A Brooks saddle, after a few thousand kms of riding on it, will conform naturally to the seat-bones of the owner’s bum, making it more comfortable to ride on. But, when the saddle softens and stretches to conform, the sides tend to flare out a bit. And I’ve always noticed that riding on it again after a long absence hurts my inner thighs. I’ve also noticed that after a few days on the road, the pain will wear off… more likely the muscles got used to it.

I’ve been looking at it and I know it doesn’t have to be so. In fact, Brooks has a model that will never flare at the sides — the B17 S Imperial, which looks like this….

So… I went looking for a leather goods shop to hack some holes into it to look like the Imperial. I found one at Amcorp mall, manned by 2 young boys who were wondering what on earth this customer was doing carrying a bicycle saddle into their shop….

Anyway, they were nice enough to do it for me for just RM5. They guy was very careful about it too. I guess he was appreciative of a fine piece of leatherwork.

Before, with indicator marks from the puncher

.

Punching begins

After. 6 lovely holes that I can now lace up to keep the flared sides firmly down. It's so much nicer riding on it now.