Originally Posted by RainmanP
Froze, what is your basis for the statement that excess Proofide can over soften the leather. In my experience, contrary to popular belief, Proofide does not soften the saddle at all, nor is it designed to do so. I go through an extensive Proofide regimen when my saddles are new. Applying repeated applications with very gentle heat to soften the Proofide and encourge absorption. I repeat this every few months. .
I have only owned a Brooks (the Swift) for about 2 years myself. I got my information (not the saddle) from Rivendell about the Proofide. Here's part of what they said, most of it I got from their Rivendell Reader they mail out about 2 years ago just before I bought my saddle. Anyway read this:
http://rivendellbicycles.com/webalog...ies/11055.html
I had a Brooks saddle about 30 years ago and that thing I never treated with anything and it was fine; and I lived in a moist climate at the time in Santa Barbara CA along the Pacific Coast where it was foggy almost every morning when I did most of my riding.
The reader also said NOT TO USE even Proofide while breaking it in!! They thought the leather saddle broke in better if it was done naturally. I don't know it that's true or not, but I did it anyway. It took about 500 miles for the seat to breakin, then once I knew it was broken in then I treated it with the Proofide.
Also for the poster that mentioned the water soaking...DO NOT DO THIS; this will ruin your saddle and Brooks does not recommend that either, in fact they will void your warranty if you do or use anything else other then Proofide or from what they told you do. I think Brooks has been making their saddle for over 100 years...do any of you think that possibly just possibly they know more about their leather bicycle saddles then any of you do? DISCLAIMER: you have the right to do what ever you want to your Brooks saddle...but just remember, Brooks also has the right to refuse your warranty claim.