Just wanted to share a little appreciation post for my now 15 year old brooks B17. This thing has served me amazingly well – first on my daily commuter for the better part of a decade, and now on my dedicated road bike. It’s been ridden in all kinds of weather including lots of rainy PNW commutes but the leather is still smooth and unabrasive (thanks in part to yearly treatments with [Obenauf’s Heavy Duty LP](https://www.obenaufs.com/heavy-duty-lp-p/leather-preservative-paste.htm?utm_source=google&utm_medium=heavy_duty_lp_sitelink1&utm_campaign=leather_oil_and_preservative&utm_id=281495293937455&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA8sauBhB3EiwAruTRJsCY4Jbrz7wzeGrU9VXKVWPPHumFlOA2kuvuN_vjfxeCxzIeH5TS3BoCdB4QAvD_BwE). And after all these years it’s still got a good amount of length left in the tension bolt.
I have to admit that a certain curmudgeonly contrarian on this sub is what spurred this post – I take umbrage with idea that this saddle is some kind of biking virtue signal, I just genuinely find it comfortable and at ~$100 when I bought it, it’s certainly proven it’s value compared to cheaper, lees durable alternatives. Do I think everyone should ride one? Of course not, saddles are a personal thing and everyone needs to find one that suits them, but I love mine. It fits my backside perfectly and offers more aft support than any foam and vinyl saddle I’ve ever tried (I find I have a sensation of the backend giving way with those style saddles). In any case I’m sure we can all agree that well crafted components that retain their usefulness for a long time are something to be appreciated regardless of personal preference. I’m not sure if there’s any other component that has the same staying power for me.
by eddierhys
2 Comments
Heck yes. Ive never cared for leather Brooks saddles, I just dont have a biek they would work on aesthetically, but I own two Cambiums and looove them.
Heres to another 15!
No offense, but they’ve always looked like taint busters to me. I’ve had good experience with Selle Anatomica.