Overall I would not recommend this brand of seat to fellow retro-grouch leather lovers. The overall sticker price and quality simply do not add up. The rails of the saddle require another machined part to hold the rails in place. This feature is design flaw. The Berthoud saddles are not true tensioned leather saddles.

The cover is made from CNC'd thick leather. It's thickness is impressive however the way it is attached in the Berthoud mechanism is flawed. The rails are press fit into a plastic assembly. The rivets are removable.

The saddle can be repaired or taken apart but what good is it if the design is flawed. If a saddle is going to have a rider on it, the rails should not simply be press fit into a plastic polycarbonate plastic plate. It should we welded metal with no potential for twisting or slipping.

Once again it's not a true tensioned leather saddle. The Brooks design has the saddle molded specifically for it's own rail system. The leather when attached to the rails is tight. The rails are welded and won't twist or slip, unless the leather is far too supple.

Please note I am reviewing the Galiber titanium race saddle. The saddle is far too expensive. For the same amount of money I can get a hand hammered copper rivet Brooks. The handmade craftsmanship and old world charm simply don't come with the high price tag of the Berthoud.

Both the Berthoud and Swift saddle feature a fairly narrow hide and that does not really leave enough material for lacing when well broken in. That feature is something every person ought to consider. The Brooks team pro has enough leather to be butchered and tied.

IMO the Berthoud saddle had a good idea but the cheapness of materials and design does not offer a better alternative than Brooks. Some will argue that quality of Berthoud can compete with Brooks. I do not agree at all.

I can't stress enough that the Berthoud is simply a pre-molded hide attached with screws. The Brooks method is different because the leather mold is intended to be fixed to the frame with rivets. The shape is tightly adhered and holds tension and shape.

So.. folks...Anybody who wants to trade a like new or slightly used Brooks Professional for the Berthoud can shoot me an e-mail. Don't get mad because "I told you so"