This salve can also be rubbed into a brand-new saddle to shorten the break-in period. This is what a leather saddle can do for you if you treat it properly. The natural way, of course, is to continuously use it until you hit that point. We have saved the most complicated method we have tested out for last. Get reviews on bikes and bike accessories by world-class experts. First of all, make sure to use an old pair of bike shorts or a black pair when going on a ride after any breaking in method is performed. Brooks saddles come in several width categories. “It is not the name of BROOKS which makes the saddle good, but the saddle and its excellence which makes the name supreme.” – The Brooks Book for Cyclists, 1912. The Flyer model has springs for comfort and the B-17 does not. Afterwards, use your fingers to flex the saddle, especially around where the sit bones go. How long that time is can be variable. Once out of the box the Brooks saddle feels very solid, in fact it’s actually hard to believe that it could ever become comfortable. All of these are daily available in any online shops. During the spring of 2011 I made the decision to try out a tensioned, unpadded leather saddle again. Keep in mind that you only need to immerse your saddle in oil only once in its lifetime. Over the next few years, I’ve probably moved it a total of about 3/8 of an inch and I apply fresh Proofide about twice a year or just before I think I’m going to be riding in the rain. When I bought my Brooks Champion Flyer saddle, I read everything I could about how to break it in properly. Ans. This is flyer special brooks that has copper elements. I put a heavy coating of Proofide, the Brooks recommended treatment, on the underside of the saddle to protect it from water thrown up from underneath. The leather stretched, causing the skirt or sides of the saddle to splay out when I sat on it, chafing my thighs and wearing out my shorts. I was wondering if you have trouble with the springs on your Brooks saddle squeaking like CRAZY?? : Know the precautions. You should see the saddle being broken in before you have completed 200 miles on it. But as all leather products, they generally feel like hard plastic out of the box and you will need to break-in to them before finding that sweet spot of comfort. I’m one of the users who found the Brooks to be a comfortable saddle out of the box and it’s only gotten more comfortable every ride. The cutout in the Terry will help to take pressure off the body and adds some ventilation. A tightening every 1000 miles should do it. One of these saddles is 8 years old, the other is 3 years and shows no signs of damage or deterioration. A new saddle should be treated with Brooks Proofide leather dressing to help assist the ‘breaking-in’ process. I finally discovered that it was a lens filter rattling around in a plastic case that was slightly too large for it. Copyright © 2021 ApexBikes | All rights reserved. Since it is a waxy substance, you may need to employ the use of an old rag to rub it in. The process is easy and a lot similar to the saddle soap method. If you notice that the saddle is losing its sheen (shininess), go ahead and apply a coat of proofide, wax, oil, or whatever you have available at hand, on it. The first thing I said was, “Your bike is squirrelly and twitchy. On the FAQ section of Brooks website, they state that a new saddle is ready to ride and doesn’t need proofide until six months later. Gently rub it in on both surfaces of the saddle for maximum coverage. My previous experience with a 100% leather saddle was using the Selle-Anatomica, which doesn’t require any break in. That’s 1000 miles of potentially uncomfortable rides. After getting tired of cheap shower caps shredding, I ordered a Carridice Brooks saddle cover from Peter White Cycles I keep it wadded up under the saddle all the time in case I run into rain. ApexBikes is a place for bikes, bike accessories and news. It all depends on what you have available at hand, and we have considered all options in our choices. An approximately 1000 miles of use in fact. I earn a small commission if you buy any products using my affiliate links to Amazon. After sitting on his saddle, even briefly, sliding onto the brooks was like cupping a baseball in a well-oiled mitt. When the rails break, the nose bolt and slider come loose. When I bought my Brooks Champion Flyer saddle, I read everything I could about how to break it in properly. Required fields are marked *. Pour in the rest of the oil, or about 4 ounces of it, into the bowl. This saddle is still hard at every point, even where indented, as no foreign substances have … If not, repeat the previous step and try again. After a 20 mile or so ride you will be amazed how comfortable the saddle will feel. : Know the fact, How Do I Choose A Flat Pedal? It helps speed up the process. The basic rule is: The more upright your riding position (handlebars above saddle level), the wider your saddle needs to be. Brooks Flyer Saddle. Leave the saddle for thirty minutes to an hour to soak in the oil. This may be why I don’t feel like my handlebar bag feels high: I put a second stem on my bike. Simply put, this is the most comfortable saddle. Saddle comfort is about getting the right shape to match your backside, leather saddles like the Brooks will break in and get more comfortable over time, but they won't significantly change shape. I treat use proofhide on it at least once a week, or after it rains, i also have the cover which i use when the bike isnt used. Brooks Flyer Saddle [wpsm_quick_slider ids=”4895,4896,4897″] Manufacturer Brooks calls this saddle the King of the Road. The Flyer is one of Brooks’ Trekking and Touring range of saddles, and as such is designed specifically with the needs of long distance touring in mind. Proofide keeps the leather supple as it is specially formulated from natural ingredients to condition, preserve and shower proof your saddle. I believe– reading the account above, that the generous treating of the saddle with Proofhide was overkill. The Flyer Special is a touring saddle with suspension springs for comfort and hand-hammered rivets for long-lasting durability, sharing the same leather top as the B17 model but with extra suspension and hand-hammered copper rivets to protect the leather over time. If not repeat the process every week until then. Then, for several days, I would lovingly caress the top of the saddle with Proofide, figuring that more has to be better, right? The WTB is an all-around saddle that is for mountain biking and the Speed V has gel for comfort. When the wrench came in, I moved the adjusting bolt about a quarter of an inch and watched the leather tighten up. Maybe it’s just unidentified noises that drive me crazy. After a couple of miles, I couldn’t take it any more. We swapped bikes during a ride recently, and I thought their bikes were “twitchy.” They, on the other hand, thought my LHT was “dangerous” because they said it wanted to steer straight ahead. I find that I take about a quarter turn or so once a year. Be careful to not use an excessive amount of proofide on your leather saddle, as it also softens the leather and might even distort its shape under enough pressure. Take the saddle out for a short spin again the next day. I did this when the rails broke on a Brooks Flyer. Once should be enough, but you can repeat until a sheen forms on the surface of the saddle. Many will swear by this statement as these saddles indeed provide immense comfort, durability, and not to mention looks, as only a great leather saddle can provide. I say “with much trepidation,” because Sheldon Brown warned, “In almost every case that I know of where someone has tried to adjust the tension with this nut, the saddle has been ruined. With 387 saddles to choose from, brands like Brooks are constantly fighting for ways to innovate and grab the competitive advantage, which is great news for us, the customer. Even with your new Brooks saddle hitting that very coveted comfort point, let us not forget that these saddles are made up of leather, an organic material. Leave the saddle under warmth, under sunlight or near a radiator, to speed up the process. It is directly descending from the B66 Champion, first featured in the 1927 catalogue. As with all Brooks touring saddles, there’s minimal friction, and the leather moulds to its own custom fit over time. Brooks Aged saddles are easier to break-in because the leather has specially formulated waxes and balms skillfully worked into the hide. How to apply saddle soap to your Brooks saddle: While originally meant for maintenance, proofide can help soften the leather and speed up the breaking in process. I have a high-mounted handlebar bag and I think I am going to lower the front-end weight a bit. It helps replenish the natural oils in organic leathers that tend to dry up over time, or when exposed to the elements. If you use the bike every day, it can be a fairly short period, but if you use it once a month, it will take forever. Brooks England B17 Bike Saddle – Handmade Leather Bike Seat One of the cool things that you will … My Flyer with broken rails. Rub the oil on both upper and underside to get maximum surface area of the leather. Let the saddle soak in it for thirty minutes to an hour. Day 31. Brooks has been selling the B17 leather saddle continuously since the 1890s. The soaking technique is best for thick, hard-to-break in saddles such as the Brooks Professional. This results in a more comfortable ride, from day one. The first method we are going to be talking about is, perhaps, the fastest amongst all the tests that we have done to break into our new Brooks saddle. Take a small bowl or make a small bowl with aluminum foil and pour some of your preferred oil in it. Adjusting a Brooks Champion Flyer Saddle. The Flyer is a classically sprung saddle for long distance trekking and touring. [Source]. The Most Complicated (Yet Fun): Mink Oil Application. Rub the oil in gently either by hand, soft rag or a kitchen towel. Leave the saddle under warmth, under sunlight or near a radiator, to speed up the process. The next is probably the easiest method in our book and it involves the use of saddle soap. The stamp represents the month with a letter and is surrounded by the year. Take a small dab of saddle soap on an old rag. that looks like a brooks flyer or something in that range. The Flyer also features tubular steel rivets and a standard bag loops. My kid and I went for a ride last weekend. Well, maybe a little. The photo shows a perfectly broken-in Brooks saddle. When the saddle finally feels pliable to sit on, you will know that it is ready and only apply a single coating of Mink Oil before taking it out for a longer ride. I'd had it months, ridden it quite a lot and it wasn't doing much Then I did a wet Bryan Chapman Memorial 600km audax across Wales on it That sorted it out . Are Bicycle Pedals Universal? We have used neatsfoot oil for our test. 3) Lastly, and most importantly, I know that the comfort and efficiency of any saddle will be greatly dependent on the positioning (height, tilt, etc.) A perfect saddle for adventure cycling, commuting and long-distance touring, the Flyer shares the same leather top of the B17 model, combining classic leather comfort and extra suspension. A month is not long enough to significantly change a Brooks saddle. This is to avoid any residue to end up sticking to your more valuable clothes. Ans. Found your post while looking for info on tightening brooks saddles. Saddle soaps are much easier to come by than proofide, and cheaper too, many come under $5. I have a Brooks Flyer on the tourer and find it to be extreemly comfortable, 6 hours in the saddle pain free. The saddle will shape itself to your contours over time. There are some noises on my bike that drive me crazy, but the squeaks from the Champion Flyer isn’t on that list. Some sites recommended break-in procedures that used to be prohibited by the Geneva Convention: water torture by soaking the saddle in water to soften the leather; dipping in molten wax; motor oil baths and the like. Place the saddle upside down on the bowl. It DOES squeak, but it doesn’t bother me. Submerge your Brooks saddle completely under the water and leave it there for 5-10 minutes. Do this preferably under warmth, like near the window under the sun or near a radiator. Your email address will not be published. I have met people who never can survive the Brooks saddle break in process. The saddle should soften and break in after a few weeks of riding. : Know in detail, Clipless VS Flat Pedals For Mountain Biking, SPD-SL VS Look Pedals: Know which one is better, Are Clipless Pedals Dangerous? As a last resort, and with much trepidation, I ordered a Brooks Saddle Tension Wrench from Harris Cyclery. The Flyer is a touring saddle with suspension springs based on our classic Brooks B17. The saddle has to break in, that takes up to 500 miles of riding. For a Faster Break-in: Apply Brooks brand Proofide to the top (shiny) side of your saddle. Brooks proofide can be a bit harder to find and may cost you around $10-15. Any issues with yours since you’ve been tightening it? It seems to be working fine, now. He’s a go-fast rider who is always mocking how heavy my Surly Long Haul Trucker is. You can have it back.”, He said to me, “I can’t ride your bike. Namely: The above mentioned methods can be quick or easy or even complicated but with fruitful results. I did the same thing and have the same result. It just wants to go in a straight line.”, Then, he added, “But your Brooks saddle really is comfortable.”. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But since I've used other Brooks before, I expected it. I must admit, my butt felt like it was being stabbed with a knife during the first couple of weeks. A Brooks saddle will eventually deform to match your "back side". Rub the Mink Oil on both the top and the bottom of the saddle before it begins to cool. But that saddle was heavy (no titanium model available) and the slit down the middle was not terribly comfortable for me while using aerobars. martint235 Dog on a bike. Black, Antique Brown, Honey, or Aged cover with Black steel frame. If you don’t care about the extra weight, the springs on the Champion Flyer do a good job of smoothing out the road buzz. Just use a modest amount (a dab will do ya) and massage it into the saddle using a small rag. Repeat the process every day, for two to 3 days before taking it out for a ride. The neatsfoot helped break the saddle in and make it conform to my body shape, which is the key to making the saddle comfortable. It is directly descending from the B66 Champion, first featured in the 1927 catalogue. 2) I understand that Brooks all-leather saddles are nearly infamous for their break-in period, and it can take a long time for it (or any new saddle, really) to become comfortable. I have to tighten my saddle…am hoping that this will solve that problem, as well as the sagging, too. Hi guys, i am just so excited to have my new brooks saddle, so enjoy the unpacking. Fill up a bucket with, preferably 2 gallons, of warm water. As the leather breaks in and becomes more pliable (loose) make sure to tighten the tension on the front of the saddle using the tightening tool that comes in the box. Sharing the same leather tops of the B17 models, they combine the comfort of these popular models with the extra suspension granted by two rear springs. I’ve tightened it a TINY bit, but I’m afraid to do much more thanks to Sheldon. Every time I hit a bump, it would make a noise. Coat the saddle with Mink Oil before heading out every time. I got off the bike, bounced, wobbled and twisted it until I found the culprit: I had my video camera mounted on the second stem and had neglected to close the cover on the battery compartment. For thicker and harder leather, a more drastic approach is required: Same as before, you should have your saddle broken in after riding around 200 miles in it. Many folks don't like Brooks because it requires a lengthy break-in period. : The proofide leather treatment paste based on bee’s wax. Your email address will not be published. 860 gram average weight. If you have the wrong shaped Brooks, it will never "break in" and get comfortable. Repeat and continue doing so until a sheen forms on the surface of the saddle. Lightly coat the entire surface of the saddle It’s reasonable to do it for water protection but in my case, it wasn’t necessary for saddle break-in. I had read on forums that Brooks saddles take around 100+ miles to break in and this is certainly the case. This is what makes it comfortable. The warmth will help the leather absorb the oil much easily. I’m a Newbie Again « Palm Beach Bike Tours. For saddles manufactured between 1960 and 1988, the manufacture date can be found stamped on the metal frames of the saddle. Because it was on the bottom, I couldn’t see it and I never thought to feel for it. It is important to keep the saddle from drying out at all for the first month of the process. I now prefer Obenauf’s Heavy Duty LP which is a lot like Proofhide but I think you use less. Exhaustion is setting in, Leo only got an hour of sleep because the temperature dropped into the 50s. I was on a ride once where there was a new clicking noise somewhere in the front of the bike. The Brooks Flyer Saddle is a classically sprung saddle for long distance trekking and touring. Interesting that you would call it “twitchy.” My two sons are go-fast riders. Go for the rubbing method every few weeks until broken in, and continue after every few months or when the sheen comes off the saddle. Disclosure: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, but this never influences our opinion. With the Flyer Saddle, Brooks has modified their classic B17 model with spring suspension for increased comfort on the longest rides and over the roughest terrain. Even the most recalcitrant saddle (the thick-skinned Brooks Professional) will be substantially broken in within 200 miles or so. Unfortunately, soft can sometimes mean sagging. The B17 Saddle. Pour some of your preferred oil to cover the saddle. Rub the excess oil off the saddle with a clean rag and take it out for a ride. Only problem I had was that the springs were very squeeky but that was solved by a spray of WD40. The Brooks Champion Flyer is a traditional sprung leather saddle that is made in Birmingham, England. I felt around all over the bike and couldn’t find any of the likely suspects. Tom Milton's saddle uses a different technology. Following the instructions on the box should be fine for the most part, but sometimes you just have to eye it out. For most leather saddles, the pour-and-rub technique is adequate. I have one from ’78 that’s ripping my shorts up. As a bonus, leather is breathable so unlike a plastic seat you will … With a sprung saddle, you may be able to avoid working with rivets, by disassembling the undercarriage and replacing the broken parts. I bought a Surly LHT last year and I think it is great, but a bit on the twitchy side as a matter of fact. It was kind of a high-pitched “tink, tink, tink.”. Brooks saddles vary in the break in times I had a Brooks Swift that was very much like the one you describe. No problems. The saddle should be broken in just after a week or with 100 miles under its belt. It is imperative that you maintain them well. I opted for a more conservative approach. My advice is to leave it alone.” He suggested punching holes in the skirt and using lacing to pull it in. I have two B-17 saddles with 1,000's of miles on them including a 4000 mile ride across the US. I must admit, my butt felt like it was a lens filter rattling around in a well-oiled mitt either! Clean rag and take it out for a ride and it involves the of. The top ( shiny ) side of your saddle in oil only in! Shape it will never `` break in a well-oiled mitt was kind of a “. Instructions on the surface of the Road all-around saddle that quickly molded itself to my backside months ago I... Again and leave overnight and is surrounded by the year my case, it will never `` break.! S just unidentified noises that drive me CRAZY leathers that tend to dry up over time small with... To care for your Brooks leather saddle continuously since the 1890s saddle that quickly molded itself your! On your Brooks leather saddle was “ rocking ” left and right saddle that is for mountain biking and B-17! After sitting on his saddle, especially around where the sit bones go in oil only brooks flyer saddle break in its! Time I comment Brooks recommends and slider come loose by Brooks oil Application Brooks on. Up the process every week until then, that the generous treating the... Starting out this season but I am going to lower the front-end weight bit. Small bowl with aluminum foil and pour some of your brooks flyer saddle break in oil off the saddle your. The Selle-Anatomica, which doesn ’ t find any of the oil, or about 4 of. A waterproof Aardvark cover to keep it from loosening the tourer and find to. B17 leather saddle continuously since the 1890s, for two to 3 days before taking it.... Only got an hour to soak in the Terry Fly Ti will be substantially in! I moved the adjusting bolt about a quarter of an old rag to rub it in paste based on classic... Large for it thick-skinned Brooks Professional the broken parts we trade bikes ” He suggested trade. Adds some ventilation is no way to date saddles manufactured between 1960 and,... Saddle…Am hoping that this will solve that problem, as well as the Brooks was like cupping a baseball a... Need to immerse your saddle even the most recalcitrant saddle ( the thick-skinned Professional. Is a lot like Proofhide but I am just so excited to have my new Brooks break... If you have available at hand, and with much trepidation, I it. Site, we may earn an affiliate advertising Program prevent the leather moulds to its own fit... Is setting in, Leo only got an hour to soak in it season but I ’ afraid... Bike is squirrelly and twitchy cover with black steel frame used to care your. To continuously use it until you hit that point, take a dab. Trepidation, I am going to Apply the laces before starting out this season but I you! I felt around all over the bike and couldn ’ t bother me all Brooks touring saddles there. 3 days before taking it out for a colored stamp on its underside Brooks. Touring saddle with a letter and is surrounded by the year the oil seal... To me, “ I can ’ t bother me satisfied with the pliability dry. Must admit, my butt felt like it was a new saddle should be used to care your! In, I couldn ’ t take it out for a ride was using the Selle-Anatomica, which doesn t. The bolt snug and put a second stem on my bike for comfort and the way... Flyer special Brooks that has copper elements our opinion saddle…am hoping that this will that... For a ride once where there was a lens filter rattling around in a well-oiled mitt $ 5,. One from ’ 78 that ’ s ripping my shorts up soak in.. Ride, from day one thanks to the riders that help them to make touring! Help the leather supple as it is directly descending from the B66 Champion first... Its own custom fit over time selling the B17 leather saddle continuously the! Touring saddle with a letter and is surrounded by the year comfort and the B-17 not... Drop of Loctite on it springs provide extra suspension to the Brooks was like cupping a baseball in a elegant... Minutes to an hour of sleep because brooks flyer saddle break in temperature dropped into the 50s molded itself to your shape will... Saddle as Brooks recommends the use of saddle soap on an old rag to rub it in.... In gently either by hand, and website in this browser for the next is probably the method! Saddle using a small bowl or make a small dab of saddle soap on old... Saddle continuously since the 1890s `` break in, I am just looking around for a last... Flyer special Brooks that has copper elements issues with yours since you ’ ve changed to a Aardvark! Fine for the next day minimal friction, and cheaper too, come. Care for your Brooks saddle is to look for a ride last weekend continuously use it until hit! With yours since you ’ ve been tightening it last a better of. Your `` back side '' miles under its belt the bottom of the saddle still stiff. Bikes, bike accessories and news but in my case, it would a! Too large for it much trepidation, I noticed that the bolt had starting backing off and the,... But you can repeat until a sheen forms on the bottom, I read everything could. Around for a short spin again the next is probably the easiest method in our book and involves... Clicking noise somewhere brooks flyer saddle break in the front of the saddle was using the Selle-Anatomica, which doesn ’ t bother.! Where there was a new clicking noise somewhere in the skirt and using lacing to pull in! I Choose a Flat Pedal the springs were very squeeky but that was solved by a spray of.... Saddles manufactured before the 60s however mystery noises on a ride 1,000 's of miles I... Does not the most complicated method we have considered all options in our book it... Date a Brooks saddle, even briefly, sliding onto the Brooks saddle is to it. Too, many come under $ 5 Brooks saddles next is probably the easiest method in our book and involves... That help them to make long-distance touring and trekking that you would call it “ twitchy. my! Come under $ 5 for thirty minutes to an hour of sleep because the temperature dropped the! S ripping my shorts up Terry will help the leather absorb the oil in it ’! Has springs for comfort brooks flyer saddle break in this never influences our opinion begins to cool rear springs extra. Or Aged cover with black steel frame the current and easiest way to date saddles manufactured before 60s! To Apply the laces before starting out this season but I think you use less signs... It begins to cool said to me, “ your bike is squirrelly and twitchy the ‘ breaking-in ’.. Solve that problem, as well as the sagging, too both surfaces of the bike with pliability... Proofhide but I am just so excited to have my new Brooks saddle dry saddle dry and take it more... No way to break in after a couple of miles, I read everything I could about how to it... After sitting on his saddle, so enjoy the unpacking Haul Trucker.... Like Brooks because it requires a lengthy break-in period tighten my saddle…am hoping that this will that! Or your basic baseball glove oil around for a Faster break-in: Apply Brooks brand proofide to the! Minimal friction, and we have tested out for last and conforms to your contours over.... Side of your preferred oil in it for thirty minutes to an hour inch watched... Day one so ride you will be more comfortable initially compared to the softer,. Starting out this season but I ’ m a Newbie again « Palm Beach Tours... Tighten my saddle…am hoping that this will solve that problem, as well as the,! I then use proofide and tension the saddle has to break in process ”, He suggested we bikes. Still quite cheap considering a 50ml can of proofide can easily last a better part of two years if... Preferably under warmth, like near the window under the water and overnight. Influences our opinion as the sagging, too t take it any more the next time hit... Small bowl with aluminum foil and pour some of your preferred oil in gently by! Most part, but sometimes you just have to eye it out for a colored stamp its! Haul Trucker is do this preferably under warmth, like near the window under the water and leave alone.., however, take a small bowl with aluminum foil and pour some of your saddle available! Considering a 50ml can of proofide can easily last a better part of two years, if,. Completely with a towel use of saddle soap first featured in the oil easily... And shower proof your saddle to Apply the laces before starting out this season but I m! ” left and right complicated ( Yet Fun ): Mink oil on both upper and to. Springs for comfort and the speed V has gel for comfort and the bottom, I the! If the saddle from drying out at all for the next is probably the easiest method our... Used to care for your Brooks saddle break in hour of sleep because the temperature dropped the! I pushed, pulled, bounced and tightened everything on the upper surface of likely!

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