Brooks 1934 Catalog — The Brooks Book (List No. 190)

The Brooks Book for 1934, issued as List No. 190 from the Criterion Works in Great Charles Street, Birmingham 3. Its title page calls it “a catalogue of saddles and riding kit for cyclists and motor cyclists … including a treatise on the subject of saddle selection especially written for those who desire the utmost satisfaction from their riding,” and it carries the slogan “Best for Riding” that runs across the foot of nearly every page in the book.

It is the year the alloy frame changed its name, and it is the book to cite for that change.

In 1933 the light-alloy racing saddle was the BROOKS PATENT CHAMPION DURALUMIN. In this book the same idea is sold as the BROOKS B16 CHAMPION PATENT CASTALUMIN FRAME, and the opening sentence has been rewritten with it: where 1933 read “the association of a duralumin frame with a Brooks solid butt hide top,” 1934 reads “the association of a light alloy frame with a Brooks solid butt hide top.” The rest of the paragraph is word for word the same. The new model is described as having a “shock absorbing nose shackle, giving semi-automatic tensioning,” it weighs 1 lb. 7 ozs. and it costs 17/6. There is a second castalumin saddle in the same book, the BROOKS SUPLEX S40 PATENT CASTALUMIN FRAME on printed page 20, “mounted on an ingenious die-cast alloy frame,” at 1 lb. 14 ozs. and 15/-. A third model, the Suplex S25 Narrow, has “a two-wire bracket which in this model is cast into the lightweight alloy backplate,” so three saddles in the 1934 range use cast alloy in some form.

Two weights are worth setting side by side, because they are easy to get the wrong way round. The B16 Champion Castalumin is 1 lb. 7 ozs., which is 23 ounces. The Suplex S40 Castalumin is 1 lb. 14 ozs., which is 30 ounces. The difference is seven ounces, not ten.

Unlike the 1933 catalog, which left every price line blank in the setting, this book prices everything, and it prices the same chassis in a ladder of grades. On the four-wire frame: Brooks B18 at 11/3, B72 at 10/9, Challenge C30 at 7/9, Legion B at 7/-, Impervia R3 at 6/- and Kaydex K3 at 5/3. On the three-coil frame: Brooks B75 at 12/3 enamelled or 13/9 nickeled, B73 at 11/6, Challenge C31 at 8/-, Legion A at 7/3, Impervia R2 at 6/3, Kaydex K2 at 5/6 and the Junior No. 3 at 3/6. The Kaydex therefore undercuts the equivalent Brooks-topped model by about 53 percent on the four-wire chassis and about 52 percent on the three-coil.

All seven of the marks named in the 1933 roll-call are still here: Brooks, Brooks Challenge, Brooks Legion, Kaydex, Brooks Plyflex, Impervia and Brooks Suplex. Nickel plating is still offered beside enamel on the heavier loop-front and three-coil models, and there is no chromium anywhere in the saddle range.

The closing leaf is the reason this book matters a second time. It lists what else the company made, and it names four marks where the 1933 leaf named two: Brooks & Industria for motoring, Evertaut for industry and commerce, Evertaut again for the home, hotel or business, and — new since 1933 — ANTLER, “leather goods & travelware, wholesale only.” Each is illustrated, and the Industria motor trunk carries a price, No. 3480 at £5.15.0.

This record reproduces the cover, the title page, the priced saddle range and the closing leaf. Printed pages 2 through 5, 8, 9, 16, 17 and 22 through 39, covering the selection treatise, the tension coil and hammock models, the racing continuation and the bags, oilskins, shoes, motor saddles, pillion seats and leggings, are held in the Ebykr collection but are not reproduced here.

The scan is a low-resolution one. The embedded images run about 1,091 pixels across per two-page spread, which is roughly 545 pixels per printed page, and the images in this record are presented at twice that. Headings, model numbers, prices and weights read cleanly. The smallest body copy sits at the floor of legibility.

— Page 1 —

[Front cover. A full-color pictorial lithograph, the most elaborate cover in the Brooks run held here.]

[A young man in shirtsleeves stands beside his bicycle outside a thatched, white-washed cottage in autumn, sliding a folded map or guide into the pocket of a large black saddlebag. A cape is rolled and strapped above the bag. Two more riders, one in a red jumper and white skirt, are freewheeling away down the lane behind him past a white fence and turning trees.]

[Across the foot, on a black band:]

BROOKS

REGISTERED TRADE MARK

SADDLES

Best for Riding

— Page 2 —

[Title page.]

THE BROOKS BOOK

REGISTERED TRADE MARK

YEAR 1934.

A Catalogue of Saddles and Riding Kit for Cyclists and Motor Cyclists.

Best for Riding

Including a treatise on the subject of saddle selection especially written for those who desire the utmost satisfaction from their riding.

Best for Riding

J. B. BROOKS & Co. Ltd.
CRITERION WORKS,
GREAT CHARLES STREET.
BIRMINGHAM, 3.

TELEPHONE – CENTRAL 3670.
TELEGRAMS – BROOKS, BIRMINGHAM.
Codes – Bentley’s Complete Phrase.

LIST No. 190.

— Page 3 —

[Printed pages 6 and 7.]

LOOP FRONT SADDLES

Designed for the full roadster type of machine. This style of saddle has always proved extremely popular both for about-town use and also for long-distance touring where the rider’s preference is for a resilient seat. Made in gent’s model only, in various sizes and grades.

BROOKS B90. Brooks solid butt hide top, six wire bracket, double loop front spring and stranded wire rear coil springs. Made in three sizes.

B90/1. Size: 10¾” × 8¾” × 3½”. Weight: 3 lbs. 4 ozs. Price: 17/- enam.; 19/6 nic.

B90/2. Size: 11¾” × 9¼” × 3½”. Weight: 3 lbs. 8 ozs. Price: 19/- enam.; 21/- nic.

B90/3. Size: 12¼” × 9¾” × 3¾”. Weight: 4 lbs. 2 ozs. Price: 21/- enam.; 24/- nic.

BROOKS B76. Selected butt hide top, four-wire bracket, double loop front spring and plain wire rear coil springs. Size: 10¾” × 8¾” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 12 ozs. Price: 12/9 enam.

BROOKS CHALLENGE C.5. Leather top, six-wire bracket, double loop front spring and stranded wire rear coil springs. Size: 11¾” × 9¼” × 3½”. Weight: 3 lbs. 5 ozs. Price: 13/9 enam.; 15/3 nic.

BROOKS LEGION H. Leather top, four-wire bracket, single loop front spring, plain wire rear coil springs. Size: 10½” × 8¼” × 3¾”. Weight: 2 lbs. 6 ozs. Price: 8/6 enam.

KAYDEX K6. Leather top, four-wire bracket, single loop front spring, plain wire rear coil springs. Size: 10½” × 8¼” × 3¾”. Weight: 2 lbs. 6 ozs. Price: 6/3 enam.

BROOKS PLYFLEX P207. Patent weatherproof moulded top of multi-ply construction, stout leather foundation. Non-cracking, non-clinging, flexible and durable. Six-wire bracket, double loop front spring and stranded wire rear coil springs. Size: 11¾” × 9¼” × 3½”. Weight: 3 lbs. 6 ozs. Price: 13/9 enam.

IMPERVIA R6. Patent weatherproof moulded top, leather foundation. Non-cracking, non-clinging. Four-wire bracket, single loop front spring and plain wire rear coil springs. Size: 10½” × 8¼” × 3¾”. Weight: 2 lbs. 8 ozs. Price: 7/- enam.

NOTE.—Saddle heights are measured from centre of clip bolt to seat surface.

[Facing plate, printed page 7. Six saddles photographed and captioned: B 90, C 5, LEGION H, K 6, P 207, IMPERVIA No 6.]

— Page 4 —

[Printed pages 10 and 11.]

THREE-COIL SADDLES

The popular form of saddle for general use.

BROOKS B75. Brooks solid butt hide top, four-wire bracket, three large diameter fine pitch coil springs. Gent’s model—Size: 10½” × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 10 ozs. Price: 12/3 enam.; 13/9 nic. Ladies’ model—Size: 9¾” × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 5 ozs. Price: 12/3 enam.; 13/9 nic.

BROOKS B73. Selected butt hide top, four-wire bracket, three large diameter fine pitch coil springs. Gent’s model—Size: 10½” × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 6 ozs. Price: 11/6 enam. Ladies model—Size: 9¾” × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 5 ozs. Price: 11/6 enam.

BROOKS JUNIOR No. 3. Leather top, four-wire bracket, three coil springs. Size: 8¾” × 6″ × 3″. Weight: 1 lb. 8 ozs. Price: 3/6 enam.

BROOKS CHALLENGE C31. Leather top, four-wire bracket, three coil springs. Gent’s model—Size: 10½” × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 8 ozs. Price: 8/- enam. Ladies’ model—Size: 9½” × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 4 ozs. Price: 8/- enam.

BROOKS LEGION A. Leather top, four-wire bracket, three coil springs. Gent’s model—Size: 10½” × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 2 ozs. Price: 7/3 enam. Ladies’ model—Size: 9½” × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. Price: 7/3 enam.

KAYDEX K2. Leather top, four-wire bracket, three coil springs. Gent’s model—Size: 10½” × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 2 ozs. Price: 5/6 enam. Ladies’ model—Size: 10″ × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 1 oz. Price: 5/6 enam.

BROOKS PLYFLEX P205. Patent weatherproof moulded top of multi-ply construction; stout leather foundation. Non-cracking, non-clinging, flexible, and durable. Four-wire bracket, three large diameter fine pitch coil springs. Gent’s model—Size: 10½” × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 4 ozs. Price: 10/3 enam. Ladies’ model—Size: 9¾” × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. Price: 10/3 enam.

BROOKS PLYFLEX P208. For carrier service. Patent weatherproof moulded top of multi-ply construction; stout leather foundation. Non-cracking, non-clinging, flexible, and durable. Girder bracket, three large, heavy coil springs. Gent’s model only—Size: 10¾” × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 3 lbs. 8 ozs. Price: 10/6 enam.

IMPERVIA R2. Patent weatherproof moulded top; leather foundation. Non-cracking, non-clinging. Four-wire bracket, three coil springs. Gent’s model—Size: 10½” × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 2 ozs. Price: 6/3 enam. Ladies’ model—Size: 10″ × 8½” × 3½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 1 oz. Price: 6/3 enam.

NOTE—Saddle heights are measured from centre of clip bolt to seat surface.

[Facing plate, printed page 11. Eight saddles photographed and captioned: B 75, BROOKS JUNIOR No 3, C 31, LEGION A, K 2, P 205, P 208, IMPERVIA No 2.]

— Page 5 —

[Printed pages 12 and 13.]

FOUR-WIRE SADDLES

Recommended for the type of rider who prefers a seat with a little more resilience than that usually selected to-day by the hard-riding cyclist. In addition to the comparative resilience of the looped wire frame, the full width seat in this type is also appreciated by many long distance riders.

BROOKS B10. Brooks solid butt hide top, double loop four-wire frame. Gent’s model only. Size: 10½” × 8½” × 2¼”. Weight: 1 lb. 14 ozs. Price: 12/- enam.

BROOKS B18. Brooks solid butt hide top, single loop four-wire frame. Gent’s model—Size: 10½” × 8½” × 2¼”. Weight: 1 lb. 12 ozs. Price: 11/3 enam. Ladies’ model—Size: 9½” × 8½” × 2″. Weight: 1 lb. 10 ozs. Price: 11/3 enam.

BROOKS B72. Selected butt hide top. Single loop four-wire frame. Gent’s model—Size: 10½” × 8½” × 2¼”. Weight: 1 lb. 11 ozs. Price: 10/9 enam. Ladies’ model—Size: 9½” × 8½” × 2″. Weight: 1 lb. 10 ozs. Price: 10/9 enam.

BROOKS CHALLENGE C30. Leather top, single loop four-wire frame. Gent’s model only. Size: 10½” × 8½” × 2¼”. Weight: 1 lb. 12 ozs. Price: 7/9 enam.

BROOKS LEGION B. Leather top, single loop four-wire frame. Gent’s model—Size: 10½” × 8½” × 2¼”. Weight: 1 lb. 10 ozs. Price: 7/- enam. Ladies’ model—Size: 9½” × 8½” × 2″. Weight: 1 lb. 8 ozs. Price: 7/- enam.

BROOKS LEGION J. Extra lightweight saddle, similar to Legion B, but with smaller seat, for children’s and youths’ machines. Leather top, single loop four-wire frame. Size: 10½” × 8″ × 1¾”. Weight: 1 lb. 6 ozs. Price: 6/- enam.

KAYDEX K3. Leather top, single loop four-wire frame. Gent’s model only. Size: 10½” × 8½” × 2″. Weight: 1 lb. 9 ozs. Price: 5/3 enam.

BROOKS PLYFLEX P206. Patent weatherproof moulded top of multi-ply construction, stout leather foundation. Non-cracking, non-clinging, flexible and durable. Double loop four-wire frame. Gent’s model—Size: 10½” × 8¾” × 2¼”. Weight: 1 lb. 9 ozs. Price: 10/- enam. Ladies’ model—Size: 9¾” × 8½” × 2″. Weight: 1 lb. 7 ozs. Price: 10/- enam.

IMPERVIA R3. Patent weatherproof moulded top, leather foundation. Non-cracking, non-clinging. Single loop four-wire frame. Gent’s model only. Size: 10½” × 8½” × 2″. Weight: 1 lb. 11 ozs. Price: 6/- enam.

NOTE.—Saddle heights are measured from centre of clip bolt to seat surface.

[Facing plate, printed page 13. Eight saddles photographed and captioned: B 10, B 18, C 30, LEGION B, LEGION J, K 3, P 206, IMPERVIA 3.]

— Page 6 —

[Printed pages 14 and 15.]

RACING SADDLES AND ROAD SPEED MODELS

At one time these narrow, almost rigid, models were the choice solely of racing cyclists, for use either in track or road events. It is a significant fact that the Brooks Champion is still the recognised favourite for all such events, and is selected by an overwhelming majority of experts. To-day, however, with the increase in efficiency cycling amongst the “multimiler” class of rider, this narrow, well cambered seat, is fitted to rigid, semi-rigid, and even to resilient three coil under-frames (see also following pages), and enjoys a vastly increased patronage. The Champion shape has been found to assist energetic long-distance riding by offering the minimum resistance to pedalling effort and by giving just that degree of support which is appreciated by the rider who has learned the secret of balance awheel.

BROOKS B17 CHAMPION MODELS. Brooks solid butt hide top, light yet strong two-wire frame. Gent’s model only. In the three following sizes: Standard—Size: 11″ × 6¾” × 2⅜”. Weight: 1 lb. 12 ozs. Price: 13/9 enam. Narrow—Size: 11″ × 6″ × 2⅜”. Weight: 1 lb. 11 ozs. Price: 13/9 enam. Sprinter—Size: 11″ × 4⅞” × 2¼”. Weight: 1 lb. 8 ozs. Price: 13/9 enam.

BROOKS B16 CHAMPION PATENT CASTALUMIN FRAME. The association of a light alloy frame with a Brooks solid butt hide top brings to the lightweight enthusiast the most practical solution of the ultra light seat problem. In a saddle of this nature, the importance of a reliable leather top, capable of retaining its shape, cannot be over-estimated. This model resembles the B17 Champion Narrow in seat shape. Shock absorbing nose shackle, giving semi-automatic tensioning. Gent’s model only. Size: 11″ × 6″ × 2⅜”. Weight: 1 lb. 7 ozs. Price: 17/6.

BROOKS CHALLENGE C32. Similar in shape to the B17 Champion Narrow. Leather top, two-wire frame. Gent’s model only. Size: 11″ × 6″ × 2⅜”. Weight: 1 lb. 10 ozs. Price: 8/- enam.

KAYDEX K5. Similar to K4 (p. 16), but with two-wire Champion type frame. Size: 10½” × 6¾” × 2⅜”. Weight: 1 lb. 7 ozs. Price: 5/9 enam.

BROOKS B19 CHAMPION. A lengthened B17 Champion, affording a change of seating position for fast, long-distance road riding. Brooks solid butt hide top, extra strong two-wire frame. Gent’s model only. Size: 12½” × 7″ × 3″. Weight: 2 lbs. Price: 17/6 enam.

NOTE.—Saddle heights are measured from centre of clip bolt to seat surface.

[Facing plate, printed page 15. Six saddles photographed and captioned: B17 CHAMPION, B17C STANDARD, B17C NARROW, B17C SPRINTER, B16 CHAMPION CASTALUMIN, B19 CHAMPION, C 32. The B16 is shown from the side, its openwork cast alloy frame and hooked nose fully visible.]

— Page 7 —

[Printed pages 18 and 19.]

SPRING MATTRESS SADDLES

For cyclists who have a preference for resilience in the seat itself. The whole seating area is formed by coil springs of non-rusting wire, and these, whilst adapting themselves to the rider’s form, also serve to eliminate road shocks. The models described hereunder and illustrated on the opposite page have standard width of seat. For saddles for sporting and lightweight machines, see pages 20 and 21.

BROOKS SUPLEX S20/2. Spring mattress top. Stout black weatherproof fabric covering, underlined with moulded leather and felt. Mounted on a three-coil and girder bracket underframe. The front spring is shallow, and the rear springs are of large diameter, thus obviating side roll. Size: 11″ × 11″ × 3¾”. Weight: 3 lbs. 14 ozs. Price: 15/-.

S20/1. This differs from the S20/2 above in the size of the seat, and in that it has a four wire bracket in place of the girder frame. Three coil springs, the front spring is shallow as in the size 2. Size: 10¾” × 8½” × 3¼”. Weight: 3 lbs. 2 ozs. Price: 13/6.

BROOKS SUPLEX S24. A model designed expressly for Continental use. Spring mattress top; stout black weatherproof fabric covering, underlined with moulded leather and felt. Mounted on stiff three-coil springs and girder bracket underframe. The front spring is shallow and the rear springs are of large diameter, thus obviating side roll. Size: 11″ × 9¼” × 3½”. Weight: 3 lbs. 6 ozs. Price: 14/-.

S24 L. Ladies’ model. Similar to above, but with shorter frame and four-wire bracket. Size: 9″ × 9¼” × 3½”. Weight: 3 lbs. 2 ozs. Price: 14/-.

BROOKS SUPLEX S25/1. (Patent). Spring mattress top. Stout black weatherproof fabric covering underlined with moulded leather and felt. B17 type underframe, i.e., a stout two-wire bracket, which in this model is cast into a lightweight alloy backplate. The mattress springs are hooked to a steel wire cast into the backplate; this ensures easy action of the springs without danger of breakage. Size: 11″ × 8¾” × 2¾”. Weight: 2 lbs. 5 ozs. Price: 13/-.

BROOKS SUPLEX S30/1. Formerly S35. Spring mattress top. Stout black weatherproof fabric covering, underlined with moulded leather and felt. Rigid girder frame. Size: 10¾” × 8½” × 2½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 8 ozs. Price: 13/-.

NOTE.—Saddle heights are measured from centre of clip bolt to seat surface.

[Facing plate, printed page 19. Six mattress saddles photographed and captioned: S 20/2, S 20/1, S 24, S 24 L, S 25/1, S 30/1.]

— Page 8 —

[Printed pages 20 and 21.]

SPRING MATTRESS SADDLES FOR FAST ROAD RIDING

Designed for riders of lightweight machines who have a preference for resilience in the seat itself. The models described hereunder and illustrated opposite are all of narrow seat formation with variations in under-springing and framework. A non-rusting wire is used for the mattress coil springs, thereby eliminating breakages.

BROOKS SUPLEX S20 NARROW. Spring mattress top. Stout black weatherproof fabric covering, underlined with moulded leather and felt. Three-coil springs, the front spring being shallow and the rear springs of large diameter to obviate side roll. Four-wire bracket. Size: 11″ × 7½” × 3″. Weight: 2 lbs. 13 ozs. Price: 13/6 enam.

BROOKS SUPLEX S25 NARROW. (Patent). Spring mattress top. Stout black weatherproof fabric covering, underlined with moulded leather and felt. B17 Champion type underframe, i.e., a two-wire bracket which in this model is cast into the lightweight alloy backplate. The mattress springs are hooked to a steel wire cast into the backplate, thus ensuring easy action. Size: 11″ × 7½” × 2⅞”. Weight: 2 lbs. 3 ozs. Price: 12/6.

BROOKS SUPLEX S30 NARROW. Spring mattress top. Stout black weatherproof fabric covering, underlined with moulded leather and felt. Rigid girder frame. Size: 11″ × 7½” × 2½”. Weight: 2 lbs. 4 ozs. Price: 12/6.

BROOKS SUPLEX S40 PATENT CASTALUMIN FRAME. Spring mattress top. Stout black weatherproof fabric covering, underlined with moulded leather and felt. Mounted on an ingenious die-cast alloy frame. The mattress springs are hooked at the rear to a steel wire cast into the backplate, thus ensuring easy action. Size: 11″ × 7½” × 2⅞”. Weight: 1 lb. 14 ozs. Price: 15/-.

NOTE.—Saddle heights are measured from centre of clip bolt to seat surface.

[Facing plate, printed page 21. Four saddles photographed and captioned S20/N, S25/N, S30/N and S40/N CASTALUMIN, the last showing its die-cast alloy frame and radiating mattress springs from below, above a plan view captioned PLAN OF SUPLEX NARROW SADDLES.]

— Page 9 —

[Printed page 40, the closing leaf.]

J. B. BROOKS & CO., LTD., ALSO MANUFACTURE

FOR MOTORING — BROOKS & INDUSTRIA: TRUNKS, PICNIC CASES, RADIATOR MUFFS, NON-SKID CHAINS, WHEEL WRAPPERS, etc. [Illustrated by a fitted motor trunk with three drawers, captioned No. 3480, £5.15.0]

FOR INDUSTRY & COMMERCE — EVERTAUT: STEEL STOOLS AND CHAIRS FOR OFFICES AND WORKS. STEEL SHELVING, CUPBOARDS, BINS, LOCKERS, TABLES, etc. [Illustrated by open steel shelving and a swivel works stool]

FOR HOME, HOTEL OR BUSINESS — EVERTAUT: TUBULAR STEEL FURNITURE. CHAIRS. TABLES. CABINETS, etc. [Illustrated by a tubular steel desk, chair and cabinet with a vase of flowers]

FOR BUSINESS & PLEASURE TRAVEL — ANTLER: LEATHER GOODS & TRAVELWARE. Wholesale only. [Illustrated by a hat box and two fitted suitcases]