Originally Posted by CliftonGK1

It's not about lost revenue. The company recommends against oil based treatments (Neatsfoot, Mink, Silicones, etc.) because they are bad for the saddle. A leather bike saddle isn't the same as a horse saddle. There's a much smaller area bearing the rider's weight on a bicycle, the leather is thinner, and the attachment points (to the saddle frame) are considerably smaller. When you saturate a bicycle saddle with an oil based treatment you're weakening the fiber structure of the leather (not to mention reducing the breathability of the material.) It can lead to tearing of the material at the rivets and/or premature sagging at the midpoint. Partial alleviation of the problem can be had by lacing the skirts of the saddle, but again, that's going to be a temporary measure.
Additionally, oil based treatments, particularly Neatsfoot oil, need more frequent reapplication. The oxidation of compounds in Neatsfoot can lead to brittling of leather if not reapplied often enough to keep the item pliable; you'll end up with surface cracking and eventually fiber dusting if you're not careful. The nature of Neatsfoot also makes it a good breeding ground for bacteria and mold which can prematurely destroy an item.

If you don't want to spend the money on Proofide, there are less expensive alternatives of similar formulation. Sno-Seal is avalable just about anywhere work boots are sold. It's less than $5.00 a tin and a single tin will last you a lifetime for at least 3 saddles. My personal favourite is Obenuaf's LP (Leather Protectant). $8.00 will get you a bigass tub of the stuff; enough for a garage full of bikes with Brooks saddles. No need to spend the $17 on a teensy 40g tin of Proofide.


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All 3 of my bikes have Brooks saddles. A B-17 Champ. Std. (butchered and laced) on my utility bike, a B-17 Champ. Std. (laced) on my fixed gear, and a B-17 Imperial on my long-distance bike.