Use of Proofide for Brooks

[Steve N]

I've just bought a new bike and thought I'd try a Brooks saddle with it.
I know you have to break them in and it's rock hard at the moment

It came with a small tin of Proofide to help soften the saddle.
The accompanying leaflet explains how to apply it to the finished side and says it's only useful to apply to the underside if you ride without mudguards to help waterproof it.

Everything I'd previously read led me to believe the underside is where it should be used.
Brooks should know whats best but I thought I'd see what other users have done.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Ok, I can see the worms crawling from the can now, but FWIW I apply Proofhide to the underside of my Brooks about every four months. I apply it to the top about the same frequency but only very thinly and leave it to soak for about an hour before polishing off. Never had a problem wet or dry, although I do not let it get soaked in the rain. It is covered either by me or a plastic cover.

 

[Steve N]

Ok, I can see the worms crawling from the can now, but FWIW I apply Proofhide to the underside of my Brooks about every four months. I apply it to the top about the same frequency but only very thinly and leave it to soak for about an hour before polishing off. Never had a problem wet or dry, although I do not let it get soaked in the rain. It is covered either by me or a plastic cover.

Thanks for that.

After a quick check on the forums I see the subject of Brooks saddles has been covered extensively (beaten to death)
So plenty of opinions for me to mull over.

It's sooooooo hard

 

[Fab Foodie]

I do mine very rarely. First-off a heavy coating on the underside, lightecoat on top and the airing cupoard overnight.
After that the underside my get a heavy layer once a year.
Never touch the tensioning bolt.

Enjoy. In my experience, they don't last long, about 25 years for my first one...

 

[PpPete]

It's sooooooo hard

My kids were convinced my Brooks saddles are actually made of wood.

I find the narrower ones much more comfortable