IDEALE 88 TB SPECIALE COMPETITION vintage leather bicycle saddle, hand-broken-in according to Rebour

A Rebour-Method Ideale Saddle

The Ideale 88 TB Speciale Competition is a vintage leather saddle. Its break-in follows the method described by Daniel Rebour, the French technical illustrator and chronicler of mid-century cycling components. What that means in practice is a shell that has already been worked by hand—shaped through use rather than left stiff and unyielding. The model number 88 TB and the Speciale Competition designation identify this as a component aimed at period road setups. The leather surface carries the marks you would expect from a saddle that has seen service. No structural defects are called out in the listing.

The photos form an integral part of the description: they document the exact condition, leather surface, and hardware details of this example.

Compatibility and Build Notes

This saddle is intended for restorers and builders who need a period-correct perch for classic road machines. It mates to a standard saddle rail clamp and must be paired with a seatpost that matches the rail diameter of your frame. Before mounting, check the rail width against your seatpost head. If you are assembling a Brooks Professional B78 or another period saddle, rail spacing is a key point of comparison.

For a fuller cockpit, a Philippe aluminium handlebar from the same era can be paired with this saddle to complete a coherent front-end assembly. Those building a wheel-and-drivetrain group may also consider a vintage 46T chainset for the lower half of the bike.

Condition Summary

This is a used component. Surface wear and age-related marks are visible. The listing does not mention major rust, cracks, or bends. To understand the exact state of the leather and rails, refer closely to the photos supplied with this sheet.