Originally Posted by
rekmeyata
I also know that people regard Brooks as a hammock type of saddle which is why they have the spanner bolt so you can adjust the amount of hammock you want and to keep the saddle from ripping away from the rivets.
Also if you go to that Spa Cyces web site you provided there is a link that says: "read review here", click on "here" and you will be taken to a PDF file, and they say this saddle will be firmer due to the heavier and thicker leather and they recommend using Proofide, a Brooks saddle conditioner, on their saddle! And that saddle too uses a spanner bolt to tighten up the saddle. In addition that saddle is a Chinese made saddle personally I stay away from Chinese made products as much as possible. No doubt the thicker leather should last longer though, but when the average Brooks user gets 25 years out of a saddle I don't think their complaining too much!
People may regard Brooks saddles as "hammock type" but only if these saddles have been softened using conditioner. The recommended method is as I've mentioned above.
The Spa saddles are firmer due to the thicker leather and the Brooks "Proofide" is merely a mixture of wax, oils and citronella which when used, gives a very temporary sealing to the the rolled top-side of the saddle. The leather used in the Spa saddles has had a waterproofing process applied and the underside has been covered by a tough waterproof material.
These saddles do not use a spanner to tension but have an Allen-headed bolt to do this, a much more sensible idea. I know this as I have several.
I've had a B17 that lasted 30 years but still believe that in terms of construction and the materials used, the Spa saddles are superior whether they are Chinese made or not. It must be difficult to avoid Chinese-made products unless you are averse to Apple products and most hi-tech others and still rely on pigeon post.
