Cycling Equipment · Public discussion

Brooks in the cold?

Started by Dr.Hairybiker · · Last activity · 3 posts · 1,017 views

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Cycling Equipment
Published
11 December 2005
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20 December 2005
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Dr.Hairybiker
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  1. Hello all.

    I'm currently breaking in a new Brooks B-17 on my winter bike, anticipating being able to put it, perfectly broken-in, on my touring bike in the spring. It seems like the sit bone indentations are deeper than I've seen with other Brooks saddles. Given, I'm riding with extra clothes and a 100 oz. Camelback, so I weigh more.

    I'm wondering if maybe I'm screwing up by breaking in the saddle in the cold. I'm thinking maybe that the saddle gets warmed up from body heat while riding, then cools down quickly and doesn't tighten back up, the way leather should, after the ride because the bike is being stored in a cold garage.

    Does anyone else have any experience/ thoughts about riding a leather saddle in the cold?

    Thanks in advance.

  2. I'm currently breaking in a new Brooks B-17 on my winter bike,
    Does anyone else have any experience/ thoughts about riding a leather saddle in the cold?
    [/QUOTE]
    Wow, Hairybiker! Sounds to me like you are over-analysing your seat.

    Just ride it and it will learn to accommodate your posterior.
    I've only had two Brooks saddles. One from the very early 1970s and another I bought about two years ago. The first is still going strong, I just aquired a more 'modern' bike and couldn't come at the plastic rubbish they call saddles these days.

    I've ridden the old one through many British winters, stored outside in the rain, sleet, ice and snow. It spent a winter in the sub-zero conditions of Toronto Cananda and has had a few good years in the blistering sun of Sydney Australia. If anything it's the heat and high Ultra-Violet exposure that have put the boot into the poor beast.
    Even in Canadian temperatures that smashed my tires and tubes like glass the saddle just coped.

    My advice is give it a bit of Dubbin once in a while, especially before it rains, and ride man ride.

  3. Dr.Hairybiker,

    I ride brooks as well and can testify temperature change is not a big deal. I do see what you're saying about the added weight. There is the chance that you'll be deforming it to fit a heavy rider. Fortunately, that heavy rider is your same tush with more weight. Which means with less weight, you'll still be riding a seat that is formed to your bones. I'm sure it won't be quite as rigid as if you were breaking it in with less weight. But obviously you have a brooks for the comfort factor-- I don't think breaking it in with a little more weight will have too much affect. It might even make it more comfortable! Plus, we're only talking about a single season of breaking in here, not 5 years. I think everything is fine as it is Hairy. Your saddle appreciates your concern though. Gotta' love a brooks! Take care, FTU

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