Brooks B17 Champion Special (and why not?)

Howard · Post by **Howard** » 24 Apr 2007, 8:38pm

Right, here's my second post and obviously I'm on the scrounge for superior wisdom in these matters.
Brooks B17 saddles.All I'm concerned about is the rails.Are they copper plated on steel or pure copper? If not plated steel, then surely pure copper rails are tremendously bendy and will go out of shape over time?
Before I buy this stunningly beautiful retro jobby,can anyone give me the benefit of their personal experience?

As always,knowledge shared is an investment in the future.I'm a cycling egg.
thanks for your help.

Howard.

stevew · Post by **stevew** » 24 Apr 2007, 8:46pm

Might look like copper but a magnet sticks to mine!!

georgew · Post by **georgew** » 25 Apr 2007, 11:50am

The rails are steel and then plated with copper. Be prepared for abrasions to appear. The Champion Special is my favourite saddle and I've bought more than I remember for friends and for my own use. The leather is slightly less thick than the Professional and it can be a very comfortable saddle.

Howard · Post by **Howard** » 25 Apr 2007, 7:53pm

Steve...we'll safely say they are copper plated then!

George,
When you say 'abrasions' does that mean that the copper plating is thin? If it's all going to rub off after a year or so I think I'd rather go for the titanium rails.

Thanks both for your answers.
Howard.

stevew · Post by **stevew** » 25 Apr 2007, 8:33pm

mine still looks OK after 3 years but it has only been fitted to one bike, once, and its stayed there!!

georgew · Post by **georgew** » 26 Apr 2007, 11:23am

Howard wrote:Steve...we'll safely say they are copper plated then!

George,
When you say 'abrasions' does that mean that the copper plating is thin? If it's all going to rub off after a year or so I think I'd rather go for the titanium rails.

Thanks both for your answers.
Howard.

I'd think carefully before doing that. Do a search on Cycling Plus forum and Bike forums for titanium rail breakages, and you will find many accounts of the rails fracturing.
The copper layer is subjected to the saddle clamp after all and I really don't see it as a major problem.

Howard · Post by **Howard** » 26 Apr 2007, 5:15pm

Cracked rails! no thanks. I suppose titanium is light but then it's probably quite brittle.I'll go for the copper rails. Thanks both for good advice.