Gilles Berthoud has produced the lightest full-leather saddle on the market with the introduction of his Galiber model race saddle. Titanium rails and careful design result in a weight of ~305g. The Soulor is a stainless steel version and the existing Aspin steel touring saddle is joined by the Aravis titanium touring saddle. (The saddles are named for climbs in the French Alps).
Berthoud saddles are waterproof and hand pre-softened. They can be disassembled with hand tools and the tensioning mechanism in the nose is an advance over existing designs. All models come in black, natural (un-dyed) and “cork” finish leather.
These saddles are a fine example of M. Berthoud’s passion for fine cycling equipment. We are happy to be able to represent the Berthoud firm in the United States.

Our friend Smiley had his stainless steel Berthoud fenders painted black for his new Kelly Bedford touring bike. This is the first time I’ve seen this. It’s a nice detail on a classy bike. (Plus, kudos on the frame pump!)

The Road Cycling UK (RCUK) website has posted a “first ride” review of the Berthoud saddle.

Gilles Berthoud introduces the new “Race” version of his evolutionary leather saddle at the Eurobike trade show in Germany this week. At 315g, with ti rails, M. Berthoud believes that he is offering the lightest leather saddle on the market.

The saddle will come with titanium or steel rails. The steel version should be available around the first of the year. The ti model will come later due to the four-month lead time necessary to acquire the titanium. M. Berthoud hopes it will be available “when the season starts.” The ti saddle should cost less than $350.

The rails on this saddle are common with the current Berthoud Touring saddle. Once the titanium is available the touring model will also have a ti option and the saddle rails can be purchased separately and easily changed by the owner.

This new saddle has been honored with a Eurobike Award.

Originally uploaded by guuwatanabe

GUU-Watanabe shows this frontbag mount on their Flickr photostream. The bag sits on a small rack so this system of wood and straps is an alternative to the decaleur.

There are more pictures of the bag and bike in the photostream.

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

Tags: consumerreview