Brooks - From Horse Saddle to Bicycle Bag

Brooks – Saddles and Bags from England

The company was founded in 1866 by John Boultbee Brooks in Birmingham, England, as a manufacturer of horse harnesses and leather goods. The company name derives from the founder's surname. After Brooks experienced an uncomfortable ride on a typical wooden bicycle saddle in 1878, he came up with the idea for a padded leather saddle. In 1882 he filed the first patent for a bicycle saddle. What started as a horse saddle maker gradually evolved into a bicycle brand. In 1962 Raleigh bought the company, and after Raleigh's collapse in 1999, the Italian Selle Royal Group took over, still leading Brooks today.

The first product was the leather saddle, distinguished by its craftsmanship and elegant shape. Over time, various saddle models for different uses were added, including racing, touring and city riding. Later, Brooks expanded its range to include handlebar grips, panniers, seat bags, frame bags and other luggage systems made of leather and canvas. The brand also offers care products such as the famous Proofide dressing for its leather saddles.

Brooks products are sold worldwide in bicycle shops, concept stores and through online retailers such as radfieber.de. The distribution network comprises several thousand outlets across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. The manufacturer's own online shop also ships directly to customers.

For saddles, different model series are available, each with its own geometry, padding and suspension system. Materials range from top-grain leather to rubber and steel or titanium frames. The bags come in various sizes and colours and can be combined as a modular luggage system.

• Brooks SCAPE Feed Pouch Vorbautasche / mud green – a small stem bag providing quick access to food, attached with a hook-and-loop system.
• Brooks SCAPE Frame Bag Rahmentasche / mud green – this frame bag utilises the space inside the triangle and is secured with hook-and-loop straps; it holds tools and spare parts.
• Brooks SCAPE Handlebar Pouch Lenkertasche / mud green – a compact handlebar bag for small items, attached to the bars with hook-and-loop and notable for its low weight.
• Brooks SCAPE Handlebar Roll Lenkertasche / mud green – a larger handlebar roll offering more storage for clothing or camping gear, also mounted with hook-and-loop.
• Brooks SCAPE Pannier Large Gepäckträgertasche / black – a large rear rack pannier in classic black with a sturdy carry handle and an easy attachment system.
• Brooks SCAPE Pannier Large Gepäckträgertasche / mud green – the same large pannier in mud green, otherwise identical to the black version.
• Brooks SCAPE Pannier Small Lowridertasche / black – the smaller lowrider variant in black, mounted lower on the rack and suited for lighter loads.
• Brooks SCAPE Pannier Small Lowridertasche / mud green – the same lowrider bag in mud green, otherwise identical to the black version.
• Brooks SCAPE Saddle Pocket Bag Satteltasche / mud green – a compact saddle bag attached directly under the seatpost, holding the most essential items.
• Brooks SCAPE Seat Bag Satteltasche / mud green – a larger saddle bag with more volume for multi-day tours, also mounted under the saddle.
• Brooks SCAPE Top Tube Bag Oberrohrtasche / black – a top tube bag in black, keeping maps, smartphones or energy bars within easy reach.
• Brooks SCAPE Top Tube Bag Oberrohrtasche / mud green – the same top tube bag in mud green, with identical construction and function.

Even more bikepacking products from other renowned brands can be found at Radfieber’s bicycle bags.