Brooks B17 saddle rivets like "warts".

[Newport Hawk]

First, I'm not a 'troll' and before the shouts of blasphemy, I have an issue with my new B17 saddle. Last week I received my 'new' Brooks B17 Standard (black w/ss rivets) and I'm a bit concerned if there's a 'quality' issue going on at Brooks (still waiting on Brooks' email response to my problem).

The stainless rivets along the back are raised, rather than flush. Two of the rivets I can get a fingernail under the head, and on one of the two, you can actually see daylight under the head.

I don't wear padded shorts (nor feel that I should have too), and when sliding back on the seat the rivets stick into my bony butt.

Has anyone experienced this problem? When Proofide'd, will the leather 'swell' that much? I'm not sure that it will.

Thoughts, suggestions? Thanks..........

[Newport Hawk]

Wonderful. Here's the Brooks response:
This Message was undeliverable due to the following reason:
Your message was not delivered because the destination computer was
not reachable within the allowed queue period. The amount of time
a message is queued before it is returned depends on local configura-
tion parameters.
Most likely there is a network problem that prevented delivery, but
it is also possible that the computer is turned off, or does not
have a mail system running right now.
Your message was not delivered within 4 days and 0 hours.
Host brookssaddles.com is not responding.
The following recipients did not receive this message:
<sales@brookssaddles.com>

[well biked]

First, I'm not a 'troll' and before the shouts of blasphemy, I have an issue with my new B17 saddle. Last week I received my 'new' Brooks B17 Standard (black w/ss rivets) and I'm a bit concerned if there's a 'quality' issue going on at Brooks (still waiting on Brooks' email response to my problem).

The stainless rivets along the back are raised, rather than flush. Two of the rivets I can get a fingernail under the head, and on one of the two, you can actually see daylight under the head.

I don't wear padded shorts (nor feel that I should have too), and when sliding back on the seat the rivets stick into my bony butt.

Has anyone experienced this problem? When Proofide'd, will the leather 'swell' that much? I'm not sure that it will.

Thoughts, suggestions? Thanks..........


There's some variation from one Brooks to another, because of the variation in one piece of leather to the next. But because you say you can actually see daylight beneath at least one of the rivets, I think you have reason for a return or refund. I've got three B-17's, on all of them the rivets more or less sit flush with the leather, in fact the rivets pretty much press into the leather a little. Proofide won't make a difference with this.

[Davet]

Wonderful. Here's the Brooks response:
This Message was undeliverable due to the following reason:
Your message was not delivered because the destination computer was
not reachable within the allowed queue period. The amount of time
a message is queued before it is returned depends on local configura-
tion parameters.
Most likely there is a network problem that prevented delivery, but
it is also possible that the computer is turned off, or does not
have a mail system running right now.
Your message was not delivered within 4 days and 0 hours.
Host brookssaddles.com is not responding.
The following recipients did not receive this message:
<sales@brookssaddles.com>

I had no problem logging on to brookssaddles.com within seconds. However that is Brooks website in England. I would suggest that you go back to the shop that sold you the saddle, or if you purchased it online then go back to that vendor. Either should be able to assist you to rectify the problem through the U.S. distributor for Brooks.

[Heyduke]

First, I'm not a 'troll' and before the shouts of blasphemy, I have an issue with my new B17 saddle. Last week I received my 'new' Brooks B17 Standard (black w/ss rivets) and I'm a bit concerned if there's a 'quality' issue going on at Brooks (still waiting on Brooks' email response to my problem).

The stainless rivets along the back are raised, rather than flush. Two of the rivets I can get a fingernail under the head, and on one of the two, you can actually see daylight under the head.

I don't wear padded shorts (nor feel that I should have too), and when sliding back on the seat the rivets stick into my bony butt.

Has anyone experienced this problem? When Proofide'd, will the leather 'swell' that much? I'm not sure that it will.

Thoughts, suggestions? Thanks..........

Find the receipt/packing slip, put it back in the box and take it back!

You should NOT have to wear padded shorts with that saddle unless you're really putting in some miles.

Out of all the saddles Brooks makes, there are bound to be some that are less (or way less) than perfect.

[tellyho]

That sounds like an issue that needs fixing, and I suspect Brooks will take care of you. Rivets on my B17 and my wife's B67 both are flush with the leather.

That said, I have often found that while I could get a company to fix a small issue for me, it is often easier to get it fixed locally for a small cost and no headache. I would go to a shoe repair shop or a horse saddle maker and see if they can either fix or replace.

[dobber]

http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=113212

Andrea Men is Brooks Marketing Rep and has been conducting the user testing of the Brooks Imperial saddle here at BikeForums. PM him.

As other have stated, there is variation in the saddles. I had one with raised rivets, but it didn't bother my big fat butt. If possible, take it back.

[Barabaika]

You can try to tap the rivets with a hammer.
The Brooks Standard is assembled by robots. The ones with bigger copper rivets are assembled by people.

http://www.branfordbike.com/images/saddles/brooks/handmade.jpg

[noisebeam]

Gap under the rivets is not normal. Just return/exchange with the place you purchased, contacting Brooks will not get you anywhere quickly, they will likely recommend exchanging it.
Al

[Newport Hawk]

Thanks all for your suggestions. I've packed it up and it goes back in the morning. In the mean time, another saddle is currently on it's way. Hopefully, it will have less flaws.

And thanks 'dobber', I've shot Andrea a short msg.

Ride safe all....

[FlatFender]

huh, I would have just smacked the rivets with a hammer.

[Toddorado]

FWIW, I don't own a Brooks, nor do I plan to, but when Andrea was in the forum recruiting testers for their new models, he was the epitome of class and efficiency when it came to accurately responding to inquiries. I have no doubt that Brooks will treat you right.

[noisebeam]

huh, I would have just smacked the rivets with a hammer.

Doesn't work. They need to be solidly supported on the opposite site and the frame of the B17 makes it so it is near impossible to do so cleanly. Even it one can support them, they may not take the extra squishing well.
Al

[Brian]

So what's the status? I'm pretty sure that the admins have a good rapport with Brooks, and we'll assist any way we can. Andrea showed up when I was away, so I'm out of the loop.

[Newport Hawk]

Brooks B17 saddle rivets like "warts". Status:
~ I contacted Nashbar and ordered another B.17 Standard, receiving an apology, a 20% discount, and free shipping.
~ I returned the defective B.17 to Nashbar via the USPS ($10.45).
~ Andrea has contacted me and I've provided him the information on the seat. No further word from him, nor from Brooks.
~ The new B.17 has arrived and it's ss rivets (although some are raised slightly) is a bit better than the last one.

I would suspect that the Brooks 'B.17 Standard' production machinery is either out of alignment, or is becoming a bit worn with demand. Either way, I intend to keep this one and work with it. I've proofide it, and now have about 20 miles on it. So far so good, and the raised ss rivets are not nearly as pronounced as the last one was (even when sitting on it).

Thanks all for your responses, suggestions, and support. Ride safe....