First of all, thanks to everyone on the forum that replied to my post earlier this week about replacing the saddle on my bike. People weighed in on different brands, but overwhelmingly it was suggested I try a Brooks saddle. Well, here is a new photo of my Specialized Globe City 6 IG8 with a Honey Brown saddle... I'll explain why after the photo:


Looking on-line for saddles proved to be difficult... let's face it... it's your butt that decides what saddle is going to work for you. The Brooks of England web site had all sorts of information, but the difficulty I find in my area is actually getting to know a Brooks saddle. Most shops, if they even carry Brooks, will only have one or two saddles on display, under glass, under lock and key. Shopping for such a personal product on-line may work for some... they may save money... however for me, I tend to buy and keep for a long time.

So, on the Brooks website, there is a section for looking up Brooks Saddle retailers. After entering continent & country, there is a list of Brooks retailers... some just listed, others highlighted by 1 to 5 copper rivets. One of those 5 rivet retailers is only about 10 miles from my home: Topanga Creek Bicycles is a little bike shop with quality bikes, custom work, good people and just about every Brooks saddle they make.
https://www.topangacreekbicycles.com

I drove out there with my bike on the rack, walked in with my story of a broken saddle and soon good things happened. They talked to me about saddles. They looked over my bike and understood the style of commuter riding I did. They suggested I sit on some sample seats, figure out my likes, dislikes... it was a real fitting session.

I fully intended to purchase a B67 black leather seat. But when I sat, compared, looked over the colours and styles, I ended up buying a Honey/Brown Flyer (a B17 with black springs). Now, I know some people on the forum my not like the brown saddle on a black bike, but the contrast hit me with the copper rivets and all. Would I have made such a decision on-line? Most likely not. Do I feel I purchased the perfect saddle? Yes.

I'm looking forward to many miles of commuting with the Brooks saddle. Once again, thanks to everyone on the forum who wrote to my earlier post of "New saddle time..." I appreciate your suggestions.

-3bikes

I like it..that seat is awesome and stands out.

Black on black is just too obvious.

Congratulations, I think you'll grow to love it whatever color it is. Even if black is the first color that comes to mind.

Congrats! I like the contrast, really adds a bit o' class to the rig. Although I do see a set of matching grips in your future...

Great saddle and I love the honey color!

I actually don't like the saddle's color on the bike (you own the same model bicycle I do), but, who cares what I think? It's your bike, and this isn't something that "just happened" — you decided to get what you liked, and that's all that matters.

I notice the Specialized "S" logo, in red, on the top of your top-tube. Somehow, my bike lacks that insignia printed there...

That Specialized "S" is a sticker I picked up at a bike race, you know, one of those tents showing off the Specialized top end racing bikes. It's never peeled or faded. I liked the added colour to the top tube and it looks like it came from the factory that way. The steering tube has a similar size white "S".

Everyone finds a way to make their bike unique. That's part of the fun. In my case: replaced rear wheel with Sun rim, Alfine 8spd hub... Shimano 324 pedals... Ergon (Nexus Style) handgrips... Incredibell XL... and I removed the spring loaded section of the rear rack. The Brooks Flyer saddle replaces the original Sonoma 155 saddle. The right side rail gave way one night (after 4,600 miles). So I decided on a really nice replacement.

---3bikes

I have a honey Brooks on a black bike as well. Good choice.

I have several thousand kilometres on mine now, including a seven day tour that averaged 125km/day. It's very comfortable. Follow the care instructions, and lace the sides after the saddle begins to soften too much. You can find information on lacing Brooks saddles in numerous threads on these forums.

Oh, I thought perhaps it (the red "S") was painted on by Specialized -- it looks "authentic" (if that makes sense).

Your rear wheel looks like the one included with the bike, and the bicycle is factory-fitted with a Nexus 8 hub; perhaps I've misunderstood which alterations you've made, here. Yes, I noticed your replaced grips and pedals. About the rack's spring, I've found it less useful than I'd initially expected I should, but, nonetheless, I feel it's handy, now and then.

Sorry to hear about your original saddle. Not because there's something wrong with replacing it, but because it sounds as if the demise of the existing one might have happened in a dangerous way. Were you OK?

Wunderbar!

I damaged the original Nexus hub with a bungie-cord accident... long story... also the original Alex rear rim failed at four spoke holes. I purchased a complete rear wheel, Alfine (higher grade) Shimano 8spd hub with a quality Sun rim... That ran about $340. If you ever have to replace that rear wheel, look at the Harris Cyclery web site for that wheel. It's a perfect replacement for this bike. Harris is good company. (they also carry replacement bulbs for the B&M front light).

The Sonoma 155 factory saddle gave way about two miles from home on a commute... just felt my right cheek getting lower and lower...then the saddle slumped on the right side.... I saw the rail had simply broken away at the point where the seat post clamps on it. Just metal fatigue after lots of use by a guy that weighs 215 pounds. Damn uncomfortable ride that last two miles.

Glad to hear the saddle gave way gradually, rather than in that sudden way that lands a rider at death's gate.

I was happy with the B + M headlight, but am glad I swapped it for the senso plus model.

that is the exact saddle that I have. next you need to check out the carradice saddle bags - order yours from Wiggle UK for the best price.

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Ca...ag/5360042583/

I got the carradice Barley and it holds everything I need.

https://www.wallbike.com/carradice/barley.html

Maybe some grips like these:

https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...9c9dba24a1a566

Looks great.

+ 1 on the Barley