When choosing a saddle, what do you think about? You likely consider various factors like appearance, shape, and color.
I also take those factors into account when selecting a saddle, but at the same time, I choose mine from a slightly different perspective.
Why I Choose Leather Saddles
In Japan, approximately 8 million tons of plastic are incinerated annually. This is because composite plastics require high costs to separate and recycle, making it economically unfeasible.
Furthermore, even when we sort our trash, 80 to 90 percent of it ends up in slums or impoverished countries around the world, where it is landfilled, flows into the ocean, and contributes to microplastic issues and marine pollution.
By nature, the bicycle should be a vehicle with a low environmental impact. However, it is an undeniable fact that the use of materials that cannot be disposed of without pollution has definitely increased in the 21st century.
Saddles made primarily from resin and urethane are comfortable and user-friendly right from the start. I understand that there are excellent products among them.
However, when I considered how I could make a choice, however small, that minimizes the burden on the global environment, switching to a leather saddle for my bike was, in a sense, a choice driven by my own philosophy.
BROOKS Leather Saddles
The materials that make up a BROOKS saddle are very simple: vegetable-tanned leather, natural rubber, organic cotton, steel, aluminum, and copper. BROOKS saddles are crafted by combining these materials effectively.
Even when the time comes that they must be disposed of for some reason, these are all sustainable materials. Eco-friendly and sustainable.
That is one of the reasons why we BROOKS users love them so much.
How to Choose a BROOKS Saddle
For those who have read this far and think, "Hey, I might be interested," I will introduce how to choose a BROOKS leather saddle.
BROOKS offers a diverse lineup of saddles based on their intended use, riding position, leather material, and finish.
The recommended saddle varies greatly depending on your "riding posture"—specifically, how aggressive a forward-leaning position you prefer when riding.
For road bikes and those who prefer a fairly aggressive forward-leaning posture, I recommend saddles marked with a 45° angle. For touring, commuting, or mountain biking, where your posture is slightly more upright at around 60°, models like the "B17" or "FLYER" are recommended.
Our mechanic Kosei, who handles countless repairs with ease every day, uses the classic "BROOKS B17" on his BASSI BIKES Hog’s Back.
With a design that hasn't changed much since its founding in 1866, it’s safe to call this saddle the "face" of BROOKS.
The versatile B17 is the perfect companion for everything from daily commuting to long-distance touring, and even weekend gravel rides. Although originally designed for long-distance racing, it is extremely well-suited for riding styles that don't involve an overly aggressive forward-leaning posture.
By the way, I have a "BROOKS B15 Swallow Chrome" installed on my Cielo.
To be honest, the "B17" would also be fine since I often ride in a relaxed touring position, but I chose this one by weighing various factors: the aesthetic balance, the desire for a bit more speed during group rides, and my personal preference for a flatter seat profile.
Some aspects of this are hard to understand until you actually use them, but I have used almost every model listed above except for the "B33" and "B135," so please feel free to ask me if you are unsure.
Leather Saddles Evolve
The best part about leather goods and natural materials is that they "evolve."
Just as leather shoes conform to your feet, after 3 to 6 months of use, the shape of the saddle top will conform to your body. This transformation is the biggest difference between leather saddles and plastic saddles.
Once broken in, and provided your position is set correctly, a leather saddle becomes comfortable enough to ride for a certain distance even without padded shorts.
Recently, I rode over 100km several times in a row without shorts and was able to finish with almost no pain.
Furthermore, once a leather saddle has conformed to your body, you can lock your hips into the molded depression for quick pedaling when you want to pick up speed. Conversely, when you want to give your hips a rest, shifting your position back allows the wider rear section of the saddle to support you, reducing pressure on your crotch area.
This adjustment isn't possible if the saddle becomes too saggy. Therefore, daily maintenance is essential.
How to Maintain a BROOKS Saddle
This is where BROOKS Proofide leather dressing becomes necessary.
When you purchase a BROOKS leather saddle, it comes with an envelope-like package. Inside, you will find the tools necessary for maintaining and caring for your leather saddle.
You can simply follow the process outlined here by our domestic distributor, Diatec. It’s much easier than you might think, right!?
For a long time, it was considered taboo to apply dressing to the underside because it was thought to accelerate sagging. Recently, however, from a waterproofing and protection standpoint, it is recommended to apply a thin layer to the underside when purchasing new (excluding the Softened models).
※Since there are various theories on this, please ask me at the shop if you are curious!
Developing Character
In Europe, it is said that well-cared-for, used leather saddles are valued more highly than new ones.
Leather products that have been cherished and used for a long time possess a unique style.
As for me, it’s purely for my own satisfaction; I’m not using it because I want anyone else’s approval. I just hope to "grow" my saddle into one that shows its history and presence after several years or decades.
At Circles, in addition to BROOKS, we carry a variety of saddles, including SELLE ANATOMICA.
The right saddle depends on your riding posture, style, usage, and gender. If you are unsure which saddle fits your needs, please feel free to consult us.
Everyone’s relationship with their bicycle is unique. I hope this blog post encourages more people to think, "Hey, leather saddles are great!" and start using one.
Let's enjoy growing the best possible saddle for ourselves!