Alternative to Charge Ladle

[winjim]

The plan for my wife's bike was to fit it with a Charge Ladle saddle, with U Bend 45 bar tape and a Chipper chainstay protector, all in brown synthetic leather to match nicely. However, since Charge seem to have changed their business model to one involving not stocking any products, or communicating with customers and suppliers, I am in need of an alternative. Can anyone please suggest:

• Women's road saddle
• Comes in brown, preferably synthetic leather finish
• Matching bar tape and maybe chainstay protector, although I already have the Chipper
• Must be relatively inexpensive - as we know, saddles are a personal choice so she may want to swap it later if she doesn't get on with it

Cheers

 

[winjim]

Madison Breeze maybe? Advertised as MTB saddle but should be ok on road bike, surely? Looks similar to the Ladle...

 

[vickster]

Breeze looks good for £20, does it matter whether its a road or MTB saddle - if it's comfortable, not like you can see it once sat on, bit like pedals

Can't just go for a Brooks, easy to sell on if doesn't work?

Finding coloured saddles is a pain, cost me quite a lot for a grey Specialized Oura to match the Genesis scheme!

 

[winjim]

Breeze looks good for £20, does it matter whether its a road or MTB saddle - if it's comfortable, not like you can see it once sat on, bit like pedals

Can't just go for a Brooks, easy to sell on if doesn't work?

Finding coloured saddles is a pain, cost me quite a lot for a grey Specialized Oura to match the Genesis scheme!

Madison Prima seems to be the road version so might go for that. Prima and Breeze both pretty cheap so could try both. Brooks is quite pricey and may be too uncomfortable until broken in. Don't want to put her off!

I've really been trying to avoid black for this bike, but have had to compromise on forks/headset (naked carbon) and cables (Campagnolo so compatibility issues with aftermarket cables). Spokes are black I think and tyres also.

 

[vickster]

Brown prima looks pretty hard to find too!

http://www.fawkes-cycles.co.uk/10825/products/madison-prima-womens-road-saddle-brown.aspx

 

[Phixion]

Charge rebranded their components (saddles, bar tape, grips) to Fabric.

 

[winjim]

Charge rebranded their components (saddles, bar tape, grips) to Fabric.

And didn't bother telling their customers or suppliers, or making any stock available. They can do one.

 

[vickster]

I don't think it's all though?

http://road.cc/content/news/127398-charge-bikes-launch-fabric-saddle-range

 

[winjim]

And some not available until next year!