Proofide

Treating your saddle with Proofide keeps the leather in top condition.

NOT IN STOCK

Leather breathes and moulds to your shape in use. The longitudinal fibres stretch during riding, that's why for optimum comfort a Brooks saddles should be carefully tensioned using the spanner designed especially for this purpose. Remember, little and 'not very often' are the key to successful tensioning. Never ride or tension a saddle when wet as this will over stretch the leather and ruin the saddle.

     Leather, as a natural material, will provide the advantages of lasting comfort, coolness in hot weather, style and durability. If you follow these simple instructions your saddle will adapt itself to you and retain its support and comfort. A new saddle should be polished with a soft cloth. Do not ride the saddles immediately, wearing light coloured clothing, as this could lead to staining.

     Keep the leather supple with an occasional application of "Brooks Proofide", which is specially formulated from natural ingredients to condition, preserve and shower proof your saddle. Brooks Proofide is the only substance that should be used to care for your saddle. Apply Proofide lightly using a soft cloth to the finished side of the leather. Allow the Proofide to permeate until dry and then polish off. This should be done during the initial period of use, and every 3 - 6 months thereafter. (On bicycles not fitted with mudguards, an initial application to the underside of the saddle will be beneficial, this need not be polished off).

     You should protect your Brooks leather saddle from moisture. If a wet saddle is ridden the colour may stain your clothing. Allow wet saddles to dry naturally never tension or Proofide a wet saddle.

     Correct leather tension will ensure your saddle retains its shape and comfort. To tension turn the nose bolt nut 90 degrees at a time, check tension. Do not over-tension. A special Brooks spanner is available for this purpose.

FAQ's

Answer

What is Proofide?

Proofide is a semisolid blend of natural fats which, unlike oil, will not fill the pores in the leather allowing it to breathe. Oils will soften the saddle too much and adversely affect the shape and the life of the saddle. Neats-foot oil etc. fills all the pores in the leather making it heavy, unable to breathe and during riding the heat of the rider will cause the oil to stain clothes. This can even lead to irritation and rashes.

Answer

How do you Proofide a Brooks leather saddle?

Using either your finger or a soft cloth apply one coat to the underside of the saddle and leave. Apply Proofide lightly to the top of the saddle and allow to permeate overnight. Wipe off excess and your saddle is now ready to ride. Do not wear your best cycling shorts immediately after treatment, as Proofide is a wax-based preparation and may stain your clothes. When wet, allow the saddle to dry naturally, away from direct heat.

Answer

How often do you Proofide a saddle?

The application of Proofide is dependent upon various factors; frequency of use, temperature, humidity, exposure to the elements, etc. However, as a guide if a cycle is used daily an application of Proofide once every 2-3 months should be sufficient. More frequent applications in the early part of the life of the saddle is beneficial to the 'breaking-in' process.

Answer

Can I use Neats-foot oil on my saddle?

Brooks/Sturmey-Archer does not recommend the use of Neats-foot oil on leather saddles as it fills the pores of the leather stopping it breathing. It over- softens the leather causing it to sag and therefore reduces the saddles life. Only Proofide should be used on a Brooks leather saddle.

Answer

Can I use Saddle Soap on my saddle?

Brooks/Sturmey-Archer does not recommend the use of Saddle Soap on leather saddles. This is a cleaning agent that may remove the leather's natural protection. Only Proofide should be used on a Brooks leather saddle.

Answer

When do I tension my saddle?

It is important to tighten the tension bolt at the nose of the saddle to maintain the correct leather tension and prevent the saddle becoming uncomfortable. A special Brooks spanner is available for this purpose. The leather top should be checked for tension and the bolt tightened only if necessary. Never tension a saddle when wet.

Answer

How do I tension my saddle?

Using the Brooks spanner or Allen key to tension, turn the nose bolt nut 90Â° at a time and re-check tension. Normally two or three operations will suffice. Do not over-tension the saddle.

Answer

How can I speed up the 'breaking-in' process?

Here at Brooks we have heard everything from placing it in a water bath, leaving it in the Desert in oil, to hitting it with my wife's rolling pin! Don't do it. Riding is the best way to break-in a saddle. Manipulation of the leather by using your thumbs to massage the two points where your pelvic bones contact the saddle can help. This should be carried out when applying Proofide to the top of the saddle. No other method should be used to speed up this process.

Answer

If my saddle gets wet can I speed up the drying process?

No, you should allow the saddle to dry out naturally then re-Proofide it. You should never Proofide or tension a wet saddle.

Q10

Answer

I have broken the frame/spring on my saddle can it be replaced?

With the exception of the leather top, all Brooks frame parts are available as spares and are listed in the Brooks saddle spares leaflet. Brooks produces products that we want you to enjoy. Unlike other saddle manufacturers we provide a full range of spares for the saddles.

Q11

Answer

Can I fit a double railed saddle to a micro adjust seat post?

Yes, if you use a seat sandwich this ensures both rails are supported. A multi-rail saddle must not be supported on one rail only, it will break and this negates the warranty.

Q12

Answer

The leather around the copper rivet has worn leaving the sharp rivet to "snag" my cycling shorts, what can I do?

Do what we do when we make the saddle. Using a ball-peen hammer, gently tap the copper rivet flush with the saddle top whilst supporting the frame. Be careful not to bruise the leather around the rivets.

Q13

Answer

I cannot tension the saddle as I have used all the adjustment on the tension bolt and the top still sags. What can I do?

If a Brooks leather saddle has reached this stage there is only one course of action to take. Retire the saddle gracefully and purchase a new Brooks leather saddle.

BYP 780