Yeah that would bother me but I might ride it, too. The saddle I posted a photo of earlier is one I sandpapered and dyed in order to arrive at something I liked the look of.

That's a pretty good summation/reduction of the posts so far.

A definite yes to the second part. The first part of the first, perhaps not.

Patina is ultra-subjective but basically the result of use whereas the saddles we're talking about are brand new and the result of decisions taken in the factory as to what is an acceptable product to put onto the market. I think time will tell but I suspect that Brooks' present policy regarding what is acceptable (I don't think anyone is claiming that Brooks saddles have always had these imperfections) will change as the effects on their sales becomes felt. It basically depends on whether the 'I ride it, not look at it.' folks or the 'I ride it AND care what it looks like.' folks are more numerous.

All those who look at the condition of their saddles whilst riding please step forward. All those who still can.............

Sorry, but that argument does not cut it. No matter how much we deny it, looks count for something.

Next time, don't buy the bottom-of-the-line saddle perhaps? The basic B-17 is, well..., very basic.

Looks good to me. Doesn't look like anything that will affect it in the future. It's leather, so it's pretty tough. 11 billion cows can't be wrong. My Selle Anatamica didn't have any problems!

Guess so, you may have a point there. Cher's plastic surgeon would most definitely agree with you.

Ha! That's pretty funny.

Yes, the B17 is the most basic, lowest rung of all Brooks saddles. However, isn't it fair to say that any Brooks product is not low-end? Therefore, I still have my own expectations of what one should look like.

That raises a new question for the thread: How many such problems have been seen in the "higher" Brooks models? I have something similar in a 1986 or so Team Professional. Still rides pretty good!

I use Swifts and Swallows on some of my bicycles.

It's all about fit, comfort, and performance for me.

The Swallow is black and looks fine, with no swirling or patterns.

I also have three Swifts and each has some distinctive "patterns" in the leather.

I can see them, but no one else has ever commented.

I think of them as character lines, and couldn't care less.

I recently received a Swift Select for a project and this one is even more distinctive.

Again, not a deal breaker, but merely "flavor."

This is a honey Swift, the day I was dialing in my Hollands.

It was about a week old.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2501/5...3e283e35_o.jpg