Before Birmingham and surrounding towns like Smethwick became synonymous with the motor industry, it was the world’s cycling capital.
A leather goods manufacturer in Smethwick was, and still is today, the business who took cycling by the saddle and revolutionised the industry.
Where it began
BROOKS originally started out as a leather goods manufacturer in 1886, founded by John Boultbee Brooks. The business was ticking along but it was only after discovering his horse had died one morning and having borrowed a bike with an uncomfortable wooden saddle to get into work, that Brooks pivoted the business to create leather cycling seats.
The B17 saddle has been selling with few modifications for over 100 years and remains the longest-lived bicycle product in the world. BROOKS was an enduring favourite among the world’s fastest bike racers.
Innovation
As well as revolutionising the world of bike saddles, bicycle luggage has been a staple in Brooks catalogues since the 1800s too. It started with 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.
JB Brooks and his son Wilfred Mason filed two patents related to improvements in cycling bags and satchels in 1910, ensuring a more equal load distribution and greater stability whilst riding.
The biggest change when it came to saddles was the launch of the Cambium saddles which are not made from leather. These combined with the range of bags and grips and traditional leather saddles have become synonymous with cycling, comfort and quality – customers love that they’re still handmade. What’s more, the saddles are 100% recyclable – no plastic, and no landfill!
It is not the name of BROOKS which makes the saddle good, but the saddle, and its excellence, that makes the name supreme
John Boultbee Brooks, The Book for Cyclists, 1921
Quality and longevity
Made in the same traditional way with high-quality materials, BROOKS’s long-lasting products have helped earn their reputation around the world.
You can watch ‘Give It Time: 100 Years and One Roadtrip Later..” below – an exploration of Brooks’ history and manufacturing behind the scenes in Smethwick
Find out more about BROOKS here
You can also see our TikTok sharing an outline of their history here
