Chuck Schmidt wrote:
>
> The official Brooks web site:
> http://www.brooksengland.com
> has PDF downloads of historical Brooks catalogs (32 catalogs spanning
> 1899 - 1959). Truly AMAZING!!!
Chuck, thanks for the hot tip, definitely some fun and amazing stuff there. I've downloaded and perused a few of the catalogs now. Check out the '37 "Saddle-Comfort" - chock full of great pictures of Brooks saddles of course, but also check out the articles, on long distance records (1000 miles without sleep!), the motor-paced speed record, the Tour de France, even a slightly lame but charming joke. On the TdF they said, among other things:
"It is significant that every[italic for emphasis] rider in the Tour de France during recent years has ridden on a Brooks Comfort Saddle, as the strength and correct degree of resilience provide the perfect seat when utmost power is required over rough roads and against stiff gradients. [snip] Remember, these professional riders are riding for substantial prizes and cannot afford to prejudice their chances in the slightest degree. They ride bicycles built by many different manufacturers; components produced by many different firms, but on the question of the most important cycle fitment -- the saddle -- they are unanimous in their choice... it is always a Brooks Comfort Saddle."
Mark Bulgier
Seattle WA USA