Brooks 1935 Catalog — The Brooks Book of Saddles and Riding Kit (List No. 208)

The Brooks Book of Saddles and Riding Kit for the Year 1935, issued as List No. 208 from the Criterion Works in Great Charles Street, Birmingham 3. It is the only book in this part of the run to print a full index, which lists every section against its page and is reproduced below.

Three things make it worth citing.

The first is a single sentence and a single arrow. On printed page 15 the BROOKS B16 CHAMPION Patent CASTALUMIN Frame is described with the words “Shock absorbing rubber buffer in nose,” and the photograph beside it carries a leader line and the caption “Shock Absorbing Rubber Buffer” pointing at the saddle’s nose. The 1934 book describes the same feature on the same model quite differently, as a “shock absorbing nose shackle, giving semi-automatic tensioning.” So the rubber buffer wording, and the labelled illustration of it, belong to 1935.

The second is the closing leaf, printed page 40, headed “Other BROOKS Products — best for their respective purposes.” It prints EVERTAUT TUBECRAFT for the first time in this run: “TUBECRAFT:—CHAIRS, STOOLS, TABLES, DESKS, CABINETS, MIRRORS, &c. best for Home, Hotel, or Business.” The 1933 and 1934 leaves had sold the same line as “tubular steel furniture.” The leaf also drops the Industria name, which the 1933 and 1934 books both carried: the motoring line is now simply “Brooks Motor Trunks and Equipment.” Antler survives from 1934, still “wholesale only.”

The third is what is still here. Impervia is a full range in 1935, with the R6 on printed page 7 and the R3 on printed page 13, and Brooks Legion is a full range too, with Legion B and Legion J on page 13. Both marks are gone from the 1937 catalog. With no 1936 book in the collection, 1935 is therefore the last year in which either can be shown present, and the same is true of the two castalumin saddles: the B16 Champion on page 15 and the Suplex S40 on page 21, both unchanged in specification and price from 1934.

Prices across the range are identical to 1934, model for model. B18 at 11/3, B72 at 10/9, Challenge C30 at 7/9, Legion B at 7/-, Impervia R3 at 6/-, Kaydex K3 at 5/3, B90 at 17/-, 19/- and 21/- enamelled with nickel at 21/- and 24/- on the two larger sizes, Challenge C5 at 13/9 enamelled or 15/3 nickeled, Kaydex K6 at 6/3, Impervia R6 at 7/-, the B16 Castalumin at 17/6 and the Suplex S40 Castalumin at 15/-. Nickel is still offered beside enamel on the heavier models. There is no chromium anywhere in the saddle range.

This record reproduces the cover, the title page with its index, the loop front and four-wire range pages, the two castalumin pages and the closing leaf. The remaining printed pages are held in the Ebykr collection but are not reproduced here; the index shows what is on them.

The scan is a low-resolution one. The embedded images run about 1,055 pixels across per two-page spread, which is roughly 528 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. Dark green stock printed in white.]

BROOKS SADDLES

[The wordmark and the words SADDLES are set in a white rectangular panel drawn as a hanging sign, with a fine line running down and to the left like a signpost or a flag pole.]

Best for Riding

— Page 2 —

[Title page, printed in green, with the index beneath.]

The BROOKS

REGISTERED TRADE MARK

BOOK OF SADDLES AND RIDING KIT FOR CYCLISTS AND MOTOR CYCLISTS

For the Year 1935

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. 208

INDEX

Saddle Selection … 2—5
Cycle Saddles … 6—21
Loop Front Models … 6—8
Tension Coil … 8
Hammock … 8—9
3 Coil Models … 10, 11, 18, 21
4 Wire … 12, 13, 17
Racing … 14—18
Spring Seat Models … 19—21
Touring Holdalls … 22—24
Picnic … 25
Pannier … 25
Oilskin Clothing … 26, 27
Cycling Shoes … 28, 29
Tool Bags … 30
Saddle Covers … 30
Spanners … 30
Toe Clips … 31
Toe Straps … 31
Proofide … 31
Numac Oilskin Renovator … 31
Motor Cycle Saddles … 32, 33
Pillion Seats … 34, 35
Cushions … 36, 37
Footrests … 37
Galoshalls … 38
Snap-on Leggings … 39
Handlebar Muffs … 39

— Page 3 —

[Printed pages 6 and 7.]

BROOKS SADDLES — best for Riding

Loop front Models

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: 10¾×8¾×3½in. Weight: 3 lbs. 4 ozs. Price: 17/- enam.

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

B90/3. Size: 12¼×9¾×3¾in. 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: 10¾×8¾×3½in. Weight: 2 lbs. 12 ozs. Price: 12/9 enam.

BROOKS CHALLENGE C5. Leather top, six-wire bracket, double loop front spring and stranded wire rear coil springs. Size: 11¾×9¼×3½in. Weight: 3 lbs. 5 ozs. Price: 13/9 enam.; 15/3 nic.

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

BROOKS PLYFLEX P207. Patent weatherproof moulded top of multi-ply construction, stout leather foundations. Non-cracking, non-clinging, flexible and durable. Six-wire bracket, double loop front spring and stranded wire real coil springs. Size: 11¾×9¼×3½in. 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: 10½×8¼×3¾in. Weight: 2 lbs. 8 ozs. Price: 7/- enam.

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

[The models are photographed among the text on both pages rather than on a separate plate: B90, B76 and Challenge C5 on printed page 6, Kaydex K6, Plyflex P207 and Impervia R6 on printed page 7.]

— Page 4 —

[Printed pages 12 and 13.]

BROOKS SADDLES — best for Riding

Four-Wire Models

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: 10½×8½×2¼in. Weight: 1 lb. 14 ozs. Price: 12/- enam.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[The models are photographed among the text: B10, B18, B72 and Challenge C30 on printed page 12, Legion B, Legion J, Kaydex K3 and Impervia R3 on printed page 13.]

— Page 5 —

[Printed pages 14 and 15.]

BROOKS SADDLES — best for Riding

Racing and Speed Models

At one time these narrow, almost rigid, saddles 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:

B17 STANDARD. Size: 11 × 6¾ × 2⅜in. Weight: 1 lb. 12 ozs. Price: 13/9 enam.

B17 NARROW. Size: 11 × 6 × 2⅜in. Weight: 1 lb. 11 ozs. Price: 13/9 enam.

B17 SPRINTER. Size: 11 × 4⅞ × 2¼in. Weight: 1 lb. 8 ozs. Price: 13/9 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 × 3in. Weight: 2 lbs. Price: 17/6 enam.

BROOKS B15 CHAMPION. Selected butt hide top. Two-wire frame, enamelled clip and nickel plated tension pin. Size: 11 × 6 × 4in. Weight: 1 lb. 8 ozs. Price: 11/6.

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 rubber buffer in nose. Gent’s model only. Size: 11 × 6 × 2⅜in. Weight: 1 lb. 7 ozs. Price: 17/6.

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

[The B17 Champion is photographed in side view on printed page 14 above its three tops seen from above and captioned Standard, Narrow and Sprinter. On printed page 15 the B19 and B15 Champions are photographed side by side, and beneath them the B16 Champion Castalumin is shown from the side with a leader line drawn to its nose and the caption “Shock Absorbing Rubber Buffer.”]

— Page 6 —

[Printed pages 20 and 21.]

BROOKS SADDLES — best for Riding

Broad Mattress Models

Combining the advantages of resilience in the seat with the support obtained from generous width.

BROOKS SUPLEX S20/1. Spring mattress top. Stout black weatherproof fabric covering, underlined with moulded leather and felt. Three-coil springs, four-wire bracket. (The front spring is shallow, and the rear springs are of large diameter, thus obviating side roll). Size: 10×8½×3¼in. Weight: 3 lbs. 2 ozs. Price: 13/6.

S20/2. This differs from the S20/1 in the size of the seat, and in that it has a girder bracket in place of the four-wire frame. The front spring is shallow and the rear coils of large diameter. Size: 11×11×3¾in. Weight: 3 lbs. 14 ozs. Price: 15/-.

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

S24 L. Ladies’ model. Short frame and four-wire bracket. Size: 9×9¼×3½in. Weight: 3 lbs. 2 ozs. Price: 14/-.

BROOKS SUPLEX S25/1. Spring mattress top. Stout black weatherproof fabric covering underlined with moulded leather and felt. B17 type underframe, i.e., a stout two-wire bracket. Size: 11×8½×2¾in. Weight: 2 lbs. 5 ozs. Price: 13/-.

Narrow Mattress Models

Designed for riders of lightweight machines who have a preference for resilience in the seat itself. The models described are of narrow seat formation with variations in under-springing and framework.

BROOKS SUPLEX S20N. 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: 11×7½×3in. Weight: 2 lbs. 13 ozs. Price: 13/6 enam.

BROOKS SUPLEX S25N. Spring mattress top. Stout black weatherproof fabric covering, underlined with moulded leather and felt. Two-wire B17 Champion type underframe. Size: 11×7½×2⅞in. Weight: 2 lbs. 3 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: 11×7½×2⅞in. Weight: 1lb. 14ozs. Price: 15/-.

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

[The models are photographed among the text. The S40 Castalumin is shown at the lower right of printed page 21, tipped to display its die-cast alloy frame and the radiating mattress springs beneath the seat.]

— Page 7 —

[Printed page 40, the closing leaf.]

Other BROOKS Products

best for their respective purposes

BROOKS MOTOR TRUNKS AND EQUIPMENT — best for Motoring. [Illustrated by a fitted motor trunk with three drawers]

ANTLER LEATHER GOODS AND TRAVELWARE (wholesale only) — best for Travel. [Illustrated by a hat box and a fitted suitcase]

EVERTAUT TUBECRAFT:—CHAIRS, STOOLS, TABLES, DESKS, CABINETS, MIRRORS, &c. — best for Home, Hotel, or Business. [Illustrated by a tubular steel desk, chair and cabinet with a vase of flowers]

EVERTAUT STEEL STOOLS, CHAIRS, LOCKERS, CUPBOARDS, BINS, SHELVES, TABLES — best for Commerce and Industry. [Illustrated by a steel cupboard and a swivel works stool]