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Is my Brooks Flyer a Flyer or not?

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Is my Brooks Flyer a Flyer or not?

Old 06-01-11, 03:46 PM
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Is my Brooks Flyer a Flyer or not?

There was an interesting discussion last week when I'd asked about a crack in my saddle. Apparently my Brooks Champion Flyer S is not fitting with the norms for that model. Unfortunately I didn't have adequate photos, but I have more now!
So yeah. I bought the saddle from Permaco back in December. It seemed legit to me, I'm thinking maybe it's an outdated model? What's the story here?









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Old 06-01-11, 04:08 PM
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I purchased a Flyer S in black from Permaco over a year ago, and it had silver rivets but no holes in it. I think they have old stock, and the models have changed a little bit since then. I believe they are even selling models that don't really exist anymore too-- like the Countess.
It looks like they were selling a champion S and a flyer s. I think they are pretty much the same thing, but yours, the champion s has different color rivets.
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Old 06-01-11, 04:16 PM
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Looks like an authentic Brooks to me. The original photo, which arguably didn't show much, didn't look very much like the photos of the Flyer's that are on Brooks website. Perhaps they used coppery (is that a word?) colored rivets on yours because that was what was handy.

Anyways, go on the Brooks website and go to the section where you can "register" your saddle. They will ask for information, including the 3 digit identification code located underneath the saddle. Your photo showing the underside looks like it reads O G D.

The Brooks folks can tell you how old it is. Doesn't appear very old to me. They also can comment on the "crack" and whether it is of issue or not. I'm thinking it is more cosmetic than anything at this point. If it changes over time, then that's another thing.
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Old 06-01-11, 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by TugaDude
Anyways, go on the Brooks website and go to the section where you can "register" your saddle. They will ask for information, including the 3 digit identification code located underneath the saddle. Your photo showing the underside looks like it reads O G D.

Oh thanks! I had no idea there was a registry! And thanks Alr too!
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Old 06-01-11, 04:50 PM
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The "S" is for short. It's a ladies' model. They are shorter than the men's models. My Champion Flyer has the same rivets. It's 6-7 years old.
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Old 06-01-11, 06:11 PM
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For what it's worth, my new Brooks Flyer has nickel colored rivets but my vintage Flyers have coppery-colored rivets.
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Old 06-01-11, 08:54 PM
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My Brooks Flyer is creaking and squeaking all of a sudden. Every bump is a new sound adventure, lol.
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Old 06-01-11, 09:08 PM
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Plymouthfan - if you can wobble the saddle on the nose of the frame it's time to tension up the saddle. Mine makes a bit of noise when it gets loose - one of these days I'll locktite the saddle tension screw, it keeps loosening up on me.
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Old 06-02-11, 03:52 AM
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That saddle, judging by the copper-plated rivets and nameplate pattern, is at least 10 years old - probably about fifteen.

NOS, I guess you'd call it, eBay-speak.
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Old 06-02-11, 05:43 AM
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That's a Flyer, I have a Flyer Special with large hammered Rivets. I think your saddle is tilted back too much. It should be a bit up more than normal, so when you sit, it levels out. The way you have it set now, you'll feel like your slidding back a bit on every bump.
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Old 06-02-11, 08:11 AM
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You have to be very heavy to level out a Flyer just by sitting on it.
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Old 06-02-11, 08:23 AM
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Originally Posted by randomgear
Plymouthfan - if you can wobble the saddle on the nose of the frame it's time to tension up the saddle. Mine makes a bit of noise when it gets loose - one of these days I'll locktite the saddle tension screw, it keeps loosening up on me.
Well I tensioned it up a little. I also tightened the four nuts that hold the springs, plus I added a drop of oil where metal rubs metal. Sounds are gone!
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Old 06-02-11, 08:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Michael Angelo
I think your saddle is tilted back too much. It should be a bit up more than normal, so when you sit, it levels out. The way you have it set now, you'll feel like your slidding back a bit on every bump.
I have all my brooks saddles tilted slightly nose up. Otherwise, I slide forward towards the nose, and that is mighty uncomfortable.
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Old 06-02-11, 08:26 AM
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Originally Posted by alr
I have all my brooks saddles tilted slightly nose up. Otherwise, I slide forward towards the nose, and that is mighty uncomfortable.
As do I. No two folks are built just alike. It's worth noting, too, that the type and position of the handlebars dictates the degree of tilt I need on my saddles.
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Old 06-02-11, 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Grand Bois
You have to be very heavy to level out a Flyer just by sitting on it.
+1

the Flyer springs are purposely quite stiff....its not at all like a B66.
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Old 06-02-11, 09:37 AM
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Originally Posted by alr
I have all my brooks saddles tilted slightly nose up. Otherwise, I slide forward towards the nose, and that is mighty uncomfortable.
Yep. This is exactly why I have mine tilted up. I tried taking it down a few notches and then readjusting it notch by notch, and I ended up right back where I started!

Thanks for all in input on the story behind this saddle guys! I wonder then if Permaco's just slowly trying to sell out of their stock since there no longer the american distributer. Looks like it.
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Old 06-02-11, 09:39 AM
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Saddle tilt is so personal...

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Old 06-02-11, 09:42 AM
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For future brooks-buying reference, WallBike.com is an awesome dealer for leather saddles. If you get one and don't like it they will take it back or exchange it for something else. They charge a few bux more but IMHO its a small cost for peace of mind. That's how I ended up with my Flyer. I bought a Cardiff Cornwall from WallBike and hated it. They took it back with no fuss and exchanged it for a Flyer.
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Old 06-02-11, 02:13 PM
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Makes sense, I'm 220lb.
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Old 06-04-11, 11:36 PM
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Zaphod is right about Wallingford Bike wallbike). I managed to break the lower rail of my flyer last fall, Wallingford sold me a lower rail kit and springs for about $35 and shipping; lots cheaper than a new flyer.
I've had my saddle tilted up in the past to keep from sliding forward, never a problem feeling like I was sliding back and I'm about 240lbs.
Good to hear the squeaks are gone.
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