My lucky day! 1981 Miyata 1000
10-21-11, 02:11 PM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Knoxville, TN
Posts: 1,977
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount P15, Fisher Montare, Proteus, Rivendell Quickbeam
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Nice job! Although I could do without those brake levers.
10-21-11, 02:55 PM
#27
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 298
Bikes: '16 Cannondale Slate, '12 Fisher Cronus, '85 Pinarello Triatlon, '98 Sampson Z7 Pro Road Ti , '96 Merlin Titanium, '95 Cannondale V500, '72 Gitane TdF, ' 89 Merckx Corsa Extra, '85 Centurion Ironman pink/yellow, ' 85 1st gen Fuso.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yes, the levers might be a bit much. I like them, and they looked great on paper, and in small pictures on the web. They feel great in the hand, but they look a little over the top..... and large. I think they will not stand out as much when I switch to brown tape.
09-29-12, 03:36 PM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mansfield, Texas
Posts: 115
Bikes: Soma Stanya Build, Trek build, Miyata 312, Miyata 710, Nashbar Toure MT, Giant hybrid
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This is a little off the mark because I don't have any experience with the Cardiff saddles but I do have experience with VO saddles. I understand that the Cardiff and VO saddles are made by the same company and the Cornwall looks very similar to my VO Model 3. I also have a VO Model 8 with springs. I have four other bikes with Brooks B17 saddles in various stages of breakin.
That said, take it for what it's worth, but I would not buy a Cardiff unless you can inspect it and satisfy yourself that my reservations don't hold. First, my Model 3 has the rails attached to the support in the back by a butt weld and not by a secure mechanical connection like Brooks uses. This weld has broken on one rail and I had to have it rewelded. Second, the VO saddle is not as comfortable as the B17. Every B17 I have was more comfortable out of the box than the Model 3 after hundreds of miles. I attribute this to the lining that the VO saddles have bonded to the underside of the leather. I'm not sure what the intent of this lining is but it seems to stiffen the saddle. And third, the Brooks saddles have a smooth slick surface that I prefer over the VO's rough surface.
In summary, the VO Model 3 is not a terrible saddle (or I would not still be riding it) but I would not buy one over a Brooks B17 just to save a few bucks or to be different. The VO looks fine but otherwise "not so much". The VO Model 8 is similar to the Model 3 regarding the sit surface.
That said, take it for what it's worth, but I would not buy a Cardiff unless you can inspect it and satisfy yourself that my reservations don't hold. First, my Model 3 has the rails attached to the support in the back by a butt weld and not by a secure mechanical connection like Brooks uses. This weld has broken on one rail and I had to have it rewelded. Second, the VO saddle is not as comfortable as the B17. Every B17 I have was more comfortable out of the box than the Model 3 after hundreds of miles. I attribute this to the lining that the VO saddles have bonded to the underside of the leather. I'm not sure what the intent of this lining is but it seems to stiffen the saddle. And third, the Brooks saddles have a smooth slick surface that I prefer over the VO's rough surface.
In summary, the VO Model 3 is not a terrible saddle (or I would not still be riding it) but I would not buy one over a Brooks B17 just to save a few bucks or to be different. The VO looks fine but otherwise "not so much". The VO Model 8 is similar to the Model 3 regarding the sit surface.
Wow! I'm impressed!!
I just received the replacement Model 3 Touring saddle that you sent because the aft rail weld had broken on my old one.
1. You did a warranty replacement even though your web site says your warranty is for one year on defective parts. My saddle was bought in 2009.
2. You sent the new saddle by priority mail so it got here quick.
3. The new saddle has a new design for the weld joint that combines a mechanical connection with a weld similar to how Brooks does their B17. Your design now looks even more robust than the Brooks.
4. The new saddle came in a nice drawstring bag. This is a little "over the top" perhaps but impressive nonetheless. My only regret is that the bag did not also contain a small bottle of Scotch.
Thank you for your excellent service. I plan to remain a faithful VO customer.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
skou
Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals.
8
08-11-19 11:10 AM
toytech
Classic & Vintage
3
06-13-11 07:01 PM
