Spa Cycles "Brookish" saddles

So I am a bit of a retro junkie and love the look (and feel) of Brooks saddles. However, no they have become a fasion item, their price has rocketed. So while searching around I have come across these saddles from Spa cycles:

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s81p2667 - Nidd
http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s81p2668 - Wharfe
http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s81p2669 - Aire

These show distinct similarities with the Brooks saddle, the "Nidd" is similar to the B17 and the "Aire" is like the swallow. So what do you guys think of these? Had any experience with something similar?

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/brooks-b17-standard-leather-saddle-brown-with-black-steel-rails-prod25168/?src=froogle

Moved to Bikes & Bits

They're cheaper than Brooks saddles, but not by much. I miss the chrome in the lower end models but I understand the nastiness of the process. Honestly, since I've found out about Wiggle and CR I've paid less for Brooks than I did 20 years ago when I had to go through Usonian dealers (I'm in Canada). They work for me and I've no need to take a chance in the name of price.

i love spa cycles as they are my lbs and i've sent many hours in there talking shit to the johns but i'm not a fan of these chinese blooks saddles... buy british when you can and if you can't afford them new, buy them used!

tom
(the proud owner of 3 swifts on 3 bikes)

I'll just leave this here

From Brooks website:-

"Regarding our bags, yes, some are made in China. After trying to start production in the UK and Italy we realized that the quality was not good enough for Brooks, therefore we moved manufacturing to China. It is hard to imagine for most people, but China is delivering the highest quality stitching nowadays. We didn’t choose our supplier purely for cost reasons, but for the quality it can deliver."

Saddles are made in Britain though I believe

and in fairness - brooks bags have always been a little shitty - i have a glenbrook and was shocked to find out it's leatherette not leather plus they are italian owned,

But the core of their business - the saddles, have always been made in britain asfaik - no chance they'll go to china (fingers crossed)

^^tru dat, just being mischievous

Moved to Bikes & Bits

You're slipping fatty. ;-)

http://www.lfgss.com/thread63695.html.

Has anyone bought one? Any opinions etc?

Just fitted one to my new Bob Jackson....very happy so far