Subject: Recent discussion on cut-away saddles.
The use of the word "cool" is quite common today, but I remember using it in the seventies. However, Brooks used the term way before that.
The Champion B17 "Swallow" saddle (with cut-away sides) was offered in 1936 as "The coolest of all saddles".
It is tempting to think Brooks used the term as we know it today; but, it actually referred to temperature in the upper-thigh region. Quote: "......thus eliminating spreading and consequent thigh friction".
Just out of interest, the catalogue - from The London Rubber Co. - offered no less than 99 different saddles. The B17 was available in Standard, Narrow, Sprint, and Swallow; all with "enamelled" finish. Weight for the Swallow was 25ozs. Price 18/6.
The B16 Champion with castalumin frame was cheaper at 17/6, and the most expensive Brooks on offer was the Gents B28 @ 20/- Compare these prices to Lycette's "Le Grande" - 10/- and the Duros sports at only 3/6.
David Fryer, Queensland, Australia