Recommendations for Period Appropriate Saddle.
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Recommendations for Period Appropriate Saddle.
I have a 1985 Palo Alto (Contract built by Biemezetta of Italy for Palo Alto bike shop, according to someone on these forums in 2008) that was handed down to me by my dad when I went off to college. He bought it from their catalogue in '85. When I got it in 2008 I replaced the original disintegrating saddle with a modern Bontrager a bike shop had in a basket for $20. I'm thinking of putting a period correct saddle back on and since the bike has some Cinelli bars I thought a Cinelli saddle would be appropriate. It also has this really annoying Raleigh branded seat post that is the biggest pain in the world to adjust the seat position. Wouldn't mind replacing that too if for no other reason than contempt for it.
Doesn't have to be Cinelli but what brands and models of saddles should I be looking for to stay period correct? Even if its a new seat using old spec's is fine with me, is that what they call "new old stock"?
This is the bike after a cleaning in about 2009. Incorrect Dia-Compe brake hoods on Shimano 600 levers too. Looks exactly the same now just in need of another cleaning.
Doesn't have to be Cinelli but what brands and models of saddles should I be looking for to stay period correct? Even if its a new seat using old spec's is fine with me, is that what they call "new old stock"?
This is the bike after a cleaning in about 2009. Incorrect Dia-Compe brake hoods on Shimano 600 levers too. Looks exactly the same now just in need of another cleaning.
Last edited by Giant Squid; 06-04-23 at 01:50 PM.
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Slap a Turbo (normal, no Matic or Super), Concor or a Rolls on it and call it a day.
EDIT: if you want to be true to the bike as well, get an Avocet, see the catalog:
https://velobase.com/Resource_Tools/..._alto_1984.pdf
EDIT: if you want to be true to the bike as well, get an Avocet, see the catalog:
https://velobase.com/Resource_Tools/..._alto_1984.pdf
Last edited by Lattz; 06-04-23 at 02:31 PM.
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Avocet saddles were around then, so a Racing model would look good. I bought my Touring model in 1986. Pick whichever one fits your backside.
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use the 1984/85 Palo Alto Bicycles catalog on Velobase
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Great looking bicycle
I'm not huge on "period correct" or OEM saddles. Even the original owner might change a saddle. Put something confotable on it that you like. A good leather is almost always a good choice
I'm not huge on "period correct" or OEM saddles. Even the original owner might change a saddle. Put something confotable on it that you like. A good leather is almost always a good choice
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A white Iscaselle Tornado
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1985 saw a lot of Selle Italia Turbo saddles on race bikes which included whole teams that used it on the Pro Circuit.
The Concors were also popular, but not as much as a turbo as not as many people fit well on them and they had much less padding than the Turbos..
The Concors were also popular, but not as much as a turbo as not as many people fit well on them and they had much less padding than the Turbos..
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If an Avocet Racing model is in contention, there's the 'Gatorcet that I recovered over the winter. It originally looked like this:
Before I turned it into this:
The blue and black stamped cowhide would look good with your blue paint. Let me know if you are interested.
Before I turned it into this:
The blue and black stamped cowhide would look good with your blue paint. Let me know if you are interested.
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New Old Stock (NOS) is original, vintage production, that never got sold/installed. "New" in that it's never been used, but "Old" in that it got made a long time ago.
Above suggestions of Avocet Touring, Selle Rolls or Turbo are all good choices
Selle is making reproduction (ie; New) Turbo saddles, if you don't want to buy used; although they're lower-spec (steel rail, synthetic cover) than the originals.
Above suggestions of Avocet Touring, Selle Rolls or Turbo are all good choices
Selle is making reproduction (ie; New) Turbo saddles, if you don't want to buy used; although they're lower-spec (steel rail, synthetic cover) than the originals.
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I 3rd the Avocet recommendation. There is a connection with Palo Alto cycles.
And rather comfortable.
And rather comfortable.
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Because I find them comfortable, I'd go with a Selle San Marco Regal or Rolls. Or a Brooks Swallow/Swift.
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#13
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New Old Stock (NOS) is original, vintage production, that never got sold/installed. "New" in that it's never been used, but "Old" in that it got made a long time ago.
Above suggestions of Avocet Touring, Selle Rolls or Turbo are all good choices
Selle is making reproduction (ie; New) Turbo saddles, if you don't want to buy used; although they're lower-spec (steel rail, synthetic cover) than the originals.
Above suggestions of Avocet Touring, Selle Rolls or Turbo are all good choices
Selle is making reproduction (ie; New) Turbo saddles, if you don't want to buy used; although they're lower-spec (steel rail, synthetic cover) than the originals.
These are all good suggestions from everyone though. Might skip that gator skin seat though, appreciate the offer though.
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My 1985 Centurion Ironman was originally sold with a Turbo saddle, so there's another data point. BUT I don't run it with either the original "Hinault" model Turbo, or the modern reproduction one I bought, because they're not that great a fit for me. I run a Fizik Aliante VSX instead, because it DOES fit me.
My take is like someone's above - BITD, when you bought a bike, you wouldn't necessarily stick with the saddle it came with, especially if you ride a lot. You'd find one that would keep you comfy for all the miles your legs could manage. So swapping out a saddle is still period correct, even if the saddle isn't.
My take is like someone's above - BITD, when you bought a bike, you wouldn't necessarily stick with the saddle it came with, especially if you ride a lot. You'd find one that would keep you comfy for all the miles your legs could manage. So swapping out a saddle is still period correct, even if the saddle isn't.
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BROOKS, period appropriate for over 150 years.
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Concor for racy old-school looks.
Rolls for comfort and classy looks.
Rolls for comfort and classy looks.
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If an Avocet Racing model is in contention, there's the 'Gatorcet that I recovered over the winter. It originally looked like this:
Before I turned it into this:
The blue and black stamped cowhide would look good with your blue paint. Let me know if you are interested.
Before I turned it into this:
The blue and black stamped cowhide would look good with your blue paint. Let me know if you are interested.
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Thats the word I was thinking of, reproduction! I'm leaning towards looking for an Avocet, but this bike is already a Frankenstein of non-matching parts so I'm in a toss up between keeping it frankenstein or Avocet cousin.
These are all good suggestions from everyone though. Might skip that gator skin seat though, appreciate the offer though.
These are all good suggestions from everyone though. Might skip that gator skin seat though, appreciate the offer though.
For as omnipresent and inexpensive as the Avocet saddles are, they're really, really good.
FWIW- the "W" saddles are designed as women's saddles- ostensibly for wider sit bones. The Touring II is just a great all around saddle. I got a Brooks Cambium to replace the Avocet Touring II on my 86 Trek- after going back and forth, I still really like the Avocet so I kept it on there.
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San Marco Rolls saddles are certainly period-correct and are on all my bikes because they work well for my butt. Everyone's butt is different (or so I'm told; I do not have first-hand information on that) and YMMV.
I have an old Brooks Pro and a brand-new Brooks B17 for when I decide to mix things up, but I generally don't mess with contact points now that I have found things that work for me.
I have an old Brooks Pro and a brand-new Brooks B17 for when I decide to mix things up, but I generally don't mess with contact points now that I have found things that work for me.
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