wrote:
I am anxiously awaiting delivery of a Brooks B17 CS
http://www.wallbike.com/b17cscopper.html . My stock OEM Velo seat is
not terribly uncomfortable for rides less than 30 minutes, but any
longer than that, I suspect I am sitting on a piece of junk. I am not
in terrible pain at that point, but there is some discomfort. I am
6'4", 225lbs. I use this bike mainly to commute on city streets, 5
miles twice daily.

I am trying to get a feel for how many people have trouble adjusting to
new Brooks saddles. There are certainly many previous threads in RBT
about Brooks saddles. Some people report they can use these saddles
with little or no break-in. Others report that no matter what they do,
they can't get used to the saddle, despite their best efforts at
conditioning the leather.

Sheldon Browne suggests the fastest way to break in a new leather
saddle is to *soak* it in neatsfoot oil
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/leather.html . I already ordered the
Proofide, so I could do that as an alternative.

When I get new stuff, I like to use it without unnecessary delay. Is
there a consensus on the best method to condition a new Brooks B17?
Hopefully overnight will be long enough. (I know there will be ongoing
maintenance and rain-awareness.)

I am really excited about this new bike enhancement. I'm not sure I
will *ever* get this Pocket Tourist exactly right...

TIA - Jay

Jay, I am exactly the same height and weight as you and have broken in
two Brooks saddles, a B-17 and a Champion Flyer. I only used the
Proofhide and don't overdo it, a little goes a long ways. Be sure to
put some on the underside if you're going to ride without fenders and
think you might get caught out in the rain sometime. Both my Brooks
were comfortable right from the start and only got better as I rode
them more. I think you'll like your saddle a lot.

Smokey