BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

I ride a Brooks. For keeping the leather in good shape, they sell something they call "proofide". It's ridiculously highly priced, but a little goes a long way, so I just use it, mostly because the saddle cost enough that I don't want to mess it up. Plus, my butt really loves it.

There's both the lacing and an adjustable bolt that you can use to tighten things up. Don't over-tighten; that will just stretch the leather. I keep my laces tight enough that they resist widening when I sit on the saddle, but not so tight that they stretch the saddle when it's unused.

I have no idea if I'm actually doing it right, but that's what works for me.

Sigh. "Buy this really expensive thing that is really finicky, so you have to buy more stuff to keep it in good condition."

Is it really that worth it?

"Is it really that worth it?"

I'd bet that the average Brooks saddle gets more miles put on it and ends up having a longer, useful life than the average modern saddle. Cheap and easy often ends up being disposable. If it fits your ass well and you can afford it, buy it. Then make it last. You'll be way ahead in the long run. I've got a whole box of minimally used modern saddles people have just ditched sitting in my basement to illustrate this point.

And for the OP you can get the 1 oz container of this for a whopping $3-

http://www.rivbike.com/products/show/obenauf-s-saddle-goop/31-344

It'll keep your saddle supple for a couple of years. A little goes a long way.

I suspect the relative value also varies based on how you intend to use it. For short-haul urban stuff, where your nether regions are getting frequent breaks, it's probably nowhere near as worthwhile as if you plan on pounding out back-to-back-to-back 300Ks or similar foolhardiness.

I am currently on my second Brooks- how long do people generally get them to last? I think the first was about 15+ years until the leather tore loose at the front.

When breaking in the new one I kept telling myself just 6 to 8 weeks of discomfort for many years of joy.

Mine is my first ever. I went with the B67. My butt thanked me even before it was broken in. Only took about 200 miles to break in. For me, it definitely makes a difference on long hauls and multi-day trips.

I bought my B17 @4 years ago. I've ridden 50+miles/wk since then (not much for this crowd maybe...).

Best bike component purchase I've made so far. Short rides, long rides, its a comfy saddle either way. And it took my tush only 2 rides/2 days to acclimate.