Brooks x Blue Lug: A Personalized Take on the Classic B17 Saddle
Discover the Brooks B17 for Blue Lug, a unique collaboration featuring personalization, classic design, and visible craftsmanship. Learn about its special features and availability.
For cyclists who appreciate classic craftsmanship and enduring quality, the name Brooks England evokes a sense of timeless elegance. Known for their handcrafted leather saddles, Brooks has been a staple in the cycling world for over 150 years. This year, they've partnered with a like-minded retailer, Blue Lug, to create a special edition saddle that blends tradition with a touch of personal flair.
Blue Lug, a renowned Japanese bicycle retailer, is celebrated for its curated selection of high-quality cycling components and accessories, and the unique customizations they provide on customer bikes. Their collaboration with Brooks marks the first time the historic saddle maker has partnered with a bike shop, a testament to Blue Lug's dedication to quality and aesthetics. The result of this unique partnership is the "B17 FOR BLUE LUG" saddle, a reimagining of Brooks' classic B17 Standard model.
What Makes the B17 for Blue Lug Special?
While the B17 Standard is already a near-perfect product, the Blue Lug edition offers several distinctive features:
- Personalization: Perhaps the most striking feature is the blank space on the side of the saddle, accompanied by the Japanese text "おなまえ" (meaning "name"). This invites owners to personalize their saddle using a Dremel, rotary tool, or engraver, adding a unique touch to their ride.
- Visible Batch Code: Typically hidden on the underside, the leather batch code is prominently displayed on the surface of the Blue Lug edition. This code, such as "2B5", reveals the saddle's production date (in this example, February 2025). The first and third number indicate the year, while the letter indicates the month (A=January, B=February, and so on, excluding "I"). The last four numbers make up the leather's batch code. This feature provides insight into the saddle's origins and the specific piece of leather used in its construction.
- Classic Colors, Chrome Rails: The saddle is available in three classic Brooks finishes: black, brown, and natural. The natural finish, in particular, will develop a beautiful patina over time, showcasing the leather's natural aging process. Adding to the vintage aesthetic, the saddle features chrome-plated rails, a departure from the all-black rails found on standard B17 models. This detail complements silver seat posts beautifully.
- Lacing for Shape Retention: The saddle includes holes and strings for lacing, allowing riders to maintain the saddle's shape and customize its tension. This feature adds to the saddle's longevity and rider comfort.
- Exclusive Reflector: Every B17 for Blue Lug saddle includes a Brooks x Blue Lug Triangle Reflector with a leather backing that matches the saddle's color. These reflectors are also available for separate purchase.
A Look Inside the Brooks Factory
Blue Lug's collaboration with Brooks goes beyond just design. To truly understand the craftsmanship behind each saddle, Blue Lug visited the Brooks factory in Smethwick, England. The factory tour, documented in a video, showcases the numerous processes and meticulous attention to detail involved in creating a Brooks saddle. This reinforces the idea that a Brooks saddle is not just a product to be purchased, but an investment to be cherished and maintained. The video highlights the dedication to maintaining the historical quality of the products.
Availability
The Brooks B17 for Blue Lug saddles were released in Blue Lug stores on March 22nd, 2024, with an online release on March 30th, 2024, at 7:00 PM JST. Blue Lug ships internationally via DHL.
Takeaway
The Brooks B17 for Blue Lug is more than just a saddle; it's a statement piece that blends heritage, craftsmanship, and personalization. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of quality materials and thoughtful design, and a celebration of the unique relationship between a rider and their bicycle.
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