bought a brooks off craigslist...
 

just bought this saddle for my wife's raleigh sports. I had my wife pick it up as i was working, when i got home right away i noticed it was not a b67 as i was expecting, it was a champion flyer! doh!

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/v...o/DSC00537.jpg

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bid/3519416146.html

there's the link, so you can see why i might have made the mistake. i let the seller know right away and he is offering a full refund. but i figured i should see how it fits for my wife first.

BUT then i looked on the underside and i noticed the rivets appeared to have chipped off on some edges...
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/v...o/DSC00540.jpg
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/v...o/DSC00541.jpg
http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/v...o/DSC00539.jpg

will these be fine? I know how some things can appear kinda janky but in reality are plenty strong. i.e. old raleigh brazing lol.

any help is appreciated, and time is of the essence, don't know how long this dude will honor a refund.

They all look like that. I bought this B17 new and it looked like this out of the box:

http://static.blipfotos.com/uploads/....57939897.jpeg

I've got other Brooks saddles that look similar.

I would characterize the saddle you bought as being in excellent shape. Especially for $75... that's a good deal.

It's the standard level.. assembly method .. Machine set rivet ..

woo that was quick! thanks doohikie for the pic, exactly what i was wondering. now the only thing left is to see if my wife likes the way it rides. if not i may even give the seller another 25 and get the b66 he has.

anyone have experience with these two seats? how much more comfy is a b66/67 than a champ flyer for an upright riding position?

If the leather and rivets on the top side are good it is just fine nearly all brooks have this slightly rough look from underneath. Just part of classic functional British workmanship style of manufacturing. As for comfort it will largely depend on the rider the main differences in better brooks saddles is in the size and width.

I have a B66 (double rail) on one of my bikes. It's great for upright position.

You know what's funny about Brooks...my wife saw mine (70's Professional) and asked...
"Do you RIDE on that seat?!?"
I replied, "yeah, why?"
Then she says, "Looks like Hannibal Lectors torture device or something!"
:crash::roflmao2:

well my wife likes the saddle but definitely thinks something wider would be better. but since it is still a world of difference better than the Bell gel seat she had, we agreed that she will use it for the time being. And after we save a bit more cash we will just buy her a brand new really nice b66 or possibly something really comfy like a b73. and ofcourse i cant let the flyer go to waste :). it will most likely go on my newly acquired '54 sports if we cant re-sell it for close to what we paid.

Seems Like you have a terminal case of bike but where nearly any nicer vintage saddle feels good when your riding a nicer bike, you are not alone.

Let me check, but I might have a B66 to trade for the Champion Flyer if you were interested?

thanks for the offer but i'd rather not deal with shipping cost and fear of the unknown lol. plus then i wont get the flyer for myself later on lol, not to mention getting to occasionally getting to ride my wifes extra plush Brooks when we pony up and buy one. man a b73 looks nice!!!