Seven of my nine bikes currently in use have used Brooks leather saddles of various vintages, mostly pre-and post-war Oval Badge B17 Narrow and Standard, with one B15 Standard. I've just fitted a used B17 Standard to my new mountain bike, with an instant improvement in comfort. I did buy and try a B17 Flyer once, and it was as comfortable as having a wedge hammered betwen my pelvic bones, but otherwise, I find the saddles so comfortable that I'm not aware of them whilst riding. The Flyer was a pre-war model, and had had plenty of use, showing scuffs from the bike having been upended numerous times, probably for puncture repairs or wheel changes; I imagine that the original owner used a lot of ointment, or walked with two limps and a squint.
The other two saddles I've had from new: a Brooks Professional Select, which still sounds like a plank of wood after 26 years' use if you rap your knuckles on it, and a 1980's B17 Standard I fitted to my '53 Gillott Taper Tube. The Pro Select was a bit uncomfortable during the breaking-in period, but I've never had any discomfort from other new leather saddles I've used. I bet you all hate me.
Neil Foddering Weymouth, Dorset, England
> Date: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:02:58 -0700
> From: teaat4p@yahoo.com
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: [CR] Why buy a used leather saddle ?
>
> Ahoy !
>
> Since leather saddles conform uniquely to the rider, does it make sense to purchase a used saddle that is shaped to the previous owner ?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Richard Cielec
> Chicago, Illinois; U.S.A.
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