New Brooks

[NZPeterG]

Hi All has anyone got one of the 1st 100 Brooks Cambium C17 Saddles to Test Ride?

Here is the low down about it 

http://blog.brooksengland.com/wps/100-cambium-by-royal-mail/#more-10553

It looks good for Mountain Biking (in the Wet and Mud) easy to clean, Maybe good for a wet cycle tour? Like in the UK or New Zealand?

Pete 

[Danneaux]

Not yet, but I did get this email a couple days ago...

BROOKS CAMBIUM
More Test Saddles Shipping Soon

One month ago we marked the impending release of the new line of Cambium Saddles by announcing we were to select a diverse group of 100 individuals for a worldwide product test.
 
The great response that followed took us by surprise, so we decided to increase the number of test saddles from 100 to 150, and further the chances of any one person being selected.
 
This week, the first 100 saddles began leaving Brooks along with survey questionnaires to assist testers in their task of providing feedback prior to the market release of the product.
 
If you have not already been notified, chances are you were not among the first 100 cyclists selected. However, for every dark cloud there is a silver lining, so you may still have a chance to be selected to test a Cambium Saddle.  Therefore, today we announce that we will be sending 50 more test saddles! Additionally during the next year we will release more Cambium models, and select more testers, so if you have not already registered, register today!
 
If you have already registered, your profile is held within the pool of potential subjects so you may still get a chance. In any case we would like to thank you for generously donating your time to complete the survey; your answers play an important role in the creation of new Brooks Products and are therefore invaluable.

 
Thanks Sincerely
 
The Brooks Team

Best,

Dan.

[NZPeterG]

Good Luck Dan,
I got the same e-mail 

Pete. . . . . . 

[StuntPilot]

Me too. Not holding my breath. Luckily I have a superb B17 Select in the meantime 

[Slammin Sammy]

I'm pretty sure I missed out. 

I was wondering how "conformable" this Cambium material will be, compared to Brooks's leather range. It's largely that aspect which has made them so popular (besides the looks!). It should be a lot more weather resistant.

[geocycle]

I'm pretty sure I missed out. 

I was wondering how "conformable" this Cambium material will be, compared to Brooks's leather range. It's largely that aspect which has made them so popular (besides the looks!). It should be a lot more weather resistant.

I have to admit to being skeptical.  Anything synthetic will not breath like leather and is less likely to mold to fit.  It might look like a brooks but without the leather its a different saddle.  I'm looking forward to some long test reports and will remain open minded...

[Andre Jute]

I have to admit to being skeptical.  Anything synthetic will not breath like leather and is less likely to mold to fit.  It might look like a brooks but without the leather its a different saddle.  I'm looking forward to some long test reports and will remain open minded...

Well, I don't know that a proper Brooks is hugely conformable. Your typical Brooks, until it became a "luxury item" about thirty or forty years ago, was a B190, made of thick, stiff leather that you wouldn't make a dent in even if your rode it 24/7 for ten years. It's a hammock design, supposed to be springy when the weight on it is removed. There's even a threaded tensioner to maintain something approximating the original conical top shape.

The great advantage of leather is that it breathes. I wonder what Cambium does.

Andre Jute

[NZPeterG]

I'm not going to say any think in case I have on turn up in my Mailbox 

But I do like Brooks for being cool when riding in 45+c 


Pete   

[Cambirder]

I registered, but no joy so far. Could be useful for my new CF Domane. After just one 50k ride I know the Bontranger it came with is not going to suit my arse, but with no gaurds I think putting an expensive leather saddle on it might be a bit risky, so I,m going to try out a SDG Bel Air out on it, they get very good reviews and Wiggle had the Ti alloy versions at knocked down prices so I just ordered one.

If that does not work out I will give the new Brooks a try if the price is not too silly.

[beerbike]

I received my cambium two weeks ago, my first Brooks. Rode it from Barnstable to Plymouth over a few days. Looks great, it's light, but felt like sitting on a plank. Cotton surface absorbs moisture, so needs covering. At least oiled leather can  be wiped down, and every ride you make is an investment to improving comfort. The C17 does not offer that. I'm a little disappointed...

[Danneaux]

Thanks so much for the Cambium report, Greg. They're so new, field reports really help in considering a purchase. Well done!

Based on your limited use to date, do you think it would ever form little "sit wells" to conform to the rider's shape like the leather version? Do you think the cotton surface would be as long-lived as the smooth leather versions?

Best,

Dan.

[beerbike]

No. They are quite stiff, and designed to maintain shape. The surface is a coarse cotton dressing, which will of course wear. I can't believe it can last as well as well treated leather. As far as comfort, I don't spend a lot of time in the saddle, just getting into family touring, but I was quite sore after my first day, but improved by day 4 of my coast to coast (pub) tour.