Re: [CR] Vintage Belt Saddle from Japan (on ebay)

(Example: Bike Shops:R.E.W. Reynolds)

From: "Jay Roberts" <pudakai@gmail.com>
To: Jon Spangler <jonswriter@att.net>
In-Reply-To: <CFF340F5-0C5C-4057-8EEC-4C0B85A12EB6@att.net>
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:24:59 -0400
References:
Cc: Dale Brown <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR] Vintage Belt Saddle from Japan (on ebay)


Jon,

There are several minor variants of Belt saddles, by Fujita, but most are roughly analogous to Brooks B17.

There is also a Fujita F17 Professional that is similar to a Brooks Pro.

The Fujitas typically have noticeably thicker/harder leather than their modern Brooks analogues. I have a well cared for F17 Pro on my Fuji America that despite 30 years and 3 owners really isn't showing much indentation yet.

So if you like a hard saddle, the Fujitas are for you, especially the F17 Pro. They are quality saddles, although in their day they tended to be disdained as cheap Japanese Brooks copies.

One nice touch is on the strap loops on the Belts - they fold the cutout metal over to create a rounded surface they doesn't cut into saddlebag straps.

Jay Roberts Silver Spring, Maryland USA

On Apr 25, 2010, at 11:40 PM, Jon Spangler wrote:
> Listers,
>
> I keep losing out on Ideale 90 auctions (I can only afford so much)
> so am now looking at alternatives like this:
>
> Vintage Belt Saddle Japan
> ebay #
> 140399828135
>
> Has anyone ridden these Belt Saddles from Japan? Are they any good?
> How do they compare in comfort and shape to Brooks Pro saddles and
> Ideale 90s, which I know?
>
> Thanks very much,
>
> Jon Spangler
> frustrated by expensive saddles for riders in Alameda, CA USA
>
> Jon Spangler
> Writer/editor
> Linda Hudson Writing
> TEL 510-864-2144
> CEL 510-846-5356
> JonSwriter@att.net
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