Originally Posted by
xccx
i have done some searching but have found conflicting opinions on how to properly care for/protect a new Brooks.
I have a B-17 in British Racing green.
I'm wondering...
1. Do I need to do anything to it before I start to use it (ie. treat it with Proofhide)?
2. If/when I treat it, do i treat both the top and bottom, and if so, how often?
3. Depending on answer to #2, will treating the top compromise it's ability to breate?
4. About how long can i expect it to hurt my *****?
1- i hear use proofhide (its what I do) with about a quarter size on top (but I used a lil more) and a good amount under. wipe off top after 30min, buff it off then go ride but leave the underside
2- about every 3 mnths until broken in
3- i don't think so
4- depends on how serious of a rider you are. if you ride only on the weekends it could take a couple of mnths. if everyday then it depends how long everyday but for me my Brooks Pro is finally breaking in after a month but the hide is thicker than the B-17. my chopped b-17 took about a month but was better broken in than my Pro is now. I would also think your weight can have an impact on the swiftness of the break-in process.