My first Brooks saddle - ca. 1988 - took a while to break in. I used it on shorter rides first... and it became comfortable after about 400 miles.
Lately, the Brooks saddles I buy break in on 1-2 rides, but they also wear out rather quickly. I get at best 10-15,000 miles out of one.
That first saddle lasted at least 40,000 miles, and now is used by my wife, whose sitbones don't protrude as much as mine...
With that experience in mind, I would shy away from pre-softening saddles if you are after a long lifespan. If you don't mind premature wear, just get a current production Brooks and start riding it.
Finally, my most comfortable Brooks is a 1965 B-17 on my old Alex Singer. Because I don't ride the bike that often, it is a tad hard when I start the ride, but after 40 miles, it feels perfect, and remains comfortable all day.
Anybody got a 1950s or 1960 B-17 to sell for my other bike?
Jan Heine, Seattle Editor/Publisher Vintage Bicycle Quarterly c/o Il Vecchio Bicycles 140 Lakeside Ave, Ste. C Seattle WA 98122 http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com
>Greetings to the List,
>
>Without betraying a trust or some proprietary information does
>anyone know the formula for pre softning a leather saddle. I know
>years ago people would rub them with proofhide and beat them with a
>leather mallet. That was before the Brooks Pros came along.
>
>I'm talking about taking the leather off the frame and duplicating
>the Rebour or Brooks method. All off List responses will be kept
>confidential if need be.
>
>Jim, I have no children to hold hostage, McCoin.
>Fremont ca.