About this deal
They do supply a cover, but I didn’t realize that was to be used for riding on in the wet. I assumed it was a transportation cover. The concept of an expensive leather saddle that has to have a PVC cover on it to use in the UK is plain daft. Thanks for all the views, do you think that using one of those funky little ass saver mudguards would be sufficient, to give the saddle a fighting chance in the rain? The construction is unique; with the best quality saddle leather moulded over a titanium frame. This ensures that it will last forever and allows the leather to breathe naturally i.e. no padding to absorb sweat and distort. Old world" craftsmanship and unsurpassed build quality distinguishes this top of the range Brooks from anything else on the market. Individual and distintive looks with best quality leather and copper rivets only add to it's appeal. The main reason I hear that puts people off using a leather saddle is the break-in period. There are horror stories aplenty, but it needn’t be as bad as all that. Each manufacturer has its own recommended system, and if you dive into any forum or message board there are a tonne of leather saddle fanaticists, each with their own secret to breaking in. I’ve no doubt the following will enrage some of them, but this is my go-to method for breaking in: One coat of leather conditioner focusing primarily on the underside of the saddle, and one very wet ride of no longer than two hours. It is worth noting that some manufacturers like Berthoud pre-apply a grease before sale to aid waterproofing, so you needn't add any yourself for the first year.
Swift Eroica - Brooks England
Saddle loops mean extra baggage capabilities (Image credit: Will Jones) Is it hard to break in a leather saddle? Alongside its unsprung racing and touring saddles, Brooks also makes a whole range of traditional coil sprung saddles. They’re good for leisure and commuting use, where you ride in a more upright position. They’d also look great on a traditional vintage machine. Comfy, but not any more comfortable then any other decent saddle. As oldgit says, they almost melt in prolonged rain.No. I didn’t think one single wet ride would destroy a brand new saddle. I had used them years ago 70/80s and never ever put anything on them, they were fine. Our current lead-time on handbuilt wheels is approx 2 weeks, and approx 2 weeks for custom bike builds. I do like things that potentially last a lifetime and am therefore seriously considering splashing on a brooks saddle, for me road bike. It is an expensive saddle, but I have spent more in the last 2 years on other makes trying to cure my chaffing problem. There are five different models in the C13 range: the C13 158, 145 and 132 refer to the different widths, designed to suit different riders. The C13 145 and C13 132 are also available as Carved versions with central cut-outs, at the same price.
Brooks Swift Saddle user reviews : 4.6 out of 5 - 20 reviews Brooks Swift Saddle user reviews : 4.6 out of 5 - 20 reviews
In fact, despite the claims that it takes hundreds of miles to 'bed in a Brooks' I found that straight from the intricate box, the Brooks was very comfortable. You should always keep proof of postage and we advise you to use a ‘signed for service’ when returning goods.
It's also worth noting that this will absolutely void your warranty, with Brooks expressly mentioning "riding a completely saturated saddle" in their warranty exceptions, so do so at your own risk. If you can this is all best done in a controlled environment. The absolute ideal would be on a turbo trainer at home, so you can stop once it has sagged to a degree you are happy with and no more. What's more, some saddles will sag faster than others; my Brooks Swallow formed within an hour, so the more careful and controlled you can be the better. A few short stints will be better in the long run than one long one where you overshoot the break-in point. the jaws are plastic, so there is no rust-marking of the wet leather. Let the leather dry out slowly.
The Brooks Swift - Life In The Saddle The Brooks Swift - Life In The Saddle
Too me (a multiple Brooks user, oldest from 1988) it has always been part of ownership that if they get soaked you can’t sit on them until slowly dried without direct heat and then treated, or they sag. This in my knowledge has been the way since day dot. Not a fashionista, niche whore, don’t have an ironic moustache and don’t want to look like a tool but… I do like things that potentially last a lifetime and am therefore seriously considering splashing on a brooks saddle, for me road bike. This is the saddle to get if you suffer from problems such as hard feeling, pain, numbness, or if your butt just gets a too warm due to limited transpiration of the saddle, even using those with gel... and especially in hot summer days. In my case, breaking-in process of the brooks has been fast; probably because I just felt good with it from the start (good for me). But this thing just gets even more confi with miles since the leather progressively adapts to your anatomy. Also, since the leather is porous and this saddle does not have any plastic hardshell in the bottom, it actually "breaths", avoiding that excess of heat mentioned above. If you consider the average lifespan of a brooks, the excessive price of a brooks swift may be questioned. I highly recommend this saddle to any cross country rider looking for a confortable, finely made and sturdy great-looking item period.As soon as I got into mtbkng in 03 I had numbness issues in my toes and thigh. I eventually figured out that my saddle and my sit bones were not in tune. I tried the WTB Laser Stealth, and it was an improvement, but not enough better. I went to the Brooks, as so many reviewers rave about them and my issue led me to think that this was my best hope. Awesome saddle ... but it finally broke. I have had this saddle for about 6-7 years. Unfortunately the welds that attach the frame of the saddle to the rails fractured on a pretty technical MTB ride. A lace tied loosely keeps the narrow waist shape....too tight lacing is like sitting on a broom handle.