How To Care For Your Brooks Saddle: Everything You Need to Know!

[@thubtenmunsel8873]

Love my Brooks, auditioned over a dozen saddles that I couldn’t get past 20 miles on-Brooks was love at first ride. Touring I was towing two dogs and full panniers at around 50-55 kilos of weight. I needed a forgiving saddle. My saddle and bike were crushed when I was t-boned by an SUV. After four years I’m ready to tour again, it was emotional to open up the box of my new Brooks. Hopefully, we don’t get crushed this time!

[@MrImhotoph]

Another tip, use a paintbrush to apply the proofide underneath your saddle. And in colder conditions warm up the proofide so it is more soft and easier to apply.

[@radbikeadventure]

Great tips! Thank you Jeroen! I actually did use a tiny paintbrush on the older, salvaged Brooks. Works a charm.

[@i.t.t.]

always read the comments 1st 😭

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

A quick blow over with a hairdryer also helps get an even soak in. 😊

[@popefacto5945]

When I bought my B67, I got an extra tin of Proofide for the underside. Heated it with a hot air gun and brushed the entire tin on in several coats. 11 years later, I can still feel a thin film under the saddle.

[@danielniesing5628]

Never used proofhide on my b17 Brooks saddle. Mink oil or beeswax. My saddle is over 40 years old and I am an avid biker. Brooks saddles rock!

[@TheRoybus19666]

yep.... mink oil from the shoe shop is the best thing i have used

[@radbikeadventure]

Beeswax?! do you mix the two? I'm curious!

[@Spaxcore]

Obviously the mink oil has worked great for you but to others I'd be careful what you treat it with as it may void the 10 year warranty on those bought now.

[@keithsmith2579]

Great video, interesting to hear about the wrench / spanner discussion; as ever it seems we and our American cousins are separated by the same lingo; I guess we should also add in our Aussie and Kiwi cousins not forgetting of course those other inhabitants of the American Continent living North of your border the Canucks, meaning five nations. You're correct in saying that in the UK we tend to refer to a tool with a fixed jaw that fits over and allows a nut to be turned as a spanner, wrenches are more likely to be adjustable, but even they are called an 'adjustable spanner'! I do however, have two torque wrenches, one I used to use on my cars back in the day when you could work on them and the other, I bought specifically for working on both my carbon framed bicycles. My mate bought two B30 saddles from E-Bay for a knock down price and I have been riding mine for circa two years without having applied Brooks 'Proofide' or adjusting the tensioner....might be that the first outing bruised my seat bones so badly I fitted a gel cover and have only recently bothered to remove it. That was because the saddle had started creaking so I adjusted the tensioner way more than a quarter turn; thankfully / luckily the saddle leather hasn't split but the saddle has started creaking again so now I have applied it's first coat of proofide and hope that the irritating creak buggers off! Once again, a jolly good video, well done! Finally must mention that during the 1960's as a school boy I had a Brooks saddle and I rode with it for several years without ever needing to proof it or adjust it....a different century and maybe just school boy luck.

[@ottoman1755]

Greatest saddles on earth!! Changed my life!!

[@tibbar1000]

C. Itoh actually made some high quality bikes in the 70’s , although the brand is often associated with low end construction. I digress… my C. Itoh came with a Brooks saddle. I traded it out with my cousin because he was going numb on his Peugeot. Donnie, if you read this ; I want it back! It’s been 43 years and I want it back!

[@jacksonbangs6603]

I am currently using a Brooks saddle on my Trek 520 touring bicycle.

[@SMidberg]

Got a Brooks Colt . 40 -years old .Have used Proofide on top and Ek -ol oil under with a paintbrush. It still looks like brand new .Very comfortable.

[@Roadwarier9871]

I'm digging you and your wealth of knowledge of the Brooks saddles.Just order the B67..Your soooo awesome thank you..

[@arcoulant87]

B17 special Honey, bedded in after 50 miles ! one thing about a Brooks you sit in the saddle and not on ,and the nose slightly up works for me.

[@jmjoutdoor]

Great video. Just fitted my first Brooks B17. I’ve spent so much money trying to find a saddle that doesn’t give me pain. I hope this is the one that works. 200 miles should tell 😀

[@LozMyKeys]

Don't be like me and try and do a whole load of miles at once :D

[@johnwelch557]

Most comfortable saddles period. I've ridden them since the late '60's. About 200,000 miles. A total of 5 saddles. I have beta tested several for other manufacturers of saddles, all non- leather for several hundred miles each. No comparison. There's a reason Brooks has been around forever. It's the same as a horse saddle. Very few people ride any other material on a horse. Comfortable and wears seemingly forever. THANKS!

[@radbikeadventure]

Since 1866! Yes! So true! A bit where I mention Brooks has been around for more than 150 years is on the cutting room floor lol but that does definitely speak to the craftsmanship.

[@BrianJoyce-dk2sg]

I'm a couple of years late, that being said , informative video, you sold me on brooks saddles , I'm going to include it in my build. Great job thanks.

[@melastname6548]

I went through a few frustrating weeks of saddle testing. tried 3 different wtbs, stock saddles, cheap cloud 9 type saddles I had. got a measuring kit for free from a company I cant remember. which was pretty cool, watched 9000 videos of "expert opinions", on saddle types fittings materials etc. was trying to keep it under 50 dollars but everything I tried, the stock specialized comfort seat that came on my 17 roll, was just as good. wife got me a c17 which was more comfortable out of the box than anything else up to that point. but then it kept nagging at me: if the c17 is this comfortable, what's the b17 like? so I took out a second mortgage & bought a b17 as well. I figured I can alternate them as the b17 breaks in. I only go about 15 miles a day on a comfort bike. but I tend to ride aggressively for fitness sake. my opinion so far, is the c17 is more comfortable at 1st, then begins to become noticeable after awhile, whereas the b17 is uncomfortable for the 1st half of the ride, but then becomes unnoticeable on the 2nd half. between both, I shouldn't need a saddle for years. my only concern now is keeping the b17 moisturized. I live in Vegas and there's little humidity, typically in the single digits. even plastic containers in the garage will dry out and become brittle after awhile.

[@crobbw]

My first proper bike, a Raleigh Grand Prix if I remember correctly, got a significant upgrade with a Brooks saddle which I rode for years and years and I don’t remember ever having trouble with comfort. When I upgraded to a newer bike about 10 years later I gave it to my nitwit uncle who left the bike out in the rain and totally wrecked the that lovely saddle! Grrrrr. Recently bought a gravel bike and am looking to upgrade the saddle, thanks for reminding me about these wonderful products.

[@kaloyan2778]

I just got mine two weeks ago and this really helps to get an idea of what the maintenance looks like. Good to know its about every 6 months, I was wondering if I should already do something.

[@jackward6986]

Just bought a brook’s saddle great tips thanks

[@1969Rake]

I just bought my first Brooks B17. Great vid, I appreciated the info. The care instructions from Brooks are, at best, contradictory.

[@robdawson2]

my B17 Narrow was ten yers old when I got it, ten years ago. I leave it out next to the wall of my hous, kind of protected from rain and snow.. .but it gets blaseted by sun and in this drought heat wave we have had all summer long....... it gets rained on, it gets snowed on whenever I ride in bad weather.... the saddle has been proofed maybe 6 times since I got it... I am also a lard ass, so lots of weight on the saddle.... I ride the bike every day. The saddle is still holding up fine.

[@daveadriffield7296]

Not tensioned or oiled my saddle in 10 years; it appears to be fine. Found the box and spanner (yes spanner) I'll give it a little tension tomorrow as I've just transferred it to my new bike. Thanks for the video.

[@radbikeadventure]

Whatever works! In this case "less is more" is the mantra lol

[@bjorndouglas6905]

You probably dont give a shit but does anyone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow forgot my account password. I love any tips you can offer me!

[@jayzander3577]

@Bjorn Douglas instablaster :)

[@bjorndouglas6905]

@Jay Zander Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site on google and im in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@bjorndouglas6905]

@Jay Zander It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my ass !

[@mawnster36]

I just unpacked my first Brooks was immediately overwhelmed and went straight to YT; so happy to have found this video and channel, anxiety eliminated! Thank you!

[@arturogoos]

I got a b17 in a flea market here in Mexico City, and i love it. Amazing material to keep the saddle in top condition... thank you

[@radbikeadventure]

Flea market find! Heck yea, that's awesome Arturo.

[@nigelmccomb8106]

I have a selle anatomical titanico which is very similar to the brooks , and I find it very comfortable. Same care requirements.

[@mamterilleq]

Thinking of purchasing a brooks for my dalton highway ride I’m planning

[@davidcostello2818]

Thank you

[@HennieBours]

To break in horse saddles you use glycérine soap. It cleans, feeds and softens the leather. You can do it after every ride to help softening it. Might work on the Brooks as well.

[@nonegone7170]

In this case with the harder leather bicycle saddles it's really more about keeping the leather protected than softening it.

[@flappi55]

One of the best videos on Brooks. I don't think I need to watch another. Thanks.

[@ryangordon6403]

Top notch rundown on the saddle. I just ordered my first Brooks. Thanks for answering all my curiosities! Shower caps for the win!

[@dfglandon]

Thanks! Didn’t know about the care of the saddle.

[@radbikeadventure]

Glad it helped David!

[@josefkapelj3842]

Hi Love my Brooks B17 Bought this saddle 20 years ago and it's fantastic still going strong .I've cared for the saddle and its so comfortable my saddle has blended in very well.I really love your videos your the best .cheers.

[@juliantse6730]

Wow 20 years! How much do you tension it and how much of the tension pin Have you used by now?

[@josefkapelj3842]

@@juliantse6730 I use the tool that came with seat. Tension it as required just dont over do it..but recently riding along a bumpy road the tension bolt broke. I was still able to ride back home.I ended going onto a you tube channel discovered how to make a new replacement bolt very EASY and A sense of satisfaction when I made it. Ps the original Brooks replacement bolt price was grossly overpriced hence saved by a you tuber. .cheerd

[@juliantse6730]

@@josefkapelj3842 wow! Do you have a link? Wonder if a longer bolt can be fitted? What percentage of the bolt have you tensioned up to after 20years.. I worry that once reaching 100% of its length, we have no more tension to make if the saddle is already stretched to there after years of use :)

[@andymooresmith5098]

Thank you so much. My honey leather Brooks B67 arrived yesterday and you have told me everything I need to know about taking good care of it...

[@guretsugu]

Just picked up my brand new 2021 Sutra on Friday and totally had no idea you need to tension these. Awesome tips!

[@as-tm7np]

did yours come with a spanner?

[@guretsugu]

@@as-tm7np for the saddle? It did not, and didn't think at the time to ask about it.

[@as-tm7np]

@@guretsugu Yeah for the saddle, the retail package normally comes with a spanner.

[@as-tm7np]

@@guretsugu had to ask as I've had two sutra's and neither had a spanner, but I thought the store had lost it. I guess the bike just doesn't come with one

[@ohwell2790]

In the instructions it states to do the under side also and to do that first.

[@BadHotPotato]

Thank you very much for this video. I'm planning to buy one for my mother, hope she'll like it.

[@spektrumB]

Shower cap wins. I save my B17 for long trips. Using Cabium C17 for daily rides.

[@wilshirewarrior2783]

I found the B17 comfy right out of the box and gets better

[@radbikeadventure]

Us too! Glad you're enjoying the comfort of the Brooks!

[@andyclark1173]

Great video. I have second hand 1978 B17 professional you can’t beat leather. Cool to ride in the summer and vice versa.

[@prior8t2000]

Great Video, absolutely amazing stuff and incredible interesting story line... Tanks....

[@SurlyRider2019]

I’ve had the b17 copper for about a year and I ride every day. I have never used anything on it and it’s just the way I like it.

[@jweebs2785]

All butts are different but B17 felt perfect from day one. I did apply Proofride first and pointed the nose higher than I thought made sense (but apparently that's how it works).

[@octiopi]

Would love to see your long term review of Brooks saddles and the perceived differences between the regular snd short saddles! This is a great review, perfect balance of straight forward and detailed

[@clarkdenby7089]

Great video. Got a B17, and video is really helpful. Thank you

[@gutturf]

I used to have a work bike when I worked in a large manufacturing plant that was a long way to the parking lot. I had the dollar shower cap to protect the seat when I left it out in the rain, but every time I left it on there, someone stole it. I then got the 5 for a dollar really cheap and thin shower caps, and they never stole those.

[@stevenewart3873]

Waiting for my Brooks b17 imperial to be delivered. Brooks have stopped delivering to the UK so get one now!

[@TM-vg4mx]

yes strange and funny as it called Brooks England, I want one as well.

[@dmitryl1690]

Thank you very much for tips,how take care of your brooks saddle!

[@krzysztof6723]

Super idea with the shower cap...! :D And how can you protect leather grips from the rain...?

[@429supercj]

I just got the b17s because it's the same size as my BMX cruiser seats and this was extremely informative. I know it says for ladies and small riders but it's the size I'm used to and I hope my weight doesn't hurt it, I don't think it will.

[@alliwilli123]

Just got a new B17, thanks for the tutorial! Looking forward to putting many miles on it

[@radbikeadventure]

Enjoy!

[@91LX50Mike]

Love my Brooks B17 saddle....

[@OverTheHillPhil]

Spanner over here in Wales (UK). Didn't get a spanner to adjust the tension, but I bought mine some 30 years back - I think an email/purchase from Brooks may well do the job of resolving that one.

[@stolenorange]

I've just scored a Ti Brooks Finesse - super rare and barely used. I'll be rubbing that stuff in - it looks a bit dry. Thanks for demystifying the process 👍

[@1UpKroeker]

Yes I have been always wondering if I should get one. After watching all you videos, or at least making a dent in the video list, I am pulling the trigger on a 2021 Kona Sutra with a Brooks B17 saddle. Keep on biking.

[@radbikeadventure]

Heck yea Jeff! You'll love it!

[@ShantiTrish]

Thankyou l love my brooks leather saddle. I rode the Brompton saddle on my bike, but honestly l always found it uncomfortable. My son bought me one as a present and riding is sheer bliss. Thankyou for your video, l didn’t realise you can use a spanner to adjust the tension. Best wishes to you and your viewers.☺️🌈👌

[@SYLVAINDURAND77]

Thank you for this video, it is very useful. Also you look so happy!

[@lovefreebee]

i have the ol' skool wright saddles before brooks acquired just love it cuz they're already broken in such a gorgeous shape & condition mounted on my pista fixie bike...priceless!

[@mildthing]

Idk if you talked me into it or out of it?? lol But I think Imma gonna grab one tho. Thanks for the video and the tips. A lot of things I did not know

[@marklewis2519]

Shank you Rad! I finally got that FIRST Brooks with my new Kona Sutra and damn 😂does it ROCK🤩. I don't sit on it, I sit IN it! ❤❤❤ True 👍 Luv 😂at last!

[@svgs650r]

Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP is an awfully awesome leather conditioner/perservative

[@jacksonbangs6603]

I must say that my Brooks saddle is the most comfortable saddle I have ever used. Great 👍 video!

[@kippywylie]

Do you think a Brooks saddle would be a good idea for an ebike where the geometry is very upright?

[@1234superduper]

I'm enjoying your videos.

[@radbikeadventure]

Happy to hear that Patrick! Thanks for being here!

[@ricpelkey8530]

First time watching one of your videos. Awesome job! Will watch more :)

[@cezrok5405]

Good video thank you

[@alexcochrane8446]

Thanks for giving Brooke a good mention. One of the few success stories from the Golden Age of British Cycle Touring still around. Worth looking at some of Brookes videos showing how there made. Really old world.

[@radbikeadventure]

Alex Cochrane Oh we will definitely check those videos out! Thanks Alex!

[@ukpaul9221]

Thanks for the tips. Useful for my Brooks. Might be worth mentioning that the cream or oil will soak in much better if saddle is in GENTLE warmth - not to 'cook' it but to ease penetration,. Rather than buy a posh saddle cover, a redundant (but still undamaged) shower cap often does the trick against rain or sun. WHOOPS! You just said that - great minds think alike. The thing about the Brooks cover is that it tells potential bike thieves - 'this bike must be tasty due to the posh extras lavished on it'. Also it's vastly overpriced. Bonus tips were good - I had my heart in my mouth each time I took my bike on the train to the start point of journeys - esp when some goons with mountain bikes simply threw their mounts in the baggage car. As you say - PROECT IT! Every good wish from Paul in the UK midlands

[@leeranaldo9776]

Great video, thanks. Nothing to say about the laces? I've had my B17 for 5-6 years now and never re-laced it (or re-tensioned it - gonna do that today!) - I keep wondering if I need to re-lace it or maybe even use a diff set of the holes when (and if) I re-lace it...

[@greggr1591]

You show how easy it is to keep a Brooks in perfect shape -- nicely done. I have three bikes & each one has a B17; won't ride without one. One more tip: up here in the rainy PNW, at the first sign of damp I slip on a plastic ziploc bag and then the saddle cover. It rides fine and the saddle (topside & underside) stays dry.

[@nikovidya7994]

I think you could theoretically use other leather conditioners like obenauf's or sno seal, but those are made for soft leather like boots and belts. A Brooks saddle is a hard leather, so the Proofide probably works better for that reason

[@MarcMallary]

My B17 Imperial frame broke after only 6 years, just when it was getting good. I'm going to replace the frame myself, using wide copper rivets. The new frame is copper platted too. I bought a Thomson Elite seat post, because the part that clamps on the rail is longer and supports the rail better. I tried a Selle Anatomica seat and their bike frames brake worse, because the frame is not well designed; even though it had some good design features. I'm a large male, so the seats is carrying a heavier load, but it might never fail for a lighter person.

[@rpt0rman]

Have had my brooks for a while and this video had everything I needed to learn to care fair it!! Thanks and ya gained a new subscriber

[@erwinerwin1245]

Just got my Brooks saddle today (May 14 2023) and your video was super informative. I have tried about 5 other seats and all are painful. I just discovered this saddle a few days ago as I had never heard of it before.. I have two questions. Does one have to tighten that tension bolt at the front right out of the box or after a few days of riding. (I also had no idea what that was for but you explained it well) Could this seat be installed on a candle stick post as most are, with the one big bolt if one installs that hardware or must it be installed with the two clamps on the railing.

[@peterpage1721]

I use Snowseal on all my leather products because it only has wax, no fatty acids. This means it does not help soften the leather as much but it also does not break down the leather chemically. I learned about this decades ago from a chemist who used Snowseal on his leather motorcycle jackets. He had a jacket that was about 25 years old and looked new. I use a hair drier to help melt the wax into the leather. My oldest Brooks saddle is about 45 years old and in good condition. The leather has not cracked or become too soft.

[@mingology7767]

Wonderful! May be should do one on how to dry and maintain the Brooks saddle after riding in torrential rain...

[@tatlongbikekalang1390]

Thanks for the tips! Just got my B17 today.

[@radbikeadventure]

woohoo!

[@xrgiok]

Your smile is awesome!

[@K1989L]

I've had my B17 for ten years and just a year or two ago I tensioned it the first time. I have not been very protective of it. Just make sure it does not get completely soaked. And I ride it year round. Maybe once or twice a year I apply bees wax on it. It's the best saddle I've ever had and I just bought my third one. I agree that tensioning is better done late than too early. But maybe not as late as I did cause the nose came off of the nut already and that's why I tensioned it. But the saddle is very comfortable when it sags.

[@radbikeadventure]

yea i know some people like it with a little more give. just gotta be careful not letting it get too far but sounds like it's still working great for ya!

[@coastdownhills]

Great video. I have four Brooks saddles, three Team Pros and one Ti Swift, for the three bikes I routinely ride. I rotate them about once a year with one always in storage just in case something happens just before a tour. My first saddle was 25 years ago and did seem to take about 200 miles to break in. When it appeared Brooks may go away I quickly bought another Team Pro and immediately put it on my primary bike. There was no break in discomfort. It was not the saddle that broke in. One tip not mentioned. Position is critical for comfort. a millimeter in tilt, height, fore and aft can make a world of difference. It took me 200 miles to get the first saddle's adjustment dialed in. For years my saddles needed no tension adjustment. Now they need it about once a year. I attribute that to me sitting heavier in the saddle as I get older, fatter, and weaker.

[@Deus-Too]

Thank goodness we are now able to find Proof-ide here in the United states. For the past three months, I was unable to find it anywhere on sale here, due to covid-19.

[@davidstecher1171]

Good explaination. Thumps up!👍

[@johnlindsay6270]

Super video, thank you! More use than the official Brooks one. From an old Brit living in Austria doing a few overnighters and occasional 4/5 day trips. Had my B17 for 5 years and struggled a bit getting it back to "just so" after a soaking in an alpine thunderstorm last year.

[@radbikeadventure]

Oh no! Glad you were able to salvage it though. Mine has definitely gotten wetter than it should have (flash rain storms in NZ!) which leads me to freaking out lol. Now I just ALWAYS cover it

[@johnlindsay6270]

@@radbikeadventure I do now as well. Genuine Brooks cover plus plastic bag when rain forecast at campsite!

[@radbikeadventure]

John Lindsay Definitely a good call! But it is amazing how long they’ll last if cared for. Love that. Worth the $$$ many times over for us.

[@johnlindsay6270]

@@radbikeadventure By the way, thank you for responding to my comments. Made my day!

[@fanchroignant7236]

I wish Brooks customer service could answer when the durability of Brooks saddle is in question. It's the second time in 6 years my rails broke. The first time I had it repaired which costed me some money, and then only 2 years after the fixing they broke again. I'm not the heaviest one on my saddle but I do ride on a daily basis, I chose Brooks because of the reputation and now I'm not so sure that they worth their reputation. I wondered what does the Brooks customer service have to say about it. After 2 reminders by e-mail still don't have any answer... Durability they said... I kinda doubt that now

[@Ross.Bagatski]

In my case, shoe wax Woly Wax Active works just fine. So I didn't buy Brooks proofide since I already had the vax. I prefer Imperial models with good ventilation and holes on the sides allowing to lace the saddle i.e. tighten it in transverse direction rather than only longitudinal (bolt). But I suppose you can do the holes yourself or ask a local cobbler to do it. I prefer Ladies models as they are wider and shorter. Vaude raincover is cheaper and works fine as well. I made only one mistake with my saddle. One night I left my bike standing upside down near the tent. And next morning, I found that it was raining during the night. So the raincover protected it from the water outside but still it worked as a pool collecting water dripping from the bike. The saddle got wet. The worst thing is that I had to ride on it. That's what stretched it. Still, after the trip I washed it, made it wet again, loosened the bolt, allowing leather to shrink while drying. After drying and proofing, I tightened and laced it. Well it's as good as new. The only thing is I had to unscrew the bolt half way so I have 50 % of saddle life left in terms of stretching.

[@endelrandoja9815]

Thanks for the video. I've actually had my Brooks Saddle since I bought my Schwinn Sport Tourer in 1975: now I use it on my Cannondale M700, and plan on using it on whichever Gravel Bike I buy next year. It was looking like it needed a little TLC, so I watched your video. Big help, thank you.

[@radbikeadventure]

Glad it helped Endel. And how cool you've been keeping it going so long!

[@endelrandoja9815]

@@radbikeadventure photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMa9u-wmaD3HuKCqhx4n_4xhLk8FnsoN3StZW6y

[@SabrinaCWB168]

My Brooks saddle cover got pinched. So I use a small carrier bag from Zara that I found in the house. It works great and I can thread my bike lock though the handle XD

[@radbikeadventure]

Nice! Any kind of water proof bag or covering works well! Sometimes we use our tent bag 👍

[@lsh-zi2lc]

First B17 , Your information is wonderful, Thanks!

[@gordonmosher7714]

On last year's tour I did 2,000 km in 2 weeks in a cheap saddle and cheap gel seat cover. Saddle sore was my biggest opportunity for improvement. I bought a Brooks B17 saddle and I've put 900 km on mine and bum still gets sore after 80 km or so. I'd like to be able to ride a 4,000 km, 4 week tour in $60 bike shorts with a regular shammy. I bought the Brooks 'spanner' which arrived today. I loosened the saddle just about all the way. Hopefully this does the trick and I won't need to get a pair of $200+ bike bib or another gel seat cover.

[@radbikeadventure]

Be careful taking all the tension out. I do find that no matter what the saddle, sit bones will get sore after about 80-90km yes especially if you don't often ride that distance

[@gordonmosher7714]

@@radbikeadventure Yes, taking all the tension out was not the best. I took all the tension out and then gave it 2 quarter turns. I now have 1,600 km on this saddle and it is getting supple. I did 100 km last night after work - no soreness. Did 200 km a couple of weekends ago and was sore-free for the first 150 km. So I guess another lesson is: do not give up on this saddle. Thanks for the tip.

[@mridangaspencer]

Thanks sooooooo much for such am awesome video! really helpful and much appreciated! Yes, spanner here in the UK ha ha

[@paulojrg]

I have 4 Brooks also, a B17 that I don't use because the "wings" rub my inner thighs but I have 3 B15 "Swallow" that I love. Fenders are a good way to keep the under side of the Brooks protected as it seems the most porous part and is where I proof it the most I don't use the Brooks saddle cream but use saddle grease and never had any issue and apply it with a toothbrush to get through every nook and cranny. I have also did a kind of protective all weather cover with wrapping plastic covered with duck tape if done right is very good at keeping your saddle from the elements and lasts a long time - it's not pretty though. For tension I go by sound but they last a long time, they're hard but also flexible which is better than a soft saddle.

[@CaffeineJogger]

Great vid. I’m Aussie, picked up a b17!for $50 Aussie and looks great. I’ve had a few on my Brompton’s. I’ll proofide it and tighten but no idea what is too tight or too loose. What you think? Cheers

[@billmaidment5623]

I love the shower cap!

[@Whereisshellymiscavige]

My took like 3000 miles to break in. But I love brooks b17. I have four of thrm

[@andrewm6192]

Thanks for the advice, especially the tensioning 😀

[@radbikeadventure]

Glad it helped!

[@johnparsons1857]

You left out one very important item-How do you lace the saddle? What's the objective, how many holes to use, and finally, how the heck do you tie off the lace to hold it in place? I've used a hemostat to make a tight square knot.

[@markjlewis]

I have a B17 in red (no longer available) and have recently bought an Imperial (aka Carved, I have no idea why the name has changed) in honey as I spotted a deal that I couldn't resist. Have had a problem with the red B17 as the colour really faded on some parts of the leather. I contacted Brooks and they asked me to return it to them. They replaced the leather top and sent it back to me within a few days. Luckily as I live in the UK the shipping time was minimal. Good service from Brooks. It's a pity to see that they have removed the blue, green and red leathers from the colour options for the B17 but I guess you have to be weird like me to want a non traditional colour (black, brown or honey).

[@Historyisnotwas]

Rad Bike- By far the best Brooks and bike info I have come across in a long time. Very well done!! So I'm considering getting my first Brooks B-17. I'm making a replica 1920's era Path Racer. I'm 5'-2" slender build 145 lbs and a male. Hopefully this doesn't sound like an odd question: but would the B-17 ( short) ladies be a better fit for someone like me based on my height and weight? There aren't any bike shops around that carry Brooks Saddles ( or at least none that can be tested prior to purchse). Also do they make the B-15 in a short? Thanks for the great bike content. happy riding.

[@thomasarcturus8947]

Got my GF a new B17 short. She loves it but it's very slick. She slides around. Any tips for fixing that?

[@radbikeadventure]

It’s supposed to be slick! Sliding helps prevent friction. Takes some getting used to. It will get a little less slick over time as sweat soaks in

[@nathanmacfarlane1067]

Thank you for this, now I feel confident caring for my brooks. Still not sure if I like the saddle though.

[@radbikeadventure]

Not for everyone but most people grow to love it. It may not be love at first sit tho

[@3232groundhog]

Absolutely love you guys! I’m totally bingeing out on your videos. You give good advice and keep it real and with a great sense of humour to boot. Great job. 👍🙏

[@umojacleanwater]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Can you ride without using padded shorts on Brooks saddle? Many thanks

[@holyfool214]

Hi there. Really glad you did this video. I have a collection of Brooks saddles. One of them has gotten quite saggy and when i tried to tighten it, it did not work because the whole mechnism just turned and tightening was impossible. I tried to grab another part so it wouldn't just turn and turn and turn without anythign happening, but was unable to get it to stay in place so as to be able to actually tighten it. Does this make sense? Any thoughts on whether there is a fix for this?

[@agoogleuserblootet5111]

Do you have to Proofide the TOP of a "softened" B67 Saddle ? Thanks.