Saddle mileage?

[Daveyboy]

Just curious, how many miles can you expect from a saddle? I've put about 3,800 miles since last year on the saddle that came with my new ride (specialized avatar.) Lately, it seems that the left side spring is creaking and groaning a bit, even to the point of giving a bit. I'm wondering if it's about ready to give up the ghost, but after only two seasons? Maybe it's the 215 lbs that stresses it every weekend that's the culprit?

I heard that Brooks saddles last a lifetime - maybe it's time to try one?

[ollo_ollo]

They "may" last a lifetime but I have seen a few with broken rails or torn leather & some that were ruined by applying to much leather treatment. These 4 are still fine riders.

Front to back: 1988 Brooks Pro, 1976 Sella Italia, 1980 Brooks B17, 1964 Brooks B15

[kendall]

just out of curiousity, how much treatment is too much?

Ken

[ollo_ollo]

I found one at a swap meet for $10, per the seller: "The saddle leather got very soft & flexible, and for a short time it was very comfortable, but it continued to sag & I couldn't do long rides"

The tension had been tightened & the bottom edges laced but I could only manage 30-40 minutes of riding before it got uncomfotable. It was a honey B17 with deep sit bone indents & the middle to rear portion was extremely dark, almost black. I would post a picture but I stashed it somewhere, hoping it might dry & harden up some. I've been unable to find it again. We are packing to move & it may have gone out with some of the stuff sent to the GoodWill.

I used nothing on mine for many years & now use either Proofide or a saddle leather preservative yearly. Don

[banerjek]

Depends on the saddle and the rider. After 10,000 miles or so mine are pretty torn up and need to be replaced.

[sch]

My favorite saddle, the Terry Liberator lasts perhaps 5000mi, getting
saggy in the center where the cutout does not leave much structure
in the sidewalls.

[Road Fan]

just out of curiousity, how much treatment is too much?

Ken

While there are many who will give you their special methods of breaking iin Brooks saddles, Brooks does not recommend much treatment, and states a preference for Proofide. They suggest to use it on the order of twice a year.

Now this is from the company that has been making these saddles for 100 years. Yes, they exclusively sell Proofide, but if it is really just another sales ploy, wouldn't they tell you to use it ever few weeks if not more frequently?

Road Fan