I did find an online reference on Facebook from a bike shop that includes the following, in its FAQ on Brooks and Proofide. I have no idea if they're up in the night on this or not, but here's what they said:
"HOWEVER, in both of these two cases, it is very important to be mindful of the irreversible damage that can result from excessive application of Proofide. There is a risk that the leather will over soften and then no longer be able to support the rider’s weight."

Whether this is a statement supportable by evidence of it actually irreversibly damaging saddles by over-softening or not, I have no idea. This could just be some of that infamous Internet conventional wisdom for all I know.

Jink..I offered where I netted out after doing rather exhaustive research on the care and feeding of the saddles. I have a number of bikes, which means I need a number of saddles..it can be an investment in short order. I've seen Sheldon's article..entertaining read, but it didn't agree with most of what I read, so it's just one of many data points.

If you're looking for a debate..it'll have to be with someone else..why..debates here are a waste of time..and..I simply don't care. Do whatever you like with your saddle..slather it, dip it in Mobil 1, or nothing at all..makes no difference to me.

Here's a starter on some light reading..enjoy..
https://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=8070497
https://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=8070531

Neither link worked but thanks for trying and?...I can see your point of how maybe one of the non-laced models could get so supple that it could possibly create problems for for some heavy weight riders but I'm pretty sure a lot of the problems be they long painfully hard breakin periods or saddle breakdowns (blamed n over-conditioning) are extremely subjective experiences depending on rider weight be they 120lbs or 320lbs.

I'm not to concerned...probably more of a common sense judgement call sort of thing on a case by case basis...when I think it's getting to soft?...I'll stop.

Hey Jinks, nice to see you on here again.

Yes, you can put too much conditioner on the Brooks B-17. The leather is meant to be hard and stiff, to help retain it's size and shape. Too much conditioner can let it stretch too much, and ultimately run out of adjustment, while getting too saggy. There are lots of stories of ruined Brooks saddles because of over softening. It just isn't worth the time looking them up again. Take my word for it.

I have a B-17 that is probably about 7-8 years old, and it gets a coat of Proofhide about every 6 months, which equates to the beginning and end of bicycle season around here, and a coat on the underside about every other year.

Mine is quite comfortable (after over 1000 miles of breakin) and a keeper. I have mine on my Crosstrail, and it is a great saddle for that bike.

I also have a Selle AnAtomica NSX on my Sirrus, (about 3-4 years old) and it was comfortable right out of the box, and stayed that way. It's also a keeper.... I love the brooks, but I think I prefer the Selle. I also use Proofhide on the Selle, sparingly.

You wouldn't be unhappy with either one.

I hope you are getting more quality saddle time, than you could in the past.

Phil

Great to hear you weigh in Phil! :)

I had to go back and see how long it's been since folks like yourself, Retrogrouch, bruce19, qcpmsame and others helped me out here and it's been nearly 5 years since I last posted here because I had a stroke in Aug. of 2015.

I tried to ride several times afterwards but every time I'd almost crash and burn within a block due to my loss of balance and coordination where as a result?...I gave my Trek MB away to my Son In-law and sold my Giant OCR3 when just a few weeks ago I was cleaning out the garage when the thought hit me that I need to either ride or sell that last bike of mine (Crosstrail Disc) and blew up the tires and took her for a ride and?...here we are...discussing the legendary saddle I always wanted to try! LOL!

I guess I owe fishboat an apology cause it sounds like your concise explanation concurs with fishboats expressed concerns so?...sorry fishboat and thanks for trying to look out for me.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7ed11106ad.jpg
This is the 3rd Brooks I've owned,all have been great....I proofhide the bottom when new and proofhide once a year never had an issue and it's the only saddle that I would own

That's like mine. I had to lace the wings, to get them off my thighs, and it's perfect! I do love the brown on a dark bike!

Well after yesterday's 16.97 miler I was surprised at how good a shape my legs were in this morning and felt good enough to seriously consider maybe going for a 20 miler today but that all changed with the weather....scattered rain off/on style. :(

Then I thought if it weren't for this Brooks saddle?...I'd probably be down to weather the weather but I love my Crosstrail (and the new Brooks) so I started shopping FB marketplace with the thought....

"If I come across a sweet deal on an upscale beater?"

Next thing I knew I was drooling over a fully suspended Giant Trance (for about 2-3 X;s what I was looking to spend) so I figured I better occupy my time focusing on what I have and there were some mounting/adjusting improvements that could be made on my B17 so off it came and to the kitchen table it went becaaaaaause?....

1. I was in a rush mounting it up the first time and noticed a problem where the lacing was in conflict with my seat stem and I couldn't get the seat to it's most rearward position (where I needed it to be) because the lacing was conflicting with the seat stem mount and?...

2. During the latter part of yesterday's ride I noticed the beginnings of some hot spot/chafing developing on either side of my groin frontal area hinting that the front of my saddle needed a bit more "Tuck & Duck" (sides laced tighter/nose down)

I had to get creative with the lacing pattern but managed to lace my way around the problem and got the nose real tight and low and bingo...and it feels so good even with just shorts on I want to ride...and I dunno...I just might! LOL!https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...30ed253b58.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c0dde4cbd5.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c8366ea995.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a676c4e707.jpg

It got Christened tonight...

https://www.strava.com/activities/3432491737

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...02c38d7b5a.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ff591fa61d.jpg

Should be a non issue with all that proofhide on there.......

Hey Jinks, aren't you out of the Army, too? MOS? I was a Medic.

I never had a break in period with my first B-17. I used proofhide until it almost ran out of the leather. I had purchased a can of it and kept rubbing it in then heating it with a hair dryer. I did that off and on for weeks. It was never that hard and I think somewhere I have a set of cycling shorts but don't use them. Riding six days a week I guess I'm hardened in and the B-17 is broken in. On my Verve+2 I installed the Brooks with springs on it . Then I got out the Obenauf's leather oil. I soaked the saddle until it would take no more and then wiped it off. Ask a fireman about Obenauf's leather treatment. One recommended it to me. I use it on all leather goods. Got some new duty boots a year plus ago and treated them with the Obenauf's. They broke in with two days of 19 hours total, walking on concrete all day in a prison. I believe in two things with my experience; Brooks saddles and Obenauf's leather treatment. Be Well, Bluesfrog.

USMC...6062...Egress & Environmental Systems Tech...VMA-214 (Blacksheep SQDN)...MCAS El Toro

and yeah...The water just beaded on it like a RainX commerical! LOL!

I have a few Brooks saddles and have ridden on them for years. I prefer the Pro but also have a B17 . I use Doc Martens treatment for them and they stay nice if I treat them every month or so depending on how much I ride that particular bike.

I bought a Brooks B17 Imperial a few years ago intending to put it on a stationary bike my wife and I use..........rarely.

Instead, a few months ago I decided to put it on my 83 Trek 760 that I've owned since 83. I have about 150 miles on it now and it's already more comfortable. I remember the 1st ride the saddle felt hard and slippery, but now I don't notice the saddle so that's a good thing! I decided to start breaking in the B17 so I can have it ready for future Eroica bike events.


I recently purchased a Brooks Swallow with copper rivets.for another vintage bike and just bought a seatpost off eBay so I can swap saddles on my bikes to try to break in the saddles depending on the bike I'm riding. I also have a Brooks Swallow on a vintage De Rosa that I've only put 100 miles on. I've put the proofhide on the saddles when I got the saddles and will probably re-apply every 3-6 months


I never wanted a Brooks before because of the weight, but I don't care about the weight anymore. I decided to see for myself what riders around the world have been raving about for decades and am now into riding for enjoyment. I'm just about 62 now and plan to ride for quite a while so comfort is a priority. I also want to retain the vintage look on my vintage bikes.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...aed85e02f9.jpg

83 Trek 760 with Brooks Imperial and 28mm Panaracer Pasela tires. Very comfortable.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...420a0d5f14.jpg

New Brooks Swift with copper rivet next to my Brooks Imperial with 150 miles on it.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...74c48c91c2.jpg

Brown Brooks Swallow on my De Rosa SLX.

Having had black Brooks saddles on my bikes in the 1960s and on various bikes since then I'm waiting for my first blue B17 to arrive for my Lockdown project restoration French bike. Silver framed, blue cork handlebar tape, cables and soon, the saddle.

They were seen as the best many years ago and once converted, always a fan.

Pretty much did the same with mine minus the hair dryer and from ride #1 my B17 was more comfortable than my $119 Specialized Toupe...I started Strava the same day I took my first ride with the B17 and only have 35 miles logged so far in 3 casual local rides and I'm just now seeing the slightest hint of sit bone dimples beginning to form but I think this is different for everyone and very subjective based on rider weight, position and what sort of terrain they traverse...I'm 200lbs on a Crosstrail seated somewhere between road bike drops and bolt upright and?....I do a lot of hopping off and on sidewalks along with the occasional crossing of clumpy grass mediums...flyweights on roadbikes gliding super smooth surfaces?...probably gonna take a while to get theirs where mines at already.

Proofide
 

I've heard that Brook's "Proofide will help in the break-in. I'm am not sure of that. I just brought a B-17 and it is hard as a rock. funny thing, with each ride it becomes a little bit better.

I installed my first Brooks B17 saddle a few days ago and took my first ride on it yesterday after work. I had already treated with Proofide when I received it before I put it on the bike along with the Brooks Microfiber bar tape. I did just under 20 miles due to time constraints, and took a wrench with me to adjust the saddle on the seatpost if needed. I had to make one slight adjustment, but I found the saddle comfortable out of the box. Of course, I'm 225 pounds, so I may have helped it flex and start the break in process quicker than some of you lightweight guys! Apart from the comfort, I think it really looks sharp on the '76 Motobecane Grand Touring.

Cheers.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...767391cd5f.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...794f19e313.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...116843c141.jpg

You are right - it does look sweet!

Man falls in love with, and marries a saddle.
Film at 11:00
:innocent:

downhillmaster...a quick review of your recent postings exhibits a steady pattern of some rather negative commentary and responses towards others...I hope and pray whatever is troubling you gets resolved and that you have a better day. :)

Does this mean that I am not getting invited to the wedding between you and your well oiled saddle?
I am glad that you and that other poster worked that oil thing out btw. You were pretty negative towards his point of view there for a bit :rolleyes:

That is true which is why I apologized.

Downhillmaster. Really? Maybe you didn't listen when you were told if you can't say something good just don't say anything? Or maybe you are just a Troll. Be Well, Bluesfrog.

on
 

I now have slightly over 200 miles on my B17 Imperial. I've only used proofhide when the saddle was new and applied 2 coats. I'll probably re-apply every 6 months. At most I'll be putting in 25-30 miles/ride on my Trek 760 with the Brooks. Usually at the 20-25 mile point of my rides I want to stand up and pedal a few strokes to give my butt a rest. With the Brooks B17 I don't feel the soreness at the 20-25 mark. I would say the saddle still causes some discomfort but no pain. I had a few racing type saddles that were painful on longer rides. I'm guessing it'll take another 200-300 miles to get my saddle to the point where it will be discomfort-free, and it may be my saddle of choice if I decide to do a century or an eroica event.

I don't recall my Brooks causing me any pain, but that may be due to the fact that I've had it 40 years and can't remember! I know, however, that i really like (and almost treasure) it.
Best. j

have a team pro bought in 1977,. . they only came in black-brown then..

after a decade they are part of you and you , they..

Still riding my Ideale 88 from the 1990's. Perfect fit to my anatomy.

Just awaiting delivery on a World Voyageur. Think I might switch my Brooks Imperial from my carbon road bike to the Schwinn and replace it with a carbon framed C13 Carved. Anybody tried one?

I've only put about 125 miles on mine, but it's already very comfortable. My 225 pounds is apparently speeding the break-in process along.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...034358c477.jpg


Cheers!