I ordered a new Brooks B17 standard saddle through Amazon and noticed some of the rivets have very rough edges (small burrs) that would definitely snag cycling shorts. I returned the first one and the replacement had the same problem.

I ended up filing the burrs so I can use the saddle. Shouldn’t have had to do that on a brand new saddle, but it wasn’t that difficult.

Anyone else encounter things like this with Brooks products? What I experienced would seem to indicate that Brooks is more about mass production and lower quality standards these days.

Could these saddles be factory seconds or counterfeits? My experience with the newer Brooks products has been consistently good- diligent quality control!

I had given that some thought, but am not sure how I would find out for sure. Perhaps a note to Brooks.

Yes. contact Brooks they will want to know about it. Roger

Did it come in a Brooks box with card for registering it with Brooks for warranty? I'm assuming that if the ID number on the bottom of the saddle was bogus, Brooks would have rejected your attempt to register it.

Get the bigger copper or the basic machine set nickeled brass?


If copper , you can hammer on it, where it sticks up.. smoother the hammer face the better..
back up the other side so your blows are more effective..


they are rushing more to meet demand than they were in the mid 70's..




...

Mine has the machine set nickel plated rivets and to answer one of the other questions, it did come in a Brooks box with the wrench, instructions and sample pack of Proofide. I was able to register it successfully.

I have reached out to Brooks for their input.

Recently bought a new Brooks b17. When shopping online I noticed that some new ones came without a box, or without a wrench, etc. I opted for the works. The saddle is flawless. Though I've never heard of fakes.

Yep - mine came with all of that both times. Will be interesting to hear what Brooks has to say.

I have a whole wall of Brooks saddles hanging behind me and not a single burr on any of the rivets. How odd. I wonder if they got a bad batch or something.

Just DIY. bang it down flush, hard plastic hammer maybe.?


Being Trendy, they have to crank them out quickly now..

I received a response from Brooks that was marginally helpful. They were able to confirm that the saddle is authentic, but they completely glossed over the rivet burr issue by explaining that the rivets have beveled edges and protrude slightly above the leather. A Captain Obvious moment for Brooks and the bad rivet issue will remain a mystery.

1) Take a picture of the burrs.
2) Post it here.
3) Write Brooks and tell them you've posted the pics and ask if the burrs pictured are normal
4) Prepare for a bit more responsive Customer Service Department.