The history of Brooks began in 1865 when John Boultbee Brooks moved to Birmingham and started his own business manufacturing leather goods. The company J.B. Brooks & Co. was born, primarily producing horse harnesses and initially paying no attention to bicycles. Brooks had ridden his horse to work and back for many years until one morning in 1878, he found it dead in its stable. So he borrowed a friend's bicycle and set off for Birmingham city center. Given that pneumatic tires had not yet been invented and the saddle of the borrowed bicycle was carved from solid wood, it is hardly surprising that Brooks' first rides on the bicycle were extremely uncomfortable. So much so that he was inspired to develop something better. The idea for Brooks' first leather bicycle saddle was born and soon after designed: the B 17 – an icon.

We will publish the exact stand location here shortly before the show.