Doug,
Thanks for the information, but it doesn't mean that SnoSeal is generally a good choice. It also doesn't mean it's a bad choice. It only means they (the Cyclopedia experts) had good enough experience to be feel the recommendation would be helpful. It IS helpful to know this, but there are many other "recommended" Brooks treatments put forward, on this list and elsewhere such as iBOB, rec.bikes.tech and bikeforums.net. In many cases when someone makes such a recommendation one or several others chime in on how such a technique either ruined a good saddle, or didn't work the magic that was expected or promised.
My main point isn't that "only Proofide can help," because if the saddle isn't a correct size or shape for your bones, it probably won't help. My main point IS about advice, and that the listener takes responsibility for the result by acting on any given piece of advice. Considering that a new Brooks is not cheap, and that considerable time may be invested in attempting to break it in, taking risks with it might be a bad idea, IMO.
If you've had good results with SnoSeal, or hammering, or motor oil, or soaking, have at it. But others should keep in mind that it might not work for them. Considering this is a classic list, there are added risks when the saddle was original to a classic laid-back International or PX-10.
Similarly, if a B-17 worked for me (which it did not), that's no guarantee it will work for someone else. Brooks (and other saddle companies) offers a variety of sizes and shapes for good reasons, besides looks, variety, profit, and mojo.
Cynical? I hope not! Drawing conclusions from my experience? I hope so!
Ken Freeman Ann Arbor, MI USA
-----Original Message----- From: Doug Van Cleve [mailto:dvancleve@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007 10:42 PM To: Ken Freeman Cc: bruce thomson; hsachs@alumni.rice.edu; Classic Rendezvous Subject: Re: [CR]Snow Proof on leather saddles?
FWIW,
The old Cyclopedia catalog recommended SnoSeal for the Brooks and Ideale saddles they sold...
Doug Van Cleve Chandler, AZ USA
On 3/7/07, Ken Freeman <freesound@comcast.net> wrote:
> Ok, here are some prejudices, since I don't do much to saddles to make
> them
> work:
>
> If the sagging of an expensive and critical component, a favorite
> saddle, is a risk, why would you take it if you don't have to? In
> other words, why would you use anything other than what Brooks
> recommended as a dressing on a Brooks saddle? That means use
> Proofide, not neatsfoot, Snoseal, Snow Proof, motor oil, Wesson oil, or
anything else.
>
> If the saddle as new does not have adequate comfort, you really
> shouldn't ride it for "ever" to force it to break in. If the shape or
> dimensions are wrong for you, break=in won't change that, and
> softening is just likely to move the pressure points to places you
> don't want tthem, like the perineum rather than the ischial tuberosities.
>
> End of prejudicial rant!
>
> Ken Freeman
> Ann Arbor, MI USA
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org
> [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of bruce
> thomson
> Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2007 2:11 AM
> To: hsachs@alumni.rice.edu; Classic Rendezvous
> Subject: Re: [CR]Snow Proof on leather saddles?
>
> Harvey: I have used another product that seems to work better than
> most I have tried on all my leather products. Its Skidmores Leather
> Cream. I have used this for many projects and on some darned good
> leather saddles. Its not greasy or slick and is not soggy like
> Neatsfoot Oil. It has a good reputation and if I said that I used it on my
cowboy boots would you think
> less of me? O.K. I use it on my Detto and Vittoria shoes. BT
>
> Harvey Sachs <hmsachs@verizon.net> wrote:
> Please share your wisdom with the list if you have long-term
> experience using Snow Proof (brand) on quality leather saddles, as an
> alternative to or in addition to things like Brooks Prooofhide. some
> seem to think it is the best thing ever, and others that it breaks
> down the leather and ruins the saddle. Heck, if yoyu don't have
> experience, prejudices and urban legends are a close second. :-)
>
> thanks
>
> harvey "aren't tomatos poisonous?" sachs McLean Va
> _______________________________________________
>
>
>
> Bruce Thomson Spokane WA 99204
> (509) 747 4314
> Masi3v4me@yahoo.com
>
>
>
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