How are the brooks saddles? I was thinking of putting one on. Do they take awhile to break in?

I recently installed a B17 Narrow, and its still breaking in (so can't give a full review yet), only 100-150 miles on it probably. They take at least a couple hundred to break in, if you have soaked them in something like neatsfoot oil. I've heard its more like 500 miles if you use Proofide.
I've never heard a bad review about a Brooks, for what it's worth.
Sheldon Brown probably has a few things to say on the topic, https://sheldonbrown.com/leather.html
This is definitely a question for the Search function. Meaning, you aren't the first person to ask it. Not by a long shot.

There used to be a ton of user reviews at www.wallbike.com, but I can't currently find them.

On the other hand, I *did* see both 'Pre-Aged' Brooks saddles...

...and this little number called the Banana Guard:

Hehehehe...

I have a b-17, it is not a soft saddle-- actually sort of hard. But soft isn't really comfortable, the thing is well designed to fit my anatomy, at least. Right out of the box it's just like i said, hard. It is always a hard seat but it conforms to your body and softens some.

I'm totally sold on them. Soft cushy seats feel good in the store but hurt your ass after a few miles.

a cult seat for the anachronistic retro rider. If they were half as good as the fanatics say you would expect to see at least one pro rider on one. Thanks, but I'll stick to cycling advancements in all areas, including my saddle.

Or a well built saddle for those that actually understand what a saddle, not a seat, is.

So what variety is your saddle?

Selle Italia Flite Kit Carbonio and Selle Italia SLR

Hard plastic BMX.
Blue to match the fenders.

Enjoy

Expensive and heavy, look nice though.

On mtbr.com and roadbikereview.com, Brooks receive very high marks. I don't have one, but from what I understand, they're best in warmer drier climes. They wouldn't fair well on my commuter nor my mtb, as each get very wet very frequently.

Does that include derailleurs?

I have B17 that I got because it was relatively inexpensive and I liked the look of the leather saddle, rather than being a retro-zealot. Minimum break in time for mine. Break in times tend to vary as the leather between saddles isn't always exactly the same thickness (apparently). It served me well on a three week bike tour and my 20 km daily commutes. I find the dye in the leather does tend to come out a bit, which is a minor pain as mine is racing green. This may not be as much of a problem with the black or natural colours. As well, because it's leather, you need to protect it from heavy rain etc whereas you may not need to do that with a saddle made with all the latest cycling advancements. No regrets buying mine.

wow.. what a lame way to pick gear... should we all trade in our bikes for lance armstrong treks? nothing wrong with a lil style.. and the brooks look cool.. and according to people they are a nice spot for your ass to rest.. what more do you want..

Mentioning the word "Brooks" on this forum is like ringing Pavlov's little bell. We all salivate and weigh in with our opinions. Some call the Brooks an ass hatchet. Some would rather give up their own children then hand over their Brooks. I'm one of the weirdos in between. I've got two of them. Like them both but they did take some breaking in. Or maybe they didn't break in. Maybe my butt broke in. Anyway, if you buy one at www.wallbike.com, you can return it if you don't like it. Best way might be to find out for yourself.

my question is if properly proofhided do they stand up to water? i was thinking of one for my commuter but it gets ridden in the rain and my last brooks-like saddle (5 dollar garage sale score) just kept stretching and stretching till it was useless in a few months (i am guessing this was because i never treated the leather?)

so, any rainy day riders happy with their brooks?

Both of which are also "hard saddles"- and very comfortable- at least the SLR- my personal fave. Too bad I can't get more mileage out of mine.

Wow. Reminds me of the penis catch for Little Donny in that Upright Citizen's Brigade sketch. But, you know, for those that are less endowed.

Pros ride, what they are payed to ride.

My butt says that only a Brooks is good enough. Nothing else matters!

I have a brooks on my rain bike. But, I carry two swim caps to serve as covers should the need arise. First I put on a latex one for the water-proof protection, then a lycra one so I can ride normally without sticking to a rubber seat. When I'm off I take the lycra one with me. If I'm lucky I remembered a towel so I can dry before I ride (but that applies to any seat) ... or I can ride it uncovered b/c I'm on it. So far, so good. It's only been about 6 months of rain service. The bike also has fenders so the underside stays relatively dry. I've heard from others that that can be a big factor in the wet leather stretch game.

I've raced with a brooks pro for over 20 years, rain, hail and shine. No problem if you lightly proofhide the thing every couple of months - takes no more than a few minutes. The aversion to wet weather is pure nonsense in my opinon if you look after it a little.

I "butchered" the sides of my B17 and I'm afraid this is happening to mine. only time will tell...

I bought a brooks saddle about three weeks ago, right out of hte box it was the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden. I want one for all my bikes.