Comments on: Brooks Swift Chrome Saddle Review

By: MikeT

MikeT — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 07:23:27 +0000

My Brooks B17 experience holds true to the above comments. It definitely took at least 500 miles before I was firmly convinced that it was indeed comfortable and showing signs of conforming to my butt. I think I treated it a couple times with Dubbin to help that process out (i.e. reduce the pain) I can’t remember the last time I treated it with anything other than bumsweat (going on 3 years). A sprinkling of rain is ok and don’t throw away the little wrench-like took that comes with it; it’s the key to future comfort, but I do attempt to keep it dry.

I agree that fit is paramount to accessing full Brooks potential. If the seat is too far forward, one tends to push back onto the rear where the rivets and metal frame are – not as comfy as leather. As Randal mentioned, getting the right width for your ride is worth figuring out. If you are willing to spend on a Brooks, it’s worth a bit more to work that out.

By: B. Ouyang

B. Ouyang — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:09:16 +0000

I’m with Randal Putnam on this one. Most people I see chose a Brooks saddle that was too narrow for intended use and thus ran into break-in issues. This may be due to the mental block of switching over since non-Brooks saddles tend to be significantly narrower and it just plain feels strange to switch from those to a much wider saddle. However, if one chooses appropriately, one should not suffer from break-in issues (assuming one’s behind is already accustomed to bicycle saddles in general) and indeed, my B17 felt good if not great from day 1. It’s a fairly wide saddle for a bike that has the handlebar lower than the saddle.

By: Joe Peralta

Joe Peralta — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 09:24:33 +0000

Leather needs moisture to break in and stay supple. It doesn’t pay for occasional rides, it’s likely to stiffen up, as boots do. But for a bike ridden frequently I’ve found it by far the best, and haven’t had any problems with weather exposure. The key to maintaining the shape is adjusting the tension after the saddle breaks in to your weight and riding style, and then keeping an eye on it. They’re pricey, but in the right circumstances the comfort and durability are worth it.

By: Randal Putnam

Randal Putnam — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:59:22 +0000

For those that have not been happy with their experience atop a Brooks saddle, make sure you weren’t using a narrow version on a bike with an upright riding position or a wide version on a bike with a leaned over riding position. Although I’ve broken this rule with some success, I am much happier when I adhere to it.

By: Benzo

Benzo — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 12:49:22 +0000

It took me a couple months to break in my brooks b17 narrow. It definitely gets more comfortable after the break in, but I think it’s about 500 miles or so of saddle time and an application or two of leather dressing before it feels right. I’m definitely enjoying it now that it has softened up.