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An Original MTB Saddle Gets Reissued: A Review of the Brooks B72

Radar By: john watson

An Original MTB Saddle Gets Reissued: A Review of the Brooks B72

When Brooks England decided to resurrect the legendary B72 saddle ($190), the brand reached out to John to use his 1980 Ritchey as a model to showcase the saddle’s history of being mounted to some of the first mountain bikes. Then, to offer a modern comparison, they built up a stunning Stooge Cycles Speedbomb. The resulting builds are eerily similar in some ways and worlds apart in others, yet the Brooks B72 looks right at home on both bikes. Let’s check out the new B72, including John’s quick review, below.

Vintage Bikes Are Compounded Stories: John’s 1980 No Serial Ritchey

Reportage By: john watson

Vintage Bikes Are Compounded Stories: John’s 1980 No Serial Ritchey

Every bike has a story, but some intrinsically harbor more nuanced lore. As you might have noticed, over the past few years, I’ve acquired a few Ritchey frames from the 1980s. We’ve previously covered my Everest and the story of Tom’s early Bullmoose designs; I also have a 1985 Annapurna, and this no serial number 1980 Ritchey, which might be the best build yet.

This era of mountain bike design and development is my favorite. In the late 70s, guys like Joe Breeze built beautiful bikes inspired by balloon cruisers and klunkers. Tom Ritchey, inspired by the frenetic energy of the mountain bike genesis, began making fat tire frames in the late 70s. From 1980 through 1981, several bikes left Tom’s shop, including the fabled ‘chicken coop’ bikes, and a few were built void of any serial number.

This bike is the latter, and boy, does it have a story…

Brooks: Amani Project Migration Project Saddles

Radar

Brooks: Amani Project Migration Project Saddles

The latest special-edition saddle from Brooks England celebrates Kenya’s first official gravel event, the Migration Gravel Race,
which celebrated its first exciting edition in 2021welcoming top gravel riders from Africa and around the globe in an effort to raise the profile of cycling in Kenya and increase opportunities for African cyclists.

Limited to just 50 pieces, the Brooks C17 Migration Gravel Race saddle is an homage to the AMANI Project’s Timu Moja campaign. The term, meaning “One team” in the Swahili language widely spoken in East Africa, conveys the idea that in the drive for greater inclusivity in cycling, success for one East African cyclist, team or race organisation is success for all. Brooks identifies with the spirit of the Migration Gravel Race, and by purchasing this limited edition saddle you’ll be directly supporting the Maasai in their effort to maintain their beautiful cultural practices as well as the AMANI project in their laudable goal of making the sport of cycling more accessible to athletes from East Africa.

Following MGR2021, AMANI seeks to create cycling opportunities for the Maasai in particular through rider sponsorships and,
along with professional Kenyan riders, host a series of workshops at local schools where the riders could talk about how they cameto be professional cyclists and encourage kids to take up cycling.

See more at Brooks England.

Brooks x North London Dirt 2021

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Brooks x North London Dirt 2021

The terms urban and gravel may seem at odds with one another—unless you are part of the team behind North London Dirt, that is. Back for its fourth year and with Brooks England as a sponsor, North London Dirt is a creative take on the increasingly popular gravel genre of cycling events. What first started as an experiment in linking disparate points on a map through the discovery of often-overlooked paths, farm roads, and winding trails in and around North London has since grown into an annual event that brings together like-minded riders searching for unexpected adventure amidst a well-trafficked city. This year’s 70-mile (113KM) route will take riders from urban to suburban and beyond, all while raising money for the local St. Mary’s community center.

Additionally, North London Dirt will be partnering with Ride 4 Unity, a global organization dedicated to celebrating diversity and togetherness in cycling. The fourth edition of North London Dirt takes place on Saturday, September 11th, and while spots are full, follow NLD on Instagram for ride photos, to enter their charity raffle, or to learn how to sign up for any future events.

Brooks and Brompton Team Up for the Tokyo Olympics

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Brooks and Brompton Team Up for the Tokyo Olympics

To commemorate the approaching Tokyo Olympics, two British cycling companies have teamed up on a limited edition Team GB bike and matching saddle.

Since the 2012 Olympics in London, Brompton has been providing British athletes with their famous folding bikes for use around the various training centers and Olympic villages. Now these Team GB bikes and saddles are available to the public.

The Brompton bikes themselves feature a first-ever red-lacquer finish with white and blue detailing in line with the team’s classic colors. Crowned with comfort, Brooks has redesigned their C-17 saddle to proudly display the roaring lion logo of Team GB across its vulcanized rubber surface.

You can secure your own Team GB edition Brompton Bike and Brooks Saddle at the Brompton Junction shop in London or through the Brompton website, or you can pick them up online at Brompton.