Hmm. Well, I did read the bit you link to. I certainly would never claim to know more about anything bicycle related than Rivendell, but I just don't see how Proofide could ever have such an effect. Even with the gentle warming I describe above, which included numerous applications per day for several days, my Team Pros are still rock hard. Note that I don't let the saddle get hot, just warm enough for the Proofide to soften for easier spreading.
Originally Posted by froze
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.