I ran into Eric Hjertberg at Interbike this year and he mentioned the article on Brooks Pro Maintenance and break in that I wrote years ago. He distributed it at Wheelsmith for over 25 years, and was good enough to send me a copy. If you are interested, I posted it to my web site under How To. The link below will take you there.
http://www.billbostoncycles.com/
Bill Boston
Wilmington, DE
> I used a B-17 for awhile, but the shape was all wrong for me. The little
> ridges along the top "corners" were the culprit. I switched to the Team
> Professional and found it to be much more comfortable (for me).
>
> However, I have have one Team Professional which is slightly narrower than
> the others along the mid section, and the "peak" down the center top is
> harder and has a cross section which is a bit more square shaped 9the
others
> are all rounder over the sides. I have had no luck breaking it in, while
> all my other Team Professionals have been fine after 50-100 miles.
>
> I use a Ti "Swift" on my modern racing bike, hand picked from a bunch at
the
> LBS. Took about 200 miles and several applications of Proofhide to get it
> comfy. This is its third year, and it's holding up nicely.
>
> Aldo Ross
> Middletown, Ohio
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Michael Doleman <michael@doleman-cycles.com>
> To: Raoul Delmare <R.Delmare@Charter.net>
> Cc: C.R. List <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Sent: Friday, January 17, 2003 1:13 PM
> Subject: [CR]While on the topic of Brooks saddles (slightly off-list)...
>
>
> > I love the look and *philosophy* of Brooks saddles, and so tried a
Brooks
> Ti
> > rail Swift some time ago. After about 700 miles I was not satisfied with
> the
> > way it was breaking-in, and it just wasn't very comfortable on long
rides.
> > Seems like part of the reason was that it had a bit of an unusual shape,
> > sorta a big 'whaleback' hump down the center of the saddle, lengthwise.
> >
> > I sadly had to give up and sell the saddle. Lately I have been thinking
> > about Brooks again, and seem to notice comments from people that the
> Brooks
> > Swift, in particular, does not work for a lot of people. Does anyone
else
> > find this to be the case and, if so, do other models--such as the B17,
> > Professional, or Colt--have a significantly different profile that they
> may
> > work? I know that's a nebulous, highly situational question, so we'll
> agree
> > ahead of time that we're talking in very general terms here.
> >
> > In looking 'up close' at the various models, my eye is somewhat drawn to
> the
> > Colt, particularly. Does anyone have experience with this saddle, or the
> > others, and have opinions they'd like to share? Thanks.
> >
> > Michael Doleman,
> > Sacramento, CA
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Raoul Delmare writes:
> >
> > > As long as we are talking about Brooks Saddles , the following is a
> shameless commercial . I have no connection with the businesses , or the
> individuals named below , except that I am a VERY satisfied customer
> of each of them ) .
> > >
> > > You can certainly buy Genuine Brooks Leather Saddles , from many
> different sources .
> > > One of the first I think of is :
> > >
> > > http://www.rivendellbicycles.com
> > >
> > >
> > > But for detailed explanations of the entire range of Brooks saddles ,
> there are two wonderful places to look ( in alphabetical order ) ,
Harris
> Cyclery & Wallingford Bicycle Parts .
> > >
> > >
> > > http://www.sheldonbrown.com/
> > >
> > > http://www.wallbike.com
> > >
> > >
> > > ( these folks are not only easy to work with , and incredibly
> knowledgeable , but also downright fun ! )
> > >
> > > ( many , many photographs & much , much history & even photos
from
> the present day factory ! )
> > >
> > > ( thanks friends ! )
> > >
> > > ( and now I need to go buy some reprints of vintage Brooks Saddle
> catalogs from Mr. Chuck Schmidt , of http://www.velo-retro.com
with
> full color covers !! !! )
> > >
> > >
> > > Cheers ,
> > > Raoul Delmare
> > > Marysville Kansas