The Lab: Brooks Cambium C13 145 All Weather in review

In the “The Lab” we present the latest products and put them through their paces for you. Some undergo long-term tests, while we check others out only briefly. This time we reveal how the Brooks Cambium C13 145 All Weather Saddle fared.

Your saddle is the main contact point between rider and bike, and with the Cambium C13, Brooks have created a universally recognisable classic. From retro steel racer to carbon bullet – all bikes will benefit from its comfort, style and performance. In the new All Weather variant, the natural rubber top is covered with nylon to protect it against the elements. The new design maintains the proven comfort of the original C13, and is available in a standard or cut-out version. To provide the perfect fit, the C13 comes in three widths: 131 mm, 145 mm and 158 mm.

Seit 1866 bringt Brooks Exzellenz auf den Bike-Markt und steht für Qualität, Langlebigkeit und Ästhetik. Nicht umsonst gibt es das „Brooks Forever“-Programm, das 10 Jahre Garantie auf jeden Sattel vergibt.
Brooks have been bringing excellence to the bike market since 1866 and its products stand for quality, longevity and aesthetics.

As you take the saddle out of its packaging you immediately get a sense for the style that Brooks embodies. The new all-weather coating isn’t matt and rough like before, but deep black and slightly glossy, with a much smoother finish. The original saddle was often criticised for the sharp edge that ate bib-shorts for breakfast, but this issue has been addressed and the winter test rides confirmed that destroyed bibs are a thing of the past! Both your buttocks and wallet will be happy!

You still get same the amazing levels of comfort along with style to suit everything from an old school steel racer just as well as a modern carbon race bike. The oval carbon rails help keep the weight of the saddle at 280 g in the 145 mm width. A solid weight or a saddle that comfortable, yet maybe not the best choice for the common weight weenie.

It should be noted that the new finish of the C13 is less susceptible to fading. Over time, the All Weather variant will still get a distinctive patina, but it will suffer much less under the summer sun. Coming back from a gravel ride, cleaning the bike is an absolute pleasure as the dirt easily washes off the saddle. Is the saddle less grippy because of the new coating? We can confirm that it is not. You’ll sit just as surely on the new Cambium C13 All Weather as on its predecessor.

Brooks has managed to create a modern legend with the C13. A true pioneering spirit never stops making good things even better. The new All Weather variant of the C13 Cambium eliminates the weaknesses of the classic and brings with it a great new feature in weather protection. The perfect excuse to put your current C13 on your other bike and to order the new C13 All Weather!

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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl