[prevail24]

My GF got me a B-17 for an anniversary present, and I wanted to know if anyone had any tips or advise for breaking in the saddle.

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[slider]

Not sure if you meant to post this in cyclocross or not. Breaking in a Brooks is easy, just put a small amount of Proofide on it (top and bottom) and ride it. Mine broke in in no time.

As for riding a Brooks in cyclocross, I wouldn't suggest it. It'll get wet and torn up and won't last long.

-s

[Mister_Salty]

I've been wondering about them as well, good to hear from people who have some experience with Brooks.

[Portis]

I have 2 of those saddles. I never really noticed a "break in." I think they are a little more comfortable now but really never thought them uncomfortable.

[danr]

Proofide, plenty of riding, and a little pain tolerance.

[Blackberry]

I wanted to love my B-17 right out of the box, but unlike for others, it took a LOT of breaking in. Finally, in blasphemous desperation, I used the Lon Haldeman motor oil approach. It worked great. You can read about it here:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/leather.html

[Jonny B]

Just Proofide it before your first ride, then again a week or so later, and it'll be great (well, mine was anyway). As for it not lasting in a cross race, Brooks have been making saddles forever, and in the early days everyone had one and everyone rode 'cross (the 'roads' back in the early 20thC were probably no better than modern fire roads anyway). If the saddles didn't last then no-one would have used them. Just keep it clean (maybe find a waterproof saddle cover if you ride a lot of uber-muddy courses), Proofide every 6 months to a yearish, depending on how punishment it gets.

[MrEWorm]

At 200 miles mine was well broken in

[hubs]

I applied proofhide about every 2 days for the first couple weeks. Rode about 100 miles in that period and felt that it was broken in nicely. That took about 1/2 the small can of Brooks proofhide for the initial period. Then on to the "every six months" proofhide program. It's a B17 for what that is worth. Love It!!!!