to give the Fizik a try. Thanks for the tip.
New Salsa Cutthroat and the stock seat is great for, well torture. I’ve always ridden B-17 saddles and have the B-17 Flyer on my plus bike. No go for the cutthroat.
My wife rides the C-17 but it doesn’t work for me.
That Fizik sounds interesting…
Does anyone have experience with Rivet saddles? I am currently considering the Independence All Road. (http://rivetcycleworks.com/product/independence-allroad/) I was introduced to this saddle at the Philadelphia Bike Expo. A few random testimonials where all positive. However, I would like a true review of a saddle before plunking down $200.00
Please let know what you think.
James
I know this is an old post, but for anyone finding this, as did I, via Google . . . my experience with the Rivet was massively disappointing. The Rivet suffers from the same fault as the Selle Anatomica and the B17 for my 140mm wide sit bones: the actual usable width of the saddle — i.e., the space between the horns of the frame — is only about 125mm. With all these saddles, I am actually sitting on the frame. To add to the problem, the Rivet leather is laminated to a waterproof material that prevents the saddle from breaking in and conforming to the rider’s anatomy. On one hand, that prevents the saddle from being ruined by water and from stretching into uselessness. On the other, it keeps the saddle uncomfortably stiff, thus ruining the whole supposed advantage of a leather saddle.
Hi Brooke,
Have you found an alternative?
I am in the same position and found this page by Ecosia picking up on your comment!