In keeping with today’s release, Brooks was kind enough to provide a set of new Cambium C67 saddles and the equally new and ergonomically shaped handlebar grips for a test. So both parts have been in use for about a month now and — this much can be said already — they have convinced!
With the new C67 saddle, Brooks is targeting commuters and urban bikers in particular, for whom a high level of everyday practicality, comfort and secure hold in the saddle play an important role. And the Cambium series is perfect for this: thanks to an elastic and flexible surface made of vulcanized natural rubber, the saddle absorbs unevenness well. A further advantage of the material is its robustness and weather resistance.
The Cambium C67 saddle in our review
In comparison to the Cambium C17 saddle — which is otherwise privately ridden here — the new C67 is also largely identical in construction and material, but its format is significantly different: The C67 model is shorter and therefore wider, and its dimensions are more comparable to the leather model B67. The saddle nose, which is pulled far down, is also reminiscent of the leather model, which means that the new Cambium version can certainly be seen as a modern interpretation of the classic.
With its width of 185 mm, the C67 is one of the widest saddle in the Cambium range and probably the most comfortable as well. A short pressure test with the finger reveals that the saddle is rock hard, just like the other Cambium models. But once you sit on it, you quickly notice how flexible and comfortable the saddle really is. This, by the way, right from the start, the Cambium saddles — in comparison to the leather models — do not have to be broken in or greased. The width of the saddle quickly proves to be very comfortable and fits well to a quite upright sitting posture. But you should note the length of the saddle: like the B67 the new C67 is quite short with 265 mm. So tall riders should test if they can handle it — at least in the beginning the saddle felt a bit too short compared to the usually used C17. The clearly formed saddle nose, however, provides additional support and after a short period of getting used to it, the new saddle felt familiar.
The surface of the C67 is made of vulcanized natural rubber, which is also a big plus in terms of its suitability for everyday use: Rain cannot damage the saddle – you just wipe the water away and that’s it, no water is absorbed by the surface. In addition, the material is protected from UV radiation and resistant to abrasion, which is also an advantage when used outdoors frequently. The relatively simple construction of the saddle ensures that there are no mechanical moving parts – so the saddle makes no noise. In terms of weight, the C67 saddle weighs 490 g. This makes it slightly heavier than the C17 (464 g) used for comparison, but significantly lighter than the B67 (over 800 g).
The ergonomic handlebar grips in action
Opinions were divided on the previous Brooks Cambium handlebar grips: Without a doubt, they looked very nice (in the beginning) and are the perfect partner for a Brooks saddle. However, the grips are also quite hard and fade quickly in sunlight — at least the ones used here. But with the new Ergo grips this should be a thing of the past. On the one hand, the material is now protected from UV radiation just like the saddle and no fading is visible in the previous period of use (although the sunniest days are now over). On the other hand, the ergonomic shape makes the grips much more comfortable. Although the handle is still quite hard on the top side, the wide palm rest makes the use much more comfortable! If you make the direct comparison between the normal and the Ergo grips, you will hardly want to go back to the normal grips afterwards. Also worth mentioning are the new end caps, which are now made of aluminum instead of rubber. This makes them look more valuable, but they are also more susceptible to scratches. The weight of the Ergo handlebar grips is 200 g in a pair.
Conclusion
Both Brooks novelties convinced in the test and bring together two seemingly opposing worlds: Ergonomic grips and wide, comfortable saddles have so far usually been at odds with a stylish look. But with the C67 and the Ergo grips, Brooks now manages this balancing act and proves that both features can be successfully combined. The new saddle is comfortable, robust and suitable for everyday use in urban areas. Only the length of the saddle might be too short for tall riders (over 1.85 m) — but a short test ride should quickly clarify this. You don’t need to think about the new Ergo grips at all: they are basically superior in all respects to the previous regular Cambium grips and should therefore be the best addition to the new C67.
With 120 Euros for the saddle and 45 Euros for the handlebar grips, both parts are in the higher price segment — which is what you are used to from Brooks. But the workmanship, durability and especially the look offer a good value for money.
