Interesting, I wonder if it will be too hard over time, I suspect the boiling process must affect the flexibility permanently of the leather. I guess only time will tell how it is, proofided applying included. Have you ever had a Brooks before, ie are you familiar with one that works for you?
I'd be curious to hear how it turns out over the next x months and x number of kms ridden on it.
Cheers
I've got 3 Brooks saddles, a Team Pro (the cheaper version of the Team Professional with steel rivets), a titanium Swift and this Swallow. I bought the first new and went through the whole break-in process. The others were second hand. I've been riding the Swallow to work for 6 months (28 miles/day) and have steadily had to increase the tension due to sagging so something had to be done.
Of the 3, the Swallow, when not sagging is the most comfortable, followed by the Swift. The Team Pro was great on a touring style bike with less handlebar drop but I'm less keen on it now.
Regarding it's hardness, I'm sure Proofhide or oil will soften the leather if need be, but I'm going to be very conservative with any application as the whole point of the exercise was to toughen it up.
I shall report back with updates...