triathloner

So I will be using the olmo in the local triathlon this weekend. I switched to using a Brooks b17 and an old Ideal I picked up this year on two of my bikes this year and love them. I'm guessing I need to switch it out to a regular saddle for the triathlon this weekend right? Also I've been switching it out if it looks like it could rain on a ride, do I need to do all this or can I just try to dry it properly if I get caught in the rain? Thanks for your help, I'm new to leather and love it. Al.

Zinger

Brooks makes a cover for it and it looks to me like you could pull it off quickly to ride or just leave it on. I've been caught out in the rain with mine some (but not for that long) and just dried it off when I got home.

Italuminium

Hi Al, one thing I found is that a B17 is better served with a higher bar position, when I rode it in a low tuck position it started to get real painful real fast in my groin, so I would be hesistant to try it out in a tri. YMMV, nothing as personal as a saddle!

However, if you're not changing your bike for the event (ie. mount aerobars, adopt a lower position in the drops) changes are that you'll be best served by sticking to your tried and tested formula. If you have to adapt to a new saddle, the last place where you want to find out is during a race. I'd be hesistant to try a new saddle without at least a month of testing. I started a charity ride once with a new saddle, really excited because I got it the day before, but I regretted doing that half way when I found out the adjustment was all wrong.

you'll probably be the only one rocking a brooks and get a bit of laughs from the carbon crowd, but who minds these guys anyway.

When caught in the rain, it's not that much of a problem, especially not if you store the bike inside afterwards. Just dry it off, my B17 held up fine with that regime over a 2 year commute. If it's really rainy that day just cover it whilst it's waiting for you in the transition area.

Miyata110

Funny - I'm also doing a tri this weekend on a Brooks B17! Long story as to why I'm riding the Miyata over my "race" bike, but I'm sticking with the way it's currently set up - including not changing the seat. I never thought about the rain, but if it happens I will probably just take Ital's advice and cover it before the race and make sure it's dried shortly thereafter.

kroozer 

Hi Al,
Is that the Timberman Triathlon? Good luck! Brooks saddles have thick leather and will take an incredible amount of abuse. I have a Professional I've been riding on since 1976. I don't know how many rain- and snowstorms I've ridden it in. It's cracked, scraped, and gouged, but super comfortable and even with minimal maintenance I'm sure it will outlast me.

rifraf

I use a plastic bag over the Brooks when riding in inclement weather.
Here in Australia (and NZ the same) our supermarket provisions come packed in them.
Way better than the Brooks one in my opinion which seem to lose their water resistance fast.
The thin shopping bags are only good for one or two rides but they are free with your purchase so its not like theres a shortage or your paying through the nose. I keep one tucked up underneath my saddle so I dont get caught short.

JohnDThompson 

1) SnoSeal the underside of the saddle.

2) Install mudguards.

bikemig 

The mudguards will come in handy when the OP does his or her triathlon this weekend . . .

triathloner

kroozer, yes I'm in for timberman for my 12th year now! Even had a hip resurfacing 4 years ago and still manage to do it. I don't run much anymore, though my doctor told me I can. I just keep doing it because I got my son into it and many locals and friends do it so it's remained special to me. Thanks for all the advice, I sno sealed it a few months back, but think I'll throw a little racier saddle on it for the race. I think I'll not worry so much anymore if it looks like rain and I head out, and I'll tuck a bag or two in the tool roll for future wet rides. Al.