Bought this saddle as part of a restoration/conversion of my 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport into an upright touring bike. I had a Brooks B17 Narrow on it when I was riding it in its original configuration with the drop bars, so it was an easy choice to pick the Brooks Flyer when I swapped the drop bars for the touring bars. Being more upright meant that the B17 Narrow was no longer comfortable and the Flyer was a PERFECT replacement - same great look on the bike, same saddle connections for my leather bag, and soooooooooo comfortable. I was worried how the springs were going to look and was considering just getting the B17, but I'm really glad I went with the Flyer - just enough suspension to smooth things out and with the bag attached the springs are largely hidden from view. I love the vintage look, comfort, and quality of the Flyer and even though it is perfectly comfortable right now when brand new, I know from my experience with the B17 Narrow that it will become even more comfortable after more use. If you have a vintage steel ride and are sitting upright, this Brooks Flyer is a great saddle that will look and feel great!
I've been cycling for well over fifty years now, almost all of it on road racing frames (with Brooks B17 saddles for the past 10 years). But I have an older Cannondale touring bike that I use for local gravel and dirt trails, shopping trips, bad weather, etc. I finally put a Brooks Flyer with springs on it about five years ago and could not be more pleased with the comfort and durability, despite the small bit of extra weight. I just wish I had had the Flyer 20 years ago when I was living in Europe and riding (for fun, not racing) on the famed cobblestone roads of the Classics.
Go, Brooks!!
My first full sized bike in the 1960s (I am a dinosaur) had a Brooks Flyer Saddle, and every bike since until the 1990s when alternate synthetic saddles surfaced. I tried the one that came with my full suspension Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ for about 10 years, then decided to switch back to a Brooks Flyer when the saddle developed a rough spot after I took a digger. There was no comparison and no switching back. Even on a full suspension top of the line mountain bike, I could tell the difference. You can also buff damage off of leather, something you can't do on a synthetic saddle. I now regret using the other saddle for so long.
Lesson learned, I just put one on my new Trek Farley fat bike, and I actually read and still remember the simple directions that came with this new saddle. Brooks mentions a break in period, after which comfort improves. I have not noticed this. The Brooks Flyer Saddle improved my ride the day I put it on, and 1000 miles later, I can't tell the difference between new and broken in. Maybe you just can't improve the quality of a Brooks Flyer right out of the box. Maybe I truly am just a hard ass.
Have three B17s, on a Kona Touring, Lynsky Gravel bike at a Fat bike. This saddle is the best on long rides, 50 miles plus. First, its long saddle with 2 or 3 places to perch depending on whether you're on hoods, drops, areos, etc. Second the stiffness is adjustable, this means a little tinkering as the saddle ages and stretches, but also a little adjustment during a long day. Finally the springs, a source of endless deresion from the spandex crowd, they really absorb aging concrete seams and other jolts. Best seat ever.
After years of readinghearing other people praise their Brooks saddles, I finally got enough ahead to buy my own. Cannot describe how this has changed my cycling. After nearly 500 miles indooroutdoor riding the seat has molded to me. I no longer even think about the saddle I am sitting on. It allows all the control without any of the issues the previous saddles created. The springs on this saddle are perfect. Somehow the engineers were able to create it in such a fashion that it soaks up all but the worst bumps, and yet still lets you know I hit something without the associated pain. Because of my Brooks saddle my bicycle has become my go-to exercise platform.
been breaking it in slowly and i won't call you shirley....i'm planning on a 6600 mile tour to celebrate the 30 years i've been bike touring, and finally stepped up to the best rated saddle in the world. first day of breakin period i felt that this is an awesome saddle. so when i start my longest tour in middle of may, it should be broken in and by the end of 6600 miles, it should part of my anatomy.... i'm riding from virginia to oregon, down the west coast to san francisco back to my house in colorado....
I purchased this originally for my touring bike, and ended up putting it on my hardtail mountain bike. This saddle provides a comfortable ride with a little bounce, especially since I don't gave full suspension.
While I haven't yet ridden my bike with this saddle on it yet (Midwest winters , are too cold for me to ride), I found the workmanship impeccable, with all the classic style that one would expect from the Brooks company. I am looking forward to getting this on my bike and beginning the breaking in process so the saddle is nice and comfortable for this years tour. Take time to look closely at the Brooks line up I believe you will see the difference.
Best saddle I've used....got another for my other bike
I'm a long time fan of Brooks saddles, having a vintage B72, B66, and Imperial on other bikes. I recently purchased a VanMoof S3 eBike and the factory saddle felt like it was made of concrete. The Brooks Flyer was the perfect upgrade. After about five rides the saddle is broken in and my @ss will outlast the bike battery. : )
I could never afford a Brooks saddle until now. I value it so much that I have it secured it with a lock and cable. I can't believe that I lived without it. I'm saying goodbye to those other bike seats, forever. Thanks a bunch.
Have been using Brooks even since I got turned on to them.
Takes a minute to get em ' broke-in but afterwards they are all I will use.
Beautiful saddle. Well made, comfortable. Arrived promptly, well packaged.
We have a 1969 Schwinn Deluxe Twinn and wanted a saddle to go along with the charm of the old tandem bike. I am so pleased. They saddles not only look great but are going to be so comfy with use.
I have several Brooks saddles. This one is the most comfortable one yet. It seemed broken in on the first ride. It's heavy, but I can't really tell it on the touring bike. My only complaint is the nuts holding the springs to the saddle come loose easily. I lost one nut on the first long ride. I love this saddle.
I bought the B17 for my Jamis Commuter. I knew there was a break-in period but, because I don't use the bike that often (maybe every once a week or two) my experience of the saddle on my tenth ride is, so far, the same as on my first ride... hard as a brick!
Still technically in the break-in stage. But, 200 miles in I love it. I've applied baseball glove break in twice top and underneath and the seat is gaining pliability.
Long time B17 fan. I have two on two different bikes. Thought I'd try springs since I'm now over 50. I love it!
This is a saddle that you can ride all day and it only gets more comfortable with time in the saddle. Legendary quality workmanship.
A saddle that you will never think about during the ride...its that comfortable.
Finally finished building a touring bike and finished with this. Wish I had started here as it was a lot comfier than my old saddle. Springs definitely add security if you hit a bump or something when you are busy watching traffic. Happy rear end happy life.
