Alternatives to Brooks Saddles?

[Jezston]

I've had a Dia Compe Brooks-esque saddle for about a year and I'm ready to chuck it. It is certifiably crap - all the reviews say its crap, because it is crap - it isn't comfortable at all, and the only adjustments you can make to it are to bend it downwards further. Did I mention it is crap?

Obvious solution is to get a real Brooks. And it's not through being a skinflint that I'm adverse to putting one on my bike - I'm just terrified of it (and my seatpost) getting nicked. Theives in London seem to target that big Brooks logo as an easy steal - all it takes is a small alan key and the thing's yours and easily sold.

So that's why I'm looking at alternatives (unless the Brooks badge is easy to remove?).

Main ones I've found are:

Velo Orange

Spa Cycles

Any thoughts? Are they possibly actually the exact same as the Dia Compe?

 

[Pennine-Paul]

The guy's from lfgss glue a ball bearing in the allen bolt head in
to prevent theft,some even put a small piece of chain through the saddle rails
and seatstays
The other saddles do look the same as the dia compe................................

 

[Falwheeler]

You could try one of these http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s81p2667 Don't have one but but there's been a thread on CTC forum about them http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=61422&hilit=nidd saddle Sorry didn't see the OP link to Spa but the CTC link should be useful

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

The Brooks badge is only held in place by a couple of rivets, so it would be a simple job to remove it.

I would think that the Velo Solo saddles are just as thievable, being obviously good quality and stylish.

Given your circumstances, I'd opt for a Spa own brand job: more low key and given Spa's reputation and experience in the field I would expect them to work well.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

I'd have a good look at what the Spa ones are made of.

Australian cowhide, same as Velo Orange: does it have a bad rep?

 

[ACS]

I looked at the Spa leather saddle during a visit in February. Certainly a robust and very well made saddle. My only observation is the Spa saddle was noticably heavier than the Brooks version. I think Soosh of this parish has one maybe be worth a PM?

 

[Scoosh]

Indeed he does - a Nidd - and found that he couldn't get on with it.

I found it to be harder than a Brooks and it just didn't fit me - or I didn't fit it .

I'm not using it now, so if you wish to purchase it at a reduced cost from new - PM me !

It comes in a nice wee bag and with an adjustment spanner.

 

[Hicky]

Buy a brooks, either use a Q/R seat post and take it with you if you can or drill out / roundout the allen key socket...pros and cons to that one....they(thieves) and you will never get the sodding thing off unless you use molegrips.

Or glue/epoxy a BB in place.
If thieves want something, nothing will stop them......take the saddle and seatpost with you and cover the seat tube with clingfilm and elastic band.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

I've seen Brooks saddles with a groove cut into the top part (either sold that way but also DIY), to releive perineal pressure; you could slip a slim cable through there to keep the saddle in place. I don't know if many theives would want to cut through the leather part of the saddle to steal it, as that would be kind of pointless.

The B17 Imperial comes with a central cut out, and some other B17's come with large holes punched in them which could be enlarged.

 

[robgul]

I'm led to believe that the Velo Orange and Spa saddles are the same product badge-engineered .... and a couple of people I know have bought Spa Nidds and have been, so far, disappointed.

I'm still getting used to a Brooks . . .

Rob