Saddle advice

[dean_dem]

All right, I've put it off long enough, but my old Selle Italia has worn out. After this weekend's rides, I decided I need a new saddle that won't leave my loins burning like the fires of a thousand suns.

So, does anyone have a road bike/ racing saddle they would recommend? Weight is a factor, but comfort is definitely important. Around a hundred dollars would be ideal, but most importantly I want one that works.

Thanks in advance.

[BiggJawn]

1. Brooks.

I have a B-17 and a B-17 Narrow. Once they're broken in, you won't even know you're sitting down.

For around $100, I'd suggest the Team pro. it's shaped more along the lines of what you're used to with the Selle Italia.

Wallingford bicycle has a very generous return policy. Buy a Brooks, ride it for 6 months, and if you truly would not give up your first-born before your Brooks, they'll buy it back from you.

All my road bikes wear leather seats. I have a Fujita and a "Swift", also.

[loveable liberal]

2. I've heard that and I bought one 3 years ago...

It sat in a shop for 10 years and its still hard as a rock, what can I do? should I get one of those wrenches and loosen the bolt a bit? what do you suggest?

[BiggJawn]

3. Have you worked Proofhide into it?

They ARE as hard as blue-hammered-bloody-hell when you buy them, but after you give it a good massage with the Proofhide dressing and get about 40 miles on it, you'll notice that the leather is getting softer, and that there are 2 "dents" in the top where your assbones have been getting to know the hide.

[loveable liberal]

4. i think i have...little pink and black tin....gobbed a ton on and left ...

overnight couple years in a row....damn thing is still hard. Maybe the leather dried out or maybe I used the wrong leather oil or something. How do you "rub it in"?

[BiggJawn]

5. Why, with your hands, of course

This tin?

They're olive green now, but it's still the same stuff.
The leather could be dry, but the Proofhide should bring it back. Gob it on, rub it in very thoroughly, enough that you can feel it getting warm under your hand.

I bought a saddle at a yard sale for a buck that I rubbed-up with "Ko-Cho-Line" (an english leathr dressing that you can buy at almost any tack shop) and let it sit all winter in my furnace room. That brought it back.

And my Fuji has a Fujita that was light tan and hard when I bought it, and now it's dark brown and supple. Kiwi "mink oil" and 900 miles did it.

But I kid you not, when they're new, I rapped on mine with a pencil and it sounded like a temple block.