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I got a nice Brooks B-17 for my 520 as a gift for Christmas. I think it's decently comfy (moreso than the stock saddle) but is hard and ofcourse as others have noted...a slippery lil' devil. I have only ridden the Brooks 2X as I've been riding the Jamis lately.
My question: Anyone use only Proofide and if so, how long did it take for your buttocks to submit? No, stop giggling. I didn't mean it that way. Break-in times vary I'm sure but I was just curious.
Instant happiness. It was such a relief to finally have a saddle that fit me perfectly, that I really had nothing to complain about.
It took maybe 100 miles before the leather softened up a bit (you can help it along with your hands.) The slipperiness went away on my B67 and B68 after about the second application of proofhide, but those saddles have pebbled tops so comparing them with the B17 is no help.
My only caveat would be to make sure your sitbones aren't over (or too near) the cantle plate. That part will never soften, and since it doesn't have the hammock effect there, it will never feel like a Brooks.
also once the saddle is in the right position, the slipperiness will vanish because you'll be balanced.
for me it was instant happiness too.
I had a brooks b17 (I think) it was a women's model and I rode it for a year and I never liked it. My dbf bought me a swift for Christmas... instant perfection - maybe you just have to find the perfect brooks. Every time I get on my bike now I think how much I love this saddle and I am never ever selling it!
It doesn't really hurt. I did tweak the angle (thank god I have a micro-adjust seatpost on the 520, my Jamis doesn't :( ) My first clue I'd have to tweak the angle? I rode on a local trail - came to a stop and slid all the way forward of the seat - right off of it - standing over my top tube. It was kind of funny.
I look forward to warmer weather and breakin' this bad-boy in. If I want a B-17 on my Jamis I'm probably gonna have to fork over for a new seatpost too...*grumble*...they put a micro-adjust stock on some cheaper Jamis 09' models like the Satellite, but not the Aurora. I wish I knew why. Thanks for the input so far. Anyone else have input on how long it takes you to adapt/break-in?