[CR]Re: While on the topic of Brooks saddles (slightly off-list)...

(Example: Framebuilders:Doug Fattic)

From: "Raoul Delmare" <R.Delmare@Charter.net>
To: "Michael Doleman" <michael@doleman-cycles.com>
References: <013101c2be51$996bc340$7b257044@nebi.com> <20030117181358.15267.qmail@haw-207-182-248-2.vel.net>
Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2003 12:51:15 -0600
cc: "C.R. List" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Re: While on the topic of Brooks saddles (slightly off-list)...

The Swift is not quite the same shape as any other saddle from Brooks ( or anyone else ) . The sides of the Swift are SLIGHTLY cut away , definitely more than on a Professional , but not as much as on a Swallow . Various methods were used on the Swallow saddles , to hold the sides in , at approximately the middle of those sides . The Swift has nothing to hold the sides in . This gives it a different shape . Also , the Swift is actually fairly narrow . This takes away some comfort .

However , the more you cut away from the sides , the more "give" there will be in the leather . So , while the Swift may be too narrow for some folks , it's also softer , due to both the more flexible titanium frame , and the cut-away leather . Also , I swear the leather on my Swift is thinner than the leather on my Professionals .

The ultimate comfort in a Brooks racing saddle may be the wider B.17 , in the Titanium Champion Special version , with its lighter and more flexible titanium frame . For a leather "racing" saddle , it is wide , light , and springy ( by comparison now , only by comparison ! ) .

Go To :

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris

http://www.wallbike.com

Width dimensions from my fairly recent Brooks brochure :

Colt 152 mm Swift 152 mm B.17 Narrow 155 mm Professional 160 mm Team Pro. 160 mm B.17 Standard 170 mm

Raoul Delmare
Marysville Kansas


----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Doleman
To: Raoul Delmare
Cc: "C.R. List"
Sent: Friday, January 17, 2003 12:13 PM
Subject: While on the topic of Brooks saddles (slightly off-list)...



> I love the look and *philosophy* of Brooks saddles, and so tried a Brooks Ti
> rail Swift some time ago. After about 700 miles I was not satisfied with the
> way it was breaking-in, and it just wasn't very comfortable on long rides.
> Seems like part of the reason was that it had a bit of an unusual shape,
> sorta a big 'whaleback' hump down the center of the saddle, lengthwise.
>
> I sadly had to give up and sell the saddle. Lately I have been thinking
> about Brooks again, and seem to notice comments from people that the Brooks
> Swift, in particular, does not work for a lot of people. Does anyone else
> find this to be the case and, if so, do other models--such as the B17,
> Professional, or Colt--have a significantly different profile that they may
> work? I know that's a nebulous, highly situational question, so we'll agree
> ahead of time that we're talking in very general terms here.
>
> In looking 'up close' at the various models, my eye is somewhat drawn to the
> Colt, particularly. Does anyone have experience with this saddle, or the
> others, and have opinions they'd like to share? Thanks.
>
> Michael Doleman,
> Sacramento, CA
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Raoul Delmare writes:
>
> > As long as we are talking about Brooks Saddles , the following is a shameless commercial . I have no connection with the businesses , or the individuals named below , except that I am a VERY satisfied customer ( of each of them ) .
> >
> > You can certainly buy Genuine Brooks Leather Saddles , from many different sources .
> > One of the first I think of is :
> >
> > http://www.rivendellbicycles.com
> >
> >
> > But for detailed explanations of the entire range of Brooks saddles , there are two wonderful places to look ( in alphabetical order ) , Harris Cyclery & Wallingford Bicycle Parts .
> >
> >
> > http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris
> >
> > http://www.wallbike.com
> >
> >
> > ( these folks are not only easy to work with , and incredibly knowledgeable , but also downright fun ! )
> >
> > ( many , many photographs & much , much history & even photos from the present day factory ! )
> >
> > ( thanks friends ! )
> >
> > ( and now I need to go buy some reprints of vintage Brooks Saddle catalogs from Mr. Chuck Schmidt , of http://www.velo-retro.com with full color covers !! !! )
> >
> >
> > Cheers ,
> > Raoul Delmare
> > Marysville Kansas