Brooks proofide; is it just expensive dubbin?

[Globalti]

With leather treatments there's a lots of money to be made if you use fancy packaging and perhaps add a perfume. Basically they are all blends of mineral oils and waxes, which evaporate slowly and provide waterproofing and suppleness. Waxoyle for cars is the same as Nikwax and when I worked for Ramblers Holidays in the Alps I kept my leather walking boots in good condition all through the season with lard, free from the hotel kitchen so I'm sure that would work just as well for a leather saddle. Just don't tell anybody though.

 

[Drago]

I make my own Waxoyl for cars. Cheap and easy, just like me.

 

[Blue Hills]

Waxoyle for cars is the same as Nikwax

Your sure of this? I have no clue/idea. Just asking.

I do of course know that a lot of bike grease is just repackaged, er, grease.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Lots of people recommend Mink Oil for jackets but I’ve never found any in shops in order to try it out. I found it in shops in the US but didn’t bring any back.

I could probably help with that., if need ever arose.

 

[raleighnut]

I still won't have them on my two classic steel bikes.

Not even if you could get one of these,

 

[I like Skol]

Not even if you could get one of these,

View attachment 403718

Is that a DIY cut down job?

 

[Blue Hills]

Not even if you could get one of these,

View attachment 403718

Oo, kind of nice. What is it?

Tho its its shininess does rather shame the rust on the bike beneath

 

[Alan O]

I hate those seat clamps. Sometimes the old ways aren't the best.

There are plenty of lovely vintage setback seatposts around too - that (special Swallow?) saddle would look even better with one.

 

[raleighnut]

Is that a DIY cut down job?

Oo, kind of nice. What is it?

Tho its its shininess does rather shame the rust on the bike beneath

That is one of the 2004 Swallow Limited Edition Titanium, they made 999 of them each with a matching numbered certificate of authenticity. They then went on to 'do' a 2nd run of 999 in black in 2007.

 

[jay clock]

Just wondering, as my Brooks saddle is in need of some TLC.. Local shop has Cherry Blossom Dubbin for £1 for a small tin. Proofide - I would have to order on line and is about £8 for a similar sized tin.

Yes next question

 

[I like Skol]

That is one of the 2004 Swallow Limited Edition Titanium, they made 999 of them each with a matching numbered certificate of authenticity. They then went on to 'do' a 2nd run of 999 in black in 2007.

Still looks like someone has hacked the nose and tail off in a demented episode of twisted home surgery!

 

[Gravity Aided]

Oo, kind of nice. What is it?

Tho its its shininess does rather shame the rust on the bike beneath

The rust on my bicycle for work kind of shames the Selle Schwinn saddle from 1986 that graces it as well.

 

[mikeymustard]

Still looks like someone has hacked the nose and tail off in a demented episode of twisted home surgery!

A touch harsh? Choose your weapons Sirra, you've just insulted raleighnut's favourite child!

 

[mmcinnis2]

No idea about other products, but the proofide will last for years. I do mine 2 or 3 times a year. The best bit is that it is colourless, and doesn't smell. And it buffs up well.

Others have their own favourites. There is another thread somewhere about protdecting your brooks and what is best.

Actually, it has a nice smell.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Brooks saddles and this thread have an undefined half life.
@mmcinnis2 - glad your olefactory glands sniffed out this 5 year old thread. Many of the debating assembly are still around!