This is from my 73 raleigh competition. Put a nice tear in the top. I realized after the seat bolts came loose. Anyways, at this point I'm looking for a simple replacement. I don't need or want an original style saddle if its going to mean spending $70+. There are a bunch of modern ones I've been looking at for $30-40 but I'm unsure if they're going to fit the seat post/clamps that are on it. I compared the seat against an old mountain bike I have and the rails on the raleigh are just over 2 inches outside to outside whereas the mountain bike is under 2 inches. It didn't seem like the bolts on the clamp would adjust enough to compensate for that kind of difference and now I'm hesitant to buy something for fear that it won't fit.

Opinions appreciated

-- vintage bike newbie

The width of the rails is pretty standard, so you should really be fine with any seat with a single pair of rails. Sometimes you have to pull them together or apart while tightening the clamp, but no big deal. There are saddles with double rails, such as Brooks B.72 but that's not what you want anyway.

You can offset your cost by a few bucks by selling me the remains of your Brooks. I'll send a private message.

^ What he said; rails have a little give either way to fit a standard width seat post bracket (with a few exceptions)

I guess it's time to decide what kind of saddle you like: hard, soft, narrow, wide? Do like padding to soak up the bumps, or a smooth, firm saddle like a Brooks, that just flexes a bit?

If you like them really firm, you canusually get a Unicanitor on the big auction site for $35.

you should try the brooks b17 knock off from spa cycles:

PARTS & ACCESSORIES :: Saddles - Leather :: Spa Cycles, Harrogate - The touring cyclists specialist.

their nidd saddle is £35, whatever that exchanges to -- $60ish probably. i've heard they use a thicker leather than the brooks, and it's a good investment. then you can report back and persuade me to get my next one from spa. i'm ready to switch from the b17 to a thicker, more firm leather.

Find a Brooks...you'll thank yourself later. Lots to bid on at auction.

On my nice classic bikes I always use a San Marco regal. Retails around $100
On my not so nice classic bikes I use a knock off regal from ebay. Retails around $20, still a very comfortable saddle, with the classic look.

True that. I got a VO knockoff in their touring version. Nice saddle but is far far slower to break in. Brooks. Just do it.

I've seen the knock off version. So it is a comfortable saddle?

Ouch! and another Brooks....next question

Ditto. I'd try to find a nice older one in good shape on the site. They're to be had.