Brooks C17 Carved

The Brooks C17 Carved saddle is a comfortable, rubber-topped saddle that is designed for commuting, gravel riding & of course bikepacking. This Brooks saddle is modelled on their endlessly popular ’17’ shape which suits the broadest range of riders. If you have done your research on saddles you will know there’s always some way they measure width, and this is Brooks measurement. A ’17’ saddle suits a reasonably ‘aggressive’ position on the bike. It’s just wide enough to suit your flat-bar set up, and a drop-bar set-up with flared handlebars like on your gravel bike.

If you ride a more aero or aggressive position you would look at the C13 or C15 saddles which are narrower than this one. And equally if you were riding a step-through bike or prefer a more upright position for your back, you would be looking at the C19.

The most important thing about the Brooks Cambium C17 Carved is that unlike a leather saddle, it requires no break-in period. This bike seat is ready to ride fresh out of the box. And being made from vulcanized rubber it’s also weatherproof and safe to leave out in the rain.

Carved saddles vs non Carved saddles

The Carved aspect of this saddle is basically to provide more ‘give’ in the saddle. The absence of material in the saddle means that it can more easily conform under your body weight. And provide pressure relief in the central area of the saddle. If you are someone who has had trouble finding a comfortable saddle despite trying several, we recommend a carved version. However it’s important to keep in mind that it will often take 6 weeks to adjust to a new saddle on your bike. And making small alterations to how far forward or backward the saddle sits on the rails can make a big difference. Another game changer in the comfort factor of your bike seat is whether you have it tilted upwards of in a neutral position. Saddle’s are complicated really!

Brooks C17 Carved Saddle Features & Specs

• Vulcanised natural rubber saddle top
• Cut-out for maximum relief
• UV + abrasion-resistant waterproof nylon top
• Durable, anodised aluminium Rivets
• Nose-piece and saddle plate in fibreglass-reinforced nylon
• Tubular steel rails
• Backplate loops can sustain a 2.5kg max load, please select a saddle bag accordingly.

Ideal for:

• Commuting in the city
• Road riding
• Travelling the globe
• Gravel & bikepacking
• All weather conditions

Riding Position:

Angled riding position (60°)

How to choose the right Brooks Saddle

When it comes to choosing a saddle, it can be extremely challenging to figure out what you need. A good quality saddle is not cheap, and it can be difficult to commit to something you haven’t sat on.

But Brooks saddles are some of the best you can buy. So even if you are unsure, you are in the right place.

Brooks Saddle’s have a numbering system refers to the width of the saddle. The width of the saddle reflects both the width of your sit bones, and the riding position you are in.

In this case, the Brooks C17 is a pretty standard saddle designed for a broad range of cycling disciplines.  This makes it the ideal saddle for your commuter bike, your road bike or gravel bike.

Wanting more information about the differences between all these saddles? Check out our Blog post covering Bicycle Saddle 101.