Brooks B17 vs Selle Royal Respiro
Comparison 2026 — Saddles
Our verdict
Based on our weighted scoring, the Brooks B17 edges out the Selle Royal Respiro with an overall score of 90/100 against 78/100. It scores particularly well on comfort (92/100) and durability (98/100), making it the better all-round pick in Saddles.
The Selle Royal Respiro remains a sensible alternative if price is your main concern — it lands at €45.00 versus €95.00.
Comfort winner
Brooks B17
8% higher than its rival
Value winner
Selle Royal Respiro
5% better value for money
Specifications
| Specification | Brooks B17 | Selle Royal Respiro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €95.00 | €45.00+111% |
| Rating | ★4.6 (3,200) | ★4.3 (2,800) |
| Overall | 90/100+15% | 78/100 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width | 175 mm (B17 Standard) / 176 mm (B17 S dames) | 245 mm (heren) / 260 mm (dames Moderate Woman)+40% |
| Length | 275 mm+2% | 270 mm |
| Weight | 520 g+18% | 615 g |
| Material | ||
| Cover | Vegetabiel gelooid rundleer 6 mm | Waterbestendig kunstleder |
| Rails | Staal | Staal |
| Frame | Staal met koperen klinknagels | — |
| Padding | — | Royalgel + elastomeer |
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 Royal Respiro
Pros
- Instant comfort from the first ride — no break-in required
- Royalgel and elastomer damping absorbs Dutch cobblestones and speed bumps
- Central cutout relieves perineal pressure in upright riding posture
- Sharp 45 euro price — most accessible comfort saddle in its class
Cons
- Gel compresses after 2-3 years of heavy use — plan to replace around 8,000 km
- At 245 mm wide it is too bulky for sustained rides above 25 km/h