Choosing your Brooks bike saddle

How to choose your Brooks saddle

The right Brooks saddle depends mainly on how you sit on your bike. A sporty, leaning position calls for a narrow saddle such as the Swift or B15 Swallow. A relaxed, intermediate position suits the B17 and its sprung version, the Flyer. An upright city position is best served by wide sprung saddles such as the B66, B67 or B33. Then choose between classic leather, which shapes itself to you over time, and Cambium, which is weatherproof and comfortable from the first ride.

Brooks has made leather saddles in England since 1866, and its saddles are still made by hand in Smethwick, near Birmingham. Browse the full range in our Brooks collection.

Leather or Cambium?

• Leather saddles are made from thick, vegetable tanned leather stretched over a steel frame. They need a breaking-in period, then mould to your shape for a personal, long lasting fit. They need occasional care and should be protected from heavy rain.
• Cambium saddles combine a vulcanised natural rubber base with a textile top. They need no breaking in, are weatherproof and require very little maintenance, which makes them a practical choice for daily commuting.

The versions explained

Many Brooks models come in several versions. The name tells you what changes:

• Imperial or Carved: a central cutout that relieves pressure on sensitive areas.
• Short: a shorter saddle, often preferred by women.
• Narrow: a slightly narrower saddle for a sportier position.
• Special: a more refined finish, for example with copper rivets.
• Titanium: titanium rails instead of steel, for a lighter saddle.

Leather saddles by riding position

Sporty position: leaning forward

For road bikes, fixies and fast commuting, when much of your weight rests on the handlebars.

• Brooks B15 Swallow: a long, slim saddle with a classic racing shape.
• Brooks Swift: a sporty saddle, slightly firmer than the B15 Swallow.

Intermediate position: the all rounder

For touring, trekking and everyday riding with a moderate lean.

• Brooks B17: the iconic, comfortable and versatile Brooks saddle. Also available as Imperial Carved, Short, Short Imperial Carved, Narrow, Narrow Imperial Carved, Special, Special Short and Special Titanium.
• Brooks Flyer: a B17 mounted on springs for extra comfort. Also available as Imperial Carved, Short and Special.

Upright position: city riding

For Dutch style city bikes, where you sit upright and most of your weight rests on the saddle. These wide saddles usually have springs to absorb bumps.

• Brooks B66: a wide sprung saddle that mounts on a traditional pillar seatpost. Also available as Short.
• Brooks B67: the B66 shape with rails that fit a standard modern seatpost. Also available as Short.
• Brooks B33: a very vintage look with twisted steel springs, for a traditional pillar seatpost.
• Brooks B135, Brooks B68 and Brooks B72: other wide leather saddles for upright riding. Check the product page for the seatpost type each one requires.

Cambium saddles

The Cambium range is a modern interpretation of Brooks' saddle making tradition. Comfortable from the first ride and weatherproof, Cambium saddles suit city bikes that are parked outside.

• Brooks Cambium C13: the lightest Cambium, with a carbon frame and rails. Also available as Carved.
• Brooks Cambium C15: a sporty, narrow shape for road and fast city riding. Also available as Carved.
• Brooks Cambium C17: the versatile model, occupying a similar all-round position within the Cambium range. Also available as Carved and Special.
• Brooks Cambium C19: the widest of the C13 to C19 range, for more comfort on touring and city bikes. Also available as Carved.
• Brooks C67: a Cambium saddle for an upright city riding position.

Caring for your leather saddle

• Nourish the leather with Brooks Proofide. It protects the leather and helps it soften during the breaking-in period. A complete Brooks maintenance kit is also available.
• Be patient at first: like a new pair of leather shoes, a leather saddle feels firm at first. With regular riding, the leather gradually takes your shape and comfort improves noticeably.
• Adjust the tension: most Brooks leather saddles have a tension bolt under the nose. A few turns with the Brooks tension wrench tighten the leather if it starts to sag, which extends the life of the saddle. Turn it gently, a little at a time.
• Protect it from rain: a Brooks rain cover keeps the leather dry when the bike is parked outside.

Frequently asked questions

Which Brooks saddle is the most comfortable?

Comfort depends on your riding position. For an upright city bike, a wide sprung saddle such as the B67 or B66 is usually the most comfortable. For a moderate lean, the B17 or the sprung Flyer is the classic choice. For a sporty position, a narrower saddle such as the Swift or B15 Swallow works better.

Do Cambium saddles need breaking in?

No. Cambium saddles are comfortable from the first ride and need no Proofide or tension adjustment. Leather saddles, on the other hand, need a breaking-in period before they reach their full comfort.

Can a leather Brooks saddle get wet?

Occasional rain is not a problem, but a leather saddle should not stay soaked. Cover it when the bike is parked outside, let it dry naturally and treat it regularly with Proofide.

What warranty does Brooks offer?

Brooks saddles are covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Brooks may offer an extended warranty when you register your saddle: check the current conditions on the official Brooks England website.

Can I see Brooks saddles before buying?

Yes. Brooks saddles are on display at L'Hirondelle Bike Shop in Meppel, where our team can help you choose the right model for your bike and riding position. See also all our bike saddles.