Brookes saddle.

[Porsche924]

Last summer restored a Charlton stadium. It came with the original plastic saddle which is in poor condition. I have looked on e bay for a genuine Brookes leather saddle. There are lots for sale. The trouble is there are so many different models of Brookes saddles. Could anyone recommend one for this model of bike?

 

[byegad]

Having suffered for a thousand miles on a B17, buy a Specialised Body Geometry and be comfortable.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

I think the Swallow or the Swift models would look best on a Carlton racer and be more in keeping with the shape that would have been on it originally.

Comfort wise, yes there are saddles that might be more comfortable out of the box but I think I pick up from your question that aesthetic is important to your restoration. And besides, Brooks get better and better with some age. There are shortcuts to softening them too.

 

[Chris S]

There are photos and links to photos of Carlton Stadiums on this thread. The plastic saddle might be original.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Could anyone recommend one for this model of bike?

It's your backside that needs a Brooks that fits/suits, not the bike.

 

[Porsche924]

It's your backside that needs a Brooks that fits/suits, not the bike.

Normal size backside so what would you suggest?

 

[vickster]

Normal size backside so what would you suggest?

Normal? What sit bone measurement?
Male or female?

 

[kingrollo]

B17 imperial - has worked for me where others haven't.

Spa cycles do a range of leather saddles about 50% of the price of the Brooks.

 

[Moodyman]

Normal size backside so what would you suggest?

Normal is a relative term. The key is getting one wide enough for your ass. And a good DIY method is to get a piece of cardboard of the tomato box variety i.e. those that have scope to give when you sit on them. The cardboard that comes with cereal boxes is no good as it's already flat.

Then place cardboard on a flat surface and sit on it with no clothes in. It should create two dimples in the cardboard where your sit bones dig in.

Measure the width between the centre of the dimples and order appropriate width saddle.

If you order too wide a saddle you'll get chafing on the inner thigh, and if too narrow, your sit bones won't be supported so you'll be sitting on the soft tissue between your ass and sack (or lady lips).

 

[Profpointy]

I would say either B17 or Team Pro are the most "normal" Brooks saddles, the latter suiting me best of all. That said, and echoing comments upthread, what matters is what suits you rather than what suits me. I can't envisage ever buying anything else, and have never need to "break one in" whatever that means. However they don't suit everyone.

 

[Porsche924]

Normal is a relative term. They key is getting one wide enough for your ass. And a good DIY method is to get a piece of cardboard of the tomato box variety i.e. those that have scope to give when you sit on them. The cardboard that comes with cereal boxes is no good as it's already flat.

Then place cardboard on a flat surface and sit on it with no clothes in. It should create two dimples in the cardboard where your site bones dug in.

Measure the width between the centre of the dimples and order appropriate width saddle.

If you order too wide a saddle you'll get chafing on the inner thigh, and if too narrow, your sit bones won't be supported so you'll be sitting on the soft tissue between your ass and sack (or lady lips).

Thanks. Better do that test when yo are on your own or you may get some funny looks.

 

[Teamfixed]

A long way back I had a couple of Brooks Professional saddles, the ones with the big copper rivets.
I really liked them and they look very authentic.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Went looking for your bike.
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/carlton-stadium.266135/
You need to decide why you want to put a Brooks on it. Is it for 'the look' or are you going to actually ride this for distances (in the latter case the bum/seat fit is important).
View attachment 543598
Personally I use my Brooks Competition (1976) for my longer rides (longer than 100 miles).

 

[biggs682]

I have a nice brooks professional for sale on the bay of doom @Porsche924

 

[All uphill]

Here's a thumbs up for the Spa Nidd. Half the price, looks good and, to me, is super comfortable. Every time I get on the bike it feels like sitting on a lump of concrete (and weighs as much) but 50 miles later I'm still comfortable.

It may not work for you, but should resell for a good price if that's the case.