Brooks England: Saddle Database & Model Guide

Related Ebykr Article on Brooks Saddles

Brooks England: The Eternal One

Brooks Saddle Model Guide Notes

– This model guide covers 1899 onward, including early and mid-20th-century models restored from period Brooks catalogues (badged “added” in the explorer). Some decades remain more fully catalogued than others.

– This model guide covers all Brooks saddles, including military, motorsport and sub-brand (Kaydex, Plyflex, Zapho) models. Some saddles were not included in known catalogs and are not included here.

– The “>>” symbol indicates “became,” as in a set of measurements became another set of measurements at a later date.

– When a Year/Size/Weight/Value entry follows another similar entry in the same field (usually separated by a comma or slash character), the first value precedes the second value in time, and so on.

– Many limited “Edition” saddles have been created for one-off needs, special events, seasonal uses or other purposes. Most are variations of production models. Some are included here and others are not.

– All saddles are either known or presumed to made in England, unless otherwise noted (e.g., Cambium/Italy).

Brooks Saddle Model Guide Anecdotes

– Enamel or nickel plated steel finishes became available for all chassis designs in 1900, except Zapho models which were only available in enamel. Enamel finishes cost 15-20% than nickel finishes.

– Enamel or chromium plated steel finishes became available for all chassis designs in 1957, except Juvenile models which were only available in enamel. Enamel finishes were 2-3% less in cost than chrome finishes.

– Sizes of some models change over catalog entries (e.g., B. 15, B. 67), usually getting shorter over time.

– Weights of some models change over catalog entries (e.g., B. 17, B. 19), usually getting lighter over time.

– Larger size saddles (/2, /3 and /4 sizes) were thought to be preferred by some long distance riders.

– Some models (e.g., B. 72) were completely redesigned over the years, whereby redesigned models did not resemble old models in either form or function.

– Some models (e.g., B. 90) migrated from bicycle saddles to motor saddles in the early 1900s without their designs changing much or whatsoever.

– Most saddle models seemed to have gained an additional 10% or so in weight in 1908, with other attributes like dimension/size having remained generally consistent around that time.

Brooks Saddle Model Guide Reference Catalogs

1899 Illustrated List of Brooks’ Cycle Saddles and Accoutrements

1900 Brooks Cycle Saddles and Accoutrements

1901 Brooks Cycle Saddles and Accoutrements

1903 Brooks Cycle Saddles and Accoutrements

1904 Brooks Cycle Saddles and Accoutrements

1905 Brooks Cycle & Motor Saddles & Seats & Accoutrements

1907 Brooks Saddles, Seats & Accoutrements for Cycles & Motors