B67, Leather Bike Saddle with Suspension Springs

It is for our typical 2-3 hour ride as comfortable as my previous Serfas cruising saddle (with a lot of foam). It supposed to get better with use, but even now it is nice. Also, it is easier to change position - not as "grubby" as foam on Serfas. Long warranty is additional benefit.

UPDATE March 2022: Still going strong. Best bike saddle I ever had. Very recommended!UPDATE April 1 2019: The saddle feels more comfortable as it is breaking in, looks like new, and is quiet (some reviews complain about squeaking - not in my case). In view of the good experience I got a B66 (also an Amazon warehouse deal) for my cruiser.ORIGINAL REVIEW: Quite honestly, I was feeling a little ridiculous when I was attaching this over $100 saddle to my barely $200 worth bike... until I took the test ride. The feeling of ridicule became a feeling of elation; and now I am a(nother) convert.After painful experiences with hard plastic saddles I have used padded vinyl saddles all those years, and still like them very much- don't take me wrong. But their padding compacts after a year or two, the plastic deteriorates, and then they're toast. So I decided to try a Brooks although it's well over my budget limit (I got this one as an Open Item Amazon Warehouse deal).Well, The brooks B67 is truly different: Firm without being hard, and with proper maintenance and care (exact instructions ref. break-in and care are included) it should last many, many years. With barely 5 miles on it as I write this review it's still in its break-in infancy, but feels already very comfortable, and as the saddle is not "squishy" the bike feels a lot "lighter" and more responsive. The many glowing 5-star reviews for this and similar brooks models are NOT exaggerations.There is one caveat: Brooks has many models. The "Classical Sprung" ones (like the B66, B67) are designed exclusively for UPRIGHT riding position, and that is clearly labeled on the package (see photo). Since I ride in that position (like most leisure/utility cyclists) it's just perfect. But when I 'hunch over' (like starting in stiff head wind) the saddle feels more uncomfortable as the nose digs in my plumbing, and since the butt and torso are not sitting straight on the springs they don't work as shock dampers as intended. As soon as I am upright again at cruising speed, it's back to normal.The B67 does not come with a seat clamp for standard 7/8 seat posts (see pictures), but any standard seat post clamp will do. I used one I had salvaged from a broken saddle.There are some additional expenditures (outside the seat clamp), as a vinyl cover, and *most importantly* a tin of Brooks Proofide. The saddle comes with a small pouch with 2.5ml proofide for the initial dressing (before the first use), but as it breaks in, and later as maintenance, it has to be treated on a certain schedule, which is explained in the instructions. The Brooks company is ADAMANT that their saddles only can be treated with Proofide, and that the use of any other leather dressing product will void the guarantee and might cause damage to the leather. I don't worry about the guarantee, but the idea that the leather seat might get saggy due to an improper dressing product makes me feel uneasy. The good news is: only a tiny amount of Proofide is needed per treatment, so even a small tin will last quite a time.In conclusion: Brooks saddles are way over many a commoner's budget, and need more and specific care than other similar products (they shouldn't get wet, i.e., therefore the need for having a vinyl cover). But you get what you pay for- it's really a top of the line item. It will prove interesting how this saddle will do in the hot, humid south FL weather with frequent downpours and rain storms, although I keep my bikes indoors. Curiosity got the cat here... :-) I will try to keep this review updated.

Okay, so I hang onto old stuff too much....English 3-speed bicycles from the 1960's, an '82 Mercedes Benz Diesel, and antique pocket watches. That is because most of the stuff they sell now is usually of lesser quality, in my opinion. The Brooks saddle is perhaps one of the few items that I can buy that has remained essentially unchanged for many decades.Some people find Brooks saddles hard and uncomfortable. That's because they don't get them properly broken in, in many cases. In fairness, this can take awhile. Coat the back side of the saddle with neatsfoot oil, and then use Gliptone Leather conditioner on the top side (same conditioner than Bentley sells for their leather seats). If you use neatsfoot oil on top, you will probably sporting a large spot on the seat of your pants.However, this saddle came with a small envelope of Brooks Proofide, which is Brooks' leather conditioner. I noticed that it was noticeably thinner in consistency than the tins of Proofide that I already have. I find Proofide in tins too thick to really soak in effectively to break in the seat. The old Proofide has been satisfactory as a preservative after break-in. Perhaps, Brooks has re-formulated the product. If so, it is one of the few changes in life that I applaud.I especially like the B67 saddle for bikes that are somewhat upright in their seating position. On a road bike with drop bars, I like the B17 or Flyer, which is a B17 with springs. I had a Flyer on my mountain bike, and just found it too narrow, so I bought the B67. The B67 is the same leather as the B66, but has the more modern 2 rails which allows you to mount to most micro-adjust seatposts. Oh darn, another change I like.I have a Brooks Pro on a bicycle I bought in 1974. I assume it has another 40 years left...more time than I have left. So, when you buy a Brooks, it can literally last you a lifetime. However, you need to keep it out of the rain without a rain cover. At least, that's what they say.The seat even came with the tensioning wrench included. That's so you can adjust the tension on the leather after it breaks in and stretches a bit with the nut at the front of the seat. The wrench used to cost about $10 alone, if I recall. I really like the antique brown color. Goes nicely with my red mountain bike.The bottom line is, I have Brooks saddles on all of my bicycles, except for one 1961 Schwinn; wanted to keep it original.

This saddle comes with a small leather conditioner packet, and a small wrench to adjust seat tension. Installs easily once you have the correct hardware and seat post. Longer rails allow a bit more adjustment than most seats. The saddle does look sturdy, and looks right on my older bicycle.The instructions were too small to read. I hope there is an online PDF format.I chose the B-67 due to the upright position my handlebar choice puts me in. This seat has a wider rear area and is recommended for more upright riding styles.I am looking forward to many years of cycling with this saddle. The seat became more comfortable during the 2nd or third ride. Maybe the proofide treatment was beginning to work in by then.

Only glitch is it only hooks on 1 set of hook, not 2 like previous seat.