Honey, brown or black leather saddle for a "British Racing Green" frame?
#26
Decrepit Member
Honey and matching bar tape.
#27
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,625
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3868 Post(s)
Liked 2,560 Times
in
1,574 Posts
I didn't want to be the first to say it, but those radials are really bugging me.
But more productively, I'll cast another vote for "Honey/brown if you'll change the bar tape [and perhaps tire sidewalls] to match, otherwise black."
But more productively, I'll cast another vote for "Honey/brown if you'll change the bar tape [and perhaps tire sidewalls] to match, otherwise black."
#29
Senior Member
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: STP
Posts: 15,223
Mentioned: 74 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 821 Post(s)
Liked 253 Times
in
141 Posts
Fwiw My 1972 Triumph TR6 was also British racing green. Sported very nice dark brown leather seats and carpeting. I really miss that car.
#31
Senior Member
I've wanted a TR6 for a long time. Some day...
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: STP
Posts: 15,223
Mentioned: 74 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 821 Post(s)
Liked 253 Times
in
141 Posts
I've owned three.
The achilles heel for me was the Lucas mechanical injection system.
I was a bit over matched with that and the rear suspension issues were challenging as well.
Once we switched it out to the Weber DCO 40e carbs, those babies purred.
Back in the early eighties though, these cars were very easy to find at a good price
I always seemed to have a project car to have fun with at the time.
I'll get around to cars again after we get the boys through school.
The achilles heel for me was the Lucas mechanical injection system.
I was a bit over matched with that and the rear suspension issues were challenging as well.
Once we switched it out to the Weber DCO 40e carbs, those babies purred.
Back in the early eighties though, these cars were very easy to find at a good price
I always seemed to have a project car to have fun with at the time.
I'll get around to cars again after we get the boys through school.
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 8,016
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1627 Post(s)
Liked 629 Times
in
355 Posts
Because it's such a basic, old-school kind of rig: Morgan +4, I think.
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
#37
incazzare.
Doesn't really matter. It's about the colors.
__________________
1964 JRJ (Bob Jackson), 1973 Wes Mason, 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1986 Schwinn High Sierra, 2000ish Colian (Colin Laing), 2011 Dick Chafe, 2013 Velo Orange Pass Hunter
1964 JRJ (Bob Jackson), 1973 Wes Mason, 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1986 Schwinn High Sierra, 2000ish Colian (Colin Laing), 2011 Dick Chafe, 2013 Velo Orange Pass Hunter
#38
Uff Da!
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,191
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Liked 180 Times
in
90 Posts
I see a few minor differences, but it looks like a Morgan 4/4 to me.
Morgan 4/4 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Morgan 4/4 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
#39
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Somerville, MA
Posts: 38
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks, all! Here's the vote tally:
Honey: 10
Brown: 6
Black: 5
Olive Green: 1
1972 Triumph TR6 Roadster: 2
Honey has the lead, but not by an overwhelming majority, it seems. Velognome mentioned that the honey stains over time, while others feel that it develops a nice patina. And many think the bar tape should match the saddle (I agree). I was leaning towards honey going into this, but several noted that honey might not be the best option with a black stem, post and bars. Since I realistically won't be switching those out for chrome bits anytime soon, that's something to consider... Hmmmm. I'm also getting the impression that many are steering me towards a Brooks as opposed to a less expensive leather saddle. So in summary, you guys have made my decision less clear and more expensive. Thanks?
Honey: 10
Brown: 6
Black: 5
Olive Green: 1
1972 Triumph TR6 Roadster: 2
Honey has the lead, but not by an overwhelming majority, it seems. Velognome mentioned that the honey stains over time, while others feel that it develops a nice patina. And many think the bar tape should match the saddle (I agree). I was leaning towards honey going into this, but several noted that honey might not be the best option with a black stem, post and bars. Since I realistically won't be switching those out for chrome bits anytime soon, that's something to consider... Hmmmm. I'm also getting the impression that many are steering me towards a Brooks as opposed to a less expensive leather saddle. So in summary, you guys have made my decision less clear and more expensive. Thanks?
#40
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,625
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3868 Post(s)
Liked 2,560 Times
in
1,574 Posts
Anytime!
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 1,988
Bikes: ‘87 Marinoni SLX Sports Tourer, ‘79 Miyata 912 by Gugificazione
Mentioned: 166 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 464 Times
in
255 Posts
Here's how my honey B17 developed patina over the 10 years I've had it:
New:
After about 6 months:
Recently (it's the one in back): The middle one is my "Natural" Gilles Berthoud Aravis when it was new. It developed a similar patina to the Brooks in the last year.
BTW, I wouldn't call the leather saddles "stained", and mostly wear black shorts, so wouldn't know if they are discolored from the saddle.
I had a gray B17 about 14 years ago, and I was very disappointed that the gray rather quickly came off (peeled, actually) revealing black underneath. It seems like the new colored Brooks don't have that problem. FWIW, a Brooks saddle of any color will probably outlast a TR6 roadster, but I'm not sure about the Morgan.
New:
After about 6 months:
Recently (it's the one in back): The middle one is my "Natural" Gilles Berthoud Aravis when it was new. It developed a similar patina to the Brooks in the last year.
BTW, I wouldn't call the leather saddles "stained", and mostly wear black shorts, so wouldn't know if they are discolored from the saddle.
I had a gray B17 about 14 years ago, and I was very disappointed that the gray rather quickly came off (peeled, actually) revealing black underneath. It seems like the new colored Brooks don't have that problem. FWIW, a Brooks saddle of any color will probably outlast a TR6 roadster, but I'm not sure about the Morgan.
#44
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,625
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3868 Post(s)
Liked 2,560 Times
in
1,574 Posts
Looks like it also developed a nasty split down the middle.
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Pinole, CA, USA
Posts: 17,414
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 443 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 27 Times
in
25 Posts
I don't wish to offend, but your bike should reflect your taste, not ours. I think you should man up and make your own decisions.
#46
Senior Member
I like Brooks B17 - they fit me right out of the box. So...a black saddle will look more "cool" tone on your bike. Honey or Brown will "warm up" the green of your paint. Is there a place in town where you could take your bike & put the various colors next to it then stand back?
#47
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Somerville, MA
Posts: 38
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That's some beautiful aging, Dfrost!
Noted - thanks. I'm not offended, although every woman may be.
Great idea. I'm sure one of the local shops has a selection of brooks saddles I can check out. Thanks!
I like Brooks B17 - they fit me right out of the box. So...a black saddle will look more "cool" tone on your bike. Honey or Brown will "warm up" the green of your paint. Is there a place in town where you could take your bike & put the various colors next to it then stand back?
#48
Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 40
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That's a nice bike! I just got a Fuji Royale II recently, I'm gonna use yours as inspiration! did you use tube clamps on the seat stays for the rack ?
#50
Banned
Keep a Pair of nitrile gloves in your patch kit so you never get any chain crud on your hands ,
then you can Use Bar tape that is lighter than the Black that will get on Them
& choose a lighter saddle .
1970's & before The Italian Buyout-Takeover, I don't think Brooks made more than the Black-Dark-brown dyed saddle ..
and traditionally Bike Shorts were always Black Too.. a matched pair.
My BRG Brompton has A Black(Fizik) Saddle & Black Ergon Grips.
then you can Use Bar tape that is lighter than the Black that will get on Them
& choose a lighter saddle .
1970's & before The Italian Buyout-Takeover, I don't think Brooks made more than the Black-Dark-brown dyed saddle ..
and traditionally Bike Shorts were always Black Too.. a matched pair.
My BRG Brompton has A Black(Fizik) Saddle & Black Ergon Grips.
Last edited by fietsbob; 10-25-14 at 02:13 PM.