Replacement Top For Vintage Brooks B72
09-25-17, 09:23 AM
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Replacement Top For Vintage Brooks B72
Hi All,
I have a vintage Brooks B72 whose leather top has seen better days. The saddle was made in 1962.
I'm looking for a replacement top that fits [crome] B72 rails of this vintage. Brooks changed the size of the B72 at some point, and I'm not sure what options may exist for servicing these older styles...
If anyone has a B72 (top or complete saddle) at this size, or knows of where to get one, please let me know. The top needs to be ridable: not cracked, dried out, split near the rivets, etc. I've been browsing eBay but it seems like survivors are hard to come by.
I have a vintage Brooks B72 whose leather top has seen better days. The saddle was made in 1962.
I'm looking for a replacement top that fits [crome] B72 rails of this vintage. Brooks changed the size of the B72 at some point, and I'm not sure what options may exist for servicing these older styles...
If anyone has a B72 (top or complete saddle) at this size, or knows of where to get one, please let me know. The top needs to be ridable: not cracked, dried out, split near the rivets, etc. I've been browsing eBay but it seems like survivors are hard to come by.
09-25-17, 09:46 AM
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paging @rhm
a forum member (rhm) does a great job replacing the leather, i'm sure he will be along shortly.
a forum member (rhm) does a great job replacing the leather, i'm sure he will be along shortly.
09-25-17, 10:11 AM
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If you search on ebay for "replacement leather saddle" or the like, and restrict the results to cycling, you often find a leather top that was probably made in India or China. I don't know if they're any good. Riveting the leather to the old Brooks hardware is easier if you have the right tools, but all you really need is a hammer, punch, and anvil.
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09-25-17, 10:25 AM
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If this is a saddle that you really want restored rather than replaced, you owe it to yourself to commission @rhm to do the work. You won't be disappointed.
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09-25-17, 11:03 AM
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@rhm, can you emboss Ideale logos as well?
09-25-17, 11:30 AM
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@rhm, can you emboss Ideale logos as well?
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09-25-17, 02:03 PM
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If this is a saddle that you really want restored rather than replaced, you owe it to yourself to commission @rhm to do the work. You won't be disappointed.
Attachment 582156
Attachment 582157
Attachment 582156
Attachment 582157
I'd like to message you, but have less than 10 posts. Message me or I'll get there soon!
09-25-17, 02:20 PM
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09-28-17, 05:50 AM
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B.72 replacement tops.
Many years ago I acquired a huge quantity of Brooks factory 'cosmetic reject' leather tops, all clearly dating from the 1960s. The majority of them had obviously been intended for B.66, 72 or 73 models, all of which (as most will know) are the same size (260mm.x205mm. nominal). The defect that had caused these things to be rejected in most cases was that a small slice of leather (about 5mm. max.) had been chopped off the nose, making them unmarketable but not in any way structurally compromised.
Ironic, in a way, that this 'defect' occurred at just the same time as Brooks were introducing the Professional models with their 'racey' chopped noses - presumably these poor things got into the wrong manufacturing process?
The leather was of typical 1960s quality (i.e. probably slightly better than the stuff being offered these days), all were dyed black and they had been stored for a number of years in an ideal environment - a situation that has been maintained since they've been in my care.
I've managed to find a variety of uses for quite a lot of these things, but there's still a large number left - many of which I don't suppose I'll ever use. If anyone's looking for a cheap method of 'reviving' an old model of these very common saddles, simply for utilitarian purposes or as a basis for further 'customisation', I'll be pleased to send further details.
Ironic, in a way, that this 'defect' occurred at just the same time as Brooks were introducing the Professional models with their 'racey' chopped noses - presumably these poor things got into the wrong manufacturing process?
The leather was of typical 1960s quality (i.e. probably slightly better than the stuff being offered these days), all were dyed black and they had been stored for a number of years in an ideal environment - a situation that has been maintained since they've been in my care.
I've managed to find a variety of uses for quite a lot of these things, but there's still a large number left - many of which I don't suppose I'll ever use. If anyone's looking for a cheap method of 'reviving' an old model of these very common saddles, simply for utilitarian purposes or as a basis for further 'customisation', I'll be pleased to send further details.
09-28-17, 07:29 AM
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Many years ago I acquired a huge quantity of Brooks factory 'cosmetic reject' leather tops, all clearly dating from the 1960s. The majority of them had obviously been intended for B.66, 72 or 73 models, all of which (as most will know) are the same size (260mm.x205mm. nominal). The defect that had caused these things to be rejected in most cases was that a small slice of leather (about 5mm. max.) had been chopped off the nose, making them unmarketable but not in any way structurally compromised.
Ironic, in a way, that this 'defect' occurred at just the same time as Brooks were introducing the Professional models with their 'racey' chopped noses - presumably these poor things got into the wrong manufacturing process?
The leather was of typical 1960s quality (i.e. probably slightly better than the stuff being offered these days), all were dyed black and they had been stored for a number of years in an ideal environment - a situation that has been maintained since they've been in my care.
I've managed to find a variety of uses for quite a lot of these things, but there's still a large number left - many of which I don't suppose I'll ever use. If anyone's looking for a cheap method of 'reviving' an old model of these very common saddles, simply for utilitarian purposes or as a basis for further 'customisation', I'll be pleased to send further details.
Ironic, in a way, that this 'defect' occurred at just the same time as Brooks were introducing the Professional models with their 'racey' chopped noses - presumably these poor things got into the wrong manufacturing process?
The leather was of typical 1960s quality (i.e. probably slightly better than the stuff being offered these days), all were dyed black and they had been stored for a number of years in an ideal environment - a situation that has been maintained since they've been in my care.
I've managed to find a variety of uses for quite a lot of these things, but there's still a large number left - many of which I don't suppose I'll ever use. If anyone's looking for a cheap method of 'reviving' an old model of these very common saddles, simply for utilitarian purposes or as a basis for further 'customisation', I'll be pleased to send further details.
09-28-17, 11:58 AM
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Many years ago I acquired a huge quantity of Brooks factory 'cosmetic reject' leather tops, all clearly dating from the 1960s. The majority of them had obviously been intended for B.66, 72 or 73 models, all of which (as most will know) are the same size (260mm.x205mm. nominal). The defect that had caused these things to be rejected in most cases was that a small slice of leather (about 5mm. max.) had been chopped off the nose, making them unmarketable but not in any way structurally compromised.
Ironic, in a way, that this 'defect' occurred at just the same time as Brooks were introducing the Professional models with their 'racey' chopped noses - presumably these poor things got into the wrong manufacturing process?
The leather was of typical 1960s quality (i.e. probably slightly better than the stuff being offered these days), all were dyed black and they had been stored for a number of years in an ideal environment - a situation that has been maintained since they've been in my care.
I've managed to find a variety of uses for quite a lot of these things, but there's still a large number left - many of which I don't suppose I'll ever use. If anyone's looking for a cheap method of 'reviving' an old model of these very common saddles, simply for utilitarian purposes or as a basis for further 'customisation', I'll be pleased to send further details.
Ironic, in a way, that this 'defect' occurred at just the same time as Brooks were introducing the Professional models with their 'racey' chopped noses - presumably these poor things got into the wrong manufacturing process?
The leather was of typical 1960s quality (i.e. probably slightly better than the stuff being offered these days), all were dyed black and they had been stored for a number of years in an ideal environment - a situation that has been maintained since they've been in my care.
I've managed to find a variety of uses for quite a lot of these things, but there's still a large number left - many of which I don't suppose I'll ever use. If anyone's looking for a cheap method of 'reviving' an old model of these very common saddles, simply for utilitarian purposes or as a basis for further 'customisation', I'll be pleased to send further details.
Amazing! I'll ping you asap! Thanks Tony!
09-28-17, 12:00 PM
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Pictures of the existing B72:
09-28-17, 12:02 PM
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And other:
09-28-17, 01:56 PM
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That saddle looks to be in amazing shape for being 55 years old, maybe even unused. It also appears to be perfectly usable in its current state.
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09-29-17, 06:56 PM
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If I had an unused B72 in perfectly serviceable condition the last thing I would be interested in doing is replacing it...
I know some people like to ride vintage saddles until they just disintegrate and are cast off into the wind with a gentle breeze, and this may be fine if you're coasting through seaside towns with one stoplight, but that's not my approach to cycling.
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09-29-17, 07:10 PM
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09-29-17, 07:24 PM
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Maybe, maybe, in my early 20s I would have ridden this (on a 50 year old bike) throughout NYC. But now I have other plans before I'm killed by the MTA.
09-29-17, 07:31 PM
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04-29-19, 11:01 AM
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replaceing leather on saddle
I have a B 76 or 8 saddle belonging to a 1960 step through Dunelt. The leather is dry and starting to tear. Can this be replaced?
04-29-19, 03:19 PM
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09-04-19, 07:33 AM
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Looking for Brooks B72 Leather Top
Tony,
I'm looking to replace the old dried out leather top on a Brooks B72. It is coming off a 1970 vintage Raleigh 3 speed. Hopefully you still have some and would be willing to sell me one for a reasonable price.
Thanks,
BJ Kelly
I'm looking to replace the old dried out leather top on a Brooks B72. It is coming off a 1970 vintage Raleigh 3 speed. Hopefully you still have some and would be willing to sell me one for a reasonable price.
Thanks,
BJ Kelly
Many years ago I acquired a huge quantity of Brooks factory 'cosmetic reject' leather tops, all clearly dating from the 1960s. The majority of them had obviously been intended for B.66, 72 or 73 models, all of which (as most will know) are the same size (260mm.x205mm. nominal). The defect that had caused these things to be rejected in most cases was that a small slice of leather (about 5mm. max.) had been chopped off the nose, making them unmarketable but not in any way structurally compromised.
Ironic, in a way, that this 'defect' occurred at just the same time as Brooks were introducing the Professional models with their 'racey' chopped noses - presumably these poor things got into the wrong manufacturing process?
The leather was of typical 1960s quality (i.e. probably slightly better than the stuff being offered these days), all were dyed black and they had been stored for a number of years in an ideal environment - a situation that has been maintained since they've been in my care.
I've managed to find a variety of uses for quite a lot of these things, but there's still a large number left - many of which I don't suppose I'll ever use. If anyone's looking for a cheap method of 'reviving' an old model of these very common saddles, simply for utilitarian purposes or as a basis for further 'customisation', I'll be pleased to send further details.
Ironic, in a way, that this 'defect' occurred at just the same time as Brooks were introducing the Professional models with their 'racey' chopped noses - presumably these poor things got into the wrong manufacturing process?
The leather was of typical 1960s quality (i.e. probably slightly better than the stuff being offered these days), all were dyed black and they had been stored for a number of years in an ideal environment - a situation that has been maintained since they've been in my care.
I've managed to find a variety of uses for quite a lot of these things, but there's still a large number left - many of which I don't suppose I'll ever use. If anyone's looking for a cheap method of 'reviving' an old model of these very common saddles, simply for utilitarian purposes or as a basis for further 'customisation', I'll be pleased to send further details.
09-04-19, 11:47 AM
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Paging @tony_colgrave
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09-20-19, 04:41 AM
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hello Tony i wonder if you can pm me I have a 60 yr saddle which decided to fail I would like to send back to the UK for you to repair
cheers Cam
cheers Cam
09-20-19, 05:05 AM
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Maybe this should be a sticky!
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