Brooks questions

Could have done this on the 'scrotal mashing' thread but didn't want to threadjack it. Just bought a new standard B17 Brooks saddle and was after some advice:

How long do they take to wear/break in?
How do you look after them?
What's the adjustment nut at the front of the saddle for, like when/why would you want to adjust it?

Fanks.

:-)

i'd say they take about a week to break in.
don't let leather saddles get wet
the adjustment nut is to tighten the leather as it stretches during years of use (weeks if you let it get wet)

I've let my Swift get wet - it's unavoidable (you're out riding, it rains, without mudguards it gets wet).

Yes it does stretch and yes use that nut to tighten it if it does. I proofed mine with Nixwax but I have subsequently heard that there are better (non silicone) products to use.

I quite like the fact that mine looks worn. They are good saddles - enjoy.

How long do they take to wear/break in?

I think break-in per se is a myth - the shape should be comfortable from the off. It's the exact positioning that takes a while to dial in (the rails are shorter than a modern saddle so you may need more layback, and angle is crucial.

How do you look after them?

Feed it Brooks Proofide regularly (brings the colour back). I rode mine in the rain (Dunwich) and it got more comfortable, so take the 'no rain' with a pinch of salt.

What's the adjustment nut at the front of the saddle for, like when/why would you want to adjust it?

To adjust it if / when it gets sloppy. Bear in mind it's designed to last 40-50 years so go easy on the adjustment

Mine was harder than concrete when i got it, took it out on the Monopoly (Just incase you dont know, it rained - a lot!) now its lovely and soft.

Got mine pointed up quite a bit, more comfortable.

Like above, feed it proofide regularly.

i have the team professional and it took 3 months to get worn in and that was whilst working 8 hours a day on it.
i dont think i'd do it again if it got stolen but it is a good saddle.

I used to have mine pointing upward, then realised it was too far back - you have to sit way back on a Brooks for it to be comfortable, with the wider bits right under your gluteus maximus, which means pulling the seat forward. If it's far enough forward you don't slide off, and it supports you nicely.

Fed it with Proofide, found a bit of rain not to be a problem, but have never got it utterly sodden.

My experience anyway, your mileage may differ etc.

PS - compared to other saddles, the thing I liked about the Brooks is that it got better. Other saddles I'd get used to, the Brooks got to used to me in contrast - I don't get sore riding it any more, but different saddles are always uncomfortable for a bit before I work them out.

proof it on the underneath as well.

keep the leather tight by tightening that bolt regularly. little and often.

Some really useful advice here, thanks. Don't currently have any Proofide so have been using dubbin for now which seems to feed the leather well. Will experiment with position as I get used to it.

:-)

proof it on the underneath as well.

And leave it on the bottom, rather than wiping it clean (like the top).

Some really useful advice here, thanks. Don't currently have any Proofide so have been using dubbin for now which seems to feed the leather well. Will experiment with position as I get used to it.

Brooks is pretty vocal about what to use on the leather. I don't know what dubbin is, but I think most non-proofide things are bad for the saddle?

I did fuck all to my first brooks saddle - never polished it once. Used it on my courier bike, which meant the seat was constantly getting wet. I would tighten it from time to time, but overall it held out pretty well, considering how awful I was to it.

B17 Champion special.
Mine was reasonably comfortable from the outset. after about 700 miles it's started to feel even comfier. A bit of rain on it helped stretch the leather, but I believe too much damp with your weight on it all the time and it would get wrecked.

I agree that sitting further back that you're used to feels comfier with a Brooks.

Anyone got both a B17 narrow and a standard width? My Standard feels really wide compared to other saddles I've owned.

Oh, forgot to say ...
...Nikwax all over first off, then a quick rub over every 3 weeks.

However, it doesn't seem to soak in very well.
I'm planning to get a tin of proofide next to I buy something from someone who sells it.

i have the team professional and it took 3 months to get worn in and that was whilst working 8 hours a day on it.
i dont think i'd do it again if it got stolen but it is a good saddle.

Same here took about same time to wear in and after this point it was the most comfortable saddle i ever sat/rode on. I think it was on the same day as me actually realising how comfy it was that it was stolen!!! I opted for a differnent saddle as i couldnt go through 3 more months of a numb bum.

I do miss that saddle tho!

After a longer ride than usual last week the leather on my B17 has stretched softened up considerably more, mostly near the outer rear rivets. It seems like the deep sides now rub a bit on my inner thighs too, they sort of flare out a bit.

Rather than crank the tightening nut, I've drilled and laced it like this, but with fewer holes: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Full/27875.jpg

Pleased to say it still feels comfortable but more supporting and feels 'sportier'.

Mine is still tearing me a new one, need to soften it up a tad

I cut the sides on mine and laced them under the saddle.

I found my B17 took about a week to break in doing 5-10miles a day. It felt pretty comfy from the start though, Just a little slippery. I think being a fat bastard help accelerate the break in procedure.

most interesting...

i'm thinking of getting one of these second hand, would that be a school-boy error?

sorry for the hi-jack, didn't think a new thread was necessary...

My Honey coloured Team Pro arrived today... it's gonna play hell with my nobby stiles!
Got some proofhide at the same time, as the bike is still awaiting more bits i can't try it...
might put it on the s/s bike and get a few miles under me... now, where did I put that cushion!

most interesting...

i'm thinking of getting one of these second hand, would that be a school-boy error?

sorry for the hi-jack, didn't think a new thread was necessary...

I wouldn't have thought so. I could be wrong but instinct tells me that if you gave it a good soaking in Proofide that after a while it would adapt its shape to your arse as oppose to the behind of the previous owner. If you think about it, back in the day, when leather saddles were the norm on bikes many must have had several owners during their lifetime without any issues.

:)

I wouldn't have thought so. I could be wrong but instinct tells me that if you gave it a good soaking in Proofide that after a while it would adapt its shape to your arse as oppose to the behind of the previous owner. If you think about it, back in the day, when leather saddles were the norm on bikes many must have had several owners during their lifetime without any issues.

:)

You can "block" a saddle by getting it completely wet, reshaping it by stuffing newspaper underneath and then letting it dry out completely.

most interesting...

i'm thinking of getting one of these second hand, would that be a school-boy error?

sorry for the hi-jack, didn't think a new thread was necessary...

no. i have a brooks professional that i got from nelly who posts on here, he used it for work (cycle delivery boy in london town) then i used it for a while then lent it back to him. you can see where there are little indentations from my sit bones and after a while the previous users ones will be less apparent. i would rather ride a broken in saddle even if it wasn't me who did the hard work than a brand new one.

sorted :) thanks! i'll have a look for a 2nd hander on evilbay.