Brooks Cambium C17 vs Brooks B17

The Brooks-versus-Brooks duel is an internal identity battle within the same English brand: the classic tanned-leather B17 from 1898 against the modern natural-rubber and organic-cotton Cambium C17 from 2013. Both are 242 mm long, both weigh around 405-415 g, both cost near €140 — yet they serve completely different cyclists. On specs the difference lies entirely in the material. The Brooks B17 uses a single piece of tanned cowhide over steel rails, a saddle that "breaks in" after 500-1000 km and takes the shape of your sit bones. It needs Brooks Proofide treatment and hates rain — hence the popular rain covers. The Cambium C17 uses a vulcanized rubber top layer with organic cotton weave, is comfortable from day one with no break-in, and is fully weatherproof — ideal for the Netherlands' 200+ rain days. On 20-year durability the B17 wins (a well-broken-in B17 is an heirloom); on immediate usability and rain resistance the Cambium C17 wins.

For a cycling holiday on the LF-route or multi-day trekking through Drenthe where you sit 6-8 hours in the saddle daily, the Cambium C17 is a more comfortable start without the first 500 km of pain. For the traditional cyclist who polishes a steel touring bike every Sunday and enjoys the Proofide ritual, the B17 is a saddle that shapes itself to you — literally.

We recommend the Brooks Cambium C17 for daily 10-15 km commuters and anyone cycling in rain, unless you deliberately want classic leather and accept break-in and maintenance — in which case you save nothing but get a saddle for life.