Brooks Leather Saddle Care Tips and Tricks
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- Опубликовано: 5 апр 2021
- In this video, Ryan goes over the Top 7 FAQs we get about owning a Brooks Saddle!
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I bought a brooks off a coworker, but the saddle was own by his dad and he wasn’t a bike guy and what sucks was the saddle had started to develop a bow and wasn’t tensioned, I was able to remove some of that bow and tensioned the saddle back a bit to it’s tension. Although it still needs a bit more tensioning but I had caused a small cracked on the saddle bc it wasn’t moisturized and proofided. Luckily I got away from ripping the leather by using a heat gun to soften the leather a bit and pressing it from the underside upwards to mold it back so I can break it in and mold it to my own bum so far so good and I love it
Good tip using the heat gun! Glad it’s working for you…great to keep the saddle…em…back in the saddle?!
All those discolorations just give the saddle character. I’m glad you mentioned tilting the nose of the saddle up slightly. Raising the nose a degree or two will roll the pelvis back ever so slightly and will put the sit bones more naturally over the wider, sweet spot of the saddle. I’ve been riding Brooks over 30 years. All my bikes have a Brooks on them.
Absolutely agree on the nose up recommendation. How much depends on your anatomy and how high your bars are. Experiment until you get it dialed in. When it is right, you will know it. (Actually, your butt will know it, then tell you!)
This vid is so appropriate coz my new Brooks saddle just got delivered 20 minutes ago! Thanks for the helpful tips!
My last two saddles suffered broken tension bolts - which is a known problem with these saddles. My very first Brooks (I've had three) lasted for years without problems BUT the last two saddlws have suffered from broken tensioning bolts which suggests that there is a quality problem with Brooks these days (I didn't over tension, the bolt snapped when I attempted to turn it)
Replacements bolts can be purchased BUT are extremely difficult to fit.
Discoloration? On a Brooks, that's called "patina". ;-)
Another great, down-to-earth video. Keep them coming!
I was in so much pain riding my brompton yesterday that I said FORGET IT I'm buying a brooks saddle! And I ordered it yesterday👍 Fingers crossed that it works better than what I have right now.
How is it chief
I've ridden Brooks since 1964. I still have my first B17 from '64! It's on my city bike. Six others from '68 to 2005 on my main bikes. I average 10-12000 miles per year,and rarely (decades between) adjustments. Usually 1/4 turn of the nut. The only part of me that doesn't hurt after long rides is my bum. I've experimented for many miles each with other 'modern' styles/materials, but never find anything even close to english leather. There's a reason they are the material of choice for horse and motorcyle riding too. Hey, I love you guys. Just wish I was as pretty and delicious.... Thanks!
I've had solely Brooks saddles for years; definitely worth it. Ryan is the Official Brooks Saddle Whisperer 👍🏻 (and this is Genuine RAD Video because she said Robust 🍻🤘🏻)
I just got mine last week! It's been cold here in Minneapolis, but once it warmed up it became so comfortable so fast!
Been riding on a Brooks since 1975 . Great saddles.
Thanks for making a video about this saddle. I've been thinking about to buy this for my bike touring but was worrying about the rain.
Just bought one on Amazon yesterday. Your videos convinced me.
I ordered a B17 Special that just arrived today. I can’t wait to try it out!
Best review on the Brooks I’ve seen. Thanks
This video is great. I don't even own a Brooks saddle but a) this was bonafide great entertainment and b) now I am going to buy a Brooks saddle!!!
Thanks everything is clear after watching you and I'm very happy with my new saddle. All the best.
I bought mine after watching your first video about the B17. I love it...well, my bottom and I love it. Once on a ride, someone asked my if he could try my bike (for the saddle); he came back a few minutes later with a beaming smile. I guess he got one in the post straight away. Thanks for the videos.
Ha! That's awesome Fred!
Take a drink for robust? I play a similar game every time Russ says supple. I've definitely been hungover the day after watching his videos. He's the best and I will definitely subscribe to this channel as well.
Great review! Thank you for the review.
My B17 just arrived 😍. Thanks for the tips - all set for my first tour (a couple of days)
I also ride a Brooks b17 saddle myself. About 10000km per year. No problems with it, sits perfectly on the saddle. thank you very much for sharing.
I think a leather saddle has more character to it hence making it more personal and the scuffs are just like the scars on our bodies, each has a story to it which is kinda awesome. 👍👍👍
Thank you for your review!
Mine's fossilized. But like you said, tilt it up and it changed the whole game for me. I can sit on this thing for hours now without shifting around in pain, much nicer now. Really happy with it.
Nice detailed review
Love the new intro!
Thanks for the video. In the process of buying a Kona Sutra which comes with a B17 Brooks saddle. Never knew about the tensioning. Great tip.
That's where this one is from! Came with my Sutra
Two things you forget to mention. Because it will mould to your shape after a while. You can ride long distance without the need of chamois cream or even bike short. Second it really minimizes the chance of getting saddle sore. I did a 2500 km trip in 2017 with zero saddle sore problem. Two thumbs up for Brooks B17 saddle.
Yes true! Those are certainly major benefits. We still need to make a long term review and will DEFINITELY mention those things! This vid just trying to cover the main questions we get :)
The tension bolt on my saddle sheared off on a ride. Brooks said it was because I hadn't tensioned it enough. They refurbished the saddle and gave this advice...
"It is really difficult to give hard and fast guidance when dealing with leather, because there can always be some natural variations
You do not want the leather to be visibly sagging when viewed side-on - I mean not like a hammock - there is a slight downward drop as the leather comes off the front edge of the rear Backplate, but you should not allow this to develop into a deep depression.
Similarly, when pressing down on the leather with the heel of your hand, so you only be able to make a movemnet of around 4 to 5 mm maiximum.
Sometimes, you tell if the tension is good by the amount of resistance offered when turning the nut - but that might be something that only a frequent adjsuter like me can perceive and judge.
The one "golden rule" tip that I can offer is never to make more than 1 full 360 turn on the nut at one time- imagine a sprinter's hamstring - do not pull too much to soon. Even if, after one full turn, you feel the need to adjust further, ythen please wait for one week to allow the leather to settle at the new higher tension first "
Thanks for info.
I went with Selle Anatomica for my first foray into leather saddles and everything you said about the Brooks has applied to mine. Except treatment. SA is a bit different leather process and takes different chemicals. I think it was one of your videos that mentioned a shower cap for overnight protection. I have a full higher dollar cover but there is a shower cap in my tool bag for everyday use.,
I've got Toyo bike with Brooks Swift - it's phenomenal! Love it, and smell of Proofide so nice too!
I just order one b 17 black, cant wait try it
Great video. Highly agree with less is more when it comes to adjusting tensioning. There is a fine line between taking up any possible slack in the leather and putting unnecessary stress on the leather by over tensioning. The two most popular ways people ruin their brooks are riding on a wet saddle and over tensioning, causing the leather to stress and tear at the rivets.
Yes exactly!
Thanks for this video! I have two B17 saddles, one of them is a B17 short (woman specific). I bought the short model first and it doesn't work for me, even though I'm a woman. I recently bought a Kona Sutra touring bike that comes stock with a regular B17 and I love that saddle. It's still breaking in, but I find it very comfortable, unlike my first saddle. Like you say, it's personal.
Leather care product depends on the leather, and it's use be it footwear, furniture, indoor, or outdoor, and how much it may soften leather. You also don't want residue on clothes or riding gear. Proofide fits the application for protection, no transfer to clothes, and in helping the saddle keep it's shape. The cod oil ingredient is a good sign of proven formulas going back centuries and no matter the brand, they're not cheap. It does not go rancid or degrade as I found with mink oil and neatsfoot oil. Those have a place, but not with saddles. I bought a tin, I think it was 12 or 14 dollars; but cheap insurance for a saddle over $100. Great video, you answered a ton of questions!
Thanks for the motivation: my B-17 got a coat of Proofide and a turn of the "spanner".
Ran across 3 english guys in Sacramento CA who had ridden from England, across Europe, China, Australia and were now setting off to ride across USA. When I asked about any tips they all said Brooks B17. That sold me and now have them on all my bikes.
That intro is so cool!
Agreed
Thanks for the video's love them! Just ordered a brand new Kona Sutra bike which is hopefully being delivered at the end of November just in time for my birthday!!!n with of course a B17 Brooks saddle! after watching your video I am now not sure what I am more excited about the bike or the saddle! LOL My first trip on it will be the NC500 (North Coast 500 around the coast of Scotland) at the end of May next year.
I just got the b17 for my daughter. Hopefully she'll be able to break it in quickly. Thanks for the tips
Got my brooks b17 on my first real bike (flyingscott) 1972 , had it on every bike I’ve owned since still as good as the day it was new (few nicks here and there)and I’ve put in a lot of miles here in Scotland,toured (Norway, France Spain Portugal,)I’ve only tightened lt 3 times in all those years,if you look after it it’ll last a lifetime .(one tip if you have to turn your bike upside down protect it from getting scuffed from hard ground )🏴
Cool Video!
I got my C17 organic cotton from REI, which had it prices the same as the regular C17. Nice thing about REI is their 6 month return policy on saddles, which lets one try & see if they like it. I was fortunate one of the Valley locations had one on stock.
Hello from Lisbon, Portugal, just found your Chanel, I'm also a Brooks livre, love my B67
I use Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP Leather Conditioner Natural Oil Beeswax. I have used for my expensive leather boots, as well as, my Brooks B-67S saddle over the years. I personally believe this is better than Proofide by Brooks.
An excellent review...
Summer 2023 i might get one when i go on a trip hopfully :D
Hey just watching your videos is really a pleasure and entertaining because of the good work and you, you are full of life.. and where did u get that hat? Really cool
great video! I got a Brooks for a Homegrown in 2006. It then went on My Honda Chopper and back to the homegrown and then to the 94 Bianchi. Its a champion flyer I think, the one with springs. I just recently scored a Honey B17 on ebay and dyed it brown with feblings leather dye. I toast the leather in oven to ~150 and then slather in mink fat to soften and then buff and toast and add some beeswax to seal. I'm about to look for another cant decide which model to try next. Why is it so comfy: Its basically a leather suspension hammock.
Have a Brooks B33 coming this week, It's a piece of art!😊👍
Brooks is always a classic look! I agree that leather saddles are more comfortable
I’m getting my first B17 on a salsa Marrakesh. Thanks for the video.😎
Right on.....I am a huge Brooks saddle fan boy. I went through 8-10 saddles or should I they they went through me until I tried a Brooks. I have them on both my bikes and don’t plan on ever, ever, ever trying anything else. The past is a painful reminder of why.
Thank you, Ryan! Hey, my wife is a redhead named Ryan, so extra thumbs up! Cheers.
Love the IDLES record in the back!
It's SUCH a good album.
@@radbikeadventure It really is!
You inspired me..just got mine :). (now about towatch the "how to take care" video :)
Sold . . 👍 Evans cycles Saturday for Lee
Thanks for good tips.I love ur hat. Goodday!
Hi there! Not sure if you're still checking the comments on this one, but may I ask what colour you got? I am torn between the honey and the antique browns and I think yours looks rather perfect for my bike. Hoping to grab the same one!
I love your videos...great job!
I've been using the B-17 model for over ten years on my touring bikes and a single speed. The key is getting the right size/model for your riding style and your butt/bum. (Suggestion for a new video???)
Since I ride in a slightly forward position, the B-17 standard is perfect for me and is comfortable right out of the box though I'd never use it on my road bike.
I bought a used road bike that had a B-17 narrow and it just couldn't work because of the aggressive position and my butt was too big. Big butts and narrow saddles just don't go well. As my B-17s broke in, they got more and more comfortable.
Someone below said that the broken in saddles appear flat and don't look broken in. Think of a mattress, they are flat until you lie down on it.
I just bought a Brompton and immediately ordered a B-17 for it. I can't wait for the snow to melt here.🙂
as far as saddle covers... I recommend them. My butt doesn't keep them from getting wet, even with fenders. Aardvark makes a good waterproof cover. An alternative is a plain cover with a layer of plastic bag under it. I've seen people trash their Brooks by letting them get wet and then riding on them. I've been riding Brooks (Pro's, Swift's, B.17's, and Flyers) since 1975 and over 200,000 miles (but your results may vary).
Love your hat. Where could I get one? Love your videos too.
OK, I get it, I should have gone with the Brown B17 & not the black one. I've been kicking myself for 4 years now on my Trek 920 :D Brooks > *
Brooks are the best! Who cares if they are comfortable or not (they are) if you have one of these on, first people know ur serious about bikes but second style points are off the charts. A bike just looks sexy AF with that wide rear sitting up in the air all “perky”.
My question is about Metal polish tips for the saddle. The care kit include it but what is the realistic application of balancing all materials in the saddle.
Just watched your other brooks saddle video yesterday. I pulled the trigger on a B17-S even though it's supposedly a women's saddle my sit bones measure 170mm so I'm hoping with the B17-S being 175mm it will be comfortable. And I bought it used so it should be atleast a little bit broken in. The first thing I'm doing when I get it is drowning it in leather conditioner 😅
Let us know how it goes!
@@radbikeadventure so far so good. Got the saddle last week, bonus, it turns out it is the "softened" version. The leather was pretty dried out but after applying some Bick Heavy Duty Leather Preservative it looks brand new now. I went for a 30 mile ride, when i got home it felt like a donkey kicked me in the butt, lol. But on my short 1 mile rides to work and 1 mile home the saddle feels good. Once my butts healed I'm going to take it a bit slower and just do 10-15 mile rides, and I got some padded biking shorts which i didn't have on the initial ride so hopefully those shorts help. Bottomline, just based on how beautiful this saddle is I'm going to stick with it.
I would also add that a leather saddle can color your pants specially after treating it with leather balm. So if you use it also with normal clothes propably don't put on the whitest pants you have :D
I have *nine* of them (counting "Team" saddles, which are the more roadie version of the B17). So far, those are the only saddles I have found that don't cause me sores.
And, of course you don't get upset as the saddle looks worn. It just means your saddle is breaking in and has seen some mileage.
9!! Love it. Yes, so true, I'm totally attached to mine and it's bit of wear
Further question that you might not have experience with: how to lace the imperial/carved models?? When to, and why to!? Thank you
There are many different ways to lace the saddle which come down to personal preference. Don't be afraid to try it and see what feels comfortable. It's to help it keep shape and not flair out once it breaks in. At least that's what I've been told . Maybe I'll get my narrow one and put some laces on it in a future vid!
Hey RaD! Do you ride with padded shorts/chamois creams? My Brooks is comfortable for a bike seat, though still gets pretty uncomfortable at around the 40 mile mark. Thanks!
I'm struggling to find a good fore/aft position and saddle angle with my Brooks. Do you have any advice on adjusting bike fit for touring? All of the bike fit resources I find are more for road bike posture.
I bought a b17 imperial after watching your first video. thank you for the recommendations cause it is a great saddle! however, i am having troubles in finding the angle of the saddle in order not to slide to the front and if I tip the nose up it hurts on the bones. I think i might be struggling against the leather lack of friction
Keep experimenting with small adjustments. Not only the angle, but sliding the saddle on the rails front to back. Hopefully you'll find the sweet spot.
I am a small guy @ 5'2" and I have a standard B17, I get a lot of numbness even after a short trip. I think I should have bought the short B17. ...
Great video but does anyone have any advice about cleaning it? Especially underneath, I got it muddy and I'm pondering what to do. Scrape the mud off with a toothbrush?
I have just bought my first even Brooks saddle and the guy at the shop told me to put the proofide only to the bottom side of it. He said it is good enough and that way it wouldn’t transfer onto my clothes. What do you think of this advice?
I just recently got a brooks flyer saddle and I understand that there is a bit of a break in period. With all of the adjustments and fine tuning I still find that part of my bottom rests on the rivets in the back. It's not necessarily uncomfortable but I'm wondering is this normal for some body types or is it a given that at no time should any part of your bottom be making contact with the back seat rivets? Is this a major no no, is that why they are there or just part of their beautiful craftmanship; hoping for the latter. Should I just be patient? All comments welcome. ride on.
Question. What would happen to the cows in the rain?, do they have to have Brookes proofing on them? Love your videos Keep Safe!!
Bahaha that's in a Seinfeld standup special! Too funny.
Hi I was wondering if not having not having holes in side flaps b17, might be a future friction problem for legs, or does this rarely happen?.
Hello, do you know why the chair, even if I tension it with the key, in a very short time, approximately a week, its entire structure begins to sound, even when one hits it with the palm of the hand it begins to sound. Thank you and I would love to go out with you on an adventure one day, hugs. ❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤
If you get the titanium version, will brooks releather it when the leather wears out?
OH! forgot to say those saddles are made in the back streets of Birmingham about 13 miles from us. xx
Ha so cool!! Would love to watch them being made
@@radbikeadventure The factory is one of the points for the "Tweed Run" ,old bikes with riders in old tweed suits for the men and bright summer flowing dresses for us ladies. I must admit I had a B17 some years ago....could not get comfortable on it!! Keep Safe! xx
Try BROOKS//Brooks England-The Blues of an Icon onYou tube
@@alexcochrane8446 Just opened it in a new tab! Really interesting stuff!
@@sheilastallard Ah yes, I've heard of the Tweed Run! Someday gotta be there for it. I'll definitely take the tweed suit outfit tho 🎩
hi! how to take care of the silver rivets around the leather? mine had starts to rust.. :(
Short hair suits you just fine.
Great video, thanks so much. Now subscribed. I take it you do not need to use any padding cycling shorts with these saddles?
At first we did, but now we don't. I only wear padded shorts if I'm going on a ride over 60 miles and that's more because I don't ride every day. On tour, we both ditched our padded shorts. If you're breaking it in tho, a little extra padding might be nice
@@radbikeadventure Thanks. Been watching your NZ adventures, nice.
Merci :)
Follow-up question about riding in the rain.
Let's say you're out riding without a cover on the Brooks when it begins pouring rain. How concerned would you be about getting off the saddle for the time needed to put on a cover or get inside?
I imagine if it had time to dry a 30-second soaking wouldn't cause structural damage, but I'm not sure I'd feel OK riding it the next day. I also wonder if it would permanently darken the leather, proofide notwithstanding. Thoughts? Experiences?
You should have no problem with your scenario.
Very informative…and hot!
Hi, i've been changing saddles and never been confortable. Even got a Brooks Cambium and sold it... my discomfort is the constant pressure of the sit bones on the saddle. Would a leather saddle help me out on this? never mayde more then 50km cycling, and the pain started arround 30/40km :P thanks
Bim 1000 ! 🎉
Your content is excellent and I agree with most of what you said. However, I just want to add my experience, as I think the B17 is great for lighter riders but I don't necessarily think it's such a great option for heavier riders like myself. I had a B17 over 40 years ago when I was a lad and weighed about 75kgs and had a brilliant experience with it, much like most of you are reporting. Fast forward and I now weigh 95kgs and the last B17 I recently bought was nothing but trouble. I had it for 6,000 kilometers and was never comfortable with it. I understand that there's a lot of love for this saddle, I Love it too, but I still wanted to put my voice out there that if you're heavier maybe you should have an alternative in mind. The old fat guy.
I’m a big guy too - 6’3” and 225 lbs. I tried 3 Brooks saddles, plus a Selle Anatomica and a Rivet. None of them worked. I finally figured out that all those saddles, which have virtually identical frames, only have about 125mm distance between the horns of the rear frame. My 140mm sit bones were literally sitting on the frame of the saddle. Those saddles were never going to break in for me. The 177mm width of the B17 is deceptive. Literally an inch on either side is unusable for sitting. I’m now riding an Ergon SMC medium/large - far and away the most comfortable saddle I’ve ever used.
@@jbwillson Good to hear you've got something that now works. I may take a closer look at Ergon. I switched from the B17 to a Selle SMP TRK and it's much better. However, I still think I could get something a little better. Just bought another bike and that's maybe an opportunity to give the Ergon a go. Ride safe. JP
Just avoid the Brooks Professional. It’s even harder and noticeably narrower. It may work for some but mine was brutal.
today is the second day that i have my b17 and it already feels a litlebit softer
Are you using the short version?
My Proofide turned rancid and I bought it with my B17, 6 years ago. I don't think it can last the life of the saddle unfortunately.
I've been a big fan of the Flyer saddle over the years but I am having some very bad discomfort with my most recently obtained one -- it feels like my entire underside wants to explode while I am riding.
If you change between bikes, I wonder if people take their Brooks saddle from one bike to another -or- people just buy one Brooks for each bikes?
👍
Breaking a saddle in does NOT take a couple of weeks.
When I first installed mine, I did about 800km in around 10 days and then I used that bike quite a lot (I'm a daily commuter, but I do have other bicycles).
In my case, it took about 6 months till it fitted like a glove.
It was confortable from the get go, but I know some people never manage to break it in (rare cases).
Thank goodness we can now find places to buy proof-I'de here in the United states. I bought my Brooks B-17 saddle about three and a half months ago, and due to covid-19, I couldn't find the proof-I'de anywhere here.
I've been using Sno Seal for 10 years. Good product and a cheaper alternative.
I ordered mine off the Brooks website.