Berthoud Saddle Reviews

July 18th, 2009 by Bill | Filed under Berthoud.

Please comment your thoughts about the new Berthoud leather saddle here.

Tags: consumerreview

60710 ResponsesBerthoud+Saddle+Reviews2009-07-18+20%3A08%3A40Bill to “Berthoud Saddle Reviews”

Billy Wallbike | 18/07/09
from an email:

"I have just completed my first ride using my new Berthoud Saddle and I am extremely happy with it. My impression after removing it from the box was that it was of excellent quality and I really liked the style too."

"I should say that I have been using Brooks Pro Saddles since the mid 1970's and have really liked them up until a few years ago when the shape was changed. I suspect that some people will argue with me about the shape change of the Brooks Pro, but I am looking at 30 years worth of the same saddle side by side for reference, so it is easy to compare."

"Back to the Berthoud saddle. The shape of the leather gave me hope that it would be comfortable and I was not disappointed. I took it out for a 25 mile ride after work and I did not want to stop at the end because the saddle was so comfortable. I have never ridden on a leather saddle that was so comfortable right from the start. I would be concerned about the longevity of the saddle had I not seen the obvious quality of the materials and not read the article in Bicycle Quarterly reviewing the saddle."

"Please forward my complements to Mr. Berthoud on his excellent product. I also heard that there might be some seat bags made specifically for this saddle. Is this correct?"
Billy Wallbike | 18/07/09
from an email

"I have had my saddle for only a couple of days."

"The build quality totally blows me away. The leather makes the other
saddle leather seem like cardboard."

"Initially my saddle was killing my sit bones, aka "ischial
tuberosities"

"I think this is due to my previous Brooks B67 comfort saddle providing
more surface area, i.e. cushion."

"I improved the fit by undoing the tension on the saddle by first 1
turn, then a second.
The leather flexes a bit more and most of the pain has gone away."

"In case you were wondering about the bolts and washers, they haven't
snagged my pants."

"One problem is that I would like the saddle to slide back farther. I
already have a set back seat post and the saddle is not far back
enough. Another half inch would do wonders. It would be nice if
Berthoud sold a 'set-back' set of rails which would allow this."
Billy Wallbike | 18/07/09
There are two Berthoud saddlebags that use the KlickFix mount which screws onto the crescent of the saddle. There is a more elaborate version of the tubular tire bag and there is the regular, paisley-shaped Berthoud saddlebag. We should have these bags pretty soon.
erinlaine | 18/07/09
Well, being Bill's wife I got first pick from his inventory of Berthoud saddles. That was a tough choice. I really liked the cork effect, but Bill says there will eventually be Berthoud handlebar tape in natural, so then I leaned towards a natural colored (or rather not colored) saddle. But after more thought I went back to the cork, as they are beautiful, and chose the smaller women's model.

First ride, 10 miles, a bit firm feeling, but a comfortable shape. Second ride, 60 miles, still hard yet comfortable enough. Next I had to ship my bike with saddle to Seattle as I was riding the Seattle to Portland Cycling Classic. With the Berthoud saddle shipped off, my next ride was back on my old Brooks Team Pro S. I must admit I sunk down into this saddle like it was a Barcalounger… comfortable and wide. Then I fly to Seattle and get out the bike with the Berthoud and ride if around Lake Washington, 60 miles, comfortable, firm support. I'm now using the KlickFix mounting holes in the crescent of the saddle to sport a tidy, smallish Berthoud tool bag. Finally the big event, day one of Seattle to Portland, I rode 150 miles and fell in love with the saddle, with not discomfort in my rear. My back and right knee were aching terribly, so I bailed on the second day of the ride. I'm back home in New Orleans and my bike is still in transit with UPS. I will be very happy to see my Berthoud saddle, and put it on my regular bike. I would recommend a Berthoud saddle to experienced cyclist wanting performance, high quality, and beauty.
Billy Wallbike | 20/07/09
Note included with returned saddle:

"I am very sorry to . . . return this saddle. Based on two rides, though, I doubt very much that it will ever be as comfortable as my (poorly made by comparison) Selle AnAtomica saddles.
Billy Wallbike | 13/08/09
From a mail list post (with permission)

I just mounted my Cork Berthoud. I agree 100% about the build
quality. Not just the leather. The frame, the mounting bolts, and
even the plastic portions of the frame which I worried may not be
solid enough are all impressive. Not done with the bike, so have not
ridden it yet. The saddle feels comfortable when I sat on it to check
height and angle.
Billy Wallbike | 11/01/10
From an Email

"I have been using the new Berthoud saddle,and I have to tell you- it is wonderful !! Not just comfortable, but the integrated click fix works well and the saddle is a work of art. Thanks !"
Billy Wallbike | 22/03/10
From an Email

"My initial impression is favourable, I've used it for a couple of hundred miles or so on both bicycle and tricycle, swapping it with a new Swift. I prefer the G.B., although the Swift is pretty good.

A cautionary note: When I received the saddle the stainless countersunk screws were "finger tight", as recommended I used some Loctite and snugged up the screws, during this process one socket became deformed. Should I ever have to remove the leather top I might have difficulty removing this screw, perhaps a warning to future customers might be in order."

"Overall I'm very happy with it and look forward to using it for many miles.
Billy Wallbike | 2/08/10
From an email. . .

Just a note to let you know my thoughts on the Berthoud (Aravis) saddle. First off this is a quality piece of kit, the craftsmanship is superb, something saddly lacking in alot of other components today. I am very familiar with leather saddles and do have a preference for their feel and longevity. This however means a little work to bed them in properly. I have a quick and simple way to determine this. Out of the box rap the top of the saddle with your knuckles, a new one will give you a hollow hard ring (no new leather saddle should be soft out of the box), once it is bedded in rap your knuckles on it again and you should get a dull thud.
Thats the easy bit. I ride a 200k brevet every month along with 300k, 400k, 600k, and 1000k every year. I mounted this saddle for a 600k event and took the plunge. Whilst not uncomfortable it was a tough ride on a brand new saddle. After the event I removed the leather shell (good idea) and rubbed a half teaspoon of neat's foot oil on the underside of the leather and let it sit for an hour. I then repeated this step and put the shell back on the frame. I then rubbed a small amount of the oil on the topside on the saddle. I have since completed three 200k events and after the final one this weekend consider the saddle bedded in. The total miles to date on the saddle are 830.
I find the Aravis now very comfortable even compared to the venerable Brooks B17. The Brooks has more of the feel of a hammock whereas the the Aravis seems to keep its shape whilst also being comfortable. I would say it encourages a more aggressive riding position. My own set up has the saddle 1/2" higher than the handlebars. I will be using it for a 1000k event in late August.
The dye in the saddle does tend to wear easily and mine now appears brown in the sun compared to the original black, I do not think this is detremental but others may. One other thing that works for me is the (KlickFix) mount as I have a small berthoud saddle bag, this tidies up the rear of the saddle.
All in all I would say it is worth the investment if your willing to invest the time.

(Note from wallblog: Brooks, Gilles Berthoud, or Wallingford Bicycle Parts do not recommend the use of Neatsfoot oil or any oil-based leather conditioner for treating leather saddles. Wax-based treatments, like Proofide or Berthoud leather conditioner, are much better for the life of the saddle.)
Billy Wallbike | 25/01/11
from an email . . .

Hi Bill:
I purchased a Berthoud saddle from you in March 2010 and wanted to give you some feedback. I love this saddle! It do take some time to break in, I had ridden about 500 miles and it was still stiff. I rode in a century ride in the rain and that was when everything changed. When I started the ride it was still stiff, when I finished the ride it was perfectly fitted to my anatomy. I have ridden many time since the century and it continues to be on of the best saddles I have used.

Regards,
mark