PTW

Since the saddle on my Super Galaxy has just completely fallen apart (in just over a year) I have bought the 'upgrade', i.e. the saddle that comes with the Ultra Galaxy. Yes, get me pipe and slippers love, I've just bought a Brooks B17 Std leather saddle. Well, it was only 29 quid.

To my annoyance, the instructions say to treat it with 'Proofide' during the breaking in period, and nothing but Proofide. I could have done with knowing that when I was ordering it, since now I'm going to have to pay another shot of postage and packing. One place I've found charges 5 quid for the tin, and 5 quid to post it! No thank you.

Therefore, two questions:

- do you have to treat it with Proofide, or is something else just as good? I notice actually that the site I bought it from (CTC Shop, aka Evans Cycles) doesn't even sell Proofide, which seems a bit odd if it's so vital.
- where can you get it round here, without paying stupid P&P?

And finally, to the only person that reads this board that I know has a leather saddle, well done Alf on your ride. I should think it should just about be broken in by now

Ask John williams as he uses brooks saddles

re: Brooks B17 - good call!

re: Proofide - I don't know where you can get it locally but some sort of equestrian 'saddle shop' (I'm sure that there is a precise name for these) will sell something similar.

For me Proofide was enough and I'm wary of some folks advice of soaking it various concoctions like neatsfoot oil. On the web I've even seen reference to using engine oil!

You shouldn't do it on purpose but getting your Brooks wet in the rain does seem to speed up the breaking in process. Don't forget to apply the Proofide to the underside. I love putting Proofide on my Brooks on a warm sunny day... it's quite a sensual experience.

The Raucous AUK wrote

re: Brooks B17 - good call!
I love putting Proofide on my Brooks on a warm sunny day... it's quite a sensual experience.

care to elaborate on the sensual experience

No. Apart from stating that on the world wide web it's a personal matter

One word "urine" and no I'm not taking the P155!