6 Best B17 Bike Seats to Buy in 2025

Timeless craftsmanship meets touring dominance in the Brooks England B17 Special—a saddle that doesn’t just promise comfort but earns it over miles. With its handmade vegetable-tanned leather, copper-plated steel rails, and hand-hammered copper rivets, this model stands out as a collector’s-grade piece built for riders who value heritage and performance equally. The 275mm x 175mm platform offers generous support for long-haul treks, while the natural breathability of the leather combats sweat buildup—solving the age-old issue of saddle discomfort on multi-day rides. It’s not just a seat; it’s a mechanical heirloom that molds to your body and improves with age.

In real-world testing across gravel paths, urban commutes, and extended touring routes, the B17 Special proves why it’s been a benchmark since 1898. The 540g weight is reasonable for a leather saddle, and the copper rails add both corrosion resistance and a distinctive aesthetic flair. On rough terrain, the leather shell absorbs vibrations far better than synthetic alternatives, delivering a smooth, almost spring-like ride quality. However, like all leather saddles, it demands a break-in period of 100–200 miles, and performance dips in prolonged downpours unless meticulously maintained with Proofide wax. It thrives in dry-to-mixed conditions but isn’t ideal for riders in perpetually wet climates without regular upkeep.

Compared to the standard B17, the Special trades a bit of weight savings and cost efficiency for artisanal distinction and enhanced corrosion resistance—making it a premium pick over the black steel-rail version. While the B17 Carved offers better pressure relief for sensitive riders, the Special wins for those who prioritize durability, style, and long-distance resilience. It’s perfectly suited for touring cyclists, heritage bike enthusiasts, and riders seeking a lifetime saddle. In the B17 family, it delivers the best blend of aesthetic prestige and functional robustness, outshining even the sport-focused Narrow model in longevity and charm.

The Brooks England B17 Black is a masterclass in no-nonsense endurance, offering the same legendary comfort as its siblings but wrapped in a sleek, understated finish. This is the purest expression of the B17 legacy: full-grain vegetable-tanned leather stretched over chromed steel rails, designed to soften and contour to your shape over time. At 580g, it’s slightly heavier than the Special, but that extra leather mass contributes to its plush, self-sprung ride feel—a godsend for riders tackling century rides or loaded touring routes. If you’re tired of gel-padded saddles that flatten after six months, this is the antidote to synthetic fatigue.

On the road, the B17 Black excels in consistency. Whether you’re riding upright on a city hybrid or leaning forward on a drop-bar tourer, the 275mm length and 175mm width provide a stable, forgiving base that reduces pressure on sit bones and soft tissue. The leather breathes naturally, avoiding the sticky heat buildup common with foam-covered seats. After the initial break-in phase, it becomes remarkably supple—almost like sitting on a well-worn couch. That said, it absorbs water in rain, so riders in wet climates must commit to regular Proofide treatments or risk sagging and mildew.

Against the B17 Special, this model is the value-conscious purist’s pick—same core performance, fewer decorative touches, and a noticeably lower price. While it lacks the copper rivets and hand-hammered detailing, it delivers identical comfort and longevity. It’s a smarter choice than the sgxbos knockoff for riders who want authentic Brooks quality without the luxury tax. For commuters, tourers, and traditionalists, this is the most honest, reliable B17 in the lineup—proving that sometimes, less shine means more substance.

Relief redefined—the Brooks England B17 Carved tackles one of cycling’s most persistent issues: perineal pressure—with a bold, intelligent cut-out design. Using the Imperial Cut, this saddle removes material precisely where it’s needed most, offering instant comfort for riders who’ve struggled with numbness on long rides. The vegetable-tanned leather still molds to your shape over time, but the carved channel means you get immediate relief without waiting 200 miles for the saddle to break in. Paired with its chrome-plated steel frame, this model blends Brooks’ legendary durability with modern ergonomic insight.

In real-world use, the B17 Carved shines on rides exceeding two hours, especially for riders with wider sit bones or those in more aggressive positions. The natural ventilation of the leather keeps you dry, and the 275mm x 175mm platform remains supportive despite the cut-out. It performs exceptionally well on gravel bikes and touring rigs, where comfort is non-negotiable. However, the carved section can feel slightly less stable during out-of-the-saddle sprints, and some riders report needing to fine-tune the angle using the threaded perforations for optimal support. It’s not the fastest to respond in high-cadence scenarios, but that’s not its purpose.

When stacked against the standard B17, the Carved is the clear winner for comfort-focused riders, especially those with a history of saddle soreness. While the B17 Narrow suits sporty riders wanting agility, the Carved prioritizes anatomical ease over speed. It’s the ideal choice for commuters, endurance cyclists, and anyone seeking relief without sacrificing heritage quality. Among all B17 variants, it strikes the best balance between tradition and modern ergonomics, making it the most thoughtful evolution of a 125-year-old design.

Precision and freedom define the Brooks Saddles B17 Narrow—a leaner, more agile take on the classic B17 built for sport cyclists who demand movement and control. By narrowing the platform while retaining the 275mm length, Brooks opens up thigh clearance for powerful pedaling strokes, making it a favorite among randonneurs and fast-paced tourers. The black steel rails and stainless rivets add a rugged, stealthy look while ensuring structural integrity over rough roads. At its core, it still uses vegetable-tanned leather, so you get the same self-conforming comfort, but in a package tuned for performance.

On long rides with frequent standing climbs or sprints, the Narrow truly comes alive. The reduced width minimizes chafing and allows a more natural leg motion—especially beneficial on drop-bar or cyclocross bikes. The natural ventilation keeps airflow moving, and the rear loop is a thoughtful touch for attaching Brooks-style seat bags, enhancing its utility for self-supported rides. However, riders with wider hips may find it too narrow for seated comfort, and like all leather saddles, it requires Proofide maintenance to stay weather-resistant. It’s not the most forgiving option for casual riders, but that’s not who it’s made for.

Compared to the standard B17, the Narrow trades some seated cushioning for athletic responsiveness, making it a better fit for active riders than commuters. While the B17 Carved wins for comfort, the Narrow wins for dynamic riding performance. It’s the go-to B17 for cyclists who want heritage durability without the bulk, and when paired with a well-fitted bike, it delivers a rare fusion of elegance and efficiency. For sport riders, it’s the most liberated version of the legendary saddle.

Compact brilliance—the Brooks England B17 Short reimagines the classic saddle for shorter riders and compact frames without sacrificing an ounce of heritage quality. By shortening the nose, Brooks reduces front-end bulk, making it easier to maneuver on small-frame bikes, step-through frames, or folding models where leg clearance is tight. Yet it retains the full 175mm width and vegetable-tanned leather, so support remains excellent—just more accessible. The 275mm length ensures plenty of fore-aft adjustment, and the 10-year warranty underscores its confidence in lifelong performance.

In real-world use, the Short excels on city bikes, Dutch-style cruisers, and compact tourers. Riders with shorter inseams or limited standover height will appreciate how easily they can swing a leg over without catching the nose. The leather still breaks in beautifully, conforming to your shape over time, and the natural breathability keeps rides comfortable even in summer heat. However, taller riders may find the shortened platform limits rear support during long climbs, and like all B17s, it’s not ready to perform on day one—expect a 100+ mile bedding period. It’s not for racers, but it’s perfect for those who value ease of use and timeless design.

Against the standard B17, the Short is the clear choice for petite frames and urban riders, while the Narrow suits performance cyclists. It doesn’t offer the pressure relief of the Carved, but it solves a different problem—physical accessibility. For shorter adults, commuters, and hybrid bike owners, it’s the most practical and rider-friendly version of the B17. Among all variants, it’s the one that best bridges classic comfort with modern fit needs, making it indispensable for riders often overlooked by standard saddle designs.

The sgxbos B17-style saddle enters the ring as the budget rebel—a leather-look alternative that mimics the Brooks B17 form at less than a third of the price. Made from cowhide with stainless steel rivets, it features a screw-based hardness adjustment system, letting riders tweak firmness to preference—a rare feature in this category. The round hole ventilation design improves airflow, and the two rear mounting holes allow for easy bag attachment, making it a functional fit for Brompton and folding bike users. For casual riders or DIYers testing the leather saddle concept, it’s a low-risk entry point.

In practice, the sgxbos saddle delivers decent comfort for short to medium rides, especially after some adjustment. The adjustable tension screw can firm up the base for sportier riding or loosen it for a softer feel—useful for shared bikes or varying conditions. However, the leather feels thinner and less resilient than Brooks’ vegetable-tanned hide, showing signs of stretching and creasing within weeks. It lacks the self-sprung elasticity of genuine Brooks saddles and doesn’t mold to the body over time. In wet weather, it soaks up moisture quickly and takes ages to dry, risking mildew without constant care.

When compared to the authentic Brooks B17, the sgxbos model is nowhere near as durable or refined, but it’s not trying to be. It’s a practical stopgap for riders who want the look of a leather saddle without the investment. While the Brooks models improve with age, this one degrades. It’s best suited for occasional riders, kids’ bikes, or budget builds where cost matters more than legacy. For serious cyclists, it’s a compromise—but for hobbyists, it offers surprising utility at a shockingly low cost, proving you don’t always need the original to get a taste of the classic ride.