Hey cycling enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into a legendary piece of cycling history: the Brooks Team Pro Special saddle. For generations, Brooks saddles have been synonymous with quality, comfort, and timeless design. The Team Pro Special is a standout model, known for its enduring appeal and ride-all-day comfort. This saddle isn't just a seat; it's an investment in your cycling experience, promising years of reliable performance and a touch of classic elegance. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting, understanding what makes this saddle so special can significantly impact your ride quality and overall enjoyment.

History and Heritage

The Brooks England story began in 1866, and they've been crafting leather saddles since the late 1800s. This rich heritage is evident in every saddle they produce, and the Team Pro Special is no exception. Brooks saddles have a reputation for being durable and long-lasting. This saddle is handmade in England using traditional methods and high-quality materials, ensuring that each saddle meets the brand's exacting standards. The Team Pro Special, in particular, has a classic shape that has remained largely unchanged for decades, a testament to its timeless design and enduring popularity. Owning a Brooks saddle is like owning a piece of cycling history, a connection to a legacy of craftsmanship and quality.

Design and Features

The Brooks Team Pro Special saddle features a beautifully handcrafted leather top that molds to your unique anatomy over time, providing a custom fit and unparalleled comfort. The leather is carefully selected for its durability and flexibility, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of daily use while providing a supple and supportive surface. The saddle's steel rails provide a solid and reliable connection to your seatpost, while the hand-hammered copper rivets add a touch of elegance and durability. One of the key features of the Team Pro Special is its adjustability. The saddle includes a tensioning bolt that allows you to fine-tune the leather's tension, ensuring that it remains comfortable and supportive throughout its lifespan. This adjustability is crucial for maintaining the saddle's shape and preventing it from sagging over time.

Comfort and Performance

When it comes to comfort, the Brooks Team Pro Special saddle truly shines. The leather top naturally conforms to your body, providing a supportive and comfortable platform for long rides. Unlike synthetic saddles that can feel stiff and unforgiving, the Brooks saddle offers a more flexible and forgiving ride. The saddle's shape is designed to distribute your weight evenly, reducing pressure points and preventing discomfort. Over time, the leather will mold to your unique anatomy, creating a custom fit that is unmatched by any other saddle. This break-in period is essential for achieving optimal comfort, but the results are well worth the effort. Many cyclists report that their Brooks saddles become more comfortable with each ride, providing years of reliable performance and unparalleled comfort.

Break-in Period

One important thing to know about Brooks saddles is that they require a break-in period. This means that the saddle will initially feel firm and may even be uncomfortable for the first few rides. However, as you continue to use the saddle, the leather will gradually soften and mold to your body, creating a custom fit that is both comfortable and supportive. The break-in period can vary depending on several factors, including your weight, riding style, and the climate in which you ride. Generally, it takes several hundred miles of riding to fully break in a Brooks saddle. To speed up the break-in process, you can use a leather conditioner specifically designed for Brooks saddles. This will help to soften the leather and make it more pliable. It's also important to ensure that the saddle is properly tensioned. If the saddle is too loose, it may sag and become uncomfortable. If it's too tight, it may be too firm and prevent the leather from properly molding to your body.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure that your Brooks Team Pro Special saddle lasts for many years, it's essential to properly maintain and care for it. The leather should be cleaned and conditioned regularly to prevent it from drying out and cracking. Brooks Proofide Leather Dressing is specifically designed for this purpose and should be applied every few months, or more frequently if you ride in wet or dusty conditions. To apply the Proofide, simply rub a small amount onto the leather surface and allow it to soak in for a few hours. Then, buff the saddle with a soft cloth to remove any excess dressing. In addition to regular cleaning and conditioning, it's also important to protect your saddle from the elements. When parking your bike outdoors, cover the saddle with a waterproof cover to prevent it from getting wet. Prolonged exposure to moisture can damage the leather and shorten the lifespan of your saddle. Finally, avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents to clean your saddle, as these can strip the leather of its natural oils and cause it to dry out.

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the Brooks Team Pro Special saddle has its pros and cons. Here's a quick overview:

Pros:

• Unmatched Comfort: Once broken in, the leather molds to your body for a custom fit.
• Durability: Handcrafted with high-quality materials, ensuring years of reliable use.
• Timeless Design: A classic aesthetic that complements any bike.
• Adjustability: Tensioning bolt allows you to fine-tune the saddle's shape and feel.
• Resale Value: Brooks saddles hold their value well, making them a worthwhile investment.

Cons:

• Break-in Period: Requires time and patience to achieve optimal comfort.
• Price: More expensive than synthetic saddles.
• Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning and conditioning.
• Weight: Heavier than some modern saddles.
• Vulnerability to Weather: Leather can be damaged by prolonged exposure to moisture.

Alternatives to the Brooks Team Pro Special Saddle

While the Brooks Team Pro Special is a fantastic saddle, it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Brooks B17: A more versatile saddle suitable for various riding styles.
• Selle Anatomica X-Series: Known for its immediate comfort and wider design.
• Specialized Power Saddle: A popular choice for performance-oriented riders.
• ISM Adamo Road Saddle: Designed to reduce pressure on soft tissues.
• Fabric Line-S Race Saddle: A lightweight and comfortable option for road cycling.

Who is This Saddle For?

The Brooks Team Pro Special saddle is ideal for cyclists who appreciate quality craftsmanship, timeless design, and unparalleled comfort. It's particularly well-suited for riders who enjoy long-distance cycling, touring, or commuting, as the saddle's unique design and materials provide excellent support and reduce pressure points. The saddle is also a great choice for cyclists who are looking for a durable and long-lasting product that will provide years of reliable performance. However, it's important to be patient during the break-in period and to properly maintain the saddle to ensure that it remains comfortable and supportive.

Final Thoughts

The Brooks Team Pro Special saddle is more than just a place to sit; it's an investment in your cycling experience. Its combination of classic design, durable construction, and unparalleled comfort makes it a standout choice for cyclists of all levels. While the break-in period and maintenance requirements may deter some, the long-term benefits of owning a Brooks saddle are undeniable. If you're looking for a saddle that will provide years of reliable performance and a touch of timeless elegance, the Team Pro Special is definitely worth considering. So, go ahead and give your ride an upgrade – your body will thank you!