I have been researching this a little. Brooks’ instructions are somewhat vague but some suggestions on the web seem to risk damage to the saddle:
Once a day for a week, once a week for a month once a month for a year??
None on the top but loads underneath? This seems ludicrous.
Two or three times a year?
Above all, too much seems as damaging as too little.
It seems to me that applying Proofide can be done in two ways: 1) lightly, so as not to dull the leather; and 2) more liberally, so as to saturate the leather (and dull it). But what is the aim of dressing the saddle? One is to help ‘break in’ the saddle and facilitate it moulding to your derriere and another is to protect the top and keep it supple and if not waterproof , shower resistant.
Presumably the too much caveat does not apply to the leather handlebar grips as these are not load-bearing like the saddle?
Any thoughts? I am looking for an excuse to slather, I suppose!
Sir, I’ve used most of the tin of Proofhide on my Guv’s saddle, some underneath when new and the rest on the top along with some NikWax and Hydrophane equestrian saddle oil. Plenty of it. The saddle looks and feels great and so does the Brooks’ leather ‘bar tape that replaced the grips and which has also been coated/polished.
I can’t see it doing the saddle any harm, I’ve given the same treatment to plenty of others over the years on bikes, nags and Harleys.
To quote from the main points of the Brooks product information,
“Proofide is the only substance that should be used to care for your Brooks Leather Saddle.…..Apply a little.…..to the finished side.….allow to permeate until dry and then polish off.…..several times during the ‘breaking-in’ period and every 3–6 months thereafter.…..an initial application to the underside.…..will be beneficial.…..”
Also I note Brooks don’t recommend using Proofide on the their leather bar tape, presumably it can soften the adhesive making the tape sticky!
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