Brooks B67 Rear Saddle, showing the chrome springs at the back
My Experience:
Using the Brooks B67 saddle on my commuter bicycle, a Union of Holland Dutch bicycle, for two weeks, part of the initial break-in period for the saddle.
RESULTS:
Construction: 5/5
Comfort: 3/5 (so far!)
Overall: 4/5
Summary:
The Brooks B67 saddle is one of the most common saddles currently sold on Dutch, Danish, and other Euro-style city bicycles that have made their way to North America. In comparison to other Brooks models such as the B17, the Brooks B67 is designed to be comfortable while riding in an upright or nearly upright position (actually there is a fairly “cute” series of illustrations on the packaging that show the comparison of riding position amongst their main saddle lines quite well). Brooks is one of the main manufacturers of classic styled saddles, and definitely the easiest to purchase in the United States. The saddle usually retails for somewhat over $100, which could be considered quite an investment considering most bicycle saddles are quite a bit less. This saddle is really meant to last for decades, however.
Construction:
The construction of this saddle is amazingly simple in comparison to most modern saddles, that are usually made of synthetic materials and filled with padding, gels, and other high-tech features. The Brooks B67 saddle, by comparison, is constructed of a somewhat thick molded piece of leather attached to a metal platform, with chrome springs at the rear. The main difference between this saddle and the Brooks B66 is that the B67 model is made to attach to modern seatpost rails. Nothing high-tech here! Like the construction of a classic city bicycle, however, if it isn’t broken, why fix it?
Comfort:
The complete lack of any padding on the Brooks B67 saddle can make initial riding sessions a bit surprising, especially to those of us, like me, who aren’t road bike fans and have never ridden on a saddle without padding before. There is a break-in process that lasts several weeks, where the saddle is supposed to mold itself somewhat to your form, and your body adjusts to the saddle as well – at least in theory.
My first week of commutes went fairly smoothly, but I can certainly feel the points at which the saddle and most of my weight (and I’m no svelte rider, believe me!) have been in contact during my rides. Actually, during this first two week period, I have been able to feel those points constantly, all day and all night, on the bicycle and off. I’m hoping that things change after a month or two, actually.
I have heard in various places that after this break-in period, things change quite a bit with the saddle and it becomes incredibly comfortable, for many. Not every saddle is for every rider, however, so there is no one perfect saddle.
The verdict so far? This saddle is really, really, really firm!
I will be providing updates as I use this saddle, and hope to provide a series of long-term testing articles to determine whether the Brooks saddles have the longevity and comfort they are known for, when used for commuter cycling.
on Aug 15th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Actually, in the long run firm saddles are better than extra padding. Once your sit muscles adjust to the firmness, you can ride all day without worries. Think about the difference between a big fluffy chair with no support verses a wooden chair. The padding feels good at first but your muscles start to ache after a while without the proper support.
Hang it there, Marcus. It will get better.
on Aug 16th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
uh… comfort might increase if you mount it straight…. just a thought….
on Aug 16th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Very funny, but that’s an illusion because the photo was taken at an angle!
on Aug 18th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Did you oil it per Sheldon Brown’s instructions? It looks dry as a bone.
on Aug 19th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Hello Marcus,
I was interested in how you are getting along with your Brooks B67.
I have mine for about 9 Months on my Big Dutch Cruiser,and it is getting very comfortable now ,it takes time. I had no Proofide for a few Months to help soften it. This is a Special Polish for Leather Saddles that you get from Brooks. My Saddle was a Dark Red, and it has gradually gone a very Black Dark Burgundy. You put Polish on it after about Fifty Miles and leave for 2 Hour then Polish it off, you can give one Lathering on the bottom for Protection from the Weather then do not put any more on the Bottom. After 2 Months put more Polish on the Top and dust it off after 2 Hours, then Repeat after another 2-3 Months. Dont put any more Polish on in future unless it is needed. Do not let your Saddle get Wet as this causes it to Rot, if it gets Wet let it Dry Naturally and then Apply Proofide to Condition it again. In the US you can get Obernaufs Oil, it is supposed to Soften it up Quicker. Brooks do not Recommend this and say it is to Harsh, But Sheldon Brown said it is good for the Job. It depends how much you Ride your Bike, if you Ride more it will get Comfy Quicker. Good Luck Dublin Ireland 2.45 G.M.T.
on Aug 20th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I’ve been riding around Austin (mostly South) on my Flying Pigeon, with the Chinese-made copy of the old three-spring Brooks saddle.
Takes a little getting used to, but very nice indeed.
Congrats – we need to see more folks on two wheels, and their bikes should be as practical and stylish as possible.
on Aug 20th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Really?? I have been wanting to take a look at a Flying Pigeon. Care to write a post about your bike with some pics?
on Jan 3rd, 2009 at 6:23 pm
I’m researching saddles and came across your blog. So, at this point, where ya at? Thanks! t
on Jan 5th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I think it’s a great saddle. So far, it looks like it will last me 50 years… at this rate anyway.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
[...] saddle is geared toward the more bent over position of a road or touring bike (as opposed to the upright position the B67 is built for) so the best seat angle is level with the ground. Unlike most modern saddles, the top is not [...]
on Jan 24th, 2010 at 7:12 am
Have just ordered a Santos Trek (Hybrid). I’m thinking of a Brooks B67 saddle for it or maybe a B17. I’m quite old now and comfort is obviously an issue. Any thoughts would be welcome.
on Jan 25th, 2010 at 8:30 am
Ron,
Both the B67 and B17 are comfortable saddles. They are designed for different riding positions. The B67 is designed for a true upright riding position similar to a Dutch city bike or English roadster. The B17 is designed for a touring position, basically half way between the upright and a more aggressive road racing position. You’ll need to look at your riding position on the bike to determine which is better. I couldn’t find any information on a model called the Trek Santos but if it is like most hybrids, the B17 will probably be the right saddle.
You might also look at Velo Orange if you are going this route. They have a line of leather saddles similar in design to the Brooks but at about 2/3rd the cost. The Peddler is the local Austin bike shop that carries the Velo Orange line.
on Sep 16th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Back in the 50′s i had a raleigh 3 speed with a great brooks leather saddle. i was in my teens. I’m 70 now and purchased a B67 two years ago. It took about 600 miles and two cans of profide to break it in. the investment was worthwhile. no soreness or numbness and i recently rode a half century with no problems. i bought one for my wife and she also enjoys it. it is expensive but is well worth it.