The Brooks Lady B18 Saddle

If you’re a cyclist, you know Brooks:

They are the epitome of quality, class and sophistication.

I am such a fan of the English, don’t ask me why, I can’t really explain it. Perhaps because London is the birthplace of Punk? I am quite the punk at heart :) Regardless, I have drooled and dreamed of having anything with the Brooks name and logo on it. Sandra Dee was not the bike to accessorize with Brooks(as cute as she was and as much as I miss her), but Hermie? He is my dapper man and is definitely the bike to have a bit of “B” on him! This Christmas, I was lucky enough to open up this amazingly beautiful saddle;

Not bad for the last saddle you'd ever need right? This is one lovely lady! I literally stared at her for hours and hours in awe of her detail..she’s a beauty! She is part of Brooks’ Unique Collection, each saddle in this collection have over a centuries history, the people of Brooks have preserved their construction hence making these particular saddles unique. The Lady’s design dates back to 1920! The lovely vine and flower design adds a bit of girliness to my dapper-man of a bicycle :) I’ve put under 200 miles on The Lady, but from the first time my cheeks touched that leather, I knew this was the seat for me and possibly every woman out there! The leather is already forming to my body, making it truly mine!

I get asked all the time from potential female riders; “Which seat is the most comfortable?” “How do ride long distances on a seat? I always end up being uncomfortable.”. Comfort is the number 2 reason more women don’t ride. Number 1 is safety concerns, but that’s for another post! I have been through 4 seats in two years, I have tried almost all the inexpensive “comfort cruiser” extra-padded type seats, and looking back I cannot believe I didn’t invest sooner!

My butt is happy! for $200 it better be *insert slight grumble*

Yes it’s a tad expensive when you see the price tag, but think of the big picture, this saddle is guaranteed for life. No exaggeration, I’m going to be 56 and still have this seat! I met a man downtown with a Brooks racing seat he’s had since the 80’s..I was born in the 80’s! That’s bananas y’all. That seat of his was worn in beautifully, I wish I got a picture! I’m sure I’ll go through a few bikes before the seat needs retiring!

I highly recommend The Lady for the commuting cyclist, the city and touring cyclist, and the fat-bottomed cyclist ;) Can’t wait for their show @Bicycle Habitat in June!Check out all Brooks can offer you for a smoother, classier ride!

Happy Riding!

K xo

Product Review: The Detours Toocan Transit Box

Back in August I had won a giveaway from the awesome gals at Cycle and Style Magazine. The prize being a brightly colored alternative to a clip-on pannier:

Detours, a company based out in Seattle, Washington has a wide selection of bags. Some for the Urban spandex wearing cyclist, where function surpasses looks. Some for the style-conscious everyday commuter, where bags and panniers must prove themselves against the elements, all while keeping a certain flair.

The people at Detours were kind enough to give away one of their Transit box bags, and I was lucky enough to win! I’ve been in the market for a pannier or bag since I got S.Dee, and right when I was getting bummed at the prices at most of them, I win this sweet bag!

I aptly call it; “The Trunk”

The Toocan transit box straps securely onto a rear rack using some super strong Velcro. I admit; this worried me at first. But, after 2 months of using it with no shifting or moving of the bag at all, I ride carefree.

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Pretty simple system

The inside is lined and comes with some organizational pockets. Always a good thing when it comes to a bag. The inner zippered pocket came with a nifty rain cover and a note from one of the Editors of Cycle&Style Magazine:

Besides its blatant practicality(it also comes with a removable strap for easy transport), The Toocans most distinguished features is its woven design. It’s made out of recycled juice boxes! No doubt this bag gets plenty of attention and questions. What I love mentioning to each and every person that asks is how this bag is made in the Philippines by independent business women. Profits of every bag sold, goes to keeping these women open for business! I did not buy this bag, but for $45.00 and a good cause, I would have…if I didn’t win it that is!
This trunk bag has been my gym bag, my tour bag, my commuting bag and to my surprise, can fit quite a lot. Even my gym shoes and a jacket!


A few stats from the Detours Website:
Best uses: Touring, commuting, around town, event rides
Volume: 600 cubic inches
Dimensions: 12 x 5 x 8 inches
Average Weight: 1 pound 2 ounces
 
(The Toocan Transit box also made SeattleMag.com’s Out Door Gear Worth Splurging on list)
All in all, a fab bag to have in my arsenal!
K.