General Cycling Discussion - Brooks saddle in the rain

I've been watching the weather reports for the Solvang prelude this comming Saturday. It says that there will be some showers. Should I put my POS OEM saddle on the bike or bring along a plastic bag to put over the Brooks?

You could put a bag on it if you like. I've ridden my Brooks saddles in the rain with no problems. I do like to cover them if they are sitting out and it looks like rain. Don't swap it out. You'll be sorry if you do.

I've been watching the weather reports for the Solvang prelude this comming Saturday. It says that there will be some showers. Should I put my POS OEM saddle on the bike or bring along a plastic bag to put over the Brooks?

Put on a good coat of saddle soap... its good for the saddle and it will really allow you to comfortably slide around. Water will just bead up. I have a Brooks b-17 that I have been using for over 20 years, rain or shine. Just now thinking of replacing it. Hate the thought of breaking in a new one.

Just keep it covered up with your fanny and you're all set. ;)

Put on a good coat of saddle soap...

Will Proofide work?

DON'T PUT PROOFIDE OR ANY OF THAT OTHER CRAP ON IT!! EVEN RIVENDELL SAYS TO NOT!!

yeesh. go to rivendells website and get a cover for the damn thing.

Saddle soap isn't that great for a brooks.
Proofide is a waterproofing so it will work. be sure to put some on
the bottom of the saddle to protect from the rooster tail off your back wheel.
Covers are ok, Not sure what Riv is saying about not putting anything on the saddle.
For the definitive answer call Bill Laine at Wall Bikes. BTW Saddle soap will void the
Brooks warranty.

Marty

To quote an old cowboy (on a real leather saddle)...keep your butt in the saddle, keep your tack clean and just ride!

Probably more important not to let it dry in direct sunlight (or too quickly in any case).

I've heard that when a Brooks saddle gets wet it's apt to develop a crease where your umm posterior lobes come together.

I rode a century on my B-17N and it rained most of the way. And yes, I have a crease in my saddle. Still, it's ok for comfort but doesn't have that attractive flat top look anymore.

No reason to swap saddles. if the weather looks threatening, just tuck a plastic bag (as in the supermarket "do you want paper or plastic") under the saddle. When the rain comes, out comes the bag. Put it over the saddle, tie the ends underneath to protect the bottom from road spray, and you're off.

I've done a century and several metrics with my Brooks thus protected. If you forget the bag, just stop at a convenience store and ask for one; I've also gotten one at a food stop on an "event" ride. Cheapest (and probably the lightest, for you weight weenies) saddle cover you can get.

I didn't think Proofride is a waterproofing, but a conditioner. In any event, I'd rather not expose my leather saddles to heavy rain, so I use the bag system.

I get my newspaper delivered in a narrow green bag that works great for these occasions. Slide the bag on from front to back and tie the back in a knot. Saves the time of cleaning the underside of the saddle from mud and wet road dirt.

BTW Saddle soap will void the Brooks warranty.

I had no idea... it was given to me and has done well for 20+ years... still quite comfortable. Just getting dried out at the edges.

Did not see anything about voiding the warranty, but it does say:

"A new saddle should be treated with the Proofide to help assist the 'breaking - in' process. Proofide helps keep the leather supple as it is specially formulated from natural ingredients to condition, preserve and shower proof your saddle. Proofide is the only substance that should be used to care for your saddle."

It also says the saddle is "is guaranteed for two years from the date of purchase...."

As I have had mine well over 20 years, I guess I haven't "voided" it yet.

hmmn, I don't see anything about voiding warranty either, but I know I've
seen it somewhere (wallingford bikes?)
at 20 years use I wouldn't worry about it
now I'm gonna have to waste half my day searching for that warranty statement.
Marty

People get very very partisan about what to use on Brooks saddles. Proofide, dubbin and saddle soap have all worked fine for me, just don't overdo it or the leather gets too soft. Don't forget to do the underside once a year at the start of the wet season.

For RIDING in the rain, mudguards. Nothing else is needed.

For leaving the bike STANDING in the rain, a plastic bag is ideal.

Saddle soap is just that, isn't it? A leather cleaner? It does nothing to protect the leather.

Actually it is not just a cleaner, but also a conditioner.... it contains little actual soap, but is more like oil emulsion solvents.

I think however given the new found knowledge from Brooks, go with Proofide instead.

I've decided. I put some Proofide on the top and bottom of the saddle today. Last time I used it was in March when it was brand new. I hope I'm not overdoing it. I put a plastic grocery bag between the rails and the leather. If it rains while I'm riding the bag will protect the underside. If I have to stop, I'll put the bag over the top and tie the handles. Thanks for all the replies.

Ok, I'll ask the dumb question...Where can Proofide be found?

Where can Proofide be found?

http://www.wallbike.com/brooks/standardsaddles.html

Has anyone used the Selle Italia cover? Does it slide around? Is it durable?