It'll soften up pretty quickly if you keep riding on it, apply the Proofide, and have it at the right angle. (i.e. back far enough that it takes some weight off of your wrists and prostate area, but forward far enough that it isn't causing numbness in your weiner. I've read that the sprung models don't break in as quickly as the unsprung ones, which makes sense. The most important thing is to get it to a comfortable angle.

Keep us posted in this thread, and also, feel free to troll on computer platform faith too!

Dear gods, a Brooks thread got derailed to a Mac vs Pc flamewar? I guess it really can happen anywhere.

That being said I like PC's, Mac's are so simple it hurts my brain, and its easier to build your own PC.

Back on topic:

I'll argue this. When ordering Brooks saddles from Harris, they describe the Flyer as "The Flyer is most appropriate for cyclists who set their handlebars about the same height as their saddles, or perhaps a bit higher.".
Whereas the unsprung B17 models, such as the Imperial, are described as: "The B17 is most appropriate for cyclists who set their handlebars about the same height as their saddles, or a bit lower.".

I hope to prove this soon. I've had a Flyer since march, and I hate, hate hate it. Can't ride more than 12 miles without numbness, no matter how I position it on the bike. I'm returning it to Wallingford Bike, and have ordered an Imperial. This is to go on my T700, which has the bars about an inch below the saddle. With any luck I'm hoping that will solve the saddle problem I've had on this bike.

I've seen plenty of people with about that amount of drop still comfortably using a B-17. If you have the saddle relatively level instead of nose-up, and keep your hips rolled back instead of trying to tuck yourself down all aero-racer style, then you're probably fine. I'm going to venture a guess and say you've probably got long arms, and are more upright than the average rider using a similar bike setup?

I'm so excited that my new bike I bought comes standard with a brooks honey colored Swift saddle. Can't wait to break it in.

I have B17s on all three of my bikes, and I found them comfortable out of the box. YMMV.

Well, it still hurts, but I'm trying to ride through it. I don't *think* I'm getting the numbness issues, but I haven't been out for more than 17 miles in a stretch. However, I'm noticing the sides are flaring out and causing rubbing. It hasn't started hurting yet, but it's pretty annoying and I'm thinking it will start to chaff on the longer rides. Is this normal? I've only ridden it 100 or so miles.. I'm not really sure of the exact number since spring wreaks havoc with my recreational riding schedule.

Editted to add:

I've never really given Mac a fair shake because I can't get past the cost. I've tried using Ubuntu and really liked it, but found the lack of flash support to be annoying, although I guess that's coming. For every day use, the lack of commercial programs like TaxCut is frustrating. I realize that wouldn't be a problem with that Mac, but then I get the cost thing. I can get PCs for free on a pretty regular basis, with a windows license.

Did you buy from wallbike.com? If so, just return it. If not, put it on ebay with a small price reduction.

BROOKS are not for everyone. I love mine, but then I like eating SPAM for lunch and guzzling coffee in the heat of the day.

Yea.. I bought if from wallbike.com.. I'm just trying to gauge if I'm being intolerant of this new saddle or if it really isn't for me. I don't know where to go next on my quest for a long distance comfort bike seat. I'm thinking about the Terry Liberator.. saw someone around these parts recommending it. There's a few styles though..

Well, I ordered the Terry Liberator Y from Nashbar today. I'm going to be returning the B67 tomorrow. The sides flaring out are actually causing sores to develop on the back of my legs. It seems some lacing might fix it, but I don't want to do that in the event the saddle never gets comfortable.

I love my new Brooks B17 honey saddle! After 3 applications of Proofide, went for a good ride today, and it was the most comfortable saddle

Check out baseball glove wax/conditioner. It comes in a small tub like Proofide. Probably bees wax with other leather additives like vitamin E. I see them at sporting goods for about $4. The quickest way to break in a Brooks is to sweat like crazy at the point of contact. You could also sandwich a wet towel between your butt and the saddle. Let the saddle dry overnight.

+1. I don't treat my saddle any differently than my leather shoes, racing leathers, leather jackets, leather luggage etc. I treat them with conditioner and leather polish but I also let them get wet. My B17 really started breaking in well after repeated soakings while riding in the rain.

My brand new $30 Flyer (B17 with spring) is showing four nice dimples on top. It's about 35% softer now after 200 miles of riding at an average stop/go speed of 15 mph. No wet rag. Just a light coat of glove oil on top, and another layer at the bottom out of the box.