Brooks B17 "N" or Selle An-atomica

[KnottedYet]

I can't track all of the Brooks saddles. Some have very short rails which can make the fore/aft position difficult. The Selle An-atomica has long 10 cm rails.

Just info to help you make a decision based on where you need to put the saddle.

I think the sprung Brooks saddles have the shorter rails. The usable rails on my B67 (with springs) are only about 9 cm. I still have maybe 1/2-1 cm that I could scoot the saddle back if I needed, but it is almost as far back as it will go.

[FreshNewbie]

So, just ordered standard B17 saddle from walbike, actually the standard one was the same price as nashbar's. Ordered the maintainance kit along with it. So how often should I apply that greasy stuff on the saddle, and where do I apply it? Just under the saddle or on top too?

[mimitabby]

they telll you to apply it to the top only but i put it on the underside too.

[melissam]

So, just ordered standard B17 saddle from walbike, actually the standard one was the same price as nashbar's. Ordered the maintainance kit along with it. So how often should I apply that greasy stuff on the saddle, and where do I apply it? Just under the saddle or on top too?

Hey there, FreshNewbie! Here's wishing you many happy miles on your B17. I'm a big Brooks and Wallbikes fan -- I have a B17 on my mtn. bike, a B17S on my Trek road bike, and a Team Pro S on my newly resurrected Bianchi road bike. Here's the drill as far as proof hide goes on non-aged saddles like yours:

1. When you get the saddle, put the proof hide on the top & bottom of the saddle. Wait a while and use the provided rag to buff off the top. (You don't have to buff off the bottom.)

Bonus points: proof hide the bottom before mounting it on the bike.

2. The proof hide helps the saddle be less slippery during the break in period.

3. I put proof hide on the top of my saddle every week or so for the first month of ownership. You'll notice that the first few times you use proof hide, it dries to a matted finish that shines up nicely when you buff it. After a few applications of proof hide, you'll notice that it stays shiny. I take that as a sign that it's had enough of the initial proof hide applications, and you can go into maintenance mode.

4. Maintenance mode: Depending on your climate, you should only have to apply proof hide every 6 months to a year.

Your saddle will come with maintenance instructions that say pretty much what I've said, but in more charming, British English.

-- Melissa

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My own advice is to Proofhide both sides liberally before putting the saddle on, then do another application like every other day for a week or two of riding, then slowly less often until it feels totally confortable and you can see sitbone dents- eventually just once every other month or so. Do not continue to ride the saddle if it gets sopping wet in the rain! Let it dry before riding again.

Expect to feel some soreness for the first few rides on a new Brooks- your butt actually adapts to the saddle as well as the other way around.

[FreshNewbie]

Thank you all. I will follow your instructions on proofhiding it. Also, how should I level the saddle. Did you find that it should be completely level across the saddle or the nose part should be level? Thanks again

[KnottedYet]

I leveled the nose. The back comes up slightly, but I have springs under the back. I think others have mentioned levelling the nose on the un-sprung saddles, too.

I guess start by levelling the nose, then tweak it as needed. A little tilt will make a huge difference. (and don't forget the proofhide! )

[FreshNewbie]

proofhide , proofhide, proofhide ( slowely repeating to myself while waiting for a mailman)