But, as there always is a but, the fecking LHT is the reason that I can’t ride my other bicycles any more. As my good friend at my LBS said … “Over the years as you get older you might find that you want to raise your handlebars a little bit as time goes on. You my friend have gone and done it, raised the bars by at least 20deg on your Surly and there is no way that you can go back again“.

And then there are the Brooks saddles, I do have a Brooks bum and there is no way I’m going back to other saddles.

Dirty Pia : My beloved MTB, which I have done umpteen miles on without any problems. Now I’m in agony after a few miles, too much weight on my hands and arms because of the forward leaning position. And then there is the saddle, how the heck did I manage all these miles before on that sharp brick ?

Chutney : My Speed Pro TT from Dahon, which I have climbed Col de Tourmalet on without any problems, ok I was cream knackered but it was not the bicycle’s fault. The position on that is also too much leaned forward and the brakes are not there compared to the Tank.

Stella : My Peugeot road bicycle which I have fixed, is also a bit too much leaned over for comfort, but along with Brooks saddle (Team Pro). It is still very much ridable as a pootle around town bicycle, though long distances are out unless I raise the bars a bit.

My little Tank, is just so comfortable, nice and high position where I can see what is going on when commuting. Just rolls, ok not fast, but this is not a racer at all. As I keep saying, four wheels and a sofa is what the Surly LHT compares to. And it has brakes that just work: they stop me on a dime, loaded or not. Brilliant control when riding loaded or not. And then there is the Brooks Saddle, some like them, some don’t and I do love it, comfy :)

So my stable has too be rethought. Pia is going to be retired since she will cost too much to upgrade as the group set is worn out. Chutney is going to be sold as parts for others to use. Stella I will keep as she is as she is still fun to ride on quick short rides.

Though this leaves the question what N+1 should I get ?

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I do have a weak spot for old industrial craftsmanship, ok CNC, robots are great but each has its place. The Brooks factory is any one’s dream to go and see, you can get right up and close to see, smell and hear how it is done and the craftsmen are happy to answer your questions.

You really get to get a feel of the craftsmanship and the hard work and skill they put into their saddles. We got to see every step of the way nearly from the raw metal to the finished product. And none of the steps is a computerised conveyor belt knocking out 1000 units an hour.

I had taken the old neglected Brooks saddles I got the other day with me. Our tour guide had a look and told me that the B66 could be re leathered though compared to getting a new one I wouldn’t save much. The Team Pro could be saved if I got the paint off and re applied some Proofide. He provided a damaged pot free of charge along with a spanner since it was a sin not to tighten the Brooks after use. A quarter of a turn every half a year was the advice, just don’t let the saddle turn into a hammock, as it will put extra strain on the railings.

We finished the day of with a ride into the city centre along Birmingham’s many canals, for lunch. And then we had a short ride out and back to make room for what turned out the be the best pie I ever have had in a pub. The ride on the canals was quite wet, not muddy just plenty of water to ride through, which caused my Surly to be the dirtiest that any of my bicycles has ever been.

I really do think that the Green B17 Special with copper railings, drool, would suit my Green Surly Long Haul Trucker just spot on, can I get one please ?

LINK : Some more pictures
LINK : Some videos of the production
LINK : Brooks Saddles

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After a little clicking around on the Brooks website I think I figured out that they are a B66 and a Team Pro.

The B66, is the most knackered one, the steal railings looks ok with a bit of rust and dirt here and there. Though the leather is dead, looks very brittle and cracked up, therefore I don’t think the leather can be saved.

The Team Pro, looks like it can be revitalised if I can get the pain off without damaging the saddle. It does have some scrapes and looks a bit rough but I think some proofide would do some wonders. The tightening screw looks in a bit knackers but some cleaning and oiling it should be good as new.

The good news is that I’m going to the Brooks factory in Birmingham on Friday for a tour. I will take the two saddles with me to see their expert opinion if they can be saved.

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Well after a lot if hmm and aahh’s we went and got some B17′s and yesterday they arrived.

I have read a lot about the miles of pain that we should endure before the bliss, so I cheated.

Various sites talked about bringing a mallet to it, proof hide, water etc.

I then soaked them for around 30-40min and then gave it a layer if some majic stuff I got. From my friends in Denmark. They work with leather everyday, some of you might have seen their handy work, the stuff they have will soften and water proof the leather.

I jumped on the bike this morning and with in 3 miles I had dimples and it was just nice and soft from the word go, over bumps etc.

Though I might have to tilt it forward a wee bit as it does press a bit where I do not want pressure.

Looking a the dimples I now know that my behind is not centered, though I wonder if it is because I’m putting my left foot down that often here in London.

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We just put our orders in for some bits and bobs for our new bikes.

Ortlieb panniers, racks, sleeping mats, tyres, brooks B17′s etc.

Just can’t wait until we get our Surly Long Haul Truckers, and we can go touring :)

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