Brooks Saddle in the Winter?

[Vision-]

My current commuter, which I plan on using through the winter, has a Brooks B17 saddle.

Does anybody with a Brooks saddle use it during the winter? A cover would probably keep it safe from the slushy roads, but I'm wondering how it would hold up in the extreme temperatures.

[Portis]

I have two of the same saddles that i use in the winter. The temps are not an issue. They will likely do better in cold temps than man made materials will. Water is always another issue. Don't let the saddle get drenched.

I use a Walmart raincover, also known as a plastic sack when it is really messy out to protect the saddle. Just turn it upside down and tie the ties of the sack around the seatpost/rails.

[jharte]

I have also ridden in the winter with a Brooks saddle. It seams the first couple of minutes may be a little chilly (I store my bike in the garage) but it will soon warm up to body temps and be fine. I used Proofide on mine and never had any problems. I also used a plastic cover but for a different reason. The oils would come off on my pants when I rode to lunch!

[Vision-]

Thanks for the replies. That's good news, I didn't really want to retire the Brooks for the winter anyway (too comfy!). :D

[RichardW]

Somewhere else in another thread someone mentioned the need to proofide the underside of the saddle too if you ride without mudguards / fenders.

BTW I also ride year round on a B17 without problems

[Zin]

<snip>I use a Walmart raincover, also known as a plastic sack when it is really messy out to protect the saddle. Just turn it upside down and tie the ties of the sack around the seatpost/rails.


:roflmao:

I do the same thing!

[Michel Gagnon]

I don't see any problems if you ride with fenders. My tourer has a Brooks and has been used for 50-100 km rdes when the temperature hovers around -5 to -15 C, and there is no problem with the saddle.

On the other hand, if you don't have fenders, make sure you protect its underside carefully. I am not sure how the Proofhide trick works with road salt and other winter "pollutants".

[andygates]

I've ridden Brooks saddles for, gods, something like 14 years.

Temperature is irrelevant. They don't care about temperature. What they care about is moisture. First of all, FIT MUDGUARDS (fenders to you wacky Yanks). Second, once a year at the beginning of Autumn, Proofide the underside of the saddle generously. Third, use a plastic bag (or gore-tex fancypants) cover when parked in the weather. Fourth, store the bike indoors. Fifth, if the saddle ever gets really soaked, wait until it is dry and re-apply Proofide.

Sorted. You'll get at least 6, hopefully 10+ years out of a Brooks if you treat it nicely.

[Juha]

Sorted. You'll get at least 6, hopefully 10+ years out of a Brooks if you treat it nicely.

Huh? I've heard stories of Brooks saddles being passed on to the next generation? I had the impression they last decades if treated properly. Have not ridden one, but just yesterday thought about it, as my current el cheapo seat is falling apart. Maybe it is time to get a decent one for change.

--J

[Fucowee]

I just bought a brooks saddle The flyer model about 6 months ago and luv it. I could really tell a difference the first time I rode it. I did get it drenched one time and it sagged a little because I had to ride it home wet and didn't have a walmart cover anywhere around I even looked for a trash can. I let it dry out really well and tightened it a little and it seems ok I will just be more careful with it in the future.

[kurremkarm]

New brooks b17 owner here and winter coming on. Glad to know this info. BTW, this friggin seat is comfortable! I just thought my ass had to always hurt when i was riding, but i was wrong!

[andygates]

Well, *I* get 6-10 years from them. I put in a lot of miles, though, around 4000 a year. And I'm a heavy rider at 100 kilos. Lighter riders who don't have a 30-mile commute probably can hand them down unto the next generation!

[jimmibudd]

bump....
anyone else have any comments on their brooks in winter?
i'm considering buying one, but wanted an opinion....
i think i would use another saddle on my winter bike, but if they're so good (and expensive) i might just switch it as i i switch my seasonal bikes..... use it on my winter beatwer and my summer bikes...

thanks in advacne..

jB

[Portis]

There is absolutely NO reason to not use a Brooks saddle in the winter. It is a non issue.