Alternatives to the B17 saddle? My choice, the Avocet Women's O2 Air 40

[Mojo]

Most of my bikes have B17s on them. I agree with most of you here, the B17 is supremely comfortable and has traditional good looks. But a B17 or even the Champion Flyer with their steel nose piece can be a true PIA offroad. Bumps and jumps can really hurt if I end up on the nose of the saddle, and most single track riding has me all over the length of the saddle.

 

So over the years I have searched for a plastic saddle with similar dimensions. The Avocet Women's O2 Air 40 saddle is close. It is 178mm wide by 259mm long compared to the B17's 170X280. More importantly it has the flat back and profile center dip that I believe makes the B17 comfortable. Of course the O2 doesn't have saddle bag loops and it probably rides warmer than the B17 leather. But I don't have to baby it in the dirt and wet, and it doesn't beat me in the bumps. I like it enough I may try it on a road bike this winter.

 

I only bring this saddle up to the group now that I have garnered two of the discontinued O2s for my use. :-)

[Greg J]

I have 2 of the O2M (men's) saddles that I think is a little narrower than the B17, but still wide compared to most saddles.  For me, the O2M has been a nice substitute for the B17.