Brooks Cambium vs. Brooks Leather Saddles
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.พ. 2019
- For lightweight, top-tier steel bikes, check out Wabi Cycles:
wabicycles.com/
Brooks saddles are perhaps the most universally comfortable bike saddles on the market. Between their classy leather saddles that gradually take the shape of your buttocks or their modern Cambium line that's supremely comfortable out of the box, which is best for you? I have extensive experience with both, so let's take a look at the Brooks Cambium saddles vs. the Brooks leather saddles.
The two most comfortable bike saddles I've tried:
1. Brooks Swift: amzn.to/2Ib70JB
2. Brooks C17 Cambium: amzn.to/2N5yE9M
Brooks Cambium 2 Year Review: • Brooks C17 Cambium: 2 ...
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I have a Cambium C-17 carved for about 2 1/2 years. I have zero complaints. The build quality is great, my pants are still looking good and zero noise complaints. After three months, the wind tipped over my bike into a brick wall, scratching the back sides of the C17. The top of my C17 has a nice coat of protection that gives the canvas a nice glossy look, that over time fades but mainatains the top layer of protection. I thought this scrap would begin a process of damaging the seat, much like a loose thread on a sweater unwinding slowly. This has not happened! The scratched area, while not big has not gotten worse or bigger and the cambium seat has remained integrity. I even reached out to Brooks with pics via email and they responded that there should not be further damage. Thanks Brooks! Riding in the C17 is great - I go on long road/ bike trails and experience zero discomfort. Its pretty much up to the rider. MY PANTS ARE STILL HAPPY TOO :D
After having tested both the Cambium (C17) and leather (B17 and B17 Narrow) Brooks over the past few months, I would add two comments:
1. In my experience, if a leather saddle isn't at least decently comfortable right off the bat, it's probably not the right shape for you. I first purchased a B17 Narrow thinking it would go well with the slightly aggressive set up I have on my Wabi Classic, but quickly realised it was a mistake. That thing was uncomfortable to the point of being downright painful even during short (10 - 15 mins) rides around town. After getting my sit bones measured, turned out they're quite wide, which explains why the B17 Narrow did not fit correctly. I then tried both the B17 Imperial and the C17 Carved (both versions with the central cut out), and while both felt quite comfortable, I instantly knew the B17 was the right one for me. Despite being a leather saddle, it felt pretty comfortable right from the start and just keeps getting better and better with time.
2. When I had the B17 Narrow I experienced quite a bit of perennial discomfort, which is why when I tested the B17 and C17 I made sure to get the versions with the central cut out. No discomfort since. Since I don't see any major disadvantage to having the cut out, I'm a big proponent of going for it (unless perhaps you really hate how it looks).
Finally, as a last piece of advice: if you live in Europe, the Brooks shop in London has a test saddle programme in which you can try on a saddle for a whole month and return it at the end if you don't like it. (That's how I got to test both the B17 and C17 after realising the B17 Narrow was not for me.) It's not really advertised anywhere on their website, but if you can just give them a call or drop an email (or come by in person if you're in London) and they arrange that for you.
How are the B17 and C17 treating you now? I have a B17 imperial that I'm returning because it's lopsided. I'm not sure if I should get the same thing to replace it or a C17. I only rode on it once, but it's the only saddle that hasn't given me any perineal pain. The butt hurt a bit, but maybe it needed to be broken in or it was because it's lopsided.
Any bike shop worth your time should give you a testing period for all their saddles. You still have to buy the saddle, but they should give you at least 3 weeks to try the saddle out and if it's not a good fit, a good shop will work with you to get you on the right one.
5 to 10 years??? No way, I have a Swift on my racing bike which has been on my bikes since 1991 and its still going strong. The secret is keeping it well greased, say a coat every 3000 kilometres, and not overstretching it (but goes without saying).
Exactly. More like 20-30 if you take care of it.
3:37 made me to remember old times when as a kid I commuted on bike to nearest train station, sitting on pillow tied to seat tube because saddle had disintegrated. I wish i'd have rails which would keep pillow more stable than it were!
Great review and comparison. I am a bicycle tourist and commuter and I love my Brooks B17 saddle and I had contemplated a cambium but I will stay with the leather one. I just order a Brooks Flyer with the copper rivets and I can't wait to break it in. Thank you for the review...it was one of the best I have seen and for that I am subscribed to your channel. Great stuff.
Brooks B17 Flyer is the most comfortable saddle I had. I can’t always wait to use my vintage Colnago with my Brooks saddle on my weekends long ride , soft and just fit perfect. No more unpleasant rides after all.
Brooks professional since 1982 (I'm on my 2nd one) I tried about 8 different plastic saddles and always went back to Brooks.
You know your stuff Zach. I love Brooks saddles. I have a B17 on Flash, my winter fixed gear bike, a B17 with the copper rivets on another commuter and a Brooks Swift on my Fuji good weather fixed gear bike. 10/10 comfort. I have to wear padded shorts with the light but as comfortable as a mediaeval penance Prologo Scratch Ti saddle on my geared road bike, something I don't need with a Brooks.
Oh man, the pants eating thing brings back bad memories of my Serfas RX cloth top saddle. And it was a lot smoother then that visibly course cambria stuff. I had completely forgotten about this issue and was considering a Cambium. Thanks for reminding me!
Using a Cambium C17 for 3 years now. Not disappointed. Like the looks and the support. No issues when it rains. Water does "sink in" and you don't get a wet ass.
I bought a Brooks leather saddle for my second bike and it was so comfortable, I bought another for my first bike. When I park it somewhere, I run a steel cable through the rail of the saddle and through the frame of the bike for security purposes. If someone is going to steal it, they better have something to cut the cable. I also cover the seat with an elastic piece of cloth when I park it someplace to keep someone from knowing what kind of saddle I have. The city I live in has a high rate of crime when it comes to bicycles. If it's ever stolen, I'll buy another one - love them that much. Nice video.
Agreed!
loving the plants bro
Love you Zach, please upload more.
Nice review. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you I value your review very much it was very helpful
Great review!
You earned my subscription. Nice content. 🙂
Thanks for sharing,
My favorite saddle to date is my 9 yo terry fly. It's starting to show and I recall a lot of friends having great experiences with the classic leather brooks design. I was considering the c15 carved cambium and appreciate your review. Maybe the solid cambium is more evenly flexible. Another experienced brooks reviewer stated their carved cambium is too stiff on the sit bone area.
on my touring bike I love my brooks leather saddle only down side is rain when I go on long tours I have to be aware of rain and atm I just put a plastic bag over it in the rains and then it works but oh the comfort is legend even after 4-5 hours in the saddle no sore feeling anywhwere
Thank you, you just saved me the price of a Cambium saddle. I will spend the money on pants.
Good review. Thanks!
I have a B.17 and two C17s. Both types perfect for what I use the bikes that they're on for.
Very helpful info thanks!
I ride a Fizik Arione CX, and it's more comfortable than the Arione Tri 2, BUT I've been heavily considering the Brooks Cambium for a while now, and after this video, I can confidently buy a cambium now, thanks Zach!
Hey Zach! Great channel always on a look out for a new video. There is not a lot of info on Wabi bicycles online. Is there any chance or plans to make videos on their other models? Thanks!
Stock Wabi saddle - zero problems and the price is right. It still looks new after one year of riding.
great revirew, very informative
I have a C15 and C17 all weather. Neither have worn that bad or torn my pants. Both are equally comfortable and I haven’t had an issue with the front rivet.
I've ridden two Brooks B17 saddles for about 20 years and I love them so I thought I'd try a Cambium, That was the worst decision ever, I've never ridden a less comfortable saddle. I had to dig my padded shorts out, but they didn't help. The rubber split and I threw it out. Back to the B17 and I put my padded shorts back in the cupboard.
Brooks B17 all the way, for me. I've got a half a dozen saddles gathering dust in the shed that came before the B17, and none of which were comfortable to put many miles on the bike before becoming painful. The B17 solved this and was more comfortable in the first three weeks of purchase, and continues to get more comfortable as the years go by.
Been riding mine for 10 years, simply the best
Enjoyed your vs review o f Brooks saddles 🚲👍
Well made video sir....👏👏👏.
been riding my brooks b66 on my 'beach fixie' (daily driver with yepp child seats for my kids) for 6 years and haven't done any maintanence on it. it's still awesome. have got a turquoise brooks b17 in the box for my cargobike with a slight lean riding position. that bike is going to be black with a flat mahogony cargo bay. it's going to have a butterfly steer with the same turquoise leather on it. it's going to look awesome.
For a while I used a Brooks leather saddle on my daily used commuter bike. I must say I didn't get along with it concerning comfort. I mostly ride in an aggressive position (aero bars). The tip is too narrow for my liking. I couldn't slide forwards and if I tilted my hips forward it hurt. I am currently using a specialized Power saddle. But I see why a lot of people love Brooks. If you ride more upright they indeed are very comfortable and the last really long.
I have a Selle Italia Flite Ti from about 1998 that I’ve been incredibly happy with. It’s outlasted 2 bikes now, it must have done 10,000 miles. I’ve got a Brooks leather saddle on my vintage road bike and the two are on a par for comfort. They both have classic looks, the Flite is less than half the weight of the Brooks.
Selle Italia seems like really good option if you wish for leather saddle. It's much less in price too. I haven't used it, but probably one I would get just because of the price.
I have 2 Cambium C-17 carved saddles and two of my friends have them as well. We ALL have problems with the CANVAS PEELING OFF in the carved slot and sides beside the carve area. This started happening while the saddles were fairly new. The exposed rubber is cracking. The saddles are comfortable, but the durability is dreadful... especially considering the high price. I've got a leather C-17 that I ride daily... love it.
great review
Great educatonal review vry good
Thank you for this great video
Love the cambium c15 carved most comfortable seat I've ever owned
Would love to see a comparison of the Aventon Mataro vs Cordoba ride quality. You mentioned Mataro is twitchy until you get up to high speeds, curious if Cordoba feels similar.
I have a $10 Brooks styled saddle and I am surprised at how comfortable and durable it has been.
Good reviewing
I was hoping to hear more about size differences, and advantages to the cutout models.
I have the C19 with cutout and to solve the pant waer issue I found a noname smooth nylon cloth cover that makes it as smooth as my B17.
I ride a Brooks Team Professional which I alternate between my bikes. Of course, I remove the saddle and seat post when I leave my bike unattended. The only way a crook will get my saddle is by prying it from my cold, dead fingers...I hope it never comes to that though.
no one's gonna come steal your leather saddle lol
I would rather have my saddle stolen than have my bike rusted inside.
The Leather Saddles are made by Brooks in Birmingham, however the Cambian is made by their owner Selle Italia in Italy, so it is not really a Brooks. I have both a Honey Swift Titanium and Black Cambian, both are lovely and super comfortable. Biggest issue with Brooks is it shouts steal me!
Good review
I love the brooks b-33 leather saddle with the springs XD
Mine broke after a year of light use. Brooks won't replace it even though it is still under warranty. The warranty was what made me take the leap on such an expensive saddle that requires a so much maintenance. I'm moving on to a better product.
What broke on it? Have you looked at seller anatomica? They are made in the USA.
I don't have any experience with the leather Brooks, and your old video about the Cambium fading and tearing kind of turned me off, but that changed when I saw the Cambium All Weather line. I now own two. C17 on my touring bike and C15 on my road bike, both the carved versions with the relief cut . By far the best saddles I've ridden.
If they fall apart with time like in the picture, they are not good
Hey Zach, you talked about these saddles lasting X number of years but for reference, how many mile do you ride per year?
What cover do you use on your brooks swift?
Love the video about saddles but still waiting for a fork video 🤔
I ride a fabric shallow elite saddle the only thing I don’t like about it is I wish that it had a cutout for pressure relief. I bought this saddle before the line (cut out version) came out.
I'm riding the Charge Spoon on both my bikes. It's only 30 to 40 US dollars. It's held up and been comfortable on both road and gravel centuries.
Does the friction issue happen to the Cambium all weather series?
Use c17 swift as well. It’s really comfortable and looks great!
Do you have any opinions on the Selle Anatomica?
A brooksk willlast a lot longer than the mentioned 5-10 years. I´ve ridden them in all weather and left them out there too. No worries, just trhow a tad of leather grease on them and they will rock on. The shape stays, also after rain.
I haven't tried Brooks yet but I love specialized body geometry saddles on my road bikes. The toupe is my favorite model by far
I ran a Brooks saddle on my all road bike but was having trouble with back pain on more aggressive rides and switched to a Specialized Power and problem solved. I don't think my pelvis could rotate correctly on the long and wide Brooks. I do run one on my electric cargo bike and my touring/put around bike but for me they don't work on a more aggressive set up.
@@masondanner6481 That makes sense, really all my bikes are aggressive. my most relaxed bike is a trek 330.
What’s your thoughts on the red hook canceling 2019 crit?
I have the cambium with the cutout - it's definitely the most comfortable saddle I've ever used, and as Zach says, it was like that the minute I put it on the bike.
C17?
Did it also wreck your pants?
I just ordered the cambium because I live in the pnw and plan to commute through the winter. Not looking forward to wrecking pants though. Maybe I should have gone with a fizik?
You should try out Hubert's shoe grease as a water proofer after the conditioner. As a user of leather red wing patrol boots I can say with certainty that my feet are comfortable and dryer then those who use "waterproofed" boots. The use of natural materials such as pine tar and bee wax seals and protect leather from sun and water. Water will literally bead off(it's a beautiful sight". However, this will add not one, but two steps to your maintenance. Ever six months you need to use saddle soap in order to clean and reapply your conditioner for the grease will not all your proofer to absorb at all. With that said you will be able to use your saddle without covers or fear of drying out and stretching. Using leather products is a luxury but with that price a little more TLC is needed to make them outlast synthetic counter parts. BTW love your channel.... And just put down for a custom WABI special. Hope to be riding it next week!
I rode a B17 on my dads bike. It was real comfy and broken in. I started to ride that bike more than him. Then I bought my own Raleigh Professional($600!) in 1977 with money I saved from my paper route. It came with the pro saddle, almost twice as thick as the B17. It took a long long time to break in and was pretty painful. I weighed less than 120 as a teen! It took that whole summer and I rode every day that summer. It finally broke in and was great. I rode more and more and got really hooked on cycling. I sold that bike to buy a Fender Rhodes Electric Piano and started a band but I kept the saddle. I eventually had a Ron Cooper built and put it on there. I rode more and more and raced a little. Then I got the touring bug and traded the Cooper for a Hetchins touring bike. The Pro saddle went on there. I rode that bike on all the roads and dirt trails of the Santa Cruz mountains. I got a job, sold the bike for a car, forgot about bikes and concentrated on work, music, partying and girls. I bought a Trek Road bike to regain my health and after 2 or 3 hurtful saddles, got another Brooks Pro and broke it in by wrapping a oily rag on it and riding ‘on the rag’! I ruined a pair of shorts but broke it in in a couple months. That one was super comfortable, the best yet! I drove my car with my bike on top under a too low building and tore the saddle off the rails! I was sad! I bought a gel Pearl Izumi saddle and forgot about my wonderful Brooks. I got hooked by MTBs and ‘cross bikes. Ive been riding 5 Titec Berzerker saddles that you cant buy anymore for the last 20 years. Now I have one good one left and Im thinking of another Brooks or a Selle Anatomica. Anybody use a leather saddle for riding offroad? Im building a mixed road touring frame (my 1st)from skinny thin wall tubing.
What has been your experience?
The price of these saddles is equivalent to the price of my whole bike
You can usually pick up a Brooks B17 on Amazon for about $80usd if you wait for the price fluctuations. I hope if you paid less than that for your bike you got a REALLY great deal on it.
@Max Pain parenthetical text with in parenthetical text
@mark Leuterio I buy used bikes, often only to get the expensive saddle (used), carefully choosing ones that are not broke in and worn out. Good saddles DO cost $$$
@@lindzee924 thats a nice way to get an expensive saddle but the problem is these kinds of saddle are more likely a unicorn to my country
@@@somairays5229 So sorry to hear that. I have many nice saddles. I never bought one new, yet. My favorites were $165. and $185. new and I got them on the bikes I bought used. Are you in the Philippines ?
I bought a $20 cad saddle off amazon which is honestly the most comfortable saddle I’ve ridden. It’s so cheap the nose of the saddle bends downwards and doesn’t force its self up my taint. The butt part of the saddle is good too.
To be fair I’ve only ever ridden on a few road saddles before this tho
Ooh I like this guy. Knows bikes and rides his own way.
I got my brooks champion narrow b17 saddle around 2 years ago. No issues with comfort out of the box at all. Cambiums are simply not worth it. They’re brook’s answer to the modern saddle market, and I think you will find that modern synthetic saddles on the market today do a much better job than the cambium does.
The reason I have a brook’s is due to their insane comfort, and style. Cambiums are comfortable for sure. I’ve ridden one before, but In comparison to my modern fizik Arione saddle which I run on my road bike, the stiffness, style and longevity of the fizik far out weighs any minor comfort gains a cambium offers. Admittedly the fizik saddle is a little bit less comfy but honestly, it is not a big deal, and I have done plenty of tonnes in that saddle. If you want a brooks, then get a proper brooks. Otherwise get something more functional if you can’t be stuffed keeping up the leather
I wear light tan shorts most of the time when riding. It seems that both may stain your pants/shorts. What are your thoughts?
I found the c17 at my local bike shop today but without the price tag so i asked the guy in the store how much he wanted for it. He wasn't sure so he asked a colleague then said I could have it for 150 swedish kronor wich is like 15 usd. I didn't even dare to react and just bought it on the spot. Very excited to ride my new saddle.
Love my new b17. Always dreamed of having one. Now I do. Dream come true. Ultra comfortable from the moment I took it out of the box
I've put way over 20,000 km on my Brooks B17 and it's definitely awesome. I would not even consider the Cambium. The only downside, as you mentioned, is how you have to remember to cover it when rain is expected and you have to park your bike outside. Potential theft can also be a concern, but mine is stating to look like a worn out shoe, so probably not at high risk any more.
Do a Review on a Selle Anatomica Saddle.
What's your opinion on the seller anatomica saddles?
I found one of them in a garbage bin. Almost brand new. What a catch!
Thoughts on the cmndr?
*phew* I'm glad I went with the black Cambium without the canvas cover.
Zach: sub 1500g wheelset
Also Zach: 500 g leather saddle
I'm a daily commuter but I like ride one time a month 100 km long ridings. My bike is a gravel bike with big tires 700x42. Which is better for me in Your opinion? I found almost new leather option without curve almost a half price a new cambium.
Cambium all weather carbon railed saddles are honestly super hot though, would fit my lancer so well
I would quit riding if I couldn't get a Brooks leather. I'm 41 and ride an average of 1000 miles a month. At the end of 100 mile days, my butt is the least sore body part I have thanks to Brooks, leather.
I've loved my c15, but both of them broke behind the front rivet after a year of use. They're beautiful and comfortable but cannot reccomend them. If they're breaking under my weight (135 lbs) from road riding there is something going wrong.
Thanks for the video Zach. It will save me several pair of jeans. Just wondering why you mention that much Wani if they are not sponsored to say while your videos are from what I understand sponsored by them. Maybe you should consider rotating your sponsors.
I bought my first B17 in the late '80s but I killed it because bad + lack of maintenance, I was young and didn't know what I'm doing. I used many other saddles since but the B17 always wins out of the box because it never gave me any grief. On my current touring bike and my Pugsley B17 is the No1 choice and they last because I learned from my mistakes.
my cambium is super nice. fave saddle. id rather ride my brooks leather for a slow comfortable ride by far. cambium is a brooks for going fast
After looking at Brooks, I decided for a Selle San Marco, Royal leather covered saddle, also after seeing Yours, worn saddle, which doesn't look that impressive! Italian Selle now also owns Brooks.
Dude I just found an original womens brooks sports bike complete with the original seat! That's what lead me to this video
It's worth pointing out that the standard cambium does not have that abrasive cotton material (that one is known as the C17 Special). The standard C17 has a nylon top which I'd assume is smoother and doesn't wear out clothing in the same way. Not sure if it was different when this video was published, but that's the lineup right now.
5-10 years?? HAHA!! I have a Brooks Pro saddle that came on my Raleigh PRO back in 1974. The bike has been gone many years, but I keep using the saddle which has 10,000's of hours on it, literally, which is now on an old Miyata 610. I use a BROOKS B17saddle on my fatbike year round. I also splurged(yea) and bought an official Brooks seat cover to replace the pink shower cap. :) LOL.
I’ve used my Cambium with carbon rails for years, and put about 15k km on it, and it looks nothing like yours. The canvas top cover is still intact, albeit faded. I do only ride with bib shorts though, so there is less friction than with regular trousers.
I’ve been on a Cambium C17 for three years now, and have been mostly happy with it.
The leather 517 had been the best purchase I've ever made. I just keep a plastic bag in my tool bag for rainy days
Hey Zach! I've had my pre-ordered 2019 Kilo TT Pro since August of last year. I boast about the bike all the time and I've stubbornly kept the bike as stock as possible up until this point. That said, the saddle needs to go. I watched the video you did talking about the Charge Spoon, Selle Italia Turbo, and the Brooks Cambium C17. Im thinking of just going for the saddle I've wanted for years now in the C17. Clicking the Amazon link in the video description I found a "used -very good" condition saddle for $87. I know it's not a huge savings but every bit helps. These saddles seem to be known for quality which leaves me feeling somewhat safe considering used. What are your thoughts on this?
As long as it's in good condition, you should be safe buying a used Cambium.
Zach Gallardo I just might give it ago. I found a new canvas C17 on eBay for $73 after tax while the Amazon C17 I’m looking at is used but it’s the All Weather version. Ultimately I think I’ll go All Weather so my rear end stays cleaner🤷🏻♂️
I actually forgot one main question I had for you! As you know the Kilo is steal. Is the ride gonna be extra bouncy combining that with the flexible rubber saddle?
san marco rolls is my top one saddle so far, looks and feels like a dream
Zach, you said that riding the Brooks leather saddle feels more and more comfortable every months as it's braking in. How do you know that the saddle is braking in and not your butt?
Check out the Cambium All Weather which doesn't have a canvas top
Is the All Weather any slicker on the surface?
It Is not slick, it has an jeans like texture but in plastic material not fiber
I'm deciding between C17 carved All Weather and B17 Imperial Narrow to use in longs distances
C19 is the most comfy for me
@@_jbabo I've found the c15 carved is the best for my sitbones, perfect amount of width and flex, and is completely waterproof.
Just got a b17 a week ago...
It's already more comfortable than the saddle that came with my bike and I've only put about a hundred miles on it!
Also, is it weird that I occasionally sniff it as I walk past? 🤔
its a nosegasm
great video. 5 to 10 years is a little short for a saddle that is taken care of