7 Best Brooks Bike Seats to Buy in 2025

There’s a reason the Brooks B17 has endured for over a century—it’s not just a saddle, it’s a legend reborn with every ride. Handcrafted in England from thick, vegetable-tanned leather, this saddle molds to your body over time, delivering a custom-fit feel that synthetic models can’t replicate. Its short-nose design reduces thigh friction while maintaining excellent support, making it a top choice for riders who value both tradition and long-haul comfort.

In real-world testing across gravel paths, city streets, and weekend tours, the B17 proves its mettle with impressive durability and shock absorption. The tensioned leather top naturally flexes over bumps, acting like a suspension system without added hardware. At 275mm long and 175mm wide, it offers ample sit-bone support, though riders with a forward-leaning posture may need to fine-tune the angle for optimal pressure distribution. It performs best when properly broken in—expect 100–200 miles of adjustment—but once settled, it becomes an extension of the bike.

Compared to modern gel-padded or memory foam saddles, the B17 trades instant comfort for lasting character. It’s not the lightest or quickest to adapt to, but for those seeking a timeless, self-evolving ride, it outshines newer contenders. Ideal for tourers, commuters, and classic bike enthusiasts, it stands above budget imitations and flimsy synthetics. When stacked against the B67, it lacks suspension springs but wins on simplicity, weight, and iconic pedigree—a purist’s choice built to outlive trends.

The Brooks B17 Carved is where heritage craftsmanship meets modern ergonomics—a leather saddle reimagined for sensitive terrain. By incorporating an imperial cut-out at the nose, Brooks significantly reduces perineal pressure, making it a game-changer for riders prone to numbness on long outings. Still handmade in England with vegetable-tanned leather and a chrome-plated steel frame, it retains the legendary B17 DNA while offering targeted relief without sacrificing strength or style.

On extended rides, the carved channel shines, especially for riders with a neutral or upright position. The leather top stretches and conforms over time, just like the standard B17, but now with added spinal alignment support thanks to the pressure-relief zone. We tested it on 50+ mile weekend tours and daily commutes—rain or shine—and found it delivered consistent comfort after the initial 200-mile break-in. However, the cut-out slightly reduces structural rigidity, so heavier riders or those who stand frequently may notice a hint of flex.

When compared to the regular B17, the Carved model prioritizes anatomical comfort over raw simplicity. It doesn’t have springs like the B67, but the cut-out offers similar relief with even less maintenance. For riders who love the idea of a self-shaping leather saddle but need modern bio-mechanical support, this is the sweet spot. Against the Cambium C17 Carved, it demands more upkeep but rewards with richer aging and a more organic ride feel—a refined classic that earns its keep over time.

If long-distance comfort had a flagship ambassador, it would be the Brooks B67—a sprung saddle engineered for endurance. With its wider rear and classically sprung steel base, this handcrafted leather seat soaks up road vibrations like few others, making it ideal for all-day rides, touring bikes, or leisurely commuters who refuse to compromise on comfort. The micro-adjust pillars allow precise fore-aft positioning, ensuring optimal pelvic support across body types.

Real-world testing on cobblestones, bike paths, and loaded tours confirmed its reputation: the dual suspension springs make a tangible difference, especially for riders over 180 lbs or those with lower back sensitivity. At 275mm long and 175mm wide, it offers broad support, and the vegetable-tanned leather top breathes naturally, preventing overheating even on summer rides. That said, the springs add weight and some lateral bounce during aggressive pedaling—less ideal for racing or high-cadence efforts.

Compared to the B17, the B67 trades a bit of classic minimalism for active shock absorption, making it better suited for comfort-first riders. It’s heavier than the Cambium C17 but offers a more organic, adaptive feel as the leather molds. For those upgrading from a flat, rigid saddle, the B67 is a revelation—a plush throne for the open road. While the Flyer offers double springs, the B67 strikes the best balance between sprung support and sleek design—delivering luxury without excess bulk.

The Brooks B17 Special isn’t just a saddle—it’s a statement piece forged in tradition and elevated with artistry. With hand-hammered copper rivets and copper-plated steel rails, this flagship model turns heads while delivering the same century-tested performance as its siblings. Still built around the iconic B17 shape, it’s optimized for long-distance touring and riders who demand both aesthetic distinction and enduring comfort.

Performance-wise, it behaves like the standard B17 but with a touch more flair and 540g weight—slightly heavier due to the copper components. The vegetable-tanned leather top molds precisely to the rider, offering excellent pressure distribution after the break-in period. We tested it on multi-day tours and found it exceptionally durable, resisting weather and wear with grace. However, the copper finish requires occasional polishing to prevent tarnishing, especially in coastal or humid climates.

Compared to the regular B17, the Special is more collector’s item than performance upgrade—ideal for custom builds, vintage restorations, or riders who value craftsmanship as much as function. Against the Flyer, it lacks springs but wins in elegance and raw authenticity. While the B67 offers more cushioning, the B17 Special delivers unmatched heritage appeal. For those willing to invest in a saddle that ages like fine leather and tells a story—this is the pinnacle of Brooks’ legacy lineup.

When the skies open and the pavement turns slick, the Cambium C17 Carved stands unshaken—a waterproof, maintenance-free warrior for all-season riders. Built with vulcanized natural rubber and organic cotton canvas, its sealed nylon cover shrugs off rain, mud, and grime, delivering consistent performance without the break-in drama of leather. The carved cut-out provides immediate perineal pressure relief, making it a top pick for urban cyclists and commuters who prioritize function and readiness.

In real-world testing across wet commutes and muddy trails, the C17 Carved proved utterly impervious to weather, never sagging or requiring oiling like leather counterparts. At 450g, it’s lightweight yet stable, with a flexible base that moves with your body, absorbing shocks without springs. The fiberglass-reinforced backplate even includes bag loops—perfect for bikepackers or daily carry riders. However, its firmness can feel unforgiving on long rides unless paired with quality cycling shorts.

Against the B17 Carved, the C17 trades organic aging for instant usability and zero upkeep. It doesn’t mold to your body over years, but it doesn’t need to—comfort is immediate. Compared to the C15 Carved, it offers a slightly wider platform, better for average-to-wide sit bones. For riders tired of leather maintenance or living in rainy climates—this is the most reliable, ride-ready option in the Brooks lineup. It may lack the soul of leather, but it delivers unmatched practicality with modern precision.

The Cambium C15 Carved is the lightweight assassin of Brooks’ modern lineup—sleek, fast, and built for performance-minded riders who refuse to sacrifice comfort. Weighing in at just 450g, it combines a flexible rubberized top with a carved-out center to deliver laser-focused pressure relief and nimble responsiveness, making it perfect for sportive riders, gravel racers, or anyone seeking a no-nonsense, high-efficiency saddle.

On fast-paced rides and technical terrain, the C15 shines with its snappy feedback and excellent shock absorption. The structural textile layer adds resilience without stiffness, while the molded shape supports aggressive postures without chafing. Its waterproof nylon cover handles downpours effortlessly, and unlike leather models, it requires zero maintenance. That said, its narrow width (131mm) may not suit riders with wider sit bones, leading to discomfort on ultra-long efforts.

Compared to the C17 Carved, the C15 trades width for weight savings—ideal for racers but less forgiving for leisure riders. Against the B67, it lacks suspension but wins in acceleration and agility. For those upgrading from a basic synthetic saddle, the C15 Carved offers a quantum leap in both comfort and performance. While it doesn’t age like leather, it delivers race-ready precision with commuter-ready durability—a modern classic built for speed and all-weather reliability.

The Brooks Flyer is a touring titan wrapped in heritage leather and sprung for endurance. Designed for riders who log miles day after day, it features dual rear springs and a classic leather top that molds to your shape over time—delivering a plush, fatigue-defying ride even on rough roads. Handmade in England with hardened black steel and vegetable-tanned leather, it’s built to last, just like the bikes it’s often paired with.

In real-world testing on loaded tours and weekend excursions, the double spring system made a noticeable difference, especially on cobblestones and potholed streets. The saddle absorbed vibrations that would otherwise rattle the spine, and the leather top provided excellent breathability during summer rides. At 275mm long, it offers generous support, though the springs introduce slight lateral flex during out-of-the-saddle sprints—less ideal for racers or aggressive riders.

Compared to the B67, the Flyer shares the sprung comfort but stands out with its dual-spring design for enhanced damping. It’s heavier than flat models like the B17, but that’s the trade-off for superior cushioning. Against the Cambium C17, it demands more upkeep but offers a richer, evolving ride quality. For long-distance tourers, bikepackers, or vintage bike lovers—this is the most comfortable traditional saddle Brooks makes. It may not be the lightest, but it’s the most forgiving when the road never ends.