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 MagMileMarauder on September 9, 2011 at 9:41am
Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 9, 2011 at 9:50am

Most swear by proofide. The British Bicycle Club will be able to tell you how often to treat. The weather damage to the seat won't occur from riding it. It will come from leaving the saddle exposed to the elements. Get one of these:

 

But more importantly, if you commute on this new saddle, and leave the bike locked out on the street, get one of these:

or rig one of these:

 

Hate to see you meticulously break-in and care for your saddle, solely for the benefit of the person who steals it off your bike.

 

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 9, 2011 at 10:36am
FWIW, I'm with Michael on this. I use a plastic shopping bag to protect my B17 from the elements, available at many fine retail establishments (e.g. Dominick's, Walgreens, Jewel, etc.) I was just trying to satisfy your stated "more stylish" requirement. 

Michael Brosilow said:

The Brook brand seat cover is worse than useless. If you want one I'll give you mine. You are honestly better off with a plastic bag.

Use proofhide & TIGHTEN THE TENSION ADJUSTING NUT!!!!! Nothing bothers me more than seeing a beautiful saddle that has collapsed because some dweeb didn't bother to occasionally tighten the bolt. Your saddle should come with the tool. The better saddles like the Swift (my favorite) use an allen wrench.     

By all means take the advice already given about securing the seat to the bike. 

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 9, 2011 at 10:47am
Correct.

Matt Campbell said:
So really, the covers are mainly for protection when ones posterior is not protecting the seat from the elements. We're not specifically worrying so much about road spray coming up on the underside of the seat whilst riding?
Permalink Reply by Rubani on September 9, 2011 at 10:48am

That's how I use mine, unless I'm wearing jeans which seem to act as an abrasive.

 

This cover lasted me about two years, and in the winter I tend to leave it on more often when riding. It has started to wear through so I'm about to purchase a replacement.

 

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/components/saddles/aardvark-...

 

 


Matt Campbell said:

So really, the covers are mainly for protection when ones posterior is not protecting the seat from the elements. We're not specifically worrying so much about road spray coming up on the underside of the seat whilst riding?
Permalink Reply by rb on September 9, 2011 at 10:52am

I use plastic shopping bags to guard against the elements, when I park my commuter at the train. I use Proofide every couple of months and no issues.

 

A side benefit of the shopping bag method- it adds an instant element of trashiness to the bike and diverts unwanted attention away from my bike.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on September 9, 2011 at 10:57am
It takes a lot of effort to ruin a brooks so don't sweat it too much. You can never use proofhide nor the tension nut and the saddle with still last a decade. I suggest you get a B17 Champion Special, the leather is thicker.
Permalink Reply by Vondo on September 9, 2011 at 11:22am
I've been thinking about a Brooks myself. One question though, how colorfast is the leather? Would hate for the color to come off on my trousers. I really like the honey color, but I think the black will match my bicycle better.
Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on September 9, 2011 at 11:56am
I've heard that's why bike shorts are black.

Vando said:
I've been thinking about a Brooks myself. One question though, how colorfast is the leather? Would hate for the color to come off on my trousers. I really like the honey color, but I think the black will match my bicycle better.
Permalink Reply by Vondo on September 9, 2011 at 1:33pm
Oh, that sucks! I don't want stains on my clothing, especially in that "area". I guess that is probably a deal-breaker for me...
Permalink Reply by A.K.A Paul on September 9, 2011 at 2:09pm
I have a brown B17 thats over five years old.  The color still comes off on my jeans.  It's not a lot but it's there none the less.  Bottom line is I'd rather ride with a Brooks and deal with the color issue.
Permalink Reply by Bernard Joseph Hannigan on September 9, 2011 at 2:23pm
For commuter use you would be better served with a B-67, I did a Sheldon Brown immersion bath on mine over winter...Perfect. I have never done anything else to the saddle. I use plastic grocery bags in case of rain...After 6,000 miles over two years I have only adjusted about six thread turns.I would never ride anything else....Perfect comfort...For new saddle break in I would turn the screw a hair counter clockwise to release tension and make the 500 mile break in period easier on your Forrest Gump buttocks. I wear beige cargo pants when I ride, and still do get a slight stain on HOT days, but it washes right out. I could never come to grips with the gross polyester black biker shorts...Ugh, only cotton and sweet female lips touch my sweet behind. This saddle would NEVER need to be re-oiled again unless it was subjected to the elements.

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