Anyone have any recommendations for a dark brown/antique brown - non- brooks saddle? The selle san marco regal would work... sort of, but I don't think i'm all that keen on the suede texture. I dunno why they have a smooth leather for the white ones, but decided they needed suede for brown. It's also a little light.

my plan is to have a saddle and matching shellac'd cork tape. I like the looks of the antique brown brooks saddles but it seems those aren't easily had on ebay for cheap. (i'm certain those that are have already been scooped up by my fellow c&v'ers).

Suggestions? Doesn't have to be leather, but that's first on the list.

Cardiff saddles? This one seems to be in between honey and antique brown.

https://www.bonanzle.com/booths/simpl...cle_Saddle_NEW

Why does it have to be non-Brooks? I just paid $56+$16 shipping for a new antique brown B68 from a UK site. Why settle for less than the best?

you can get a new brooks B17 narrow in brown for ~$75 with free shipping from wiggle in the UK. i just got a standard B17 in honey for $64.

you can also try looking for ideale saddles on ebay. i got this nice brown one for $60:

I've been doing the same search tonight, I want to go with a soft brown saddle and cork tape with my deep purple paint job, the black just isn't doing it for me. I really do like the looks of the brown brooks, or that ideal, and I'm tempted, but I'm worried about my break-in time. I've been riding my black Concor for 25 years and love it, so the SSM Regal has the look I want and the "feel" I'm used to, but really no cheaper than a brooks. Which would you rather ride on?

Brooks or Ideale, they both are great saddles--- but I never met one I needed to break in. NIB was just fine.