General Cycling Discussion - Leather Saddle

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View Full Version : Leather Saddle


ShadowGray
05-07-08, 09:14 AM
Does anyone know where you can get a leather saddle? Do they still make them new?

Also, has anyone ever seen a leather saddle on a road bike? I may switch over to a rb but I will want to take the saddle with me.


digger
05-07-08, 09:23 AM
Does anyone know where you can get a leather saddle? Do they still make them new?

Also, has anyone ever seen a leather saddle on a road bike? I may switch over to a rb but I will want to take the saddle with me.

Yes, they are made. For complete information and opinions try here (http://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?)

I'm having good success with this (http://www.brookssaddles.com/) brand - the B17 to be exact.

envane
05-07-08, 10:04 AM
Nashbar has Brooks stuff on sale now:

http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?subcategory=60001082&category=6000114&browse=&storetype=&estoreid=&brand=&searchbox=&start=1&orderby=brand1&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Saddles

That green/copper one is sweet.


ShadowGray
05-07-08, 04:18 PM
Hmm, any other brands out there besides Brooks?

And will they all be triple-digit prices?

SweetLou
05-07-08, 04:31 PM
The B-17 can be had for less. There are other brands, but quality can differ. I have an older Ideale, no longer in business, on one of my bikes. It is great.

You could try Wallingford (http://www.wallbike.com/) they offer a 100% guarantee on Brooks saddles. If you are unhappy for any reason within 6 months, they will refund your money, not the shipping cost though. You can get the B-17 for $82.

There are other places where you can get them for $65 but not with the return policy and it is hit or miss when they have them.

slotibartfast
05-07-08, 04:52 PM
A Brooks B17 is absolutely the best saddle you can get hands-down. I tried all sorts of saddles from the biggest manufacturers (Selle Italia, etc) and nothing is as comfortable for me as a Brooks B17. Installed it on my road bike and did a 45 mile ride with absolutely no pain, just comfort. Sure, it doesn't look as sexy as some of those other high end plastic instruments of torture, but your fanny will thank you.

Velo Dog
05-07-08, 05:49 PM
another vote for the B-17. I have them on four bikes (one was a gift and I got one for $4.50 in a thrift store, or I couldn't afford them), and I haven't had a single complaint in almost 20 years.
Haven't priced them lately, but I think you can find them for about $70, sometimes less. Try Rivendell, www.rivbike.com. They're a little high on many things, but Grant was selling Brookses fairly reasonably.
If you get one, pick up some Proofhide, Brooks' proprietary saddle goop, and apply it sparingly not more than twice a year--do NOT goop it on weekly. My oldest saddle is 20+ years old, and it's hard to tell from the one I bought two years ago.

Creakyknees
05-07-08, 08:17 PM
...And will they all be triple-digit prices?

Clearly you've been away from the bike scene for a while. Brooks are among the _bargain_ saddles these days. The cutting edge racer stuff is waaaaaay expensive. (How else would we know it's the best?) Triple digit saddles, even helmets (????) are common.

BTW, another Brooks fan here.

And a side note - there's a cliche that saddles are a very individual thing, everyone has different preferences. And you'll hear lots of stories of guys trying dozens of saddles to find one they like. But you never (ok, hardly ever) hear about people getting rid of a Brooks. Hmmmm.

.

Mariner Fan
05-07-08, 09:00 PM
I've had very good luck with Brooks saddles. I've tried many different brands and now I'm sold on Brooks exclusively.

Machka
05-08-08, 07:26 PM
Wallingford: http://www.wallbike.com/

Brooks company itself: http://www.brookssaddles.com/

And Brooks saddles aren't expensive ... they're about a mid-range priced saddle.

I've got one, and I'm hoping to get another this summer.

Retro Grouch
05-08-08, 08:07 PM
Clearly you've been away from the bike scene for a while. Brooks are among the _bargain_ saddles these days.

I've got 3 Brooks saddles and I like them but I have a hard time thinking of them as bargains.

Current Wallingford prices.
B17 $82
Team Professional $150
Team Professional with titanium rails $355
Swift $175
Swift with titanium rails $348

If you want the top of the line, a limited edition Swallow goes for $673.