Idéale was the cream of continental saddle-makers, until they closed in 1980. More highly-regarded than Brooks; the top racing model (57-60,80,90IR) Idéales from this era (with light alloy underframes) are very rare and highly sought-after.

This Model 57 is one of those; it’s a man’s racing/sports model saddle, at 11 1/2” long by 6” wide. The quality just shines through: a Brooks Team Professional’s leather is from 3.9 to 4.3mm thick; this Idéale is from 5.0 to 5.5mm. There are lacing holes along the flank skirts, so one can pull them together for a “tighter” ride. The rivets are mostly solid copper, with nickel-plated steel ones at the frame mounting points; all pantographed 'Idéale'.

The frame bars are polished Duralumin (high-tensile aluminum alloy, solution hardened - roughly equivalent to 6000 T6 series). They were specially made for Idéale by Cégédur (la Compagnie Générale de Duralumin). It helps keep the weight down to just 16oz./465 grams, as against the 19.5oz. of a Brooks Team Professional.