My new Brooks Team Pro arrived yesterday. As soon as I got it out of the box, I applied a coating of Proofide, as instructed. DH installed it on my bike last night and this morning we went out for an easy-paced 36 mile ride. It wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. Sure, it was definitely a much firmer feeling ride and I'm sure I will need to tweak the position a bit more. We did have to lower the seat post a tad, since the Brooks is substantially thicker than my previous saddle (Selle Italia SLK Lady Gel Flow). But overall, my butt wasn't as sore as I thought it would be, after reading the countless "horror" stories about how Brooks' saddles are so rigid and require extensive break-in time.

My first question is - I had a hard time distinguishing where I was actually sitting on the saddle. I understand that there is the metal frame at the rear, but I really couldn't tell if my butt was placed properly on it or not...since the saddle IS quite hard and doesn't give much at all right out of the box. At what point will I begin to notice a difference as to the "sweet spot" of the saddle versus the metal framing?

Second question - the owner's pamphlet that came with the saddle isn't very detailed in explaining how to adjust the tensioning bolt. Is it the standard "lefty loosey, righty tighty"? When I flip it over and look at it...I'm just confused. If I wanted to "loosen" up the tension, would I turn the wrench to the left (as I'm holding the saddle in my hand, flipped to the underside, with the nose closest to my body)?

Thanks for any help you can offer to this Brooks newbie!

Linda