Review of Brooks Bicycle Saddle Maintenance Kit

Brooks Bicycle Saddle Maintenance Kit - B2002526
By: Brooks Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 1
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Protects & Maintains Your Expenive Brooks Saddle

On: 2009-06-10

The kit comes with everything you need to protect and maintain your Brooks saddle. The Proofide tin is quite small but you only need about a thumbnail size of Proofide to condition your saddle. The 25g Proofide tin about the size of a very small shoe polish tin. The Proofide smells like citronella (slight lemon scent) and is about the consistency of Vaseline. Again, only a very small amount is needed per application.

The polishing cloth measures 13" x 13" square (33cm x 33cm) which more than large enough for the job. It feels like a slightly thicker eyeglass cleaning cloth. The cloth looks like it will get dirty and ratty relatively quickly so try to use one corner until that corner become dirty then move to the next corner.

The included spanner measures 3.75" long (approx 9.5cm). It feels solid and of good quality. Note that the spanner only needs to be used if/when the saddle becomes very saggy. A saggy saddle takes years and years to develop so you wont need to use a spanner on a new saddle but its nice to have one when the saddle no longer offers proper support and needs to be tensioned.

The kit comes with a fold-out leaflet with basic instruction on application of the Proofide in almost every language imaginable. Basically, you take a very small amount (approx thumbnail size) and rub it into the top side (smooth side) of the leather saddle with your fingers.

If you do not have fenders then you should apply the Proofide in the same manner mentioned above to the underside of the saddle. Then let the Proofide absorb/dry.

Once dry, buff the saddles topside with the included cloth -- no need to buff the underside. (I usually apply the Proofide at night, let it soak in while I sleep then buff it in the morning and ride my bike.)

Important note: If you use too much Proofide the dye from the saddle can very well leech off onto your clothing! So use Proofide sparingly as stated above or be prepared to wear black pants/bike shorts. If you are fearful of staining your clothes, you can put a plastic bag over the Brooks until any fear of staining has passed.

The kit is very expensive considering but it is official Brooks and Brooks Proofide is the only substance you should use on your Brooks saddle to condition and protect it. If you use anything other than Proofide you void the warranty and risk damaging the saddle.

A Brooks saddle is a great investment. With proper care, your Brooks can last you 20+ years so this kit, even though a bit pricey, is worth every penny.

(Note: I would have given it 5 stars if it wasnt so expensive.)