m_yates

I have loved my E3 Form Gel saddle for ~2500 miles, but it has died. I don't know if it has worn out, but it isn't the same. I took a weekend tour fully loaded with much of it on a rough dirt/gravel trail (Damn you horses for tearing up the trail!). My backside hurts.

Anyhow, decided to buy a Brooks B-17. Now I'll see if the Brooks magic comes true for me. My LBS didn't stock it and discouraged me from buying a Brooks because of the long, tricky break-in period. I figured so many people on internet forums can't be all wrong, so I mail ordered it to give it a shot.

Bacciagalupe

If you're used to long distances, it probably won't be that bad -- 100 miles or so, maybe more if you're skinny.... If find they're a little slippery at first (which I dislike), but that also passes.

centexwoody 

I didn't think the break-in period was that long or difficult. My commuter bike has a B-17 and it's the best seat I've ever used. My road bike has a Sella Anatomica and it's not comfortable without bike shorts. Probably going to replace it with another B-17. There's endless discussion of the Brooks but I already had a half dozen saddles hanging in the garage and don't regret trying the Brooks at all. Just remember to put the waterproofing on the Brooks before you mount it on the seatpost. I didn't do that since i got mine in the middle of the Texas summer then wound up riding in rain on a September ride and the saddle had to be tightened a bit.

mesasone

I personally had no break in period for my B-17, it was comfortable right from the get-go. However, they are not for everybody - some people just never do find them comfortable. I wish you many happy miles on your new Brooks.

Cyclebum

B-17 sorta works for me. Same as every other saddle I've tried, just better than most. I don't like the fiddle factor of keeping it dry.

My kingdom for a comfortable saddle. (Guess I just need a new rear.)

Good luck.

Garthr

I wish you the best in finding a saddle that works well for you, whatever it happens to be.

monsieuroctagon

All your friends and Sheldon Brown will tell you to do all this voodoo crap to make it break in faster. Just ride the thing.

Machka 

The break in period is not particularly tricky ... you've just got to ride the saddle frequently and regularly.

As soon as you see the sitbone divots start to form, you know you're well on your way.

stevage

>I figured so many people on internet forums can't be all wrong

You mean all the people who love them, or all the people who hate them?

enfer singe

Did you buy the special brooks one or did you just use a leather waterproofer? I ordered a b17 but didn't order the proofide and am wondering if I can use something else or if it is best to get the real deal.

Erzulis Boat 

I use the Proofide, and my tin is from the early 90's and still has plenty left. A little goes a long way. I did goop the underside when I got the saddle with stuff to be sure, but don't know if that is required.

I buff it lightly, then rub in the Proofide concentrating on the rivets (getting the goop into where the rivet meets the leather) as this is where the Brooks will "dry out" first if not maintained properly in my experience.

BWF

Just don't give up to early on the Brooks like I presume so many naysayers do. I just wear regular shorts with no padding. To begin with, it felt like sitting on a brick. I could only ride short distances until the sit bone pain was to much. The soreness lasted a few days before I was ready to ride again. In time, it took about 10 to 15 rides of about 50 to 60 miles before it really began to feel good. I think it is more about your body adapting to it. But it does noticeably break-in in the sense that it forms to your body and compresses with road shock.

Randochap

No particularly long (tricky?) break-in period for my B-17. It was comfortable right out of the box and just got better.

AnnaMossity

Yeah I just got my b-17 and had been riding with a road racing saddle before that, the brooks is more comfortable and it's not even broken in yet.

Figure it's gonna be one helluva good saddle 1ce it's broken in.

sonatageek

I have a B-17 Imperial from last year's 'beta' testing thing (search the forum if you don't know what i am referring to) and a Professional taken off of a flip bike. I don't really think there was a break in period -- they have been pretty consistenly comfortable. Now I do notice that after about 2-3 hours in the saddle I feel the need to take the pressure off every now and again, but much less so than on other saddles I have used.

What I did find is that the initial set up required more futzing and adjustments than other saddles I have ridden. It turned out that the nose needed to be a bit higher than other saddles to work for me. After having set up those two and an old Wrights on another bike, the set up on that style of saddle now take me no time at all.

centexwoody 

Yes, I ordered the Proofhide with the saddle. Don't know if that's any kind of special mojo stuff but I figured the cost of the saddle was high enough that getting the 'approved' waterproofing was appropriate. And I've got 90% of the stuff still left over after waterproofing three times (as someone else echoed in a post). Am doing it about once a year now - if nothing else to protect from the excessive sweat that riding in Texas heat brings.

centexwoody 

The Brooks is the ONLY saddle I have that is comfortable without special shorts or pads, etc. I have it on my commuter and I wear office clothes to ride to work and the Brooks works just fine...

Scout!

Nonsense. I don't have a Brooks saddle and I am comfortable without special shorts.

gomadtroll

If I am not posting to late, I suggest considering the Brooks flyer, B-17 top with springs, if my memory is working today. I love my springs :-) esp if you ride with handle bars higher than your seat.

greg

m_yates

So far so good..I got the un-sprung standard B-17 and took it out for the first time today. After a 50 minute ride, it felt pretty comfortable. I know it is supposed to get more comfortable over time, but out of the box isn't too bad. It is wider than my old saddle, and I think that probably matches my sit-bones better. Plus it looks nice. I like the retro style.