17 years of longing, can you help? The search for a green B17

[jaredwilson]

With great apprehension I come to you all with yet another WTB ask, but this one is so much more.

Back when I was first getting into "real bicycles", it was the "come up" of fixed gears and track bikes. Some of you know what I'm talking about, it was around 05-06 and videos started to emerge online with names like Mash SF and Macaframa, an NYC based blog called Prolly is not Probably was gaining traction, and in my small, agriculture based hometown there were about 3 of us who discovered these things around the same time.

There was a small bike shop that resided inside an also small, local sporting goods store and a childhood friend had recently taken a job there learning the ropes in hopes of becoming a skilled mechanic, as well as to receive a discount on parts to fulfill the goal of going from a 27" road bike with a JB Welded on track cog and bottom bracket lockring to a proper fixed gear set up.

This friend helped me along the same pathway, trading up from a clapped out Fuji Royale conversion, to the next and the next, eventually landing on some pretty neat bikes (for the time), with the "high" being a prototype Bianchi Super Pista. While I was wheeling and dealing (some things never change, it appears) my friend stuck with this first and only proper fixed gear, a Surly Steamroller. Purchased complete, he eventually worked it over, a new Velocity Deep V wheelset, some wicked narrow Nitto NJS certified track drops, and the likes. 

What really enamored me was this beautiful, and I mean gorgeous Brooks B17 special. It was not just any B17 special, it was the newly released "British Racing Green" color. That saddle was captivating to me, but at a scant 125lbs I never stood a chance of breaking one in, so I stuck with my Flites and Turbos. For years I watched that saddle age and get more and more beautiful, and the fire inside grew. The way the copper, hand hammered rivets played off the green dyed leather... it was mesmerizing! Soon after this era I received my DL, found my way into aircooled VW's, and largely left cycling behind for 13-14 years.

Since then I've always had a bike around, with the knowledge of Rivendell's existence but it always seems unattainable to step into that world. About 4 years ago I was able to break through that barrier and have been enamored with these bikes ever since. The community has welcomed my wife and I with open arms. I've had many a great transaction with countless members on this list, and my wife has been indoctrinated into the fellowship of the Rivsisters by way of our own Leah P. Needless to say, these bikes have had a large impact on our lives and I'm grateful for every ride and every transaction where I'm able to pass along something to an appreciative buyer or to score that final part to wrap up a build.

However, that green B17 special has continued to live rent free in the depths of my mind, festering like a wound I just can't heal. I've missed the opportunity to snag one on the group once or twice and it's only added to the fire to one day own my "white whale". In some ways I actively pursue items, goals, etc, and in other ways I like to let the universe open doors, but I'm realizing I've waited long enough and so here we are, me writing a short novel about my want for a damn bike saddle and asking if one of you happen to be holding the keys to my saddle euphoria.

I wasn't even aware of a titanium version until our own Joe Remi posted one back in 2020, my mind always pictured the steel railed version with copper plating.

So, anyone? 

Open to either version and hope to hear anyones history or insight regarding these special (to me) saddles.

Please respond with offerings to jaredwi...@gmail.com, not the email associated to this posting.

With love <3

jared in SC, CA

*Photo credits to marcus_jb1973 on Flickr*

[Pam Bikes]

The color wears off so I wouldn't pine over the green one unless you happen upon one.  All saddles darken w/age too.  

[Eliot Balogh]

They pop up on eBay not infrequently. 

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[Philip Williamson]

The BRG “Brooks Racing Green” saddle was one of the first things I got for my 2004 Quickbeam. It’s been on there ever since, and it’s pretty great. It looks almost black now, after 20 years. 

I didn’t know there were titanium railed versions either! 

Good luck with the search,

Philip

SR, CA

[Peter White]

We have one left in stock. B17 Champion Special Ti in green.

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Peter White

[jaredwilson]

Peter, I'll take it!

 Please hold for me, I'll be sending an email now.

jared

[Sarah Carlson]

Somehow it has made my morning to see someone else achieve their saddle dreams! I'm happy for you Jared!

[Doug H.]

Me too Sarah! That is a fantastic looking saddle. Congrats on finding this rare model.

Doug

[jaredwilson]

@ Phillip, Thanks for chiming in, I'd love to see you add a photo of said combination. 

I wasn't going to spill the beans yet but I actually have an 04 Quickbeam in transit and was planning the same thing, tho now I'm second guessing that idea and might shift a black B17 standard over to that build and adorn my Susie with the new unit.

@Peter, Thanks again, order was placed today and I'm so incredibly joyous. 

@Sarah, Much appreciated! I'm over the moon and can't wait to received my beloved new saddle. It's the little things, right?

@Doug, Thank you, I'm glad that I kept the hope alive and everything worked out. I'll post add an update upon it's arrival.

Cheers all!

jared

SC, CA

[Eric Marth]

Love 2 See It

[Tom Goodmann]

Nice thread: quest expressed, and fulfilled! Peter White to the rescue!

Tom

Burlington, VT

[S. Greco]

I love these Green B17s! Super cool that OP found a new one all these years later.