DO NOT BUY A BROOKS SADDLE (without watching this)

[@freespeechoneeach]

this saddle has been abused. ive had a brooks b17 22 years and it still looks perfect. covered when in rain stored inside when not in use and proofhided every 6 months. ive tentioned it 2 times in all these years only a quarter of a turn each time. im 56 now and i know ill never have to buy another saddle again. i dont want another saddle this one fits me like a sofa.

[@BK-pg5fr]

My brooks b17 saddle is almost 2 years now and it looks brand new ! Judging by the condition of your bike, you don't care about the bike and that is why

[@rangersmith4652]

They don't kill animals to make Brooks saddles. The animal hides come from animals being used for food and thus already dead. That's the case with lots of leather products.

[@rangersmith4652]

@Homie Sure, we could wait for animals to die. But imagine going to the market and having the meat their all be labeled a "natural death" or "road kill" product.

[@rangersmith4652]

@Homie Humans are biological omnivores.

[@rangersmith4652]

@Homie An argument based on Man's nature, yes. A false argument? No. I don't rank having a steak with murder, so don't ask me to. Your choice to avoid eating meat is yours to make, as is mine to eat it. I have no moral or theological issue with either position. God created Man to be the big man on campus, gave him dominion over the rest of His creation. That includes tasty animals. It doesn't give us license to treat them cruelly, as food industries sometimes do, but it does give us a superior place in the hierarchy. Do you worry about how plants feel about being harvested and eaten? Do you think animals that eat other animals are wrong in doing so? Man was NOT created to be murderers and rapists. We were created to be godly, but then there was that whole snake in the garden thing. Ever since, we're tempted to think we know everything.

[@rangersmith4652]

@Homie You have a right to your views, but now you're insulting and demeaning my God, the same God worshiped by hundreds of millions of people all over the world. You really think your views are so strong? What if you're wrong? You go through life insulting God and it turns out He's real, and you've missed out on His guidance, support, and unconditional love, and the boat to eternity is sailing without you while you munch on some roots and berries. Now what are you going to do?. This conversation is over, but I will pray for your soul.

[@dentambulance]

You probably not even thinking you wear leather pants belt and shoes 😂

[@porkchop1343]

This saddle was left outdoors for long periods of time. Expose to Rain. Snow. Sun etc.Mine is 2 years old and still like new.

[@daveadriffield7296]

You seem unlucky with saddles. I've had my Brooks B17 for over 10 years with no maintenance and it looks great.

[@xd1be9nb7v]

he's just an idiot. unfortunately the saddle is not idiot proof.

[@markperrins3152]

Don’t be too hard on yourself, my B17 did this from almost new! The leather was in perfect condition, had never gotten wet (some judgemental folk here declaring your had - when they don’t know!) the saddle was in good tension, but, the C section liner had slipped off the two steps machined into the adjustment washer/collar. There were two causes, 1) the C section nose liner was too wide and I had to correct this with a C- clamp which I clamped where the front rivets are positioned. 2) one of the steps on the adjustment collar had a very round shoulder so it was easy for the liner to just slip off. I am not at all impressed with the manufacturing tolerances of the saddle adjustment mechanism on my Brooks B17. Now I’ve narrowed the nose liner I’m hoping it will stay in place, despite the poorly machined collar it sits on - we’ll see! The leather wasn’t badly deformed on mine so I’m hoping I caught it in time. I should not have to do this on an expensive B17 special that had only done 600 miles when the problem first showed itself. It’s a really comfortable saddle, but I advise people to check under the nose of the saddle periodically to see if things are properly seated.

[@deadmanprodinc]

Not sure why your title says not to by Brooks saddles. The underside of your seat show a lot of rust which indicates the bike lived outside not indoors or was poorly maintained even if left indoors. Also by your own admission you were not vigilant in your attention to the saddle. Applying mink oil or other conditioners to the seat is a pretty intimate process and most riders would notice issues with their saddle that may need their attention. This appears to be your doing which is not fair to Brooks. I've had a B-17 since 2011 and it will likely serve me another 10 or more years. If you go online you will find the B-17 is the most desired touring seat produced, and that is not because they are poorly made.

[@torokun]

Click bait

[@4336aaa]

Looks more like a saddle that got wet, then used while it was still wet. Resulting in a stretched and deformed saddle. What's worse is some people promote this as a way to break in a leather saddle.

[@NonLegitNation2]

just bought a used B17 and I asked a cycling subreddit that exact question, can i wet the saddle and ride it to help it break in faster, lol. I've decided not to do that and just throw some conditioner on it and ride it like normal. I do plan on going on a 15 mile ride the day after I get it though.

[@NonLegitNation2]

@@4336aaa I just received the saddle today and it's in great condition, looks barely used although the leather did look really dried out. I applied some Bick Heavy Duty Leather Preservative and now the saddle looks brand new. As a bonus it turns out this is actually the "softened" version so it won't need as much breaking in as the standard B17. I really got a great deal on this saddle only having to spend $71.

[@user-do5hd7zb4x]

Dear Bewildered, your choice of saddle brand was good, however the model may have not had the best leather to begin with. Opinion only. I owned several Peugeots over the years most of which had the Brooks Professional racing saddles. If Brooks is still manufacturing these, I would heartily recommend them over the :B17. They have anti chafe on the sides and will support your anatomy as well as lessen saddle sores. They were designed for racers who would ride all day. I reccomend the Brooks Professional over all other Brooks models. Even the so called Tourist model. The Bicycle racers of the 1970s chose Brooks Pro. On Raleigh, Peugeot, and I think Gitane. At any rate I hardly ever used saddle cream on my brooks pros. And they never let me down except on one used brooks pro. That I applyed olive oil to. SHE RIPPED OUT WHILE I WAS RIDDING; SOUNDED LIKE A PAPER CUTTER" CA CHUNK!" SO KEEP YOUR NEW BROOKS PRO. RACING DRY FROM THE START AND YOU SHOULD BE JUST FINE. DONT GIVE UP ON BROOKS I BELIEVE THEY ARE STILL THE BEST. YOU MIGHT TRY SILICONE SPRAY TO WATERPROOF YOUR BROOKS ALTHOGH ITS PROBABLY NOT RECOMENDED A MOTORCYCLE BUDDY OF MINE RECOMENDED USING SILICONE ON LEATHER AND IT MIGHT HELP. RE MEMBER BROOKS BAKES THEIR SADDLES AND ANY WATER I WOULD THINK WOULD RUIN THEIR FORM. HOPE THIS HELPS.

[@user-do5hd7zb4x]

I have heard that . Cod oil tallow and I think beeswax are the ingredients in Proofide by brooks. You can make it yourself , just melt the ingredients slowly over low heat on electric burner. Use tuna can and melt beeswax first then slowly add other ingredients. Dont take your eyes off the tuna can, wax can erupt causing severe burns. I have made patting boot polish this similar way. I T MIGHT BE EASYIER TO JUST SEND AWAY FOR THE PROOFIDE LEATHER DRESSING BUT THAT IS THE OLNY PRODUCT I WOULD USE ON NEW BROOKS SADDLE. THEN KEEP A SHOWERCAP ON YOUR SADDLE AT ALL TIMES. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL RAIN! I WOULD AVOID NEETSFOOT OIL AS IT WILL MAKE SADDLE TOO SOFT AND SADDLE WILL LOOSE ITS NATURAL SPRINGYNESS. HOPE IVE HELPED IN SOME WAY. BYE!

[@markdstump]

Better than most videos on this topic.

[@kostasdervos1093]

I knew there were people able to easily destroy anything.

[@CosgroveNotts]

Not had had any problems with mine. I do check stuff periodically

[@peterkim1999]

This video sounds like a paid negative ad sponsored by Terry. Though I like my Terry saddle also, Brooks B17 saddle is currently go to saddle Terry Gel saddle is now just sitting in a box.

[@camerond8176]

This seat was neglected, abused and destroyed..................literally ridden hard and put away wet. You either rode is soaking wet (multiple times), never adjusted the tension(obviously), and conditioned it sparsely if at all. The fact it lasted 6 years of abuse is amazing.......................a plastic or modern seat would have given up the ghost in a year or 2 tops. I have seen B17's last 30+ years when cared for, conditioned twice a year and never ridden wet.

[@animatorgeek]

Wow, that's some extreme stretching. I wouldn't think it would get so bad after just six years. Honestly, I think this saddle would have benefitted from some tensioning, which would also get you down under the nose to see what was going on before it was too late. Regardless, I'm sorry your saddle died.

[@user-ko9wf2ez1s]

C-17 is confortable but not durable b17 is way better

[@NonLegitNation2]

good to know. i just bought a used B17 and it arrives tomorrow. I initially though the saddle looked in really good condition but looking at the photos more closely and comparing it to other B17 saddles it definitely looks like the leather is VERY dried out. I have a tube of Bick Heavy Duty Leather Preservative and a bottle of Bicks 4, both of which I use on my leather boots. I'm going to slather some of that on the saddle tomorrow and hopefully that will rehydrate the leather.

[@aceventuraaceventura2003]

This video has a misleading title that will turn away potential Brooks saddle buyers. I own 4 Brooks saddles and each has it's own unique characteristics and charm. You do have to take care of it regularly just like you do with any leather product. Ever owned a leather shoes? Have you ever worn them in pouring rain and did not take care of properly afterwards? What happened when you did not take care of them? Then you should take care of the Brooks saddles no differently if you want it to take care of YOU!

[@stevelund8184]

My Brooks Swift CAME with the nose tweaked sideways like this. After getting NOWHERE with Brooks on a warranty issue I disassembled the nose and squeezed the nose together so it would fit properly. About a year and a half later the rails broke. Brooks wouldn't warranty (or even acknowledge) that either. Brooks 10-year "Extended" warranty is a SCAM!

[@joanyadhatan]

thanks for your experience, you helped me a lot in my buying decision

[@Vanzanvang]

Just cause your had issues with it, don’t mean you state it’s a bad saddle. I’ve ridden a Imperial model since 2013, not a single issue....oh yeah I was only 135lbs though. I’m thinking you’re oversized or possibly overweight. Normal riding do not let you dig into your Brooks that badly unless you’re really heavy. I’m not saying you’re wrong, some Brooks saddles which may seems comfy but isn’t, such as the Flyer model and the Swallow. But normal B17 & Imperial models are great for me so far.

[@marcsanchez7119]

Watching the video, I see how you have the bikes, full of rust. I am not surprised that the saddle ends like this. I think the problem is the owner. There are very good tutorials on how to properly maintain bicycles. Rule number 1: do not leave your bicycles parked in the open air.

[@StainFPS]

Dude complains about his sadle, but I don't even know how it lasted 6 years seeing how bad you maintained it. By the look of your sadle, you sure didn't grease it enough (should grease the leather every 2/3 months). Plus by looking at the rust under the sadle and overall on your whole bike, that poor bike and sadle slept crazy amount of nights outdoor. Why lying when we can clearly see you didn't take a single bit of care for your bike?

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

Looking at the stripping on the leather, you got it wet. Brooks explicitly tells people to never get their leather saddles wet and even sells covers for them.

[@ed0078]

Thumbs down because of the last comment - give me s break

[@kurmachanneltravel]

sir can i ask what if you want to soften Brooks sandals quickly? because my Brooks sandals are slow to soften when I ride my butt hurts

[@simseven4967]

It is easy trick to soften brand new saddle quick. First spray with silicon spray under metal parts and under rivets to prevent squeaking, apply 3-4 times a decent amount of original proofide, do not use any other leather conditioner because it will ruin your saddle, between every application blow with heat gun at lower temperature to melt proofide so the 5 mil leather can soak a good amount of proofide and soften instantly, upper side need less proofide, you need to rub a small amount. Most people are doing it completely wrong. So if you this, you’ll have a comforable brooks saddle at the first ride✌🏻👍🏻 Hope that helps

[@Toograced]

My gosh bro. You do a lot of rubbing in the saddle. I had my first saddle for nearly 10 years with barely any wear, and my second saddle now for 3 years and no sign of wear yet. I sit on my seat nearly 80% of the time. My seats have all been gel cushioned seats with fake leather material on the outside.

[@bootsowen]

Another great video Diecaster D

[@the1andonly]

Hi there. Good video and definitely useful. I actually had that happen to my Brooks, but caught it on time. Mine looks asymmetrical, but not as bad as yours. I think it is because my left leg was injured severely in an accident, years ago. Some muscle tissue was removed surgically and the leg is noticeably thinner and weaker. I love my Brooks and recently made a video about it too.

[@myself61607]

Thank you. I will inspect my B17 which definitely has gone asymmetrical after ten years.

[@jasonochoa3317]

Good video, I am considering a brooks saddle.

[@owenchuarbx]

There's another newer range you can try from brooks, the Cambium which is made from vulcanized rubber and cotton and it's maintenance free.

[@Klips005]

Exactly ✨

[@animatorgeek]

@@Klips005 Maintenance free, yes, but it doesn't last. That cotton surface is not durable like a Brooks leather saddle.

[@Klips005]

@@animatorgeek I've actually moved on to an SQ Labs 60x ergowave saddle, fkn amazing for my personal preference

[@HungrysitesRu]

It's just a $100 saddle, not a piece of art. Just use it and throw it away when it's done.

[@recyclespinning9839]

thanks for the review, I'm thinking about getting one ,, by the way they have to kill animals anyways when they killing for food.. I guess they have to do something with the leather,, poor animals..

[@youngmarwood]

You have to use Brooks Proofide on the leather, other leather waxes and oils can soften the leather too much and cause it to stretch. I inherited an old Brooks B17 many years ago and applied general leather oil because I didn't know any better. 2 years later and the saddle had stretched so much I could no longer tension it, after 20+ careful years of use in all weather by my dad I'd managed to kill it through ignorance. A B17 should last for decades if well looked after so long as you only use Brooks Proofide and go easy on the tensioning.

[@27bikebrothers27]

c 17 no thanks

[@geefim2144]

Ruined the video with your last sentence 🤦🏽

[@oefzdegoeggl]

lol. if you want something that is truly maintainance-free, then drop that bicycle stuff and walk instead. barefoot preferably.

[@chenchodorji6639]

Do not complain after using for 4 years

[@vegiguy16]

Yea, leather saddles suck. For that matter, anything made out of leather sucks. It's stupid making something out of a dead cow's skin that's going to need a lot of maintenance, since it's no longer living.

[@user-gn6kd7ox1s]

OKAY DOOMER