Smell That Fine English Leather

For over 100 years J.B. Brooks & Co. Ltd. have been handcrafting unique leather bicycle saddles at their factory in England. The saddles produced by Brooks are the haute couture of aftermarket bicycle saddles. Each saddle is cut from the butt of the hide and will eventually mold itself to fit the rider like a glove.

My Swift (click the photo above to view it full size) is the best looking, most comfortable saddle I have ever owned. This racing model features hand hammered copper rivets joining the leather to a titanium frame. Even by todays standards this is a light saddle. Brooks makes saddles for all types of cycling, not just racing. Beauty does not come cheap, and saddles typically start at over $100 and go up to about $350.

While many modern day, spandex team gear clad, "how many grams can I save" riders will turn up their noses at the mention of Brooks, I think their saddles are works of art.