Re: [CR] B32 (Not the Yankee bomber)

(Example: Framebuilding:Norris Lockley)

From: "Tony Colegrave" <tony_colegrave@hotmail.com>
To: <crumpy6204@aol.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:16:07 +0000
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] B32 (Not the Yankee bomber)


John,

The B.32 that you're anticipating is, indeed, 'a B.17 shape saddle' - same size (11"x6") and shape as the Champion Narrow, and dating from about 1937; previously it had been designated as the Challenge C.32 model, available from the early 'thirties, and, from 1938, it was known as the B.32 Narrow. From a research point of view, it was perhaps unfortunate that it's designation was revised to that of another, earlier and entirely different, model B.32.

Other Challenge saddles were re-designated as B-series models at the same time as the C.32 - the C.12, for instance.

The Challenge range of saddles was introduced in about 1927, as 'sound saddles, with simplified construction and less costly leather' and 'guaranteed for two years' (if you should happen to own a c.1928 B-series saddle, you may be interested to know that it was 'guaranteed for life'). The word 'selected' does not seem to appear in early advertisements for these saddles, but it must surely be one of the marketing industry's favourite 'weasel words' - hinting at a 'premium' quality, but, without qualification, entirely meaningless?

At about the same time as the Challenge C.32 was introduced, Brooks also brought out a Champion B.15 model. This was another saddle of exactly the same size/shape as the Champion B.17 Narrow model, and was clearly a slightly superior 'budget' version which has survived from the pre-war period in rather larger numbers than the C.32/B.32.

Regards, Tony Colegrave, Wellhouse, Northiam, U.K.
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:48:04 -0500
> From: crumpy6204@aol.com
> Subject: [CR] B32 (Not the Yankee bomber)
>
> I have just won? A Brooks B32 Saddle, I had never heard of this model before, Its on the way over the pond, (Hope NOT on a B32), The only mention I can find of this model is in the Claud Butler, Bicycle Access cat for 1939 Says B32 A B17 shape saddle with selected leather top, for 8/3 (Eight Shillings Threepence,) BUT the B17 Standard and Narrow same size sold for 15/3 (Fifteen shillings threepence,) Why was the B32 IF it had SELECTED leather top less 'Bobs' HILARY any idea?, The stamp on the side of the the saddle is the oval logo showing 'Racing B32 Saddle' I did pay a few doublets for it, COULD IT BE A FAKE! Maybe the cows they used for the selected top had vinyl skin!. Cheers John Crump OldandtannedBrit, Parker,Co USA