Clever idea!
Yes, it was a surprise to me too. When I wrote and asked them about it they said it was because they couldn't get the proper quality and workmanship in England, something I found a bit odd. Certainly Gilles Berthoud manages very nicely over there in France, and what's more they make all of their saddlebags by hand in France as well. Brooks' I learned, after I bought two if their leather saddlebags, are made in China. I believe they made an attempt to bring the production of their bags back to England (and to Italy) but I heard something recently to suggest they'd gone back to China.
Have you tried any of the others?
Not at all silly. It's good tape. My gripe is with Brooks for promoting themselves as quintessentially English, when they get their goods from China. The tape itself is very nice and, as you say, matches the Brooks saddles ( which are made in England)
Not tried any others.For 3 years i just put up with the bar tape that came with my bike (a Dawes Galaxy) bought from new...then i decided it needed a wee makeover so went for a Brooks B17 saddle and matching bar tape.They made a huge difference to an already comfy bike to cycle and gives a better look
Yes, it is a great look and the big advantage Brooks has there is that the leather matches their own excellent saddles (which are English made) Gilles Berthoud, whose more expensive and luxurious feeling tape I find I prefer, also makes saddles but their saddles are quite expensive and so far nothing has ever even come close to making me want to use anything other than the tried and true Brooks B-17!
