Reverting to seats constructed of leather, it is difficult to appreciate,
from appearance only, the difference between the first grade article
and the next best, but in reality the explanation is perfectly simple.
For Brooks Saddles only the "Butt" of a hide is employed :
this, as will be seen from the illustration, is only the middle
portion of the whole hide, and
commands a much higher price.
It is only by the use of such
material, however, that the
quality of Brooks Saddles can
be maintained, and the experience
of many thousands of
cyclists confirms the value of
this wise precaution. Saddles cut from butts, grease dressed during
manufacture, are practically waterproof, yet capable of "breathing"
in a healthy manner ; this means that a Brooks Saddle never becomes
"clammy" and is always cool to the rider, thereby considerably
conducting comfort on a long journey, especially in hot weather.
In the cutting of the butts into saddle blanks, the avoidance of
warble marks (caused by an insect that attacks the animal in life),
barbed wire scratches and other blemishes in otherwise perfect
hides, naturally involves waste and a comparative increase in
production cost. The user, however, has the assurance that the
extra cost is reasonable in that it guarantees the use of unblemished
material in the saddle of his selection. Cheaper saddles cannot
afford Brooks quality leather, and it is in the rider's interest that
Brooks Saddles are clearly marked on both flaps and at the rear
with the name BROOKS.
Yours in Cycling,
Gilbert Anderson
North Road Bicycle Imports P.O. Box 840 166 Courthouse Square Yanceyville NC 27379 milesawhelen@mac.com or cyclestore@aol.com Local: 919-828-8999 or Toll free Nationwide 800-321-5511