I have a couple of these, made by Arpan in India. Not a bad seat, but also certainly not close to Brooks in quality. The leather is a bit thinner, and the frames are more flexible, to the point of making you wonder if it will hold up at all. But I've sold one through the shop I work for, and it's held up for about a year so far under a guy who's got to be around 350+Lbs. It hasn't softened much, but that's ok with the springs. And the frame has developed a decided arch to it. But considering nearly daily use and the guys heft, I think it's held up pretty well.
They'd also be good for practicing some saddle modifications before trying it on a nicer saddle, which is what I have planned for one of them.
Steve Birmingham Lowell, Massachusetts USA
Message: 5 Date: Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:20:31 +0000 From: <saint09@bellsouth.net> Subject: [CR] saddle To: <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
This Ebay auction has ended, but you can probably find it in the completed auctions. I've seen these saddles sold by some online bike shops at various prices, cheaper on Ebay. I assume they're made in India or Pakistan. They're about half of what a comparable Brooks would cost. Has anyone had any experience with these and if so, what is your opinion in comparison to Brooks? Thanks.
Item number: 220349614568
Fred Durrette
Summerville, SC