Brooks saddle & maintenance options
 

Is Proofide really the best thing to use, or is there anything else readily available (i.e. something I can get around town here) that's just as good. I hate to order just that, and I want to prevent myself for ordering a bunch of other stuff. (Seems like lately I've been spending on bike stuff like a drunken cyclist...)

TIA
Louis

I've always used Proofhide.
A little dab will do you so lasts a long time.

I've used Obenauf's (sp?) which is the stuff Rivendell recommends and I have been very happy with the results.

Don't reinvest the wheel (pun intended).

Meltonian Shoe Cream Link


You could apply some Meltonian Shoe Cream. Stuff does work ....
Polish with a horsehair brush. Maintaining a Brooks is a lot cheaper then
replacing one. A B17 Ti is now 315+ frn. :eek:

It does work rather well. BUT as Ginger says, one must must take care to
completely remove the residue from the saddle. ;)

It comes in an assortment of colors (44 in all) including clear and a lot less frn then Proofhide. :hello:

Proofhde is really costing tons of frns. Do they offer futures on Proofhide? :confused:

Oh yea, I find it helpful to rub in the Polish/Proofhide with my finger.
It helps the saddle to absorb the protection.

Whatta Thought
 

I like this idea. What I wonder: Would the grey shoe cream help restore the full greyness on my now grey-and-black Brooks B.17?

And if would restore, how long would that last? How often would I need to reapply?

And how grey would my shorts be, even after a good shoebrush shine?

Dave, who has used this Meltonian stuff with great success on -- wait for this -- shoes

Da Grey Mel would look spectacular ....

If ya have black/dark shorts ... No Problemo ....
The remaining residual is minimal .

Go for it ....

Use a horse hair shoe brush to deepen the patina.

I would still apply a bit of Proofhide once and awhile ...
But now a can of Proofhide should last 10-20 years.

I don't believe the Mel seals the leather. The leather still breaths.

If I am offering poor advice, I hope some one will correct me. ;)

As far as re-applying .... Oh just use some plain common sense ..

Believe you will know ...

I give my saddle a good horse hair brushing at least once a week.
No Mel ... just a good buffing with the Brush.

A horse hair shoe brush is 10-15 frn. A Brooks Ti is now 315 frn.

Here are two Shots of my Brooks after an application of Proofhide
and then Meltonian (color = Brick) a few days later.

Enjoy ;)

Opps .... I got some I the white straps .... Guess I'll need some white Mel!

Oh yea .... The bag is a Carradice Zipped Roll. Love this bag.
It's small enough to disappear and large enough to hold just about
everything one can imagine. Mini-Tool, Tire removal tool, wallet, car keys,
Sunglass case, spare tube and ancillary equipment, spare change, Rosary,
Wallbike banana protector, nylon seat cover and a green wind breaker.
I place the green wind breaker inside the seat cover for the Brooks.
Smart Eh? and there is some room left.

No Smiley, Mr Hoffa is NOT in there. :beer:

All you saddle care needs are right here. http://www.horsesaddleshop.com/cordurasaddles.html