Brooks...breaking in?

fixie

Went and bought a Brooks B17 special today, but there was no leaflet like there should be that explains how to break in and look after the saddle. From the brooks website i've read that i have to Proofide the saddle and leave it over night before using it at all. But after that im unsure what to do, obviously i dont want to make any mistakes that might ruin the saddle, so any tips or advice from experience would be appreciated..presume i dont have to worry about tensioning the saddle for a while? and also how often do i proofide the saddle while breaking it in?

el Bastardo

Proofide is a manufacturer's recommendation, but plenty of people use other oils, waxes etc. Not using it just means it takes a bit longer to mould around your butt. It also weatherproofs. Riding it without proofide won't be a disaster, but better to use it. Otherwise, just ride it. No need to tension it unless it goes reallysaggy (That typically takes a long time). I prrofided mine twice in the first few months (2010), front and back. I proofided it once in the last year. No hard'n'fast rules. Worth noting too that it'll ruin your pants, so wear dark colours until the saddle 'breaks in'.

happytramp

Got one two weeks ago, in the same boat. Don't worry about the proofide it's not very strong and doesn't have a massive effect. Used it on many saddles and leather bar tape. Lash in on to the underside and leave it there, use less on the outer surface and wipe off before riding. Repeat a few times over the next couple of weeks.

Word of warning, do not ride on the saddle if it's been left out in the rain. Let it dry out naturally or better yet use a cover if you're going to be leaving it out. Rain and water while cycling is fine since the proofide will repel it.

Dr.Millah

Just cycle on the saddle all you want/can and it will break in. I got a b17 a few weeks ago and it was crazy comfy out of the box. I cant imagine what it will be like after some more mileage!

fixie

thanks for the reply..bought a tub of proofide with the saddle so im going to apply that to the whole saddle tonight,on top and the underside. then tomorrow i'll wipe off the top and throw it onto to bike and see what its like,thats the plan anyway.....

Daithi BC

I got a B17 earlier in the year for an old steel bike I have. I did put on the proofride and let it dry, but after that, I've just ridden on it. I've found it the most comfortable saddle I've ever been on, so I haven't done anything to it since I started to use it.

Mycroft H

I'm all jealous of yous with your lovely brooks. I get pains with my crap saddles but it does not get any better -_-

CramCycle

el Bastardo wrote: »

I proofided it once in the last year. No hard'n'fast rules. Worth noting too that it'll ruin your pants, so wear dark colours until the saddle 'breaks in'.

Generally recomended to Proofide the underside not the top as far as I know (could be wrong).

The truth of the matter is that unless its going to be in damp conditions, don't proofide it at all, met a guy on PBP whose Brooks from the last century had never had any oil/wax on it and it was fine.

I firmly believe over waxing ruined my first and I intend not to ever do it with my next one.

Seaswimmer

Slightly off topic but my 3 year old B17 is very squeaky.. cant figure out where it is coming from.. Only happens when pedalling hard or going uphill when more pressure on the saddle.. took it off the seat post and cleaned/oiled rails but no change. maybe i could try tensioning it??

cdaly_

BX 19 wrote: »

I'm all jealous of yous with your lovely brooks. I get pains with my crap saddles but it does not get any better -_-

When I went shopping, the brooks wasn't that much dearer than the other choices. Became a no-brainer.


Put it on the bike, went to France on the hols and cycled it. No wax, no evidence of a breaking in period, felt lovely from the off...

el Bastardo

CramCycle wrote: »

Generally recomended to Proofide the underside not the top as far as I know (could be wrong).

The truth of the matter is that unless its going to be in damp conditions, don't proofide it at all, met a guy on PBP whose Brooks from the last century had never had any oil/wax on it and it was fine.

I firmly believe over waxing ruined my first and I intend not to ever do it with my next one.

Yep, you could be (Not being argumentative: Just wondered that myself)

On Brooks' website: "Apply a little Proofide to the finished side of the leather. Allow the Proofide to permeate until dry and then polish off. Proofide should be used several times during the ‘breaking-in’ period and every 3-6 months thereafter. On bicycles not fitted with mudguards, an initial application to the underside of the saddle will be beneficial, this needs not to be polished off. The leather gets its colour during the tanning process and it is possible, therefore, that some colour residues will remain. It is recommended to polish the saddle with a soft cloth before first use."

As this be Ireland, it's going to be damp.

el Bastardo

Seaswimmer wrote: »

Slightly off topic but my 3 year old B17 is very squeaky.. cant figure out where it is coming from.. Only happens when pedalling hard or going uphill when more pressure on the saddle.. took it off the seat post and cleaned/oiled rails but no change. maybe i could try tensioning it??

Had that. Thought it was squeaky leather. Quick google and if I remember correctly, a bit of oil or wax to the tension bolt head and/or any interface between leather/metal (where required).

piston

The only saddle worth having imo.

They seem expensive but remember that you are buying something that isn't made from plastic and popping of the end of a far-Eastern production line in their millions but made in England by craftsmen that properly cared for, will last for the rest of your life and possibly your grandchildren's life as well.

Cerdito

+1 for the Brooks B17.

I've had mine for about 3-4 months and love it, dead comfy now. I get amused by my friends with their gel covers pressing it and expressing astonishment that there's no "give".

I have applied proofide about 3 times, not sure what difference it makes.

Here's a good article on leather saddles:

http://sheldonbrown.com/leather.html

smacl

B17 on the road bike and a Brooks Flyer on the hybrid, both great saddles. I've used the proofide as instructed just once on each and had no problems, but the bikes are stored in doors and generally cleaned after a long spin. I tried a few different saddles before settling on the Brooks, and wouldn't go back.

fixie

was out on the brooks today, and honestly its really uncomfortable ha need a bit more messing about with saddle height and tilt, should improve it a bit. look forward to it been broken in anyway..

for anyone looking to get a B17, the special is 85 pounds off crc, but its only 85 euro in cycleways!! so it'd be cheaper again for the standard B17

cdaly_

I got a very good price from BikeHub in Howth for my B17 last june (in my boards jersey)...