Proofide
#2
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I always thought it should be used sparingly, like maybe once a year max. I don’t really treat my Brooks often, just keep them dry and let your butt do the softening.
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#3
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I do once a year & don’t think it’s supposed to make it “softer”
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I still have the original tin of Proofide I bought in 2011. I still have plenty left, and use it on my seat and bar tape. It is intended to condition the leather, to prevent it from drying out, rather than to soften it. I use the most on my leather bar tape and not the saddle. I do the saddle maybe once a year. It takes very little to treat the saddle. I may do the bar tape more often since it tends to get wet more often, and is in the sun more than the seat.
#6
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Yes, the Proofide CONDITIONS the leather without softening it. Be very careful using any other products on any leather saddle as many of those other products are intended to soften the leather and that can ruin a decent quality leather saddle if the saddle is softened too much.
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#7
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I started using it about once a month with new saddles, gradually tapering off to once or twice a year. The new leather really soaks it up.
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I ran out of Proofide fast as I used it about once a week. But I was commuting through Misery winters without regard to weather. My saddle never got too soft or stretched. But over time it was well waterproofed by using it on both sides. I have always used fenders to help keep my uniform clean. But I went to surplus waterproof overpants of Goretex and it kept me warm and dry from then on. A small can of Proofide is also in my panniers with the pants. If I forget to keep a Chinamart shopping bag in the panniers I can give the saddle a swipe on the outside with the Proofide and go in to work. Be Well, Bluesfrog.
#9
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I have yet to add any Proofide to my Brooks but I know that I should. Do they make a Proofide (or other product that works with it) that can darken a Brooks saddle? My bicycle came with a Honey colored Brooks, but I wish it had come with Antique Brown or black.
#10
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#11
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#13
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