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Questions and answers about sports

Is a leather saddle appropriate for all-weather riding?

5 min read

Asked by: Erin Thompson

Can leather saddles get wet?

There’s no fuss or bother when it gets wet — it dries as good as new. Leather saddles generally do pretty well as long as they aren’t completely soaked. But that happens. I remember going to a cross country school where it rained so hard that my saddle was wet all the way through.

Are leather saddles more comfortable?

Leather Saddles Are More Comfortable



In contrast to the comfortable, well-worn equestrian saddles of the day, cyclists rode on a carved block of wood. For many long-time cyclists today — like for those first leather riders — their first experience with leather is a revelation.

Can you ride a Brooks saddle in the rain?

Quote from video: But this saddle is in really good condition so i would say that the answer is actually yes you absolutely can use a brook saddle in the rain and in fact i would argue that it's made for that.

How do you break in a leather bike saddle?

The most common is to soak the saddle in hot water for 5 or 10 minutes, then take it out and rub lots of Mink Oil into the leather, on the top and bottom. After you’ve massaged the leather for 10 minutes, ride the saddle for a short ride, in an old pair of shorts. Let the saddle sit overnight.

How do you protect a leather saddle from the rain?

— Purvis B. Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Riders who use leather saddles should carry a rain cover in their seat bag. You can find various models online. Some riders simply treat the saddle’s underside with a leather preservative.

How long does a leather saddle last?

Together, these parts form a comfortable, functional, and durable seat for riding. Although saddle makers recommend changing saddles after two years, a high-quality leather saddle can last a lifetime. Many riders prefer Western horse saddles for their decorative style and cultural value.

How do I pick the right saddle?

5 tips for finding the perfect saddle

  1. Find the saddle with the right shape. No two people are the same. …
  2. Take account of your flexibility and your position on the bike. Test your flexibility. …
  3. Measure the width of your sit bones. Saddles come in different widths. …
  4. Set the saddle to the right height. …
  5. Saddle position.


How do you pick the right size saddle?

There should be about four inches between your body and the swell of the saddle. Anything less than that may mean a too-small saddle, and a bigger gap means the saddle may be on the large size. Larger may be more comfortable for you. Western riders with longer legs should choose a larger-size saddle.

Why do people like Brooks saddles?

Brooks saddles have a reputation for high quality, premium design, comfort and longevity. They’re some of the best saddles on the market and many cyclists swear by them. You also get a 10 year guarantee, proof of just how durable these saddles are. A folding helmet that reduces to 50% in size and actually looks good.

Are Brooks saddles waterproof?

Register to extend your Leather Saddle coverage. Your Brooks Leather Saddle will be a trustworthy companion for your rides and boundless journeys because leather is a most peculiar material. It’s robust, at almost 5mm thickness, and naturally long-lasting with care and regular waterproofing using our Brooks Proofide.

How tight should Brooks saddle be?

Quote from video: Be sure that it does not turn as you are turning the nut. This can sometimes happen on the very first adjustment the lock needs to engage correctly. Against the inside of the nose.

How do I look after my Brooks saddle?

Quote from video: To protect your saddle from rain and moisture. It is not necessary to polish this off your saddle will stretch that breaks in so it is important to maintain good tension with your comfort.

Should saddles be stored indoors?

ALL YEAR ROUND… Store your saddle and tack indoors if possible. A more consistent temperature with good ventilation is best.

How do you waterproof a saddle?

For waterproofing saddle blankets use Water Shield. Saddle blankets should be sprayed with at least two applications of Water Shield for protection but may need up to four applications.

Can you oil a saddle too much?

Quote from video:

What to do after a saddle gets wet?

If your saddle gets wet, clean all leather parts that have been exposed to sweat and moisture, let dry naturally, and oil. Do not use artificial heat or direct sunlight to dry leather or it may become brittle and lose its strength. Leather which has been burned through this process should no longer be used.

How do you get water out of a bike seat?

Using a thick, absorbent towel, apply pressure to the seat to absorb all the moisture, all the way down as deep as possible. Remember that your entire body weight will eventually be on the seat, which will cause it to release more moisture.

How do I look after my Brooks saddle?

Quote from video: To protect your saddle from rain and moisture. It is not necessary to polish this off your saddle will stretch that breaks in so it is important to maintain good tension with your comfort.

How tight should Brooks saddle be?

Quote from video: Be sure that it does not turn as you are turning the nut. This can sometimes happen on the very first adjustment the lock needs to engage correctly. Against the inside of the nose.

Are Brooks saddles really that comfortable?

The simple answer is yes! Brooks saddles are widely regarded as some of the most comfortable on the market. That’s owing to the leather build. There’s no chafing, sweat is quickly wicked away and the saddle moulds to its rider over time.

How long does it take to break in a Brooks saddle?

Brooks saddles are made of natural leather and vary in thickness which means that every saddle has a slightly different “break-in” period. In general, however, most people say that at least 400km (248miles) are needed to see results. Note: Brooks saddles are not an exception to the shape rule.