from BICYCLE QUARTERLY

The spring issue of Bicycle Quarterly magazine contains a test of the new Berthoud saddle. Editor Jan Heine cautions that the saddle is fairly new to him and points out a couple of negative points but he also says; “This saddle has been among the most comfortable saddles I have ridden.” and; “Overall I highly recommend the Berthoud saddle.”

We hope to have this new saddle in-stock sometime in April.

Bicycle Quarterly website

Tags: bicycle quarterly

Gilles Berthoud reports that he is having some trouble with equipment needed to produce his new, innovative, leather saddle. His idea was to do some of the leather work with CNC equipment. He searched for a long time and finally found one little company that promised to supply the machine he needed. The machine, adequate for prototyping and sample work, proved to be not up to the job for production. Now Gilles is developing his own CNC machine to meet his requirements. This unexpected difficulty has caused some delay. Stay tuned.

1/26/09 UPDATE: Berthoud reports that his new CNC machine has passed his tests and he is near production on the new leather saddle. A firm ETA was not given but we hope to see the new saddles in March.

3/18/09 UPDATE: I hear today that production of Berthoud saddles has begun and mid-April is a possible delivery time.

5/4/09 UPDATE: The US distributor for Berthoud products reports that the first batch of saddles is about ready and will leave France soon. He expects delivery in 2-3 weeks. (then another week to us).

6/4/09 UPDATE: The US shipment of saddles has left France. UK dealers have them available now. Expect our price to be lower than the UK price.

You got pretty close to guessing the function of our mystery machine but you didn’t quite get it.

Gilles Berthoud needed to test the strength of his new saddle design so he invented this machine to give it a workout. He was pleased to report that his new saddle lasted far longer than comparable saddles. The saddle went 84 hours without breaking. The nose, rails, and crescent all survived intact. Another popular brand of saddle broke after 17 hours.

Here is a very brief video of the machine in action.

Downloadable PDF with more details about the new Berthoud leather saddle. Includes leather grips, tape, and bar plugs.

Tags: berthoud saddle

note: 6/18/09 – The Berthoud saddles will be here any day. See this post.

Friedrichstafen, Germany -Gilles Berthoud presented his new leather saddle to the world bicycle trade yesterday to a very favorable reception.

The Berthoud leather saddle comes in three colors: black, “cork” and natural. The natural color is not dyed and will vary with the hide used. The saddles are pre-softened by hand.

The initial model is a casual-riding saddle, something between the B.17 and the Team Pro. It will come in men’s and women’s version. Plans include sport models and lightweight models.

The Berthoud saddle has many unique features. A partial list includes:
Extra thick leather
The leather can be easily removed with an allen key
Patented tensioning mechanism that won’t twist
Flexible cantle plate for extra comfort.
Lighter than a Brooks
Brass washers engraved “Gilles Berthoud France”
Nose washer engraved with sequential serial number

M. Berthoud has also developed leather grips, bar tape, and handlebar plugs.

The saddles should cost in the $250 neighborhood. I wil be able to say better when I know the price the US Importer will charge. Be assured we will have these beautiful new saddles as soon as they are available.

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Update: 16 September: The Berthoud distributor in the US (Euro Asia Imports) tells me they expect to get their first shipment of the Berthoud leather line towards the end of December.

Tags: Berthoud, eurobike, new, saddles

Leaving for Europe this morning. The hurricane seems to be veering West a little. Fingers still crossed.

I got a look at Gilles Berthoud’s new leather saddle yesterday. It is a knockout. Pictures after the official unveiling at Eurobike. Hints: “cork” color as well as tan and black. Leather tape, grips, and plugs.

Tags: Berthoud, eurobike