Tips on breaking in a new Brooks

[MikeMc]

Given that Brooks saddles have a very long life tensioning it should be the exception rather than the rule. It's the 'odd 1/4 turn' that destroys a saddle unless you have a magic eye which can tell when the leather is shrinking and then turn it a 1/4 the other way.

A little sag is better than no sag IMHO. The leather should only be in tension when you are sitting on it. A little sag shows the saddle is 'relaxed' and not being stretched has a little room to shrink if the temp/humidity dictate.

I had a quick look under my saddle and there are ~20 available threads on the tension bolt. If I give it a '1/4 turn' every 2 months I can destroy it in 13 years. A 1/4 turn a year and it will only last for 80 years.

 

[yello]

Bit fixated with 1/4 turns there Mike, one might assume you're having a wee pop at my comment! Thing is, you're not actually saying anything that I'd disagree with but I think I said a little "too much" sag.

I refer back to an earlier remark I made; it depends on the saddle. And, I expect, the usage it gets. Your annual re-tension may well be enough for your saddle but inadequate for someone else's. No?

Btw, I think I'd be happy with a saddle life of 13 years!

 

[Moodyman]

Btw, I think I'd be happy with a saddle life of 13 years!

This ain't no ordinary saddle Yello, just like a Ferrari ain't no ordinary car. Once bought, it stays with you til death do you part.

Seriously though, a bit of proofide and just ride. The 4/500 miles break-in is part of the initiation ceremony of the Brooks club.

I almost gave up after 200 miles, glad I didn't as it really is as comfy as a 'sofa'.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Pour petrol on your arse and set fire to it.

After suffering that level of pain even riding on one of those hideous and outdated devices will seem ok. Alternatively junk it and buy a proper saddle.

 

[Davidc]

Broadly what FF said but I do proofide mine about once a moth for at least 6 possibly 12 months from new.

Mine have never worn out, just suffered other fates after many years of service.

Don't understand the stuff about breaking them in. I've had four over the past 40 years, all have been comfortable out of the box and stayed that way for 10s of thousands of miles. Must have a Brooks shaped bum!

Brooks B17 (and B15) are the ONLY saddles that I've ever found comfortable. Beware though, some people (SJ above presumably one of them) don't. If you find you're among them look up the current price - you should have no problem seling it for that amount.

 

[MontyVeda]

....
Never touch the adjustment bolt.
Never touch the adjustment bolt.
Never touch the adjustment bolt.
Never touch the adjustment bolt.
Never touch the adjustment bolt.
Never touch the adjustment bolt.
Never touch the adjustment bolt.
Never touch the adjustment bolt.

I'll second that!

 

[phantasmagoriana]

 This thread makes me wonder why new Brooks saddles come with a spanner - surely that's just tempting people to start playing with the bolt? (No, I haven't touched mine!). Makes sense to sell them with a tin of proofide instead, since they recommend using that straight away...  

 

[tyred]

My new B17 came without spanner or proofhide

I remember opening the box, looking at this rock hard lump of leather, tapping it felt like knocking on a solid mahogany door, and wondering why I bought it and thinking it could never be comfortable. I put it on the bike anyway, and it was comfortable from the very beginning, and has only become more comfortable as the miles have clocked up. For the first time in my life, I felt genuinely comfortable on a bike and I have often thought if I hadn't discovered Brooks saddles, I wouldn't cycle anywhere near as much as I do. I don't go in much for expensive cycle components but I would consider a leather saddle must have accessory for any bike which I intend to ride for more than a few miles at a time.

 

[dellzeqq]

Pour petrol on your arse and set fire to it.

After suffering that level of pain even riding on one of those hideous and outdated devices will seem ok. Alternatively junk it and buy a proper saddle.

damn! You beat me to it.

Might I recommend the Spesh 130?

 

[rich p]

Don't let it get wet! Mine got a drenching, became a sodden mess, a sodding pain in the arse and had to be ditched.

A touring saddle that doesn't like rain - chocolate teapot anyone?

 

[Davidc]

Might I recommend the Spesh 130?

Perhaps it fits your backside so if you want to ride on one - fine. The rest of us will chose whatever we find comfortable!

Don't let it get wet! Mine got a drenching, became a sodden mess, a sodding pain in the arse and had to be ditched.

A touring saddle that doesn't like rain - chocolate teapot anyone?

You've posted that before - don't understand it.

I've used B15/ B17 saddles since 1967 and they've all been out in the rain with no problem. I do use mudguards which stops water getting underneath though. The tops of leather saddles are waterproof if they're proofided, and rain just runs off at the sides, so how is water supposed to affect the leather

If you don't want to ride a Brooks saddle because they don't fit you or you have care and maintenance problems then don't - comfort is what should determine seat choice.

 

[deckertim]

damn! You beat me to it.

Might I recommend the Spesh 130?

I have loved my B17 on my Ultra Galaxy, the most comfortable riding I have ever had. But this spring I am getting Ti...ed and will be looking for something light and lovely, as the Brooks is a heavy beast.

 

[fossyant]

No1 Tip............

Don't buy a Brookes...... ! Easy......... or train your bootie to fit......... !!!!!

 

[heretic]

Plaster the underside with Proofide so water can't get in the unpolished side. Proofide the top at the start of the winter. Tighten the bolt 1/4 turn about once every decade *if* you remember and if the leather "bottoms out"(!) on the rails. Otherwise just ride it. A plastic carrier bag stuffed under the rails is handy to cover it when parked if it's likely to rain but I've never had one damaged by water and I've ridden nothing else since 1977.

 

[screenman]

I find an easy way to make a saddle more comfortable is to press down harder on the pedals.