Compared to Eurobike, the UK's bike show is more of a cosy get-together than a full-blown International affair. That's not to say the event, now housed in the Earl's Court Arena in West London, is not without its attractions. There were some real gems to be found in the walkways behind the art-deco façade of this historic venue, built during the '30's heyday of British bicycle manufacturing.

British manufacturers may be thin on the ground these days, but one London-based company can be relied on to come up with a 'show stopper' year in, year out.

Condor Cycles unveiled their latest prestige project, a collaboration with respected bespoke tailor Richard James .

Richard James who, along with fellow couturier  Ozwald Boateng, represents the 'new wave' of Savile Row tailoring, commissioned Condor to construct a bicycle that represented “the ultimate contemporary lightweight urban bicycle, using the best materials, components and technology available today”.

The bike features a tube-to-tube construction carbon frame, specially commissioned Royce hubs and an all-black, Campagnolo Pista Record chainset – an instant collectors piece with its laser-etched Condor/RJ graphics. The frame features graphics and logos created from gold leaf.

The overall effect is understated, yet visually striking. There's nothing 'bling' about this bike; its one that any bike rider would be delighted to own or ride.

Elsewhere, Condor have been digging deep into that suitcase of inspiration sitting on top of their wardrobe. The '09 Condor 'Classico' could have rolled right out of the pages of one of their '60's catalogues, but at the same time, looks fresh and clean and is probably one of the best examples of the 'new retro' trend that's sweeping the bike industry.  

Just one of the advantages of  being a bike builder for over 60 years...

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One brand for whom the retro boom has been a godsend is Brooks. 

However, the days of their ubiquitous leather saddles being almost de rigeur  on any bike built with steel and lugs may soon be over.  There's a new kid on the block - and this one is smart, good-looking and sure to be in demand!

Gilles Berthoud,  best known for his range of fine bicycle luggage, has been quietly working away in his Pont De Vaux workshop in Southern France to produce a saddle, which at first glance looks retro, but on closer inspection is anything but.

The Berthoud saddle comes with a full leather top, but unlike its English counterpart, its top is fully pre-softened.  Unlike the Brooks method of stretching and beating the leather into place on the frame and then holding it fast with rivets, each Berthoud saddle top is first formed, then CNC-machined (yes, CNC'ed leather! ) to be a perfect fit for the frame. The top  effortlessly drops into place and is simply yet securely fixed to the frame with CNC-turned stainless bolts with elegant brass seats.  There are no raised edges, no thin spots or bulges and each saddle top will fit each frame perfectly.  There's also the added bonus of being able to replace a top in minutes, in the event of the leather being damaged beyond repair. 

The ingenuity doesn't stop at its leather top either; the saddle frame is a patented design with an integral Klick-Fix system for a range of dedicated bags and strap loops molded into the rear to accomodate older-style luggage.

At the front, the frame is designed to prevent twisting, meaning the saddle top will retain its shape for the life of the saddle. It is possible tighten the saddle top thanks to a tension bolt, but this is unlikely to be needed as the leather is pre-streched and fits the frame free of stress and without the need for manipulation.

The saddle comes in black, natural tan and an attractive brown/black 'cork' effect.  Two versions are available; one is 162mm wide and 247mm long, the other 162 wide and 277mm long.  Berthoud has also come up with a new range of accessories; matching hand-stitched leather handlebar grips, fine-grained, full leather wrap for drop bars, screw-fit leather handlebar plugs and a proofed leather fender flap - all perfectly complimenting the saddle.

The saddle is the culmination of many years of reseach, design and prototype work by Berthoud.  He'll be the first to admit this project has been something of a labour of love for him with a great deal of his time, finances - and most of all - passion, invested in its development.  At the Show, he confessed to being unsure of how his saddle would be received by the public; whether or not the design would be welcomed - or dismissed as just another curiosity.

On first evidence however, its clear to see Berthoud has come up with a winner. 

The saddle combines the comfort of a traditional full-leather top with the performance of modern, high-tech manufacturing methods and materials.  His ingenious approach on how to bring these essential elements together into a contemporary product is brilliant in its simplicity.  The beauty is, it not only works - it looks great too; its classic styling will enhance the look of any bike.   At the same time, it packs enough tech to keep the coffee-stop crew chattering on the ride home.  The end result is a saddle constructed to such a high standard it promises to give thousands of miles of trouble-free service and comfort - and one that can only improve with age.

If you're in the process of putting together a shopping list of 'must-haves' for next years' show models, put this saddle right at the top of the page!

Look for a full test soon...