Ideale 90 Special Competition Leather Saddle: Flat Alloy Rails - 1970's (Near Mint+ Show Bike Condition)

This is the model all the French and Japanese bicycle collectors lust over!  This is Ideale's top of the line 90IR model, with rare duraluminum rails and cantle frame.  These rails made the saddle significantly lighter than the standard steel rail model.   As far as style, it is a cross between a Brooks Professional and B17.  These were made throughout the 1970's, though some reports of them as early as 1965.  This is the later rendition of the Ideale 57 Record from the 1950's and 1960's.  Both of these models are ideal for top level randonneur bicycles such as Rene Herse and Alex Singer.

This saddle does NOT come with a saddle clip, but I have two options for seatposts for sale.  The original Ideale #4 clip & seat pillar, or a Campagnolo Nuovo Record 2-bolt with Zeus Ref 510 ears that allow for the flat alloy rails.

Condition

Near mint or better very lightly used shape with a lovely light patina!  Zero cracking or dryness!  No real evidence of breaking in either!  Leather is supple and flexes well.  The saddle top gives when you press on it, just about as much as a brand new Brooks B17 does.  There is no scuffing or scrapes anywhere.  Rear corners are almost perfect, with just a few touches of dye wear.  Rivets & badge are free of corrosion, even around the edges, though they have some scratching.  Side skirt logos show some rubbing from legs and aren't as clear as a NOS saddle would be, but they're still largely present and readable.  Leather top has only very minor marks.  Alloy rails and frame are in wonderful condition with just a bit of scratching here and there.  Chrome nose piece and hardware are mint.  This is appropriate for just about any show bike, or buy it to ride the hell out of for years to come!

Details

• Rails: Alloy
• Rivets: Copper
• Cover: Genuine leather
• Markings: side skirts "SPECIALE COMPETITION IDEALE TB 90 MADE IN FRANCE" - Nose tension cap "Ideale TB BTE S.D.G.0" - Rails "Alliage Leger Traite Fortal 99"