Selle Italia SLR Boost vs Brooks B17
Comparison 2026 — Saddles
Reviewed by Lars Henriksen
Technical Analyst & Gear Tester
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 | Selle Italia SLR Boost | Brooks B17 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €65.00+46% | €95.00 |
| Rating | ★4.2 (520) | ★4.6 (3,200) |
| Overall | 82/100 | 90/100+10% |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width | 145 mm (S3: 132 mm / L3: 155 mm) | 175 mm (B17 Standard) / 176 mm (B17 S dames)+21% |
| Length | 248 mm (short-nose) | 275 mm+11% |
| Weight | 245 g+112% | 520 g |
| Material | ||
| Cover | Fibra-Tek microvezel | Vegetabiel gelooid rundleer 6 mm |
| Shell | Carbon-versterkt nylon | — |
| Padding | EVA foam (minimaal) | — |
| Rails | FeC Alloy (chroom-molybdeen staal) | Staal |
| Frame | — | Staal met koperen klinknagels |
Pros and cons
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
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
Where to buy
Selle Italia SLR Boost
Amazon.nl
€65.00Shop on Amazon.nl
Brooks B17
Amazon.nl
€95.00Shop on Amazon.nl
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