Commuters with Brooks or other brand leather saddles

I have a question. I'm going to be purchasing a Brooks B17 to go on my commuter/exercise/touring bike and I'd like to know how other Chicagoans are protecting their leather saddles and keeping them in tip top condition. I've read all the threads (on Bike Forums) about wrapping your saddle in plastic bags, or shower caps, or even the dedicated saddle covers made by Brooks or other companies. I am going to be installing permanent full length fenders so I'm sure that will help keep crud off the saddle somewhat. Anyway, I bike 99% of my commuting distance on the LFP which certainly has it's share of puddles and I'm sure in the winter has it's share of liquidy crud. Keeping all that off of a valuable leather saddle and advice on how best to do so would be greatly appreciated. Plastic bags (or shower caps) may be the most common answer but extra points go to more stylish methods.

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Permalink Reply by ilter on September 9, 2011 at 4:29pm

and if the saddle ever gets soaked, do not sit, ride, proofide or tension, just leave it to dry in room temperature, i think..

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Permalink Reply by globalguy on September 12, 2011 at 9:29am

All great comments to which I'll add just two:

I use a basic, black shopping bag for camouflage when it's not raining even tho I use a short piece of bike chain to secure the saddle to its post/stem. Why tempt folks to steal it?
Proofride, while Brooks recommended, will eventually make your leather mushy! I use mink oil and don't forget to apply liberally underneath for splash protection - ok, that's 3 things!

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Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on September 12, 2011 at 12:27pm

I broke in a brand new B17 by riding the Frozen Snot Century without a fender. By the end of the day the saddle was totally soaked, and by the time it dried out it was perfect.