Road Testing the New Brooks Cambium Saddle
06-08-13, 08:24 AM
#126
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You'd be surprised how many still think that some countries (Mostly Asian) are not up to the job of producing great, quality products. Old impressions don't die that quick or easy.
Just for an example, there was a lot of groaning that went on when people found out that the re-issued Selle Italia Turbo saddles were mostly made in China. To the point that people weren't even bothering to check them out just because they weren't being made in Italy anymore. I think Selle Italai had since shifted back some of the production back to Italy to save the product in the market. Just also check out the roadie forums where lots of posts still come up with people really not liking the idea that their "Italian" bikes are now being produced in China or Taiwan, despite the great quality standard that the two countries have been building them for some years now.
Brooks has had a long history of deep loyalty from its users that really liked the idea of the long tradition of it being a British product and for those people, once that traditional link is broken, it's pretty much a no deal situation to even consider buying another saddle for them......
Sounds ridiculous, but it's always been a human factor that bike and component companies have had to deal with when transitioning to a more "global" market/economy just to survive....
Just for an example, there was a lot of groaning that went on when people found out that the re-issued Selle Italia Turbo saddles were mostly made in China. To the point that people weren't even bothering to check them out just because they weren't being made in Italy anymore. I think Selle Italai had since shifted back some of the production back to Italy to save the product in the market. Just also check out the roadie forums where lots of posts still come up with people really not liking the idea that their "Italian" bikes are now being produced in China or Taiwan, despite the great quality standard that the two countries have been building them for some years now.
Brooks has had a long history of deep loyalty from its users that really liked the idea of the long tradition of it being a British product and for those people, once that traditional link is broken, it's pretty much a no deal situation to even consider buying another saddle for them......
Sounds ridiculous, but it's always been a human factor that bike and component companies have had to deal with when transitioning to a more "global" market/economy just to survive....
You use the Selle Italia example. OK! I get it.
I'll give you Campagnolo. I don't see anyone quit buying it because they opened a factory in Romaniana (sp).
Yet still I understand your point, just sort of disagree. Guess it depends on the product.
Harley Davidson is the same way. It use to be you could take a tour of HD and it would include the warehouse.
No longer. Why? Because to many of the crates were marked made in China/ or the far east.
Last edited by jr59; 06-08-13 at 08:31 AM.
06-08-13, 09:07 AM
#127
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Lots of talk regarding concerns over quality if an item is produced in Asia...I'm sure the quality could be just as good, in some cases better due to tight quality control, but there are other reasons to consider where what you are buying came from.
My usual response to folks that walk into my shop (where we sell only locally produced hand made products) when they say "I can buy something just like this for less than half the price at Wal-Mart" is;
"Slave labor sure is cheap isn't it?"
They usually don't buy anything, but they weren't going to anyways.
My usual response to folks that walk into my shop (where we sell only locally produced hand made products) when they say "I can buy something just like this for less than half the price at Wal-Mart" is;
"Slave labor sure is cheap isn't it?"
They usually don't buy anything, but they weren't going to anyways.
06-09-13, 08:58 AM
#128
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+1 - I was very skeptical at first but the pictures of the black one are pretty interesting (especially for a saddle without springs 
). Interested in the wet ride report.
On the "not produced here" sub thread - I think the far east is *capable* of much higher quality than they are given credit for, and in some products the quality is always great. Two problems though: one is that there's still a lot of ***** coming from low end high volume factories employing cheap unskilled labour, and second the more manufacturing jobs that are exported to the "low cost" countries, the more self-sufficiency we give up here at home. The concept of "buy local" needs to take into account more than price.
). Interested in the wet ride report.On the "not produced here" sub thread - I think the far east is *capable* of much higher quality than they are given credit for, and in some products the quality is always great. Two problems though: one is that there's still a lot of ***** coming from low end high volume factories employing cheap unskilled labour, and second the more manufacturing jobs that are exported to the "low cost" countries, the more self-sufficiency we give up here at home. The concept of "buy local" needs to take into account more than price.
06-09-13, 10:55 AM
#129
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I too will be reading the reviews and waiting for price announcements before making any decisions on wanting one or not...
06-09-13, 06:38 PM
#130
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I got my saddle today and installed it on my Fuji World, which is my primary commuter...pics attached. (two are pics of the C17 side-by-side with the B17 CS it is replacing).
First impressions: It's similar in appearance to a Selle Regal (isn't the same company the current owner of Brooks?). It's light...way lighter than a B17.
Installed it in the same position as the B17 I removed and took it for a short ride to verify that it wasn't an ass hatchet. It seemed perfectly fine, though obviously not as slick as the B17. I don't use bike shorts much...for this initial short ride that was not a problem at all. I'll have to withhold further observations on fit, comfort and durability until after I get some decent miles on it.
It should be pretty much weatherproof...a big plus for commuting...but again, I'll reserve judgement until after some soaker commutes.
Note there is more usable rail space than on the B17.
First impressions: It's similar in appearance to a Selle Regal (isn't the same company the current owner of Brooks?). It's light...way lighter than a B17.
Installed it in the same position as the B17 I removed and took it for a short ride to verify that it wasn't an ass hatchet. It seemed perfectly fine, though obviously not as slick as the B17. I don't use bike shorts much...for this initial short ride that was not a problem at all. I'll have to withhold further observations on fit, comfort and durability until after I get some decent miles on it.
It should be pretty much weatherproof...a big plus for commuting...but again, I'll reserve judgement until after some soaker commutes.
Note there is more usable rail space than on the B17.
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06-10-13, 07:55 AM
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06-11-13, 09:14 PM
#134
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"When I hear another express an opinion, which is not mine, I say to myself, He has a right to his opinion, as I to mine; why should I question it. His error does me no injury, and shall I become a Don Quixot to bring all men by force of argument, to one opinion? If a fact be misstated, it is probable he is gratified by a belief of it, and I have no right to deprive him of the gratification."
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06-12-13, 12:16 AM
#135
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I'm curious what you think Chipcom.
I don't know how I feel about this - I definitely want to see Chipcom's ride report. My initial reaction is that a leather Brooks works as is, so this has to offer an advantage over the existing product. That advantage has to be one of the following:
1. Price - doesn't seem like it's going to be any cheaper.
2. Aesthetics - definitely not.
3. Weight - seems to have an edge, but it's not something I care about much either way.
4. Durability - I don't see this outlasting a B-17 with bonded cloth.
5. Comfort - here's the test!
I don't know how I feel about this - I definitely want to see Chipcom's ride report. My initial reaction is that a leather Brooks works as is, so this has to offer an advantage over the existing product. That advantage has to be one of the following:
1. Price - doesn't seem like it's going to be any cheaper.
2. Aesthetics - definitely not.
3. Weight - seems to have an edge, but it's not something I care about much either way.
4. Durability - I don't see this outlasting a B-17 with bonded cloth.
5. Comfort - here's the test!
As it is, I like the look of this saddle. It reminds me of a butchered Pro...
06-12-13, 05:43 AM
#137
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My sincere congratulaions to those beauties! And the first Klunkers or Marin county MTB's often used sprung brookses as well, judging by the photo's. Still, I'm really anxious to get a Cambium for my single speed MTB (BTW, nearly all the parts are there, yay).
06-15-13, 07:32 PM
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The word from work is that the MSRP is around $170-ish. Very tempted to try one on the Raleigh One Way I'm building up, but I think the price is high enough I'll see if I like one of the saddles I already have on it first.
06-15-13, 09:03 PM
#139
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Man, this thing is ugly. Might even go as far as to say hideous.
If similar in price or cheaper than a leather brooks, equally or more comfortable, lighter and less susceptible to water damage...then I might consider it.
If similar in price or cheaper than a leather brooks, equally or more comfortable, lighter and less susceptible to water damage...then I might consider it.
06-16-13, 05:04 AM
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Well, I'm glad someone said it. I wasn't about to on Azorch's thread. Looks like just another slinky Italian saddle to me.
But then, I'm into Classic & Vintage.
But then, I'm into Classic & Vintage.
06-16-13, 08:27 AM
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Lots of talk regarding concerns over quality if an item is produced in Asia...I'm sure the quality could be just as good, in some cases better due to tight quality control, but there are other reasons to consider where what you are buying came from.
My usual response to folks that walk into my shop (where we sell only locally produced hand made products) when they say "I can buy something just like this for less than half the price at Wal-Mart" is;
"Slave labor sure is cheap isn't it?"
They usually don't buy anything, but they weren't going to anyways.
My usual response to folks that walk into my shop (where we sell only locally produced hand made products) when they say "I can buy something just like this for less than half the price at Wal-Mart" is;
"Slave labor sure is cheap isn't it?"
They usually don't buy anything, but they weren't going to anyways.
I'll probably get flamed for this post, so be it, I have big shoulders, LOL.
06-16-13, 09:27 AM
#142
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Full disclosure on my part: My very initial reaction to the "look" of the Cambium was not particularly favorable. I've been riding it for a couple of weeks now and perhaps I've just grown accustomed to seeing it on my Boulder, but I'm warming up to the look. In the photos it does seem to come off a bit "slinky," but in person I think it's got a sort of pseudo-tweedy look. Whether that is a pro or con - well, the jury is still out for me on that particular aesthetic I guess. The real upside on the Cambium seems to me to boil down to two factors: comfort, and durability under wet conditions.
06-16-13, 10:23 AM
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I have to admit, Azorch, I like the black one better than the tweedy fabric version. Has anyone reported on what the black covering is, anyway? Perforated leather?
Comfort is the main plus it sounds like, though. And that is a big plus in its favor.
Comfort is the main plus it sounds like, though. And that is a big plus in its favor.
06-17-13, 10:09 AM
#144
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Well at 145 Euros, I can't say I'm interested. 
https://www.brooksengland.com/catalog...7+Ltd+Edition/
https://www.brooksengland.com/catalog...7+Ltd+Edition/
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06-17-13, 10:13 AM
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Well at 145 Euros, I can't say I'm interested.
https://www.brooksengland.com/catalog...7+Ltd+Edition/
https://www.brooksengland.com/catalog...7+Ltd+Edition/
06-17-13, 10:13 AM
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Well at 145 Euros, I can't say I'm interested.
https://www.brooksengland.com/catalog...7+Ltd+Edition/
https://www.brooksengland.com/catalog...7+Ltd+Edition/
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06-17-13, 10:14 AM
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They have, it is the exact same canvas cover in black.
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06-17-13, 11:05 AM
#148
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Hey guys, newbie here. Just coming out of the woodwork to grumble about this. I was really looking forward to trying out one of these in black, especially while I could get a discount during summer employment at a local shop. 0/2
Did anyone catch this?
Maybe next riding season, I guess...
Did anyone catch this?
Originally Posted by Last paragraph of the C17 description
If you place an order, beware that it could take up to 3 months before you get your CAMBIUM Saddle. Only 300 Gents and 100 Ladies CAMBIUM Saddles will be delivered within the end of July, the rest are going to be produced and dispatched in September after our dear workers return from their summer holidays.
06-17-13, 11:10 AM
#149
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Well at 145 Euros, I can't say I'm interested.
https://www.brooksengland.com/catalog...7+Ltd+Edition/
https://www.brooksengland.com/catalog...7+Ltd+Edition/
I have a feeling that we'll be seeing an inventory dump at $75 in about 9 months. They'll be on Velomine at 60% off
06-17-13, 11:25 AM
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I can't get over the price. I registered, wasn't selected obviously but just got an email today about the limited run. My price was discounted, but only 130 euros. That's more than their leather offerings. I was actually looking forward to trying one. I will wait for the price to drop significantly.