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!

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

@i.t.t.

Жыл бұрын

always read the comments 1st 😭

@dewindoethdwl2798

Жыл бұрын

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

@popefacto5945

Жыл бұрын

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.

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

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. 👍🙏

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

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

@radbikeadventure

3 жыл бұрын

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

@Spaxcore

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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

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

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...

Another outstanding tutorial! Thank you!

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!

Greatest saddles on earth!! Changed my life!!

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

Loved the video. Looking forward to having my saddle for yonks!

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.

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

Really good one, and useful tips! Thanks a million 😍👍

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

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

Thanks so much for this video. very useful. i didn't know that Brooks have to be maintained in a good and quick way - Oil i knew it before but with the wrench, it's new to me. Thanks again!

Just bought a brook’s saddle great tips thanks

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.

Nice work! Thank you!

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

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

This is great info, thank you.

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!

Ladies! I have just been binge watching your Australia videos, getting ideas and inspiration from your trip. Currently planning on circumnavigating Australia (and Tassie🙂)roughly 16,000km = 10,000 miles, within the next 1-2 years (or sooner if able to discharge earlier)over 12-17 months. Already brought a Surly Ogre, and done a few 4-5 day trips. After being in the army for 23 yrs, I’m thinking about the best way to transition out into civilian life, without the “black dog” on my shoulder. Thanks again, your content has been fantastic, I would luv to see details on your route selection, and your video editing set up. Your content and hints have been fantastic and inspirational. Looking forward to watching more content.

That special is gorgeous! I'm looking forward to seeing Darren's thoughts on the short compared to the standard size when the long term review comes. Your videos are a big reason I chose a brooks saddle, the b17 imperial specifically. Love it. Thanks for sharing your experience with everyone 🖤

@radbikeadventure

3 жыл бұрын

Anna Sullivan Aww so happy to hear that Anna! Yes long term review coming very soon!

@enriquecanepa3969

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Yours, are very useful comments and instructions. I usually use a soft brush to expand the Profide on the inner face of the seat. Brooks, are the best, ever, seats for bikes. No question!

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.

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

Great video, got a Brooks Imperial narrow on order. I ride a Montague Mtn bike and will be my first leather saddle. The extra things that you have to do with a leather saddle make it fun owning one.

@radbikeadventure

3 жыл бұрын

Nice! We think you’ll love it and yes, agreed. I like having to put into a little extra care for the great comfort/style rewards 😉

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.

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

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

Love my Brooks B17 saddle....

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

@kippywylie

Жыл бұрын

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

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.☺️🌈👌

Thanks for the advice, especially the tensioning 😀

@radbikeadventure

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

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.

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

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

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.

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.

best saddle ever...nice to see you!

@radbikeadventure

3 жыл бұрын

Bush- Radler Katalonien Agreed!

I love my brooks saddles. I own a vintage 1958 Raleigh grand lenton with an original brooks saddle. I have conditioned it and man is it comfy. My other bikes have a b17 and brooks flyer with the springs. I love not having to wear butt padding.

Your smile is awesome!

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

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

@radbikeadventure

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped David!

Good video thank you

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I’m thinking of getting a Brooks saddle in honey but kinda afraid I might mess it up. This video helped to prepare me for that.

Good explaination. Thumps up!👍

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

@endelrandoja9815

3 жыл бұрын

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

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.

First B17 , Your information is wonderful, Thanks!

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

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

3 жыл бұрын

Heck yea Jeff! You'll love it!

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

@radbikeadventure

Жыл бұрын

Enjoy!

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.

Awesomeness 🤙🏼

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

Жыл бұрын

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

Thanks for the tips! Just got my B17 today.

@radbikeadventure

3 жыл бұрын

woohoo!

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

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

Hey, Ryan. My brand-new antique brown B17 just arrived today and I AM STOKED. I just purchased some additional proofide from Brooks, which I will apply in good measure before installing the B17 on my bike - I want to particularly be sure I protect the underside of the saddle as I ride at the beach often. Love your cool channel, but stop tempting everybody to buy a new Kona (including me)! :-)

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

Жыл бұрын

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

I love the shower cap!

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

3 жыл бұрын

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.

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

Thank you for making this video. My personal experience with Brooks is - hmmm - well so far, this also comes as information in the material you get when buying a saddle. A whole booklet. A whole pot of cream and the rest. Yet thank you for this explanation, some will get their second hand so I get that it is smart to make a video on it. After a month I still hate my Brooks saddle. I will give it three months more to wear in, break in as they say. If it doesn't sit right by than I will most likely replace it with a modern one. And not a Brooks anymore. This is old British legends, but this is also 2024, there is much much better seat these days, I bought Brooks to improve those, well it is rather more going back to stone age. Leather is...ultimately beautiful though. :) And there is more Brooks models. But still. I think I am going to get myself a modern saddle again. I just hate the looks of them, Brooks and leather saddles on contrary are simply beautiful to see. So as for the eye,...and legend, but as for comfort, those that think they are comfortable, should try a good modern saddle at least once in your "Brooksy" lifetime. ;) Good luck!

The Brooks I have used the most is the Brooks Team Pro Alpe D’Huez. Heavier leather, large copper rivets, and this special edition is embossed with a topographic map of a famous climb of the Tour d’France. I broke it in over a few hot and humid weeks here in Japan. It is very comfortable and looks great; I’m currently using it on my Brompton. I’ll send a photo if I can figure out how...

@radbikeadventure

3 жыл бұрын

Nice. Post it on our Facebook page or tag us on Instagram!

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

@as-tm7np

3 жыл бұрын

did yours come with a spanner?

@guretsugu

3 жыл бұрын

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

@as-tm7np

3 жыл бұрын

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

@as-tm7np

3 жыл бұрын

@@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

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!

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

@radbikeadventure

3 жыл бұрын

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

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

I'm enjoying your videos.

@radbikeadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Happy to hear that Patrick! Thanks for being here!

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.

Nice!!

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 👍

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!

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

3 ай бұрын

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

@josefkapelj3842

3 ай бұрын

@@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

3 ай бұрын

@@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 :)

great video. ive always wanted a brooks. i bought one a long time ago. it was from the 80s but turned out it was "too far gone" it had some cracking on the underside and wasnt safe to ride in my opinion. stay at home dad salary doesn't afford one these days lol. thank you for your videos!

@radbikeadventure

3 жыл бұрын

Jenson does have them on sale right now! Early B-day or (insert winter holiday) gift?! 🤔

Great video, thanks. Have you ever heard of taking a bit of tension OFF the saddle when breaking it in with a 1/4 turn?

You might as well consider Philippines as one of your bike packing destination...take care always Stay safe. God bless

HOW is there any thumbs down? AMAZING video. Thank you SO SO much ! Off to oil now !

@radbikeadventure

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers!

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.

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.

Immediately after watching this video, I went to proofhide my Brooks, which I have now had for about six months. I think that I am still in the breaking-in period, but not much longer until the saddle is perfect.

strange never got the tool for my saddle but did the get the proofide. definitely loving the saddle, getting more comfy with each ride only done under 200km so far :D

@radbikeadventure

3 жыл бұрын

That's strange, it should have come with it. But you could always use our strategy and pop into a bike shop to have it tightened : )

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Just found your channel and subscribed. I have had my Brooks B17 for over 12 years and I picked up some good tips from you. Thank You! Minor question: Where did you get that really nice cycling cap?

Mink oil leather treatment is a similar product available at shoe repair store or display. Using an old toothbrush works to get around the rails into the corners. Also, the saddle should be set a bit above level to place your sit bones to the back compared to a normal saddle.

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

3 жыл бұрын

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

@bjorndouglas6905

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

@Bjorn Douglas instablaster :)

@bjorndouglas6905

2 жыл бұрын

@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

2 жыл бұрын

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

Neat's foot oil is another excellent (and the age old original) leather conditioner, especially for veg tanned leather. And remember, you acquire a Brooks saddle and accessorize it with a nice bicycle.