I used a B-17 for awhile, but the shape was all wrong for me. The little ridges along the top "corners" were the culprit. I switched to the Team Professional and found it to be much more comfortable (for me).
However, I have have one Team Professional which is slightly narrower than the others along the mid section, and the "peak" down the center top is harder and has a cross section which is a bit more square shaped 9the others are all rounder over the sides. I have had no luck breaking it in, while all my other Team Professionals have been fine after 50-100 miles.
I use a Ti "Swift" on my modern racing bike, hand picked from a bunch at the LBS. Took about 200 miles and several applications of Proofhide to get it comfy. This is its third year, and it's holding up nicely.
Aldo Ross
Middletown, Ohio
> I love the look and *philosophy* of Brooks saddles, and so tried a Brooks
Ti
> rail Swift some time ago. After about 700 miles I was not satisfied with
the
> way it was breaking-in, and it just wasn't very comfortable on long rides.
> Seems like part of the reason was that it had a bit of an unusual shape,
> sorta a big 'whaleback' hump down the center of the saddle, lengthwise.
>
> I sadly had to give up and sell the saddle. Lately I have been thinking
> about Brooks again, and seem to notice comments from people that the
Brooks
> Swift, in particular, does not work for a lot of people. Does anyone else
> find this to be the case and, if so, do other models--such as the B17,
> Professional, or Colt--have a significantly different profile that they
may
> work? I know that's a nebulous, highly situational question, so we'll
agree
> ahead of time that we're talking in very general terms here.
>
> In looking 'up close' at the various models, my eye is somewhat drawn to
the
> Colt, particularly. Does anyone have experience with this saddle, or the
> others, and have opinions they'd like to share? Thanks.
>
> Michael Doleman,
> Sacramento, CA
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Raoul Delmare writes:
>
> > As long as we are talking about Brooks Saddles , the following is a
shameless commercial . I have no connection with the businesses , or the
individuals named below , except that I am a VERY satisfied customer
of each of them ) .
> >
> > You can certainly buy Genuine Brooks Leather Saddles , from many
different sources .
> > One of the first I think of is :
> >
> > http://www.rivendellbicycles.com
> >
> >
> > But for detailed explanations of the entire range of Brooks saddles ,
there are two wonderful places to look ( in alphabetical order ) , Harris
Cyclery & Wallingford Bicycle Parts .
> >
> >
> > http://www.sheldonbrown.com/
> >
> > http://www.wallbike.com
> >
> >
> > ( these folks are not only easy to work with , and incredibly
knowledgeable , but also downright fun ! )
> >
> > ( many , many photographs & much , much history & even photos from
the present day factory ! )
> >
> > ( thanks friends ! )
> >
> > ( and now I need to go buy some reprints of vintage Brooks Saddle
catalogs from Mr. Chuck Schmidt , of http://www.velo-retro.com with
full color covers !! !! )
> >
> >
> > Cheers ,
> > Raoul Delmare
> > Marysville Kansas