Touring - How to keep Brooks saddle dry when riding in rain?

Finally got a Brooks for touring and now I am curious how to keep it dry when riding in the rain. I know I can cover it when not riding but how to keep it protected when riding? If I ride with a plastic seat cover, will it harm the seat in any way? Are there any special covers made for this situation?

Wrap a plastic bag around it and tie it around the seatpost in the field. Nothing too fancy needs to be done to maintain this excellent workhorse of a saddle. Fenders help keep everything on a bicycle in better condition when raining.

If you have fenders, your butt is probably all the protection you need while riding in the rain. I bought a seat cover from Truant Designs (http://www.truantdesigns.com/Seat%20Covers.htm) to keep my Brooks dry when it is parked outside. I like the way it is attached so you can't lose it. I roll it up and stuff it under the saddle when not in use.

Finally got a Brooks for touring and now I am curious how to keep it dry when riding in the rain. I know I can cover it when not riding but how to keep it protected when riding? If I ride with a plastic seat cover, will it harm the seat in any way? Are there any special covers made for this situation?


Shower cap. Stays in place, rolls up in a tiny ball, does the job perfectly, and is cheaper than the alternatives.

Got fenders, seat cover and big butt now. However, I doubt my butt will keep seat dry in a steady rain. I guess I will try riding with a plastic seat cover and see what it does.
I find this interresting. I used to ride horses in the rain and our saddle got plenty wet many times. However, some saddle soap kept the saddle in good working order. Perhaps I am too sensitive to getting the Brooks wet.

Perhaps I am too sensitive to getting the Brooks wet.

Yep, you are. If you treat it with proofide initially, once every 6 months or so, or after it dries out from a soaking of rain or butt sweat, your butt and fenders will be fine in all but an extended downpour, in which case the cover will help some. Sno-seal is good alternative to the proofide for waterproofing. The saddle can handle getting wet just fine...getting it soaked through is when you need to worry and let it dry out well before riding on it again.

My butt covers the top. During rainy season I put a thin, stiff piece of plastic cut to size under the seat. It is cut from a paint tray liner. Keeps the spray off that the fenders let thru.

Shower cap. Stays in place, rolls up in a tiny ball, does the job perfectly, and is cheaper than the alternatives.

Less than a dollar at wally world. Buy two and put one over your helmet.

Less than a dollar at wally world. Buy two and put one over your helmet.

+2:)

Less than a dollar at wally world. Buy two and put one over your helmet.

and a few more for Mr. Winky!! Never know when you might need to practice safe cycling. :D

Hi,

Fenders are underrated in most of the U.S. Try them and you'll probably like them. Shower caps work, but they're kinda prone to bunching up if you move around on the saddle a lot. Wallingford Bike Parts (wallbike.com) sells an inexpensive cover that fits like a glove over the saddles. Nice. I keep one on board, mostly for when the cycle is parked outside. Your butt is the best rain cover.