Brooks saddles (without) black frames
 

I'm still a Brooks believer, but not liking these black frames on vintage rides,mani have seem to clash with mostly bright aluminum parts. I know the Imperials come in a bright chrome frame, but I've had sagging issues with these models as many others have also reported. Kinda like the copper frames, but only on orange or black bikes. The titanium frame I just can't justify. So it seems the most popular Brooks models get the ugly black painted frame. Are there any other models I'm missing? Tried the Rivet as an option, was harder than concrete. Open for suggestions, really prefer the B17 profile and 170mm width many others don't offer. Thanks in advance!

No advice (except maybe find an old used one), but I have the same disdain/'need' for silver rails...

Check the copper rivet models... Most, if not all, come with chromed rails.

Brooks Pros have chromed rails, but you're correct, the only B17 with chrome rails is the Imperial.

I was thinking the black rails on B17 saddles was some uncool modern twist when I was Brooks shopping, but it is actually a very old detail. That helped me accept it, but I don't know if this will help you with it. Although the decision was easier for me because vintage bike I put one on is black . . . :lol:

http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...psjbl6do0r.jpg

Yep...if you look at the old catalogs, some of their saddles had black rails several decades ago!

This one on eBay is suppossedly from the 40s
http://i1281.photobucket.com/albums/...pscngxaoyt.jpg

Why are Brooks saddle so expensive? My impression is that they are not that comfortable in general?

My B17 is super comfortable right off. I was surprised. Some people don't like them, others insist on them. I wish I'd tried one earlier.

As for price, they are handmade in England using leather, steel, copper, etc. The B17 price is under $100 and worth it IMHO. But, yeah the higher end models are pricey!

http://www.brooksengland.com/en_us/t...classic-3.html

The Team Pro Classic can be had for around the same price as a B17.

Confirming what others have said, every one of my Brooks [Team] Pros has silver rails, including the great-looking maroon Team Pro I bought last year. Though not everyone's cup of tea (so to speak), Brooks saddles find favor with many of us, particularly those with the patience to break one in properly. (It's probably a (human) age thing, but I do not call my 1973 Brooks Pro taking this long to break in. :) )

Expensive - labor intensive, made in England
Not that comfortable? Everyone's fanny perpendicular is different, YMMV, etc., but if you look at people who ride bikes long distances (and aren't paid to do so) you'll find more Brooks saddles than any other type. Randonneurs and expedition tourists tend to gravitate to them. Most all of my bikes have a Brooks saddle. One that doesn't is a vintage Ideale leather saddle.

For many there is a breakin period before saddles are comfortable. I had one on a bike when I was 15, and traded it in after 10 miles of riding. When I was 15 I was impatient. Now I know that it takes a bit of time, but if you're patient, there's an excellent chance it will be the most comfortable saddle you've ever had.

I have a brooks Pro with black rails and a B-17 with copper plated rails. The Pro is dated 1978, the B-17 is just a few years old. At the time the only way you could get a honey B-17 is with copper rails. The copper is fading away to chrome. It may be chromovelato

Did you get that impression by trying them or by reading other's opinions on the internet?

AFA the B17, the only current choice is the B17 special with copper plated rails, or the B17 Imperial, which has chrome rails but also the cut out on top.

Restrictions on chromium 6 have made chrome plating more expensive and difficult than it once was. Copper plate was a rational choice as a replacement, as was good old black paint.

Two part reply.
Why are Brooks saddle so expensive?

MSRP is high relative to other makes, however on any given day can find online new for $80 or even less. Right now there's a storefront seller at $75 range using a discount for first time customers. Awhile back I found an ebay seller who had a very large lot of new or demo Brooks of all type models that when added shipping, my saddles arrived at $55 each.

My impression is that they are not that comfortable in general?

Saddles likely are the most subjective part of a bike. With your noted impression, which model Brooks did or do you have and for what kind of application? The Brooks maker offers many different models to fit a wide range of riders and type of cycling discipline.

Also, consider the company is under a different ownership from years ago but they've survived for well over a hundred years. Some of the shapes, designs and construction is still used today.

About Brooks saddles being expensive: try buying a pair of handmade shoes.

I just took my maiden voyage yesterday on a Brooks Team Pro. I was happy. About 40 miles, and it was comfortable. My sit bones did start getting a touch sore after ~25 miles, but not bad. I'm assuming between my butt toughening up, and the saddle breaking in, that will fade away.

Shape was good though. I had a B17 very briefly about 10 years ago that I absolutely did not like, and knew it within the first day of riding. Cut into my thighs too much.

I can get a Brooks well below the cost any handmade shoes. Or, really, even any mid-level mass produced leather dress or work shoe.

My Brooks Team Pro is on a Chrome plated Rail set..

All my Pro's are chrome as is the Swift.

Don't care for the black either. Looks inexpensive or less classy and I like classy on my bikes! I would be happy if every lug on my bikes were chrome instead of painted, that is, the ones that are painted. Well, now that I think about it, maybe not the seat lug due to the pinch bolt causing flaking. That would have to be polished SS!

It might be pointed out that while the GBP seems to be going back up vs the USD, British goods are a very good deal right now, relatively, if you live in the USA. This is more obvious if you buy direct from the UK.