I suppose it's still early yet since I've only got one 16 mile ride logged with this saddle under me, but I'm pleasantly surprised by this saddle. I've had a Brooks C15 on my "around-town" bike for a couple years now, and when it came time to replace the creaky, dying Selle Italia saddle on my road bike I decided to give the C13 a try since I'd come to love my C15 so much. I expected the C13 to be less comfortable than the worn saddle on the roadie, but also to provide more rigid support. Well, it appears that it's both more comfortable and a more lively, supportive seat than the old one. So, win-win!
I'm 6'3", 210lbs, and around 14-15% body fat if you'd like a basis for comparison. The construction of the saddle is such that it would flex more under a heavier rider and less under a lighter one, perhaps bottoming out or being to stiff depending on your preference. I can feel it flex underneath me and provide some amount of cushion from the road, but not so much that it feels too squishy or robs me of pedaling energy. A relatively light rider may find this seat too stiff since they don't possess the weight necessary to make it flex, and a very heavy rider may have the opposite problem.
Also, if you're the type to care about aesthetics, I don't think you can go wrong with this saddle. It's got a very classic, sleek appeal and I love the way the cambium seats break in from a dark black to a sort of worn asphalt appearance. It looks right at home on the most high tech of bikes as well as a classic steel frame.
We'll see how the C13 both holds up over time and on longer rides in combination with a good chamois, but I have pretty high hopes so far. Unless this review changes assume I'm currently still engaged in a long-term love affair with the C13.
Update: I've been riding this saddle for many months now. Still really love it.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 13.4 x 10.7 x 3.5 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.67 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10.24 x 10.24 x 14.57 inches |
| Item Weight | 16 ounces |
| Brand Name | Brooks England |
| Color | Black |
| Suggested Users | unisex |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Highway Two, LLC. |
| Part Number | C213A06000 |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Included Components | Saddle |
| Outer Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Size | 132mm |
