Brooks B17 vs Selle Italia SLR Boost
Comparison 2026 — Saddles
Our verdict
Based on our weighted scoring, the Brooks B17 edges out the Selle Italia SLR Boost with an overall score of 90/100 against 82/100. It scores particularly well on comfort (92/100) and durability (98/100), making it the better all-round pick in Saddles.
The Selle Italia SLR Boost remains a sensible alternative if price is your main concern — it lands at €65.00 versus €95.00.
Comfort winner
Brooks B17
18% higher than its rival
Value winner
Brooks B17
3% better value for money
Specifications
| Specification | Brooks B17 | Selle Italia SLR Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €95.00 | €65.00+46% |
| Rating | ★4.6 (3,200) | ★4.2 (520) |
| Overall | 90/100+10% | 82/100 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width | 175 mm (B17 Standard) / 176 mm (B17 S dames)+21% | 145 mm (S3: 132 mm / L3: 155 mm) |
| Length | 275 mm+11% | 248 mm (short-nose) |
| Weight | 520 g | 245 g+112% |
| Material | ||
| Cover | Vegetabiel gelooid rundleer 6 mm | Fibra-Tek microvezel |
| Rails | Staal | FeC Alloy (chroom-molybdeen staal) |
| Frame | Staal met koperen klinknagels | — |
| Shell | — | Carbon-versterkt nylon |
| Padding | — | EVA foam (minimaal) |
Pros and cons
Brooks B17
Pros
- Moulds permanently to your sit bones — comfort grows with the kilometres
- Lifespan of 20+ years and 100,000+ km with proper care
- Wide 175 mm platform supports an upright, relaxed riding position
- Timeless English design that suits classic city bikes and trekking bikes
Cons
- 500 km break-in period is genuinely painful — the first rides hurt
- At 520 grams it is one of the heavier saddles in this comparison
Selle Italia SLR Boost
Pros
- Short design (248 mm) allows a more aggressive aero posture without nose pressure
- Large Superflow cutout eliminates perineal pressure on longer rides
- FeC Alloy rails are strong enough for intensive use without the carbon price jump
- Light 245 grams — suited to serious performance-minded road riders
Cons
- Minimal padding feels firm without a padded bibshort — beginner pitfall
- Not suitable for upright city-bike or trekking-bike positions