Eurobike: The Cambium C13 from the British saddle specialist Brooks combines tradition and modernity. The declared goal? The return of Brooks saddles to the bikes of the pro peloton.
Due to their high level of comfort, saddles from the British manufacturer Brooks have long been the first choice for long-distance and touring cyclists in particular. Riders with sporting ambitions, on the other hand, often shy away from the relatively high weight of the saddles, which are traditionally made from materials such as cowhide, steel and copper.
In 2014, Brook broke with this almost 150-year tradition for the first time and presented the Cambium C17, a saddle that uses vulcanized natural rubber. Unlike leather, this offers flexibility from the first kilometer and thus ensures that the break-in period characteristic of Brooks saddles becomes obsolete. Praised by the press as a successful fusion of classic Brooks comfort and a modern, unique look, the Cambium C17 quickly found a loyal fan base. So it was not surprising that Brooks brought a narrower version of the successful model onto the market with the Cambium C15, which was primarily aimed at sportier drivers.
Against this background, the next logical step is the Brooks Cambium C2016 for the 13 model year. As can be seen from the model name, the saddle has become even narrower and the saddle cover a little tighter. The real revolution, however, is under the seat: Instead of steel, copper or titanium, carbon is used for the first time for the seat stays of the Cambium C13. In this way, Brooks manages to reduce the weight of the saddle to 259 grams (manufacturer information). This means that the Cambium C13 is 146 grams lighter than the Cambium C15, which weighs 405 grams. It is also worth mentioning that Brooks remains true to the traditional construction of the Cambium C13, despite the use of carbon, and continues to connect the saddle cover and rails with rivets. This ensures a classic look and thus a high recognition value.
The Brooks Cambium C13 is scheduled to go on sale in the first quarter of 2016, so price information should be available soon.
As Velomotion already reported in August, there is still the chance to register with Brooks as a tester for the Cambium C13 and, with a bit of luck, to be one of those who can enjoy high comfort and low weight even before the official market launch.
Registration
www.brooksengland.com