Brooks England Swift Bicycle Saddle

Product Information

New leather is tough because of the numerous treatments of the tanning process, as well as the moulding process done at our factory.

Principally, it reduces the level of friction by creating a layer of lubrication between the chain rollers and plates; it is what prevents that horrible grinding and squeaking sound that you get with an unlubricated chain—a sound that is predictably highly inefficient. There is some justification for that — most of the systems lack the modulation and performance of their hydraulic counterparts. I think that it is either the most beautiful or at least one of the handful of those saddles that really look beautiful. Our leather saddles come in different shapes and styles depending on what kind of bike or riding position. I also find that the B17 is much more comfortable with thinner shorts and a chamois adds more bulk than is needed.

I have had the saddle on my touring/winter bike for two months now, and clocked up a fair few miles. Brooks back this up with an extended 10-year guarantee on all leather saddles this is founded on the quality and consistency of materials and their exceptional craftsmanship. There have been subtle changes in the saddle: the colour has changed a bit, with the heat and friction; and the shape has changed as it moulds to my derrière. Carefully formulated from special ingredients to condition, preserve and showerproof, helping protect the leather supple and to keep it supple.

The large copper rivets at the nose and rear are also hammered by hand, commensurate with our usual high level of attention to detail. My riding weights on these started at a skinny 130lbs in the 70s, up to ca 190; but for this Swift, prob 185 down to 170 or so. While I have only logged 50 miles or so on the Swift I can say that I love all three equally but different. The answer, was a lot… Reynolds pioneered the 'super-wide' carbon rim with the original ATR wheelset. When it comes to looks I was also considering the San Marco Royale, but the idea of riding on leather to me was not exactly that of having a plastic layer underneath.

Another benefit with this saddle is that on long hills I don't get pushed backwards, with the need to re-adjust my position every few minutes.

Leather is a naturally breathable material that provides a unique type of well-being, the leather top is suspended over the saddle rail to create a suspended moulded seat, similar to a hammock, for tailored lasting comfort.It was so comfortable that I didn't even notice it on a 130 mile ride, it is beautiful, and it is built to last. I ride a gravel bike on the Isle of Wight more than I ride any other; it is the perfect way to explore the vast network of quiet roads and exciting open trails. The Swift proudly sports a metal nameplate at the rear, and in addition two embossed graphic details on the sides featuring the saddle name and incorporating an icon of a Swift in flight.

This year, with the Kona Private Jake hitting a 25,000 kilometre anniversary, I decided it was time to upgrade and replace a number of the parts. Not only is it fantastic on my steel training bike, it is a real craftsman's art: the chamfered sides, bashed copped rivets, and the chrome rails, really look special and should last a long long time. plus you have to cover it in the rain and the saddle cover it comes with doesn't protect the underside of the saddle so I usually tie plastic bag around the saddle and put the cover over the top of this.Middle widths are often used for touring or commuting when the spinal angle of the rider is in a 45 to 60 degrees position.