I’m now coming up to 5,000 miles on the Surly Long Haul Trucker, aka my little Tank, and boy have they been my most comfortable 5,000 miles ever.
But, as there always is a but, the fecking LHT is the reason that I can’t ride my other bicycles any more. As my good friend at my LBS said … “Over the years as you get older you might find that you want to raise your handlebars a little bit as time goes on. You my friend have gone and done it, raised the bars by at least 20deg on your Surly and there is no way that you can go back again“.
And then there are the Brooks saddles, I do have a Brooks bum and there is no way I’m going back to other saddles.
Dirty Pia : My beloved MTB, which I have done umpteen miles on without any problems. Now I’m in agony after a few miles, too much weight on my hands and arms because of the forward leaning position. And then there is the saddle, how the heck did I manage all these miles before on that sharp brick ?
Chutney : My Speed Pro TT from …

Yesterday I had a grand day out with a handful of leather nuts to the Brooks saddle factory in Birmingham, UK. We were split into 2 groups and had a tour on the factory floor. Where we could see, hear and smell the production of these beautiful leather saddles. The whole production is done in true industrial style, e.g big and noisy with oil and steam (ok just added that last bit for effect).
I do have a weak spot for old industrial craftsmanship, ok CNC, robots are great but each has its place. The Brooks factory is any one’s dream to go and see, you can get right up and close to see, smell and hear how it is done and the craftsmen are happy to answer your questions.

You really get to get a feel of the craftsmanship and the hard work and skill they put into their saddles. We got to see every step of the way nearly from the raw metal to the finished product. And none of the steps is a computerised conveyor belt knocking out 1000 units an hour.
I had taken the old neglected Brooks saddles I got the other day with me. Our tour …

I was at a friends place today helping him out with some computer problems, as payment I got two rather knackered looking Brooks saddles. My friend have found them on dumped bicycles or on bicycles left outside to rot. He was thinking that he could use them for a wee bit of art work and have now painted them black. But then figured out after I said that I was looking for a new saddle that I might have some use for them if I could save them.
After a little clicking around on the Brooks website I think I figured out that they are a B66 and a Team Pro.
The B66, is the most knackered one, the steal railings looks ok with a bit of rust and dirt here and there. Though the leather is dead, looks very brittle and cracked up, therefore I don’t think the leather can be saved.
The Team Pro, looks like it can be revitalised if I can get the pain off without damaging the saddle. It does have some scrapes and looks a bit rough but I think some proofide would do some wonders. The tightening screw looks in a bit knackers but …

… behind, me.
Well after a lot if hmm and aahh’s we went and got some B17′s and yesterday they arrived.
I have read a lot about the miles of pain that we should endure before the bliss, so I cheated.
Various sites talked about bringing a mallet to it, proof hide, water etc.
I then soaked them for around 30-40min and then gave it a layer if some majic stuff I got. From my friends in Denmark. They work with leather everyday, some of you might have seen their handy work, the stuff they have will soften and water proof the leather.
I jumped on the bike this morning and with in 3 miles I had dimples and it was just nice and soft from the word go, over bumps etc.
Though I might have to tilt it forward a wee bit as it does press a bit where I do not want pressure.
Looking a the dimples I now know that my behind is not centered, though I wonder if it is because I’m putting my left foot down that often here in London.

… equal the amount of bikes you should have. Where “n” is the amount of bikes you have right now.
We just put our orders in for some bits and bobs for our new bikes.
Ortlieb panniers, racks, sleeping mats, tyres, brooks B17′s etc.
Just can’t wait until we get our Surly Long Haul Truckers, and we can go touring :)