Brooks saddle defect?
01-12-12 | 09:06 AM
#51
十人十色
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 27
From: Tokyo, Japan
The truth lies somewhere between the two arguments. Some of us are asking for too much, some of us aren't admitting that a brooks aesthetics are as important to us as their comfort. If Brooks weren't a beauty product, we wouldn't be posting pictures of them or even having this discussion.
01-12-12 | 09:52 AM
#52
十人十色
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 27
From: Tokyo, Japan
Those who like a little "character" in their leather saddles are probably the same ones who can appreciate some "patina" in their paint, while others will have none of it: Tastes vary widely, simply because people are so different - which goes to show that we're like cows.
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.
01-13-12 | 02:03 AM
#53
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: Morcambe UK
Bikes: ALAN alloy, Argos Reynolds 753, Tony Oliver Custom Reynolds/Columbus tourer, Raleigh Richmond (Reynolds 531), Raleigh Hustler all-steel roadster Raleigh Road Ace (531c)Raleigh Vitesse Carlton Corsair (531)
All those who look at the condition of their saddles whilst riding please step forward. All those who still can.............
01-13-12 | 02:14 AM
#54
Rustbelt Rider
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,105
Likes: 390
From: Canton, OH
Bikes: 1990 Trek 1420 - 1978 Raleigh Professional - 1973 Schwinn Collegiate - 1974 Schwinn Suburban
Sorry, but that argument does not cut it. No matter how much we deny it, looks count for something.
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01-16-12 | 03:32 AM
#57
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: Morcambe UK
Bikes: ALAN alloy, Argos Reynolds 753, Tony Oliver Custom Reynolds/Columbus tourer, Raleigh Richmond (Reynolds 531), Raleigh Hustler all-steel roadster Raleigh Road Ace (531c)Raleigh Vitesse Carlton Corsair (531)
01-16-12 | 03:59 AM
#58
Rustbelt Rider
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,105
Likes: 390
From: Canton, OH
Bikes: 1990 Trek 1420 - 1978 Raleigh Professional - 1973 Schwinn Collegiate - 1974 Schwinn Suburban
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.
__________________
|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^| ||
|......GO.BROWNS........| ||'|";, ___.
|_..._..._______===|=||_|__|..., ] -
"(@)'(@)"""''"**|(@)(@)*****''(@)
|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^| ||
|......GO.BROWNS........| ||'|";, ___.
|_..._..._______===|=||_|__|..., ] -
"(@)'(@)"""''"**|(@)(@)*****''(@)
01-16-12 | 05:12 AM
#59
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 17,196
Likes: 761
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
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!
01-16-12 | 06:12 AM
#60
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 14,492
Likes: 269
From: STP
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.
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.
Last edited by gomango; 01-16-12 at 06:27 AM.
