Although wrong about the Ti option not being available in the 70's, Dale is
strictly correct with his answer to the differences between Ideale"Series
Racing" saddles viz ;
>>> I think twas the thickness of padding and or type of cover that made for
>>> differences amongst Ideale "plastic" saddles.
>>> Dale Brown
to summarise the models in the "Series Racing" for 1980 from the gospel according to big Ron;
- They all used the 'Rislan' (synthetic) plastic ! top ;
2000 - Bare 'Rislan' top only, no nothing. 2001 - First quality hide cover, No foam insert. 2002 - First quality hide cover, with thin latex foam insert (As used by the pro's on the Tdf) 2003 - De-luxe version, "special" hide cover, foam insert 2004 - Best Quality hide cover, with thick (15mm) latex foam insert
These are the "base" differences in this series of saddles, however there are further "sub" options on finish and construction on some - Suede, Plaid, Titanium rails, Special Beige colour.
How on Earth riders could complain about both Brooks and Ideale "traditional" saddles being hard mystifies me - Rislan has got to have been as hard as it gets and totally unbreakable-in.
Bob Reid Stonehaven Scotland
> Yup... titanium rails on the Idealé saddles was an option. They (ti
> frame) were available on the 2001 (plastic shell, no padding, leather
> cover), 2002 (plastic shell, foam rubber padding, leather cover), #88
> (traditional leather, low profile frame), #90 (traditional leather,
> traditional high profile frame), etc.
>
> The other option that was available was the "Daniel Rebour" treatment...
> custom large rivets and softening, but only on the traditional leather
> saddles of course ;)
>
> Early 1970s French stuff was pretty high zoot for the times: Idealé
> with the ti saddles, Stonglight with the drilled out chainrings and ti
> cassett bottom bracket (sealed bearings, aluminum alloy cups, lock rings
> and bolt, and ti axle), the Maillard all aluminum alloy freewheel, and
> Christophe alloy toe clips and alloy buckle on the toe straps. Oh yes,
> and by this time Simplex had replaced the plastic derailleurs with
> aluminum alloy and had the retro-friction shifters and the double pivot
> rear derailleur (horrors... actually worked better than Campy SR/NR).
> Then there was Peugeot and others using the Reynolds 531 SL and the 753
> tubesets. tres bon
>
> Chuck Schmidt
> South Pasadena, California
> just another 70° sunny day :)
>
> http://www.velo-retro.com (NEW list of reprints and T-shirts