Thought I would share my thoughts on the new limited edition Brooks B17 Champion Sprinter saddle after taking it out yesterday for its first 35 mile road test.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with this saddle, it is a new reissue of the old narrow B17 model intended for track use. Fairly certain that it is not as narrow as the original model, but it's still the most narrow saddle offered in the current Brooks line (133 X 274mm). Full Titanium undercarriage including the tensioning bolt, so the weight comes in at 375 grams (lighter than advertised). Also was supplied with small tin of Proofhide, wrench, polishing cloth, and to my surprise a nylon waterproof cover!!! Couldn't pass on the low price that the saddle was offered to me at my local shop.
Decided to try this saddle because the dimensions come very close to my favorite vintage saddles, the Unicanitor #3 and Selle Regal. I personally find the other high end Brooks saddles (Pro and Swift) to be too wide.
After spending 35 miles on the Sprinter, I was very impressed!!! The narrow rear allowed for ease of sliding further back for pushing those larger gears I am known to pedal both on the flats and climbing. While not even close to being broken in, I found the top profile comfortable with the nose set only slightly higher than the rear. Just can't understand why Brooks chose to use integral bag loops on a saddle that was clearly intended to copy a competition-style model?!?!?! Overall the feel was very similar to that of the Unicanitors I love, but naturally much more slick due to the smooth surface.
Bottom line, I'd recommend this saddle for fans of narrower style racing saddles who also find the other Brooks saddles too wide for comfort.
I understand that saddle comfort is 100% personal, just trying to pass on some feedback in case anyone else has thought about this saddle.
Regards, Kevin Kruger - Grantville, PA
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