Noonievut

I read lots of info about covers for Brooks saddles, though I still have a couple of thoughts and questions. I'm posting in this Touring forum as I think Brooks saddles may be familiar with some of you.

The situation - I have a bike that I ride early on mornings before work, when it's dark (I have lights) and sometimes the ground is wet. I don't have fenders (want them, but that's another story). I have a seat bag on this bike. I don't ride when it's pouring, but like I said the ground can be wet or I may get rained on for a small portion of the ride (less than 20 minutes). I don't leave this bike outside. Given this info, I'm wondering if I need a cover for my saddle. I will use proofhide on the saddle, and my but is on the saddle most of the ride, but what about the underside of the saddle...

At worst, I'm thinking I go the shower-cap route when I do get caught in nasty weather. Any other options for a cover that works well and covers the underside?

Thanks.

VT_Speed_TR

I proofhide top and bottom of the saddle. I don't use a cover when I'm riding, only when I leave the bike for sometime out in the weather. Don't have fenders either. Never had an issue with the Brooks. Its gotten very wet after riding all day in the rain, but it bounces back ( get a little soft). Still going strong after 5 years.

irishbill76

I've used Freesole shoe glue for all sorts. I've made a chainstay protector from it (using masking tape as a template), covering parts of the headtube to stop the cable wearing away the paint and used it to stop cable ties wandering about. I reckon if you spread some with a stiff paintbrush under the saddle it'd work too. Its completely waterproof and clear so its barely noticeable
Brill stuff.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/McNett-Frees...7428214&sr=8-1

fietsbob

Proofide nearly saturated early in its life,
by melting the stuff upside down in a warm oven,

I use a poly bag over the whole saddle.
Even my Fizik,
I got my 2 layer welded edge, bag, free with 5L
Of Franzia Wine [in a box]..

(the bladder-bag is square, goes diagonally over the saddle,
the 'wing' corners tuck under the saddle sides
I use a document clip to hold it on better.. behind the saddle..

I do ride when its pouring, because I live here..
the bag in place 9 months out of 12.

Opaque would be good, hiding something that seems to be stolen more
since they cost more ,now.

Booger1

I sealed the bottom of mine with Snowseal (paraffin wax)when I got it. I cover the top when it's raining.Mine gets wet all the time,no problems,it's 35 years old.

when

Second the Snoseal. No problems for 5 years so far.

djb

I had thought of cutting out some plastic in the shape of the underneath of a B17 and finding a way to put it in place, to stop stuff being thrown up from below, but never did, just put plastic bags on and I now have fenders on both bikes with Brooks, so its not an issue anymore.

wahoonc

Heavy coat of Proofide on the underside every now and again....all my bikes have fenders except my MTB and it has a plastic saddle...the other 5 have Brooks, Ideale or Wrights. Oldest saddle is over 30 years old and still in decent shape. Cover with a Target bag or shower cap when parked.

Aaron

rogerstg

+2. I melted some in a tuna can and applied it with an acid brush (cheap brush used for spreading flux)

djb

is it just me or is anyone else picturing this saddle being nibbled on by raccoons, skunks, etc and positively devoured by a bear (tuna can....)?

joking yet serious, beavers and raccoons are known to nibble on paddle handles (from the salt from sweating)

MMACH 5

I use Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner on my Brooks about once or twice a year (the ingredients are comparable to Proofhide, but I think it smells better). Top and underside get a coating. I also ride mine in the rain and keep a shower cap tucked under it that I will throw over the saddle, if I have to leave it in the rain (on the front of the bus or at the store).

Shifty

I put three layers of duct tape on the under side of my leather saddle. It keeps the water off and when/if I need duct tape for a road repair I have it there ready to go and out of the way.

olly708

Just feed the underside of the saddle regularly with boiled linseed oil. Useful for keeping your cricket bat in good shape too!

antokelly

just put a clip on fender attached to seatpost and thenput a plastic bag under the saddly. job done.

Machka 

I would not recommend doing this with a leather Brooks saddle.

Machka 

1. Use a mudguard if you're riding in a lot of rain.

2. Tuck a plastic grocery bag into the rails under the saddle.

3. Your butt and jacket tails will cover the top of the saddle while you ride.

4. When you stop, if your bicycle will be outside, pull the plastic grocery bag out from the rails, place it over the saddle, and tie around the seatpost under the saddle.


The plastic grocery bag: simple, easy, efficient, light, and inexpensive.

Bekologist

Brooks company recommends coating the bottom of saddle with proofhide and not wiping it off.



I use snoseal, proofhide or Obenauf's (my preference for Brooks weatherproofing)

seeker333

The saddle is mostly dried cow (minus the steel), with body sweat for flavoring, so yes, potentially a nice treat for hungry critters like mice, marmots etc.

Also, Proofide is composed chiefly from beef tallow (fat), a crucial component of most all dry pet foods.

If you left a Brooks saddle in an AT trail shelter overnight, it would definitely be lighter in the morning.

I've used Proofide and Snoseal (the original beeswax formula) on my B17 for water protection.

Noonievut

Thanks for the tips. I picked up a bathing cap. This one is relatively soft, fits perfect and I can put it in saddle bag.

irwin7638

I think the concern of moisture and leather saddles is waaay out of proportion to reality. I've been using Brooks saddles for 35 years or so, they have all been soaking wet at one time or another,they manage to get wet sometime every year and I have had no problems. I rub mink oil paste on them 2 or 3 times a year and ride.

Marc