Brooks Swallow Saddles

The Brooks Swallow is the original race saddle. Still a classic.

First released in 1937, the Swallow is a narrow leather saddle made for a forward riding position. It suits road bikes, gravel bikes, fast touring builds and riders who want the Brooks leather feel in a more minimal racing shape.

The vegetable-tanned leather top is stretched over steel rails with tubular steel rivets and the iconic Brooks backplate. Like other Brooks leather saddles, it starts firm and gradually shapes to the rider with use.

Why we like it

The Swallow is for riders who want a leather Brooks saddle, but not the wider touring feel of a B17. It is slimmer, lower and more suited to a rider who spends time on the hoods or drops.

It makes sense on bikes where the saddle needs to look classic without feeling too upright. Think steel road bikes, randonneur builds, fast commuters, gravel bikes and light touring bikes.

Best for

Choose the Swallow if you ride in a forward position and want a traditional leather saddle with a narrow racing shape. It suits steady road miles, gravel rides, fast touring and city bikes with a more active riding position.

Choose a B17 if you want a wider, more general-purpose Brooks saddle for commuting and touring. Choose a Swift if you want a similar forward-position leather saddle with a slightly shorter, more modern Brooks shape.

Good to know

The Swallow is not the best match for a very upright bike. If your riding position is relaxed and upright, a wider Brooks saddle will usually make more sense.

Like most leather Brooks saddles, it needs time to break in. It will feel firm at first, then gradually shape to the rider with use.

Leather saddles also need care. Keep it out of heavy rain where possible, use suitable Brooks leather care when needed, and fit a saddle cover if the bike is often parked outside.