Brooks Brown v. Black

[Matthew Williams]

I'm considering swapping my existing brown Brooks saddle and grips for a black set. I made a layered Photoshop file so I could review the colors on the bike.

Just curious, what you folks think.

[Deacon Patrick]

I'm gonna need a picture of it in use before I give my opinion. Grin.

With abandon,

Patrick 

[Brett Callahan]

I almost always prefer brown, BUT, I like the look of the black on your bike. The big question to me is whether you'll ever add gumwall tires, in which case my vote goes back to brown.

[Joe Bernard]

Black. Brown is too frame-matchy, the mustard/butterscotch needs contrast.

[Clayton Scott]

I prefer black on this one.

Clayton Scott

[Drw]

Black, since the frame is a brown shade

[Steve Cole]

Black. Since your tires have black sidewalls, the black saddle complements.  The brown saddle clashes with the mustard frame.  At least for me.

[mark etze]

Most times I prefer black, I like the brown on this one.

[Doug Hansford]

Can't go wrong either way but I'd say the brown looks better. It blends well with the frame color.

Doug 

[alex g]

Brown, it ages more than black. The wear areas become your fingerprint.

[Benz, Sunnyvale, CA]

Are we witnessing the birth of a bag matcher? :)

I agree with Brett — Black is good unless you’re going to run gumwall tires in the future.

[William deRosset]

I vote for riding the black saddle until it looks brown. I have one Berthoud saddle that is approaching antique brown via usage, and a Brooks Pro that is there. The well used but not abused look is the best one.

Best Regards,

Will
William M deRosset
Fort Collins CO USA

[MCT]

I am usually a brown color for Brooks saddles, but black works better with this frame color. Good luck with the choice. Either way you have a rad bike.

Matt in OKC

[The Snag]

The black one is going to feel exactly the same as the brown one.....

[Evan E.]

I vote for the black saddle. (Looks better against the frame's color.)

[Mark Roland]

Just remember while you are imparting this beausage, do not wear your khakis. Because that type of patina in that area on pants is...problematic.

[Will Ashe]

Plus 1 on the black. It's a nice contrast with the butternut/mustard frame.

Will Ashe 

[Ginz]

I like black with that frame color.