Thank you for your interest in Brooks saddles and Wallingford Bicycle Parts. The purpose of this page is to provide you with some information that might help you make up your mind about investing in a high quality, comfortable BROOKS saddle.
Saddle choice is a very individual decision. Some cyclists are happy with whatever came with their bikes, while other cyclists try saddle after saddle in an effort to get comfortable. Leather saddles have won over many wheelpersons, and they have a loyal following among long distance riders as well as casual recreational cyclists.
BROOKS, located in Birmingham, England, has a long history of saddle making. They make many styles of saddles, most of which are represented in this catalog. (For a sense of the firm's history, visit the Wallbike Archives.) All of the different saddle styles share the basic design of a piece of molded leather suspended between the metal frame at the front and back of the saddle. Leather has a capacity to conform and shape that is not present in today's plastic shell saddles. A leather saddle will both yield and shape more when you sit on it, and it will also break in to the shape of your particular anatomy. (I broke my hip a few years ago, and now all my BROOKS saddles have asymmetrical dents in them because I am asymmetrical.)
If someone calls me who is interested in BROOKS saddles, but needs some help in deciding which model, I first ask them if they have a preference between the sprung models and unsprung models. Most of us don't think of sprung saddles on our modern bicycle, but BROOKS springs provide a good suspension at a reasonable cost. Combine that with the unique comfort of Brooks leather, and it can be very effective.
Next we discuss width. A person who rides with an upright style with elbows in the ribs might be best served by some of the wider Brooks models. All of the wider Brooks models, like the B-67, B-66, B-72, B-73, B-33, and B-135 have springs. (The B.68 is an unsprung version of the B.67) Aggressive riders are often good candidates for the narrower models: Team Pro, Swift, Swallow, and B-17N. Most of us fall in between these two extremes and are made happy by B-17s and Flyers.
Women have BROOKS models that are designed with them in mind. Sometimes they are the 'S' (Short) variation of a BROOKS model. In the case of the newer models the female version has its own name. These saddles are shorter and wider than the standard versions. The Finesse, B-17 'S', Team Pro 'S', Flyer 'S', and B-66 Champion 'S' all have tops that are very similar in size, while the B-66 'S' and B-67 'S' share their own unique top. Many ladies are quite loyal to the B.72 as well. The B.18 is a special embossed recreation of an early Brooks ladie's model. The B.68 is most suited to an upright rider.
If our discussion has not helped the customer decide positively which model they want, I encourage them to pick the model that they are most drawn to and take advantage of my 6 month unconditional satisfaction guarantee to trade or get a refund if their first choice does not work out.
As a retailer, I am tickled pink to be able to offer a product like the BROOKS saddle. There aren't many manufacturers any more who don't operate on a regular cycle of new-and-improved. A product that doesn't become obsolete regularly can be kept, used, and cherished through its entire useful life span. This is becoming an archaic way of doing business, but not because it is bad for the consumer.
If you are not familiar with the BROOKS saddle, you might be wondering why this marvelous product does not dominate the saddle market. We feel that it's comfort characteristics are unrivalled, but they come at the expense of some weight penalty and inconvenience. BROOKS saddles are heavier than comparable plastic shell models. Enthusiastic BROOKS users answer that a few ounces is unimportant at the end of a long day in the saddle compared to their comfort! Also, BROOKS saddles, like other leather products, are vulnerable to moisture and should be kept out of direct exposure to heavy rain and need to be treated with PROOFIDE after being ridden in the rain. Again, enthusiasts will tell you that the comfort is worth it.
If you decide to try a fine BROOKS saddle, we hope that you will consider Wallingford Bicycle Parts as your source for this quality product.
Thank you
Bill Laine, prop.
P.S. In our Brooks catalog you will see reference to single rail, double rail, and triple rail saddles. These designations refer to the number of rails on each side. Virtually every modern saddle is a single rail saddle, designed to be used on a seatpost that has the saddle clamp incorporated. Double and triple rail saddles, with two or three rails on each side, are an old fashioned design for the straight-top post that was common into the 1960s.
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Updated, August 2007
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