Brooks Leather Saddles - Handmade in England. FAQ's or Frequently Asked Questions

Q1		What is Proofide?
A		Proofide is a semi-solid 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.
Q2		How do you Proofide a Brooks leather saddle?
A		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.
Q3		How often do you Proofide a saddle?
A		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.
Q4		Can I use Neats-foot oil on my saddle?
A		We do 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.
Q5		Can I use Saddle Soap on my saddle?
A		We do not recommend the use of Saddle Soap on leather saddles. This is a cleaning agent that may remove the leathers natural protection. Only Proofide should be used on a Brooks leather saddle.
Q6		When do I tension my saddle?
A		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
Q7		How do I tension my saddle?
A		Using the Brooks spanner or Allen key to tension, turn the nose bolt nut 90° at a time and re-check tension. Normally two or three operations will suffice. Do not over-tension the saddle.
Q8		How can I speed up the 'breaking-in' process?
A		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.
Q9		If my saddle gets wet can I speed up the drying process?
A		No, you should allow the saddle to dry out naturally then re-Proofide it. You should never Proofide or tension a wet saddle.
Q10		I have broken the frame/spring on my saddle can it be replaced?
A		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 produce products which we want you to enjoy. Unlike other saddle manufacturers we provide a full range of spare parts for the saddles. Visit us at our Official Brooks Saddles Web Site by clicking on the underlined text. Then you can download a Spare Parts catalog from us in PDF format.
Q11		Can I fit a double railed saddle to a micro adjust seat post?
A		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		The leather around the copper rivet has worn leaving the sharp rivet to "snag" my cycling shorts, what can I do?
A		Do what we do when we make the saddle. Using a ball-pane 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		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?
A		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.

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Branford Bike Online Catalog - Archival Edition
brought to you by the former owner of Branford Bike, Tim Brockett via his personal web site, TimsLife.Com

This is an archival edition of the Branford Bike web site from February 2006. Complete with product photos, prices, how to articles and technical specifications it is a treasure trove of accurate, detailed and historical information.

In July of 2006 Branford Bike was incinerated by a huge forest fire. No one was hurt but the inventory and buildings were completely destroyed. I witnessed the fire and stayed until the trees were burning in my driveway. At that point I hiked from Branford Bike, through the smoke and embers, down the mountain to my Jeep 3 miles away. I took photos and wrote about the harrowing experience so everyone could see what I saw. My insurance was generous and I later rebuilt my home and started another business selling books. Read the story here.

Branford Bike was a huge part of my life for over 30 years; June 1976 to July 2006. I enjoyed those years tremendously and Branford Bike was often a labor of love. I hope you enjoy browsing through the archival catalog. If your visit brings back pleasant memories please share them with me via e-mail at timbrockett@gmail.com .

If you find any printed Branford Bike catalogs, advertisments or flyers please scan them as a PDF and email. Or you may mail them via US Post to Tim Brockett, PO Box 1711, Emigrant, MT 59027. Eventually I will post them in a Memorabilia catalog section.

Many Thanks and Best Wishes,
Tim Brockett

	Branford Bike 129 Sagittarius Skyway, PO Box 1711, Emigrant, MT 59027 USA
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