Did I ruin my Brooks?

[Catrin]

It rained during my organized ride this morning... so I rode something like 16 miles on an uncovered Brooks... then of course I completed the remaining 10 miles of the ride after it stopped raining.

The saddle doesn't look new any more... but more importantly did I ruin it

It may be moot as it was hurting me before the end of the 26 miles, but that saddle has less than 100 miles on it so it probably isn't broken in yet.

[KnottedYet]

Bikes are not made of spun sugar.
Brooks are not made of spun sugar, either.

They do not shriek like the Wicked Witch of the West upon contact with water, "I'm melting! Melting! Oh, heartless child!"

It rains in England. People there (where Brooks are made) have been riding them in the rain for over a century. No problem.

Mimi has a Brooks that is over 30 years old. She rides in Seattle. It rains.

I ride on my various Brooks in Seattle, too. For several years I've been riding my dear B67 in the rain for my commute. I've never had a cover for it. 23 miles in the rain, no ill effects. I raced in a tri with my soggy wet butt planted firmly on that B67, fresh from transition. No problem.

When the leather is dried out, rub in a generous dose of Proof-Hide on the top and the bottom, don't forget the edges.

No problem.

[Catrin]

Wheww, but there is a reason for my concern - One side of the saddle appears to be warping out - I tried to take a picture but it is difficult to see in the picture. Good point, my LBS just focused so much on rain and leather saddles that I became concerned. As I said, it may be moot as it may not be the saddle for me. Time will tell.

[KnottedYet]

Wheww, but there is a reason for my concern - One side of the saddle appears to be warping out - I tried to take a picture but it is difficult to see in the picture. Good point, my LBS just focused so much on rain and leather saddles that I became concerned. As I said, it may be moot as it may not be the saddle for me. Time will tell.

It may be warping because YOU are "warped." Riding in the rain may have been just what you needed to get the saddle to start conforming to your tushie. I've got a honkin' dent on the right side of my saddle from one side of my butt. No dent on the left. I'm lopsided. Now the saddle is, too, and it fits marvellously that way. That's part about "leather saddles conform to you like a pair of leather shoes." They change shape. They fit better that way.

If one of the skirts is flaring a bit, you will solve that when you ride some more. If riding it doesn't correct it (and if it is causing you distress), you can lace it. I haven't had to lace any of my 3 Brooks yet. Some folks use lacing to increase the tension, too.

At less than 100 miles on that saddle, it is going to change a lot before your very eyes. Don't panic! Keep riding. More riding = more personalized saddle. A personalized, well aged, mature, experienced Brooks saddle looks VERY different from a brand new one.

These critters aren't plastic! They change and adapt and develop character and last for years!

(Mimi's husband ruined a Brooks riding a 24 hour endurance ride on a sopping wet Brooks in a continuous massive rainstorm. That's the only Brooks I've ever met that was ruined by rain.)

ETA: I've had cyclists look at me with respect (even when my Brooks was on a $350 commuter) and say "wow, you really ride" when they see how conformed my Brooks is. A Brooks with personality is like a badge of honor, or a ticket into an exclusive bike-nerd club. Don't fear the Brooks!

[withm]

It rains on cows.

[TrekTheKaty]

It rains on cows.

I once listened to two "equine" friends argue over whether a horse should be left out in the cold. It's a horse!

[Biciclista]

I once listened to two "equine" friends argue over whether a horse should be left out in the cold. It's a horse!

warning, drift alert. I hear ya!
I have pictures of my own horses (from a long time ago) out in below zero weather with frost crystals on their whiskers. And they were quite happy out there...

[WolfGirl]

At less than 100 miles on that saddle, it is going to change a lot before your very eyes. Don't panic! Keep riding. More riding = more personalized saddle. A personalized, well aged, mature, experienced Brooks saddle looks VERY different from a brand new one...These critters aren't plastic! They change and adapt and develop character and last for years!...Don't fear the Brooks!

This was really helpful to me! I just bought a Brooks and I admit, I'm a bit paranoid about wrecking it, as it's been raining for weeks and I'm going to need to start riding (to summer placement) every day! Thanks for the "calm down!" advice...I need it.

[radicalrye]

you can always pick up one of the Aardvark brand saddle covers for pretty cheap at you LBS. They are waterproof and easy to store in a seat bag.

another option is to pick up some Obenauf's Watershield. They use all natural ingredients allowing the leather breathe (it is skill skin with pores.) That should prevent premature cracking, etc without making your saddle too soft too soon.

we sell it at the shop I work at and have heard good feedback.

[TrekTheKaty]

Some people recommend carrying a bread bag and twist tie.

[Biciclista]

Some people recommend carrying a bread bag and twist tie.

I do this but it's more for me than the saddle. Nothing's worse than getting on an already wet saddle... So if bike's going to be out while I'm off of it and it's raining I just pull the bag out and with a twist tie attach it to the saddle.

[withm]

Take the free shower cap the next time you stay in a motel, and keep it tucked under your bicycle seat. That way you always have it in case it rains. Put it on the seat, or over your helmet - your choice.