Brooks

Def the nut. I had the same issues with mine.

i knew your issues were nut-related. I was making sure he tried some grease on the rail before tensioning the saddle. But I guess if it's gone a bit loose there, a turn or two won't hurt. Also drop of oil around the join where the rails and nose plate/tensioner meet might stop any creaks.

I've got a honey swift titanium, a black swift titanium (oops that one has been stolen) and a white swallow in the box. Just though I'd say that...white swallow in a box. Skully I seem to keep missing you on all the rides . (I'm Dave of Dave and Bruno)

Hi dave long time no see. If you ever want to ruin a saddle by punching your name across the seat give me a shout (might make it harder to resell). I've been meaning try out putting some gold leaf in between the hide and letter stamps ... some R&D required.

I am working on something to solve th stolen brooks thing but I will only share it face to face with members I know or trust. One I have finished I'll let you know...

Intriguing. You know where I live, let's have a pint sometime where might suit us both.

I had a swallow, and it was nice.
I think asm has it now.
I prefer Regals to Brook's, and my white leather one is sweet.

Team pro and love it. bit slippy in jeans but comfy as!

vintage swallow

new honey swift large rivet

new honey b17 large rivet copper rail

vintage professional black large rivet

...........because i'm worth it.

the B17 is going for £35 from SJS cycles, just thought I#d share.

If anyone is looking to get rid, i'd be interested in buying. Thought I'd mention here before hitting the shops

Have you tried to put a bit of grease on the rails? The squeaking is probably just the seat-clamp and rails not quite seeing eye to eye, rather than anything to do with the saddle itself.

shit yeah you told me to do that. i will try that next

Edscoble you are no fool so I will try the ball bearing. Do I take it that everyone is using pitlocks, or are you ball bearing the seat tube clamp as well?

both, the clamp that hold the saddle and the seat tube clamp, once you get your preferred adjustment, there's no need to change it.

did it on my missus bike, found it bloody hard to removed the ball bearing for 10 minutes.

Go for the B67, they're a good size, very comfortable and defintely absorb the shock from the road without making it feel too springy like a pogo stick.

Mother Dearest has one of these, but black leather with purple springs. Is that some oldschool limited release or did she just get creative with some paint? It's such a nice saddle.

I've got a swallow. Had it for over a year. Comfortable enough for me not to think about it. Have had to use the bolt though. Also everytime my bike drops, the seat seems to be attached to either brick or concrete. Got some lovely scuff marks on it. Worn before it's time.

Team Pro - Quite like it, but..... prefer my second hand Rolls on the beater, so much more comfortable!

Guys, I am currently in conversation with a chap about team pro - it is 10 years old. Picture below.

it is going for 30 quid posted. Shall I go for it? Here is his description:

'I bought the saddle new about ten years ago. It was on a bike I used for about five years and has since then spent it's time in the cellar. That bike had mudguards, so the underside never got wet, but I'm sure I got caught out in the rain a few times. The leather is sound all around (there are no tears) but there are some very fine crackly bits where it's dried out a bit and around the rear copper rivets, as happens with all old Brooks saddles. That's the way they age, and it does not affect the saddle in actual use. I suppose I could have proofed it and polished out the slight discolouring before taking the pic. The shape is still the original form, and there's no sagging or over-stretching. I want to replace it with a B17 because I want saddlebag rings, hence the sale.'

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2096/dsc00800.jpg

Furtwangler, it doesn't look right. It looks fake actually.

The rivets don't look to be brass, which is tell-tale, and the "leather" has an entirely wrong patina. Infact, it looks like a non-Brooks leather.
Which if true, means that you would be over-paying by about £29.

Do Skully, Hassanr or VeLLo agree? You chaps handle and mod Brooks'. Does it look right?

I doubt it, it does look like a Brooks, here's another example;

so yes, I think it's defintely a brooks.

nah. i'd say it's legit, based on the photo. those rivets are def copper (shouldn't be brass ;), the patina varies depending on the usage, i've got one back in the states that i barely use that has a similar finish. same for the leather, probably sun/sweat faded.

but, probably not worth £30. it doesn't look very well cared for. the leather around the rear rivets looks quite dry, like it might tear, and it looks very used. it also has a fair bit of bolt showing at the nose. something you could get at a jumble for around 15-20 quid.

B17 narrow (seem to be about £50-£60 in shops) + chop, pay loads less.

As skully says.

Brooks are ace on very long rides because leather doesn't create or hold any heat. But... If your into fast club rides, they're gonna weigh you down.

Team Pro - Quite like it, but..... prefer my second hand Rolls on the beater, so much more comfortable!

Old (when they've worn smooth) Rolls are my favorite.

I've tried the b17, swift, and team pro.

the b17 was comfortable, but not so much when riding in an agressive, non-upright position. not bad -- just not great.

the swift is definitely quality, but a little too narrow for my seatbones, so I was never comfortable. Would be excellent for someone with narrow seatbones.

the team pro is my favorite. wide enough for me. quality build. very attractive.

I'll be purchasing a sprung saddle for my townie build this summer.

Guys, I am currently in conversation with a chap about team pro - it is 10 years old. Picture below.

it is going for 30 quid posted. Shall I go for it? Here is his description:

'I bought the saddle new about ten years ago. It was on a bike I used for about five years and has since then spent it's time in the cellar. That bike had mudguards, so the underside never got wet, but I'm sure I got caught out in the rain a few times. The leather is sound all around (there are no tears) but there are some very fine crackly bits where it's dried out a bit and around the rear copper rivets, as happens with all old Brooks saddles. That's the way they age, and it does not affect the saddle in actual use. I suppose I could have proofed it and polished out the slight discolouring before taking the pic. The shape is still the original form, and there's no sagging or over-stretching. I want to replace it with a B17 because I want saddlebag rings, hence the sale.'

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2096/dsc00800.jpg

looks real to me.

I'd love a black team pro if anyone has one to sell?

I'd love a black team pro if anyone has one to sell?

Brooks have introduced the Team Pro Classic to the range this year (basically a budget version with machine-pressed rivets and chromed rails) which is much cheaper than the standard model. I have seen it offered for sub-£50 by some undercutting online retailers, worth looking into if you want a black team pro.

sub=£50 eh?

look like a good buy over the B17.

.

That's the one I was thinking of - in black. The ones with springs at the front look like they might make me sea-sick...

i had on of this on my moulton that got sotlen and lasted 7 seven years. it was great!

the downside with that saddle (B67) is that it's designed for a more upright riding position.

Team Pro for me - just beautiful, comfy over short and long distances.

That pro above looks legit to me and if it gives you comfort for another 10 years then thats 3 quid a year which aint bad.