Tourers think the world of it (well, their butts do anyway). Many swear by it and would never subject their behinds to anything less. We’re talking about that British icon of the bicycle world — the all-leather Brooks saddles, and I finally got my hands on one, thanks to my good friend Yin who came back from a shopping spree in Hong Kong recently.
For now, I have no choice but to suffer the almost rock-hard leather during the breaking-in period. Eventually, after about 500kms or so, the seat-bones should begin to make an impression … literally. Once that happens, it will be like a butt hammock 🙂 Or so, I’ve been promised.
I can’t wait for that day to come.
Holding up bottoms since 1866. B17s come in a nice little box. The tin of Proofide and the propriety Brooks saddle wrench for tightening the saddle when it stretches are extras. Actually, Brooks saddles now come with free wrenches, but I needed the Proofide so no choice, I had to get the restoration kit.
There’s something about a brand-new Brooks — the heavy yet solid feel of it, the musky smell, the shiny finish, the rough underside, the rivets, the solid steel frame, the 3 little holes…
For life? You bet.
Used sparingly, as it should, this little tin of Proofide will last for years.
The purchase of a Brooks saddle comes with a complimentary copy of their newsletter…actually more like 10 pages of advertisements and endorsements.
Have you read Sheldon Brown’s article on Brooks saddles? There are a lot of oils that you can use to break it in much faster.
Wowow! Majestic. I suppose Yin got one too?
Hi Adrian, of course la Yin got one 🙂 He’s riding on the spring suspended model– the B67, I think. That is one sweet saddle but expensive leh…
cheers
Hi Karl, I’ve read about Sheldon Brown (god bless his soul:) and his breaking-in suggestions other than using proofide. Unfortunately, the oils that he mentioned are pretty exotic in this part of the world. I guess I’ll just have to stick with proofide and sit on it until it gives 🙂
wow..not yet break in ka ? pls give review once it becomes comfy
I wish we are a bicycle-friendly city. Sick and tired of traffic jams. Any chance of lobbying for this on behalf of the people?
Check this out.
http://theslowbicycle.blogspot.com/
Congrats Mike. It took me abt 500km to break my B17 in. I share your joy with the Brooks. My blog posting here:
http://lovethefold.blogspot.com/2009/04/getting-to-bottom-of-it.html