A Saddle Question. Brooks B33

[jwm]

I just got back from my first serious (20+ mile) ride on my newly overhauled Dyno. I put a Brooks B33 saddle on the bike. Now I have heard that the Brooks seats are extraordinarily comfortable, as well they should be at the price. But after my first ride- well, let's just say my hind end ain't feelin' the magic. The pamphlet that came with the seat mentioned a break-in period, just like a leather shoe. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't really uncomfortable, but still... :? I'd like to hear from anyone who owns this, or a similar model Brooks. How long did it take to break in the seat? Does it get better?

JWM

 

[user 135]

They do take some time. Some say 200 miles. Have you treated the leather yet? This will help protect and break it in. Use Brooks Proofhide or Obenhauf's Boot Care. I have grown to only ride on leather saddles. I don't own any like the B33, just a couple of B17s, Flyer, Pro, and a B67.

The other thing is just to get you rear used to something different.

 

[jwm]

9 more rides like this?

Just kiddin'. As I said, it wasn't really bad. And yes, I did treat the saddle with the Proofide. Great stuff for your hands, too. I picked the saddle by dimensions. The B33, and B67 were the widest. After I had placed the order I noticed the B33 saddle was described as good for heavy riders on rough roads. I'm tall and skinny- 165 lbs. Maybe I need to double up on pizza, and cheeseburgers.

JWM

 

[anon]

I'm on a B66 on my cruiser and a B17 on my roadster. The hide oil they make really helps to speed up the break-in period. It does take a bit of riding - I think more than 200 miles, depending on the weather too, I guess. But once they're past break-in, they're great. The kind of saddle you keep even when you change your bike. Good luck with yours.

 

[slacker]

Remember, the wider Brooks saddles are intended for a more upright riding position, where the narrower saddles are intended for a more aggressive riding position. While they look awesome on old bikes, the Brooks B-66, B-72, B-73 and similar may not be the most comfortable option if you are riding in a boardtracker stance or on flipped bars. Also, try not to go overboard with the Proofide, as you will over-soften the leather. This will dramatically shorten the life of the saddle, causing it to stretch beyond the ability of the tensioning bolt.

 

[jwm]

Thanks for the feedback and advice. It eased my concerns about the purchase. I did give the underside of the saddle a good treatment with the proofide last night, and I'll definitely take your advice, Slacker, about not over doing it. I forgot- here's the build thread on the bike-
Dynark Project- O'l Red.
These long wide bars keep me sitting straight up with all my weight on my hips. So, for a while anyway, I guess it's grin and bear it. I'm just recalling how long it took to break in my 20 eyelet Doc Martins. Even though I seldom wear the boots anymore, they still have a great fit. In the mean time I'm going to get a pair of those god awful biking shorts with the butt pad for the next few rides. I'll wear them where they belong- under my jeans. (just don't tell anyone, OK?)

JWM