Well, there's a Brooks thread in every other forum, so there might as well be one here. Anybody riding a Brooks on their cross bike? How's it going?

I wonder will I feel to bad scuffing the leather and will it hold up to the abuse?

I've got a B-17 on my Volpe, which I've been taking off road a lot this summer. The saddle is holding up just fine -- I don't find that riding off road subjects it to much more abuse than road riding does.

Scuffing and other forms of dry abuse probably aren't going to be a big deal. Riding in the wet and having its underside pelted with mud and water off the tire is what will kill it.

Ron

Yeah Ron, that's more what I was worried about. Luckily in Colorado we have more dry days by far than wet, so I think it will be, for the most part, a non-issue. However, those early winter snows could sure make it nasty and I'm worried my seat will turn into zombie flesh. Maybe I'll just buy a cheap plastic saddle for the race days...

Yeah, I tend not to ride in seriously wet conditions, and if I were going to, I'd probably throw the stock saddle back on my bike. Fortunately we've been having a pretty dry summer around here.

My Brooks Flyer (sprung) works great off- and on-road on my all-rounder.

Running re-mounts, however, have twisted the nose, so I wouldn't recommend it for racing. Put differently, you probably want a reasonably light, cheap saddle for racing, and Brooks doesn't really fit either category.

I have a B17 on my cross check. Very comfortable. You can put the proofhide on the underside as well.

You could Snoseal the underside too. I used my B17 for a road race, and found that the holes chafed when using the drops. I think a Team Pro would be a better bet

Or you could just get a clip on fender for those muddy occasions.

Well, maybe for commuting or a "fun" ride. But a fender for actual cyclocross?

Blasphemy!!

Funny that! I use a B17 (green) on my Volpe as well, though in my case it's been set up for touring...

Still saving up for the Axis CX bike for next year.....

I have titanium 'cross bike, with plenty of ti stuff on it (seatpost, pedals, stem). I ride on the Brooks Swift, and it's CONSIDERABLY lighter than the B17, as well as slightly narrower than the regular B17. I have a lightweight Selle Italia seat I throw on it from time to time, but even in the rainy Pacific Northwest I ride the Swift a lot. Great saddle.

But I don't race.

i really cant think of a better way to ruin a brooks saddle.

What ruins a Brooks? Riding in the rain or riding 'cross?

I've had two Brooks saddles for several years and with some care -- and the correct amount of proofride on the top and underside -- AND with a plastic bag for the torrential downpours, there should be no problem.

as you said...you dont race.

No, but my bike gets a tougher workout in the Pacific Northwest than many 'cross courses: beach riding over logs and rocks; cobblestone roads; giant potholes; curb jumping; and railway tracks. And that's just my commute. (Also, I'm a strong 200 pounder and I beat this thing up; hence the pleasure of a ti bike.)

You talk sense. There's this bizarre notion about leather saddles being delicate -- perhaps because Brookses have become boutique items.

Yeah, I agree. These things are thick leather. They are indestructible. They're like the bikers' jackets of seats, except not that heavy. We owners don't have to baby them either. I basically apply the proofride heavily once a year, wipe off the excess, and bob's your uncle.

The only reason I bring a small plastic bag for the heavy rain is that I always leave the bike out in the elements for a while.

People should are skeptical should go and read the reviews of Brooks saddles at Road bike review. com

In fact, the only reason I'd avoid a Brooks would be weight. But then I bought a ti version that's not too bad, except compared to serious weight weenie saddles.