Brooks England Cambium C15 Carved, Carbon Racing Waterproof Saddle

I bought this saddle on a lark, knowing I could return it to Amazon if I didn't like it. I had my reservations since it didn't look comfortable (e.g., no real padding). What drove me to try it was a review about how this saddle made it possible for the reviewer's friends to ride a bike again. Other reviewers trashed it as the most uncomfortable saddle they ever used. In the past, I've owned probably 25-30 saddles including Selle SMP, Brooks (leather), Fizik Aliante, Selle Anatomica, Fabric, Cannondale, Bi-Saddle, and a bunch more that I've forgotten. My latest was SqLab 610 which was about 70% comfortable after getting used to riding on a perch. So I was skeptical about this Brooks C13. After some minor adjustments, the saddle was incredibly comfortable the first time I rode it. After 4+ hours on the bike, it was still comfortable, which isn't something I can say about any of my other saddles. In short, this is the most comfortable saddle I have ever ridden on.

Very comfortable saddle that required almost zero break-in period.

I wanted to like this saddle as it was initially very comfortable. Over time though I started to develop some pressure sores and despite numerous adjustments I could not eliminate the pressure points - all I could do was shift where they developed. I ride daily for a little over an hour and for the first 45 minutes or so no issues, it was that last 15 minutes where I started to feel the issues. Ultimately I don't think it's a design issue, I think that for whatever reason it just wasn't compatible with my anatomy which is why I'm still giving it four stars.

Got this one to replace a Fizik Argo R5 150mm, as I found that one rather uncomfortable on longer rides. I am so happy that I did, as this is maybe a little less comfortable overall (hard rubber versus the Fizik's kind of spongier rubber/stiff foam material) but the shape is what makes this one come out on top. While the jagged lines on the Fizik would really dig into me after an hour or so of hard riding, this one is just perfect with the rounded shape and the perineum cutout works fine, as long as it's adjusted correctly.Couldn't recommend it more for any serious road rider, this is a great saddle and I can't see replacing it for any good reason.

Nice saddle in design, construction, esthetics. Made in Italy by Selle Royal (Brooks owner).Fit is another matter. Lots of talk out there about sit bone width, but there is also flesh, muscle, meat to consider. You just have to try them all, unless you’re a pro rider and have tried them all already.I found the carved zone uncomfortable. The ridge/edge of the carve puts pressure in a place where it should be relieved. I will probably go with the C17 standard (and I have narrow sit bones (105mm) but meat on those bones). I tried C15 carved and C17 carved.This saddle has no padding but is very flexible, gives laterally and longitudinally hammock-like. The carved style does not improve this design in my estimation.

Long time user of whatever saddle comes with the bike, but I figured I'd bite the bullet and buy a Brooks. I started out with the C17, but it was too wide for me. Also that saddle was not carved and I didn't care for how firm it was. Next try was this, the C15 carved. I like that this version is all black hardware, which goes with the look of my bike better, but I would have preferred black anodized aluminum over the nylon rear brace. I'm sure it's plenty strong, but for the money I like to see metal parts :)The smallest adjustments to how you place yourself on this saddle have significant impact to how it feels, so it's nice to be able to shimmy around once I start to feel a bit worn. I can scoot forward and basically be treated to a nice compliant hammock, or scootch back and perch myself atop the very hard rearmost surface of the saddle. It's like having multiple hand positions on drop bars.I feel like a C16 would be perfect, as the C15 does feel just a tad too narrow at times (if ya know what I mean).With this saddle and my Redshift post, I can comfortably make my 15 mile each way commute without needing to wear padded cycling short (liners). That was the goal - setup the Creo so I could dress for the destination (more or less) and still be comfortable and be able to put some power into the ride. The C17 robbed me of a little power since it's just too wide.Why not 5 stars? Because they used plastic hardware on the black version and because they probably could have made it even more comfortable if they would have broke convention and changed the profile of the "nose" a little.UPDATEAfter several months of use, I think it's time to move on. Saddle feels just as it did the day it was new, but it's causing me pain and irritation to my sit-bones. Also, the textured fabric wears down some of my pants. Glad I gave it a go but I think the five star reviews are blind hype and loyalists.

As most have stated, the actual weight is a bit on the girthy side even for the Cambium C15 variant. But its not heavier than more budget friendly saddled! That being said, once you dial it in, the comfort factor is high. My older cut out gel saddle started having issues with comfort after about a year of average riding. Seeing as this saddle really has no actual wear points since the surface itself is the actual cushion/suspension point, I can't see it wearing out in a speedy fashion.+1 would buy again.added bonus: When you crash...because we all do, there is no seat fabric to shred on the 20 grit pavement or 1 grit gravel.

This saddle is firm but has no rigid body. It can flex slightly down and flex a lot inward from the side. After 300 miles, I am sure this is the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden.Tips:1. Use a padded short for rides longer that 20 miles or so.2. Make sure the seat is low enough so that you feel two distinct contact points.3. If you are too far forward or the seat is too high, you may notice a "bounce" as you pedal.