Simko

Im not a tourer, but i read this forum a bit, and notice there seem to be more brooks saddle lovers here!

I ordered a b17 standard honey a couple weeks ago from myLBS, and i just got to pick it up on saturday!

Must say im disappointed that the saddle did not include proofhide! The LBS owner said he was going to order me a smalll container at no charge (bonus 1)!!!!!!!


bonus 2:!! I didnt open the box until i got home, and someone made a booboo! Instead of my standard honey saddle, i got a b17 pre aged! Something im pretty pleased with!

I dont want to mess this saddle up, so im waiting until the proofhide comes in, and i will apply to the underside, i read not to apply it to the tops of the preaged models

Aaron

ddez

You wont mess it up riding without Proofide on under side unless you get it wet. I usually carry a plastic bag which i slip in saddle rails when riding(provides some wet protection and i have fenders) and when i get off it if raining i use it to cover saddle. You might want to tilt nose up a little more than normal saddle. Seems to be more comfortable that way for most folks.
Congrats hope you like it.

Machka 

+1

Now go ride the saddle Simko!

onbike 1939

You would be advised to go carefully when applying Proofide to the underside of these saddles as too much can make them oversoft. This was never advised by Brooks until the company was bought by new owners and came about from the pressure applied by USA riders who didn't use mudguards (Fenders to you) and yet wanted protection from the wet underneath. The old company advised against this precisely because of the risk I mentioned.
Why not just stuff a plastic bag or shower cap underneath the saddle, this will do the same job of protecting the saddle and will be on hand when you want to protect the top side from the rain.

Simko

Ive read that only a tiny amount of proofhide, or other compounds are to applied, ro the saddle will be damaged. I thought the proofhide was applied to keep the saddle from drying out and cracking/degrading over time.

Im not too worried about moisture, as i dont ride in the rain, the largest contributer of water will probably be me sweating on it (gross, i know). Anyways, i havent ridden this thing yet, maybe i will snaps some photos of it on my bike when i get a chance.

Aaron

Machka 

Yes, proofide's purpose is to keep the saddle from drying out and cracking/degrading over time. But you could ride the saddle for a year or two or more without proofide before anything like that would happen.

I only use proofide about once, maybe twice, a year.

Go ride ... enjoy!! If the proofide arrives sometime in the next 6 months all is well and good.

capejohn

I have had mine for five years and never done anything or put anything on it. It was comfortable from the first ride as was my B67. I have heard many times about breaking in a Brooks but there were no issues of comfort. It did get better over time I have to say.

Enjoy your Brooks, you made a good decision to buy one.