Banzai

I could just e-mail Mr. Laine about this, but it's Sunday and I'm bound to get a couple of answers around here.

I adore my B-17, and since I'm building a new bike, of course I'll need a new B-17 for it. This time around I was thinking of paying for a little more bling with the Champion Special. So here's my question:

Has anyone had issues with corrosion of the copper? I intend to keep this long term, and I don't want all those nice copper rivets and rails to be green and furry. I realize that with time they will get a bit of a patina on them, and that's ok...but green and furry may be a pain in the butt to take care of.

Should I just stick with the Standard, and the stainless steel?

Thoughts are appreciated. That Special does look nice!

Allen

B66 Champ on my La Raza, so far so good, no corrosion yet, a year in and a few thousand miles latter.

stringbreaker

quickn brite ought to clean em up or bright boy.

Andrew*Debbie

I've had a champion special for about 7 years. I put about 500 miles on it and then the saddle sat for several years with zero care. I did put proofide on it before it went into storage. There is no green. They turn a dark patina. The colors are somewhat uneven now as the rivets are polishing back up as I ride. I'd guess just riding every few days would be enough to keep them looking great for years.

sweetnsourbkr

What are the benefits of going with the copper rivets?

modernjess

I'm not sure there are any actual physical or performance benefits to them, but to me they just look so much better and there is something so cool and real about the hand pounded rivets. It's personal preference.

1 year so far on my green champion special, 2500 miles. The copper rivets have devloped a nice subtle darkened patina, but nothing close to corrosion or any issues whatsoever. Used proof hide once when new, top and thick coat on the bottom. Since then I'll I've done is sat on it. The rails and copper plated stuff in the underside are all still perfect too.

Go for it.

tarwheel 

The copper won't cause any problems. Your butt rubbing on the seat rivets keeps them semi-polished, and the rails on mine have never tarnished. The Champion Special is actually a much better saddle than the standard B-17, in my view, and worth the extra money. In addition to the nice copper touches, it is made from thicker leather that holds up better. Might take a little longer to break in, but it will last better in the long run.

ragboy

When I bought mine, my LBS guy told me that after lots of miles the copper rivets will sit a little more flush to the seat than the steel rivets. Dunno if that's accurate but take it FWIW. I do like the look of the Special a lot more.

ollo_ollo

The only way the rivets would get green & fuzzy is if you never rode your bike & stored it in a damp area. If it is unridden for a long time(months), but stored in a dry area, the rivets can darken but will brighten up some when you get back to riding again. One of my Champions came from the dealer with dull, dark rivets due to sitting on the shelf for years but they brightened right up after a Summer of riding.

sweetnsourbkr

How bad can it be? They'll look like the Statue of Liberty!

Andrew*Debbie

I just took some photos. This saddle is around 7 years old. I rode it for about 500 miles. Then it sat in damp storage for six years. I put proofide on it before storage. I've been riding again for the last month or so.

The leather is in worse shape from the abuse than the copper. You really have to abuse a Brooks for it to look bad.

This saddle has black rails. Copper rails may not be a good idea. I'd stick with black or ti. We've got two more that haven't been ridden on since sitting in storage. If anyone wants photos, just ask.

Varroa

Sorry for the thread jacking but in Canada is there a place to get Proofide? I just ordered one of the B-17s with the copper rivets and I have never heard of this stuff. From all the posts I know that I should treat the saddle with Proofide but I don't know where to get it. Thanks.

ottawa_adam

You can order it from www.cycletherapy.ca. They're in Toronto and the nearest distributor of Brooks products to Ottawa. Right now, you can't order from the web site but their price list is online and you can phone. They seem to have great phone ordering service.

RDRomano

So my Brooks will have bye-bye arms and get that same pissed-off look my wife gives me?
I guess that makes sense.

Banzai

Thanks for the words everyone. My new B17 Special arrived today...I just applied the Proofhide, and it's soaking in.

Hopefully the final parts will arrive by Friday, and I'll be able to have my new build up and running before the weekend is over.

Varroa

Apparently the PHATMoose has Brookes stuff in Ottawa. I'll let you know.