Brooks B17: Normal or Special?

[chap]

I am considering the purchase of a Brooks B17 for the Brompton; the issue is should I opt for the Normal or Special version. The difference in price ranges from £10 to £25 although I have not heard of any difference between the two bar one (normal) having steel rivets, and the other (special) having copper ones.

Is there any actual difference to the quality, or is it all cosmetic? What would you recommend?

 

[TheBoyBilly]

Chap, I have taken delivery this week of my new M6L fitted with the copper-riveted Special B17. I have found it to be comfortable from the first ride so can recommend it. I have no (recent) experience of any other Brooks saddle so cannot say if there is a marked difference but you may find what you are looking for in the sales after Christmas but even at full price Brooks saddles seem to me to be excellent value considering they are hand-made and the quality involved.

Happy Christmas,

Bill

 

[longers]

I've got one of each and think the difference is purely cosmetic but am prepared to be corrected on that.