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Since 1866
A rich heritage is a gift, but even more valuable is the spirit that has remained constant throughout our lifespan. The spark of invention that gave birth to the company is the same one that inspires us today.
HOW THE LEGEND BEGAN
It all began in 1865. John Boultbee Brooks moved to Birmingham and set up in business making leather goods. The firm of J.B. Brooks & Co. ticked along, without making any really startling progress, and no thought of bicycles whatever, until 1878, when a minor tragedy gave rise to the most momentous of changes in perspective.
Brooks had been commuting to work on horseback all this time, but sadly one morning when he went to its stable, he discovered that his faithful horse had died. So, he borrowed a friend’s bicycle and made his way into the City of Birmingham. Given that pneumatic tyres were yet to be invented, and the saddle of this borrowed machine was carved from solid wood, it will not surprise anyone to learn that Brooks’ first journeys by bicycle were extremely uncomfortable. So much so, in fact, that he was inspired to create something better. The first Brooks leather cycling saddle was born very soon afterward.
THE B17, AN ICON.
The B17 saddle, intended for the touring and trekking cyclist, has been our best selling model for over a century. First introduced in the 1890s, the B17 has survived virtually unchanged, and has firmly established itself as the longest-lived bicycle product in the world.
ON THE RIVET
It should not be forgotten that in the earliest days of the sport of professional cycling, Brooks was an enduring favourite among the world’s fastest bike racers.
Being “on the rivet” means being close to the limits of one’s capability, pushing the body as hard as one can, in the attempt to keep pace, or to escape from one’s pursuers.
“On the rivet” has remained in the parlance, long since the hand-hammered metal rivet itself made its exit from the sport.
ON AND OFF THE BIKE
Highly original bicycle luggage has been a staple feature in Brooks Catalogues since the 1880s. The earliest product ranges featured a number of saddle bags, handlebar bags and carriers, camera cases, panniers and holdalls. In 1909 JB Brooks even filed a patent for a golf bag designed to be attached to the handlebar and front fork.
The most innovative designs date from 1910, when JB Brooks and his son Wilfred Mason filed two patents related to improvements in cycling bags and satchels, ensuring a more equal load distribution and greater stability whilst riding.
A NEW LEASE OF LIFE
By celebrating Brooks’ achievements, we do not mean to paint a picture of a continuous upward trajectory. There have been dark days, moments of real challenge. In the 1980s and ‘90s the brand faced its decline. Building things in Britain – carefully and with decades of knowledge and craft expertise – suddenly fell out of fashion. In this rocky economic landscape, the Brooks company changed hands on multiple occasions, before finally being purchased by the Selle Royal Group in 2002. It was a new lease of life.
By the way, we can still be found in Smethwick on Downing Street, B66 2PA, United Kingdom.
NOT JUST LEATHER
The most momentous change: the launch of the Cambium. A range of saddles that bear the Brooks name, but are not made from leather like their antecedents of the last century. Something quite revolutionary, in its own small way. Launched in 2013, the family has been broadened to encompass grips and bar tape, as well as saddles, but it is the saddle that really defines the range.
HISTORY & HERITAGE
We have been making quality goods for our customers ever since our founder created the Brooks company in 1866. Today we remain committed to his legacy. His early blueprints and inspirational pursuit of innovation led to a wealth of quality, durable and beautiful products, so we preserve that spirit by combining the very best of modern technology with the timeless Brooks aesthetic. We still deliver the finest saddles and cycling accessories to our customers across the UK and beyond – even after all this time.
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