That makes 10.5 miles on the new saddle. Is it broken in yet? It probably is. They say 50 to 100 miles, but that’s for the average person. I’m sure I’m at least ten times better than average, so my saddle’s done now. Whew, glad to have that over with.
I put Dr. Marten’s Wonder Balsam on it just now because I had it on hand. It’s a wax-based leather conditioner, likely very similar to Proofide which is what Brooks makes and sells. Forgot to put it on last night.
That saddle is so beautiful.
March 23rd, 2008 at 11:01 am
I think when they say a Brooks saddle “breaks in” and conforms to your ass, they mean “your soul is broken and you get tired of complaining about how freaking hard it is.” And by “this is the most comfortable saddle ever,” they mean “Jesus, I spent how much on this thing? It better be comfortable. I guess it’s comfortable.”
March 23rd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
But…it’s beautiful…
Actually it’s not chafing at all, which is excellent. There’s only some bruising of the sit bones, which is the same exact thing that happens with every new saddle, or every old saddle when I haven’t been riding for a long time. And it’s beautiful…
March 24th, 2008 at 8:56 am
I had my first Brooks on my most upright bike and it took about four thousand years to “break in.” It still doesn’t feel great on my sit bones.
Then I stuck another Brooks on a road bike. Jesus, Mary and Joseph! What a difference! Seem that the more forward position got me off the sit bones and that’s what made the saddle feel so much better. I think that’s also why folks go for the wider, sprung Brooks saddles for their upright bikes and stick to the B17 on road(ish) bikes.
Jeff hates every saddle ever made. Don’t listen to Jeff.
March 24th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Ah ha – I should use my abs more when riding – try not to sit so upright. It is a mountain bike, after all, not a cruiser. I do need to raise the seat up a little more anyway, and that will help. Good idea, Hollie. Thanks!
Today I rode to work on the new saddle, which means that I had pants on (cords today), and it was more comfortable that with thin shorts. I’m liking it so far.