When is a Brooks Saddle not a Brooks Saddle? When it's a C13.
Despite me trying to deny it, weight is always an issue when thinking about kit and components to attach to my bike. On a walk with my son the other day, I talked for what must have seemed to him like a long time, on the subject of "marginal gains". I related this to the concept of bikepacking and how by saving weight on the little things is as big a concern as saving weight on larger components. Poor child! Anyway, the Brooks Cambium C13 Saddle was a purchase based on saving vital grams.
The saddle was marketed with a beautifully shot video of David Millar, riding over the Paris/Roubaix cobbles. David's thighs and nethers were captured in slow-mo, gently vibrating with each cobble and his ability to traverse this terrain eased by the use of the C13. It certainly didn't inspire me to make a purchase, or score a bag of EPO (not sure of the purchasing options for performance enhancing drugs), but it did hook my interest.
And so I bought a C13 and it was attached to my Kinesis Granfondo.
The saddle is nothing like the traditional Brooks Saddle - but isn't that the reason for buying a Brooks saddle? The saddle has a vulcanised,natural rubber and cotton top - not a hint of leather or brass rivets here. The rails are carbon fibre (helping keep the grams off) and the only sign of its heritage is the Brooks badge. Tipping the scales at 310g and costing over £170 it is not the lightest saddle and certainly not the cheapest. However, with thoughts of David's muscular rear-end and a promise of comfort, durability and flexible performance - I cycled off.
I can say that the saddle truly has had a long term test. It was on my bike for over a year, in which time I covered somewhere near 5000km. In that time I cycled all manner of rides, including one two-week tour in France. The saddle relies on flex for it's comfort and there's no suppleness, or give to the rubber/cotton top. On day rides and less, I could not fault it. Despite it's rock-hard exterior, comfort was never an issue and it was a great place to sit. The advantage over a "standard" Brooks leather saddle is the waterproofing. No need to slather in Proofide, or cover in a "bag for life" at the hint of drizzle. In France however, the daily use did uncover it's key flaw. The material choice means no give, or moulding to your backside and therefore repeated use becomes less than comfortable. Despite basting my rear in lashing of chamois, it had all the give of a medieval church pew after a session of self-flagellation.
The Brooks C13, despite a few reservations is a great saddle and mine is still mint condition. But it has left me with a question for Brooks - Why? Brooks make, and are renowned for amazing leather saddles (I have a B17), why make the Franken-saddle? The Brooks Cambium C13 is part of a modern trend, where iconic brands branch out to produce new fashionable products. The Bentley Bentayga is an example. I realise companies who's product portfolios stay static are on a journey to commercial ruin, but I know what I like, and I like what I know. The Brooks Cambium C13 is like finding out the Queen is okay at Gangster Rap - should she do it, possibly. Would you want to listen - only maybe.
For more information on the Brooks Cambium C13 vist Brooks Saddles.