The B17 is the oldest saddle design that Brooks England still manufactures (since 1888). This Special model comes with copper plated chromoly steel rails and hammered copper rivets. It makes a nice replacement or upgrade over the stock saddles. Leather saddles are more organic and slowly break in over time, eventually (if well-cared for) achieving a "custom fit." The thick leather is also generally more durable than the more common stitched material saddles out there (synthetic or otherwise).