Brooks saddle & maintenance options

[Louis]

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

[R2D2]

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

[CNY rider]

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

[dekindy]

Don't reinvest the wheel (pun intended).

[Ahneida Ride]

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.

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.

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

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

[DHallerman]

Originally Posted by Ahneida Ride

Meltonian Shoe Cream Link

You could apply some Meltonian Shoe Cream. Stuff does work ....
Polish with a horsehair brush.

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

[Ahneida Ride]

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.

[Ahneida Ride]

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.

[Ahneida Ride]

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.

[saab2000]

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