Road Cycling - Brooks Swift Saddle

Hi,
anyone here using the Brooks Swift Saddle?
1) What is the break-in period like?
2) Maintenance required
3) Experience to share, good or bad?

Thanks

Last year I bought the Swift with TI rails and it has been totally worth it. I tried at least 15-18 seats over the last 20 years and could not find one that was comfortable for more than 60 miles, now I go over 100 and still be going.

The break in period will vary from a short 200-300 miles if you use Profide to pre-soften the leather; or 400-500 miles if you don't like I did.

Not much maintenance involved, I have treated it with a water proof treatment for leather which you can get at any camping store. You can also buy a bonnet from Rivendell that will cover the saddle and protect it from rain it that is an issue with you.

All there is is good things to say, after 25 some odd years being away from Brooks, it's great to be back.

Last year I bought the Swift with TI rails and it has been totally worth it. I tried at least 15-18 seats over the last 20 years and could not find one that was comfortable for more than 60 miles, now I go over 100 and still be going.

The break in period will vary from a short 200-300 miles if you use Profide to pre-soften the leather; or 400-500 miles if you don't like I did.

Not much maintenance involved, I have treated it with a water proof treatment for leather which you can get at any camping store. You can also buy a bonnet from Rivendell that will cover the saddle and protect it from rain it that is an issue with you.

All there is is good things to say, after 25 some odd years being away from Brooks, it's great to be back.

Many thanks for the feedback, I will probably order one soon. Cheers

I've been ridinf a Brooks swift TI for two years, it's by far the most comfortable long distance saddle that I've ridden, I've tried many. The break in period for me was long, well over 1000 miles, but well worth it. There were times when I thought I was going to throw in the towel on it, but I stuck with it. The finish gets old looking fast,, the swift doesn't stay looking like new as the B-17 does. I applied proof hide from the beginning and I do it about every three months throughout the year. Mine has never needed a tension adjustment to date. I do think it is the best saddle out there and well worth the initial pain through break in. It also gives any road bike character.

I've been ridinf a Brooks swift TI for two years, it's by far the most comfortable long distance saddle that I've ridden, I've tried many. The break in period for me was long, well over 1000 miles, but well worth it. There were times when I thought I was going to throw in the towel on it, but I stuck with it. The finish gets old looking fast,, the swift doesn't stay looking like new as the B-17 does. I applied proof hide from the beginning and I do it about every three months throughout the year. Mine has never needed a tension adjustment to date. I do think it is the best saddle out there and well worth the initial pain through break in. It also gives any road bike character.

Thanks, looks like I have to be prepared for a relatively long break in period. Btw I am most likely going to get a "british racing green" version. What colour is yours?

I have the green team pro. It looks like art, and rides like a dream! :D

Every time I ride it, it just keeps getting better!

Mine is black, you can now see through the finish on it.

I have an antique brown Swift on my 'retro' fixed gear bike. There was no break-in period for me to speak of. I felt comfortable on it since day one..... it just keeps getting better and better the more I ride. I have a B-17 and a Team Professional as well and although they all feel different, they're all equally as comfortable. Like froze (poster #2), I came back again to Brooks after 25 years. My first Brooks was on a Raleigh Competition from the early 70's. Wish I had kept that saddle.....

George

Thanks for all the feedback, will be putting my order in soon.