Classic & Vintage - Brooks B17 and Stainless Rivets

I ordered my B17 off of Nashbar a couple days ago and when it came today, to my surprise, the honey saddle had stainless rivets. Is this standard? Maybe others have discussed this before and I couldn't find the thread (the search on this forum is completely worthless by the way - just my opinion) so maybe you could point me in that direction if it has been discussed.

What's funny is the guy on the Nashbar chat suggested I let the rivets oxidize a bit and said they'll turn bronze color. He even pointed me in the direction of some photographs of teapots that were silver looking, but were actually bronze.

In any case, if I can't get the B17 in Honey with Bronze rivets, I'll keep the saddle. Otherwise, I'm holding out for a honey/brass combo. What do you guys/gals think of the Honey/Silver deal?

You sure that they are stainless steel? I don't own any new Brooks saddles, but my old black B17s had nickel-plated (maybe chrome plated) brass rivets. Reminder: I'm talking old, here...but check the underside and see if there's any sign of the rivets being plated and some brass color showing where they are splayed out. If so, and you are really fanatic, you could carefully dremel away the plating on the tops of the rivets...but really careful or you'll scar the leather. Frankly, I think all the combinations of leather color and rivets (brass, copper, nickel, large or small) look just fine to me. Stainless is a new one, I'd have to see it first.

Typically the B17 is available with small steel rivets and black painted rails. The Champion special has Large copper rivets and copper plated rails, bag loops and a chamfered edge. You will pay another $20 which is worth it IMO.

Here is the place to go to buy a Brooks saddle:

http://www.wallbike.com/brooks/standardsaddles.html

They have the best stock and selection and guarantee and are great to deal with too.

Here's an image of what my saddle looks like:
http://www.isomedia.com/homes/motors/b17honey.JPG

I did just that when I got it. I looked at the underside of the saddle to see if the rivets gave any indication of a plating or something. I guess I'll have to deal with steel or return it. Maybe steel rivets will grow on me.

Brooks B17 standard has small hollow steel rivets
B17 Champion Special, and Ti have medium sized copper rivets.

marty

There's a cheaper alternative:

http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=34&id=98

Here's an image of what my saddle looks like:
http://www.isomedia.com/homes/motors/b17honey.JPG

I did just that when I got it. I looked at the underside of the saddle to see if the rivets gave any indication of a plating or something. I guess I'll have to deal with steel or return it. Maybe steel rivets will grow on me.
My Flyer looks just like that except for the springs. I just ordered a Honey B-17 Champion with the large copper rivets to go on my 1200. Nothing feels as good as a broken in Brooks, butt heaven.

Tim

There's a cheaper alternative:

http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=34&id=98
Try any of the seats? Huron is about 1 1/2 hr from my house. They look nice.
Tim

that's the saddle that came on my 1970 raleigh grand prix when i bought it new. small chrome/nickel rivets.

chances are its steel but you can always confirm it with a magnet

I have a B17 Standard I got for Christmas and it is really comfortable. They say the saddle needs to be broken in, but mine has been comfortable from the start. I have about 200 miles on it so far. This may be a stupid question, but other than appearance, why would copper or stainless be preferable to steel?

Try any of the seats? Huron is about 1 1/2 hr from my house. They look nice.
Tim

There's one on eBay.

chances are its steel but you can always confirm it with a magnet

Tested. Confirmed! I guess Brooks makes them both ways with Steel and Copper rivets for the b17 Standard. I guess I'll learn to love steel rivets!

As others have said, my Brooks Flyer has small silver rivets. My B17 Champion Special has large brass rivets. They both look great and feel great. Sit on it and ride.