Hey MMACH, how's the butt feeling?

I bought a new Brooks B17 in London just before PBP last August. I broke it in going to Paris and in the rain (lotsa rain!) during PBP unprotected, and on tour afterwards, and a little bit since getting back to Australia. To be frank, I think the rain helped give the saddle some elasticity that helped break it in a little faster than it would have otherwise. I do, however, run fenders.

I thought I should start getting in a bit of riding after a very lazy December and early-to-mid-January with almost no cycling at all, and this past weekend did an imperial century on the FG. I thought I would be in for a rough time, butt-wise, because I hadn't worn padded cycling shorts since PBP and had been relatively inactive. Well, today, my legs are a bit sunburned and weary, but my butt is in A-1 knick!!! I can't believe it...

Another anecdote to sort of support both sides of the kids in the corner. I bid on and won for AUD$18 an old Brooks saddle on eBay. The picture had been very, very carefully angled to portray the saddle in reasonable condition. When asked directly, the seller said it was in fair condition. When I received it... well, it was a write-off. The leather had split away from 50% of the rivets, it was dry and the surface was crumbling, and there was a substantial malformation on one side where it had obviously been stored with something against it or under it. About the only salvagable thing was the Brook tinplate badge off the back; the frame was corroded but usable. I had thought about getting some hide and doing what onbike had indicated with wet-forming the leather, so I could rebuild the thing... but it's all too difficult because first of all I'd have to make up a former. At least it was only AUD$18 down the gurgler. It has sworn me off buying old Brooks saddles on eBay, however.

Another little thing about Brooks. As I understand it, the top surface of the leather is lacquered. Apart from the dye used in the tanning process, it is the lacquer that gives it the depth of colour and the shininess. If you apply adhesive tape to the surface, leave it for 24 hours then peel it off, the lacquer will come off too, leaving a matt area. I did this accidentally to the new saddle when packing it and unpacking for the Europe trip. So effectively, whoever said it's the Proofide underneath that does the trick in helping waterproof and soften, seems to be spot on. Application of Proofide on top really is only a surface polish with a tiny amount of the waxes/oils absorbed until that lacquer has worn off. When the lacquer does wear off, you will know -- the Brooks Pro I sold to my old riding partner had this happen, and it went a much darker colour than brown, and lost its surface sheen. I think it is then, after the lacquer wears off, that the saddle becomes somewhat more susceptible to problems associated with water soakage.

So I think each side in the little spat can lay claim to winning -- an indication of how I respect each of your opinions. Now, here's your sweets/candies. Be good boys and go play with each other... after all it's the Touring Forum