B1866

B1866 is British saddle maker Brooks’ first ever retail shop, opened in November 2013. If you’re a cycling enthusiast, chances are you’ve heard of Brooks. Founded in — you guessed it — 1866, Brooks are most famous for their leather saddles but have now started to branch off into other products too, such as retro-​styled panniers. Personally I’m a huge fan of their ethos and sprung saddles at least: the hefty spring-​loaded B33 saddle that sits atop my Dutch city bike is easily the most comfortable saddle I’ve ever owned. I also love how every bit of their saddles can be replaced. with perfectly affordable spare parts.
That, indeed, is how I’ve dealt with B1866: obtaining a new spring and chassis for my B33, a task that had been beyond London’s bike shops for a year or so, leaving my saddle unused. B1866 however obtained the parts quickly, and their relatively accessible opening hours made the parts convenient to pick up. Later, I dropped by for a couple of saddle covers for my B33 and I found the staff as helpful and friendly as ever.
Inside, B1866 is predictably packed with their entire range of saddles and more, including several limited edition products. I haven’t had much time to peruse their other offerings but I can certainly say that everything is neatly and stylishly laid-​out. This, plus the Seven Dials location with its cobble streets, gives the whole shop an appropriately retro yet timeless air. Indeed, that plus the friendly service makes it also worth visiting even if you’re not in the market for a Brooks product, or at least, you don’t think you are…