3.6.2010

I Purchased a Brooks Champion Flyer saddle (Black) mid-May 2010.I've read all the reviews I could get my hands on regarding Brooks saddles, and felt it was something I wanted to try. You have a LARGE contingent of those who swear by them with religious furor and a much smaller contingent who are disgusted that theirs never broke in and gave up.Thus I felt it was a bit of a gamble. So far I am guardedly pleased. I have about 200 miles on the saddle so far, it appears to be breaking in quite nicely. One gent told me that his brooks to 1000 miles to break in but that it was comfortable after that. Brooks says that their saddles typically take about 300 Kilometers to break in. I'm a 43 year-old male 5'9" 215lbs.I've been a Specialized brand loyalist for most of the last decade, and in many respects I still am, I still recommend Specialized Milano type especially for men overwhelmingly. Because of out of box comfort for the price, perhaps a couple K on the Brooks will change that but not yet.When I first opened the box and felt of the saddle I was worried I'd made a mistake, it feels way too hard to be comfortable when you handle it. I was determined to try so I installed it and found it considerably more comfortable than it looked but not as comfortable as some of the specialized saddles I've used right away.I made the smart move of packing the larger Allen wrenches in my bike bag think I'd have to make quite a few adjustments to the Brooks and I was correct. In the past with other saddles, I'd moved it a half inch here, a quarter-inch there, etc. I was usually happy with 2 or 3 adjustments. I've made at least 6 adjustments to the Brooks to slowly bring it into where I was happy with the ride, not pitching myself too far forward, etc. The adjustments tend to be more frequent and smaller. The last adjustment I made was to move it 1/8 of an inch forward and yes I really could feel a difference.The saddle seems to disappear under me when I ride it and I rarely notice or think about it on that bike, I take this as a good thing and that I am on the right track.I was not prepared for the slippery factor, the saddle is a bit slippery due to the shiny leather, if you're used to synthetic saddles with the grippy fabric on them this will surprise you. I'm not sure the slippery tendency is good for off-road riders, they may opt to stay away from brooks for this reason, or at least try someone else's Brooks before you buy. Speaking for myself, I'm keeping my specialized saddle on the mountain bike. This is not a factor for me on the road bike as I'm using it purely on the road bike for long commutes and some touring.I'm following Brooks care instructions to the letter, if you buy online be sure to order some Brooks "Proof hide" I forgot to do this and now there is a shortage of the stuff here in town. Luckily a local shop called "Old Spokes Home" put some proof hide on there for me, no charge. That will cover me until I can buy my own tin.I have noticed some spring squeak on my flyer but this was only for a brief period after a rain. Seems to be gone now, don't know if it will return. The springy feel is not very noticeable unless you pogo up and down deliberately. I feel the springs do take some of the bumps out.I rode up beside a gent on a surley LHT during my commute one day who had the same Brooks flyer only in brown, he's had his for a lot longer and says "I love it".So after 200 miles, I'm happy and will probably stick with it. It seems to be getting increasingly comfortable. I feel I can recommend this saddle to the dedicated male touring or longer distance commuting cyclist. (my commute is 20 miles each way). I cannot recommend this saddle to cyclists who only rides the occasional weekend ride, or the off-road cyclist. I suggest that these folks look to Specialized Milano. Women should seek out saddle reviews written by women IMHO.-Roger

16.9.2015

This saddle has been outstanding! More than 3000 miles of touring and commuting, the Brooks is still just as comfortable as ever! It has seen all four seasons, and did get rained on a few times, but a light application of the proofide I purchased with the saddle over two years ago seams to keep it looking great! At first use, the saddle felt like solid steel. The leather was very stiff (it sounded like I was tapping on solid plastic). After a few mile ride, I felt it, especially in my sit bones. I stuck with the saddle though, after reading many reviews of how Brooks saddles are stiff and a little uncomfortable at first, but start to break-in and conform to the rider, adding many years of comfort and use.I am very glad I did. Three thousand miles probably isn't much in the bicycling community as far as road biking goes, but my commute is on very rough terrain, gravel roads, over railroad tracks, lots of construction and debris using a heavy bike carrying lots of weight much of the time, both on the bike rack and in a backpack all year round.I don't own any Lycra clothing or bicycle specific shorts: it's either regular pants or plain old summer shorts. It is difficult to see in the photo, but my saddle had developed impressions where my sit bones contact. Every time I hop on the saddle, my derrière seems to "slide" in that sweet spot, and I am good to go, no re-adjusting, so sliding off. I thought about adjusting the angle down more because it does look like the thing is pointing up, but I ultimately decided against it. It works...long rides, short rides, smooth trails to very rough Michigan roads that has murdered tires and deformed rims...this saddle takes quite a bit of the edge off. Never a sore fanny or sore back. This saddle has seen me through an almost 100 pound weight loss. I purchased this saddle shortly after purchasing the 2013 Salsa Vaya that is pictured when I was 273 pounds. I am now down to 178 pounds...a testament to the durability of the Brooks Flyer.One thing to note, when I apply a very light coat of proofide (I store the proofide in the freezer to prolong shelf life by the way), I wear old black shorts to sort of "buff" the saddle and remove any black residue. After that, I wear khakis and other light clothing without a worry. The 40 gram tin I purchased with the saddle two years ago seemed a bit expensive, but I think it is a great deal being that it protects the saddle, and I probably used only about 10% of it.If I had to list a few cons, it would have to be a squeak that comes and goes. It's not loud or annoying, but it's there.I am very seriously considering purchasing a second Flyer just to have one on hand in case of discontinuation or a change in construction quality occurs.

23.9.2011

I bought this saddle mostly out of curiosity from all the hype, and partly because of where, and how, it is manufactured. I was in the process of refurbishing an old steel framed Fuji Touring Series bicycle, so I decided to replace the existing saddle with the Brooks Flyer. Having seen one in person, I knew the saddle surface was hard.However, when the pitch of the saddle is properly adjusted (level for me), I didn't notice the saddle hardness. The springs do manage to take out road vibration and help to absorb larger shocks. And as other reviewers have noted, the saddle is slippery, which can be dangerous if the saddle pitch is too great. On my first test ride, the saddle was pitched to far forward.

2.4.2014

Every single one from Amazon seems to be open box item. The tape seal is broken on the box and tie wrap was cut on all 3 I ordered (but saddle doesn't seem to be used as there were no scratches on the rail). Still, would be nice to get a factory sealed item. The leather and build quality varied on all 3 with different leather thickness and blemishes. Probably normal variation due to use of natural leather.Mine started to squeak after about 100 miles. Returning it for a new one. It was just beginning to break in and had the potential to be comfortable. Looks very classy. I'll change to 5 star if my replacement comes in factory sealed box and doesn't squeak.Update - New one came in and it also had broken tape seal and tie wrap cut.

1.9.2015

Just got this yesterday. Was too excited installed it right away. I couldn't believe the difference a seat can make. Ive been riding daily for over a month with the basic seat that came with my bike. I weigh around 230lbs with a really bad back, I use to weigh around 190 until I got injured playing football depriving me from running and exercising. I cant describe with greater detail how comfortable and happy I am with my bike now that I can exercise without injuring myself with running. The moment I sat on this baby.. woow.I was gonna go down the river bed path to a nearby park "just to try it out". wasn't anywhere near tired as usual so I decided to head straight to long beach (yes i know,

14.9.2017

Let me qualify my 5 star rating by saying that the only thing I was looking for was comfort. I just turned 60 and need to get off my butt and get some exercise so I'm not some young super fit speed racer dude. I plan on riding decent distances around San Francisco on my Fuji Traverse Sport Hybrid. The bike has great front suspension but the stock saddle was just horrible and I was having a really tough time with butt "break in". I probably could have improved things with just the B17 from Brooks (which is basically the Flyer without the springs and Vice Versa) but I didn't care about weight and really wanted something that would smooth out the bumpy city streets.

25.7.2015

I have the special ( copper rivets ) on my Brompton - I thought it might be too narrow - but actually its perfect - skims over cobbles without bouncing just softens the ride wonderfully. The longer nose of the men's saddle takes a little getting used to if you've previously always gone for a women's saddle but gives great stability and is slim enough not to chafe while not making you feel like you're sat on a razor.For the best ride make sure that the nose of the saddle is perfectly level or at most 1-2 degrees nose point down. I found that putting the clamp towards the front of the saddle so that the saddle was a little behind the post was the most comfortable geometry for me though I dare say a racer who is after ultimate power may disagree.

5.4.2011

I have to say i was extemly hesitant to make such a perchase do to the price of this item. I have purchased other seats and they were not worth what i had paid for them. They as well had agreat deal of good things said about them as well, it always seems that way about a product however doesnt it. That being said, when my brooks had arrived, i had noticed the detail that was put into the packaging. NO slop job there, then when i had opend it, and examed the saddle, i was more than pleasantly surprised in the craftmenship. If people were to take that kind of care in things all the time, it would be amazing. Brooks saddles are NOT cheaply made, they are made extremly well.

22.2.2013

Brooks hasn't been in business all these years (since 1866) for nothing. Excellent saddle for handlebars level, or just slightly higher than the saddle. Lower handlebars may call for the Brooks B17 while higher handlebars want more spring action. If you're in for the long haul, this is the saddle to buy. My first Brooks (B5N, similar to B17 for low handlebars) is still with me, although the tour bike was sold a while back, saving for next road bike. This new saddle is currently mounted on a rigid MTB, eBike conversion. At 30mph, I needed some spring, big tires weren't enough. Roads feel a bit smoother now despite the road works financial cut backs. Very satisfied.060613: Still loving this saddle.

22.6.2016

I cannot say much more to what the world at large has already said about this great saddle - if you make the investment you will never look back - you are buying tried and tested quality here which wont let you down. Highly recommended and at a tenner less than the usual price.There is however 1 caveat; this supplier ships the saddle in a Brooks plastic bag that is delivered in a plain box with the little instruction manual and a small sachet of Proofide saddle conditioner. It does NOT, however, come with the special adjustment spanner and when I contacted Brooks themselves they told me that ALL their saddles should come with the spanner.

10.3.2017

Saddle received exactly as described. Although instructions say to avoid getting wet, I soaked this saddle in hot water (near boiling) for 15 minutes, dried with towel and mink oil applied to top and bottom. Went for a 15 bike ride and the saddle was already conforming to my sit bones. Applied more mink oil and allowed to rest overnight. Went for a 30 mile ride the next day and only noticed that I was sitting on a saddle - no real pain, although I was wearing a cheap pair of padded riding shorts. So far I think this may be the best money I've spent on bike riding comfort. As others have said the springs are stiff but they do smooth out the hard jolts to the posterior when you hit and unexpected pot hole.

26.3.2012

I read all the reviews before purchasing, and I see that for every model of Brooks saddle there are at least a few customers who have to ride hundreds of miles before their saddle is comfortable. I didn't experience that on mine. Out of the box it was a little hard, but after the first ride I never felt it again. I do sometimes feel my sit bones when I sit on a hard chair or bench after riding the Brooks, but my attention is never drawn to the seat during a ride. Yesterday I rode my other bike with it's "comfort" saddle, and found myself noticing the seat during the whole ride, missed my Brooks! Very happy I bought it, and very glad I got the sprung vs un-sprung version.Edit,

9.3.2020

i bought this saddle for my cube cross 500 e bike first impression was comfort i am still breaking it in the saddle will shape over time i only use the e bike in the summer months so it may take years to break it in you need to dab brooks proof hide before use to keep the leather in tip top condition , its weakness is the rain as in getting the saddle wet but neither do i i use a cover when im not on the saddle its minor for the comfort you get from it this saddle should last a lifetime , also forgot to mention the most important bit the springs are really firm and do not bounce when cycling just right cushion for hard jolts ,

6.4.2014

This saddle has the exact same top as the B-17. If you like the feel of the B-17 but are on the heavier side (like me) or don't always properly anticipate big bumps, you will love the fit and extra cushioning of this saddle. I actually bought it to replace the B17 on my touring bike, as the upright posture made my B17 feel too narrow (it has a new home in my road bike and is PERFECT). The brooks website says this measures out to 6mm wider than the B17, but my butt says it is the same and other reviewers will say it has the same top, which I believe. I now have about 400 miles on it, and I am starting to get a better fit from it,

25.2.2015

Surly saddle number two. My first was a standard b17 that I toured thousands of miles on in exceeding comfort. This one is working out great so far on my pugsley. I'm not sure what problem people seem to have wearing these things in. I'd advise to make no adjustments to the saddle's tension initially. Also, if you wear padded cycling shorts, stop doing so when riding these saddles. on long rides you'll get more chaffing from the elastic in the cycling shorts around your thighs than you ever will on your bum from just wearing normal pants or shorts on these saddles. This advice has the added advantage of making you look slightly less like a tool when riding your bike. a real bonus I think.

Brooks Flyer - Reviews

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