BROOKS B17 Special
Men's saddle

Hand-hammered rivets and special finishes distinguish the B17 Special. Like all of our leather saddles, each beautiful B17 Special is handcrafted at our factory in Smethwick, England, where it is carefully finished with hand-hammered copper rivets to make the saddle special. In addition, the durable vegetable tanned leather is protected. Thanks to its unique design and hammock-like features, the B17 Special is a comfortable bike saddle. It flexes with each pedal revolution and adapts specifically to each rider, acquiring a beautiful patina over time.

MAINTENANCE
 
Taking care of your saddle will keep it comfortable and durable. Proofide is the ONLY substance that should be used to care for your leather saddle. Carefully formulated from special ingredients to nourish, preserve, and moisturize the leather and keep it supple. With regular use, your saddle will conform to your body and retain its beauty, comfort and supportive qualities. A new saddle should be treated at least once to help the "break-in" process and protect the saddle from the elements. Never apply Proofide to a wet saddle. Apply a small amount of Proofide to the finished top of the leather and leave until dry. Polish the leather completely with a soft cloth to avoid Proofide staining your clothing. Apply Proofide to the underside of the saddle as well. Leave this coating on the underside of the saddle to protect it from dirt and moisture. Proofide can be used several times during the break-in period and periodically thereafter. Do not use it too often. After the break-in period, it is normal and proper to tension the saddle to maintain its shape and comfort. To tighten the leather top, turn the front nut clockwise 90° at a time, checking after each turn until the desired tension is achieved. You can use either this tension wrench or an Allen wrench.

Q.A.Q.
 
Which is the right Brooks saddle for me?
Our leather saddles come in a variety of shapes and styles, depending on what type of bike or riding position you prefer. For example, a wider saddle with springs is ideal for an upright 90-degree posture. Mid-width saddles are often used for touring or commuting when the angle of inclination of the rider's spine is in a 45 to 60 degree position. As a general rule, the more athletic the riding position, the narrower the saddle.

Why do I need to break in my leather saddle?
New leather is tough due to the numerous treatments used in tanning as well as the molding process at our factory. This leaves the fibers very strong, but also quite stiff. "Breaking in" is the process by which the saddle leather becomes supple and more flexible. Time, effort and care are key to getting your leather saddle in its best condition. Primarily through riding, the leather will conform to the shape of your anatomy and become more flexible. Over time, the natural movement of the leather as you ride will act like a hammock. However, be careful not to sag the leather too much or it could come into contact with the metal structure, causing the saddle to break, not to mention being uncomfortable as you could be sitting on the top rails or even the seatpost itself on some models.

10 YEAR WARRANTY
 
By registering your leather saddle on the Brooks website within 3 months of purchase, you can extend the standard 2-year warranty to a total of 10 years.