Believe it or not, but after over 100 years of constant production, the Brooks B17 is getting an update. Now, the storied brand will offer the B17 Utmost. But don’t fret – the original B17 is not going away; this is just another, more refined version.
I am a massive fan of the B17 saddle. But, as Brooks says, things are very different nowadays when compared to the 1890s, when the B17 appeared on the scene.
Brooks is saying that this is the “finest saddle they’ve ever made“, and a “worthy reinvention of our most-loved model“.
Well, let’s see what’s going on here and take a look at what’s new and special about the B17 Utmost.
B17 Utmost… What’s New?
The Leather
Brooks says that the leather on the new B17 Utmost is the highest grade they’ve ever secured. It’s supple without weakness, resilient without rigidity, and will no doubt age with grace and beauty.
After years of sweating the details, they claimed to have found the perfect leather. That meant finding the right tanneries, turning down imperfections, and in some cases starting all over again.
The Steel
Brooks has moved away from the regular steel rails of the B17, and uses tubular stainless steel for the B17 Utmost. This makes the B17 Utmost both lighter and stronger than any other steel-railed B17 they’ve ever made. The only B17 saddle that’s lighter is the titanium B17 Special.
The stainless steel rails are corrosion-resistant, strong, and light. Perfect for a saddle that will last a lifetime.
Un-Dyed
For the new B17 Utmost, no dye is used on the leather. This preserves the material’s natural beauty. The color that you see is a result of the tanning process, and literally nothing else.
Upon mounting the new B17 Utmost, the rider may find the 5.5mm leather to feel stiff and unforgiving. Not only is that a sign of impeccable quality, but it’s to be expected with the B17 family of saddles. Give it time, put 100 miles or so on it, and it will soften up and form to your sit bones. If you’d like to quicken the softening process, a softener is provided.
The Nose
One thing that no one talks about and is often overlooked is the B17 tension pin. The tension pin on a Brooks B17 saddle is where you can adjust the saddle’s tension and how much droop the saddle has. Like the rails, the tension pin is fabricated with stainless steel. These subtle changes add up to big gains and make the tension pin more durable and resilient.
Brooks B17 Utmost Retail & Detail
Retail: $300
- Exquisite, High-Grade Leather
- Tubular Stainless Steel Rails
- Redesigned Nose and Tension Pin
- Extended 10-Year Guarantee
- Handcrafted Since 1866
- Ages Beautifully
- Lasting Comfort & Breathability
See more handsome leather wonder saddles at the link below.
