What's going on with Brooks saddle prices?

[craigwend]

I see what you mean

http://www.cyclesense.co.uk/brands/...and_repairs_and_new_and_covers_and_brooks.php

http://www.bikeplus.co.uk/cgi-bin/quikstore.pl?search=yes&hits_seen=0&category=Saddles_Brooks

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/m/Cycle/7/Brooks_Saddles/

http://www.evanscycles.com/categori...Brooks&price_from=&price_to=&price=&x=28&y=14

Don't know what I'll do when my B17 finally falls apart, especially at those prices!

makes FiZik seem cheap

 

[4F]

I would like to try out a Brookes but they're too expensive to take a gamble on.... but I guess there's a 2nd hand market for them!

I tried for 2000 miles but owwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

 

[Chuffy]

Somewhere in staffordshire, but it was a few years ago now...

Doesn't matter, it's a Brooks dammit and they last forever!

Brooks prices seem to be pretty variable. IIRC B17s were around the £25 mark a few years ago. They've always been underpriced, given their legendary longevity and quality.

 

[Crackle]

I tried for 2000 miles but owwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Wimp. You'll be telling us next you wear pyjamas and use hotwater bottles

 

[4F]

Wimp. You'll be telling us next you wear pyjamas and use hotwater bottles

How very dare you I now have a very nice and comfortable specialized toupe thankyou

 

[just jim]

My Brooks B17 has copper rails. Beat that.

 

[Leadlegs]

How very dare you I now have a very nice and comfortable specialized toupe thankyou

My bike has a Specialized Toupe on it, but I don't know for how much longer - it's like sitting on a plank.

 

[Chuffy]

as long as you look after them.

I'd rather ride something cheaper and as comfortable that you can leave out in the rain without worrying about. And I do.

They don't need much looking after. I carry a Brooks saddle cover (£3.99) with me everywhere, just in case. Otherwise a plastic bag will do. Or a shower cap etc etc (insert cheapskate solution of choice).
I guess it depends on how long you spend on the bike in one hit. A cheap saddle may be comfy, for a short distance (weird arse/saddle interface juju notwithstanding) but for consistent comfort over any distance you can't beat a Brooks.

 

[Paulus]

My Brookes B17 narrow is 12 years old now and is as comfy as ever. I will admit that they take a little bit of breaking in from new, they are as hard as nails to start with, but once broken in and softened they are like riding on a soft chair. I wouldn't be without mine on a long tour.

 

[Chuffy]

My Brookes B17 narrow is 12 years old now and is as comfy as ever. I will admit that they take a little bit of breaking in from new, they are as hard as nails to start with, but once broken in and softened they are like riding on a soft chair. I wouldn't be without mine on a long tour.

I have a powerful arse. My saddles submit to my will on day one.

 

[Paulus]

I have a powerful arse. My saddles submit to my will on day one.

Buns of iron eh Chuffy?

 

[wafflycat]

I have a powerful arse. My saddles submit to my will on day one.

Indeed. This 'breaking in' a saddle thing, I see no point to it - it's the same mentality some folk have about 'breaking in' a pair of shoes. The saddles I use - Terry's Liberators - were comfortable from day 1. I can ride a century, be out on the bike all day and be comfortable all day - from the very first time I put the saddles on the bikes.

 

[Chris James]

Indeed. This 'breaking in' a saddle thing, I see no point to it - it's the same mentality some folk have about 'breaking in' a pair of shoes. The saddles I use - Terry's Liberators - were comfortable from day 1. I can ride a century, be out on the bike all day and be comfortable all day - from the very first time I put the saddles on the bikes.

My Brooks B17N was about as comfy as any other saddle I have ever tried straight from the box.

After 500 miles it was massively comfy, to the extent that I never, ever have a sore arse no matter how long I am on the bike. On the hand the rest of my body can hurt something chronic!

As far as your shoes analogy goes, all trainers and fabric walking boots that I have owned rapidly feel to pieces with hard use. Whereas leather just gets more comfy and, if you buy good quality, is indestructible and becomes like a good friend.

Having said all that, I think I paid about £30 for my B17N. The RRP now appears to be £60 which seems very steep for what it is. Especially since it weighs a ton.

 

[ACS]

Indeed. This 'breaking in' a saddle thing, I see no point to it - it's the same mentality some folk have about 'breaking in' a pair of shoes. The saddles I use - Terry's Liberators - were comfortable from day 1. I can ride a century, be out on the bike all day and be comfortable all day - from the very first time I put the saddles on the bikes.

On the advice of my local LBS I purchased a Terry's Liberator and I find my self agreeing with Wafflycat. I have looked at purchasing a Brooks but the increasing cost of them has moved them out of my budget range.

 

[Canrider]

Indeed. This 'breaking in' a saddle thing, I see no point to it

Goes both ways though--a new Brooks Professional fits me perfectly right out of the box. Methinks the problem is with the individual erse, nae the coo skin.

I love Brooks threads, although this one hasn't gotten nearly vicious enough, I must be in the Cafe..