Current legislation apparently requires that the constituents of all such
products should be itemised on the container, in descending order of
proportion, although (except in the case of foodstuffs, perhaps?) the
precise percentages are not required.
It's always been apparent that tallow was the main constituent of
'Proofide', and I'd guess that all the other stuff is little more than
'trace elements'. IMO, any sort of oil, in anything other than minute
quantities, is very bad for suspension-type leather saddles - and
'Proofide', if used correctly (a contentious matter in itself, of course),
will deliver no more than those minute quantities. Too much wax will
seriously impair the 'breatheable' virtues of the leather, although a small
amount may help improve the appearance and aid 'shower-proofing' - if you
want a saddle that's waterproof and/or soft, you shouldn't be wasting your
money on a good leather saddle.
The good folks at Brooks assure me that (despite the obvious changes in
colour) the make-up of 'Proofide' 'remains the same as ever' - since at
least the late thirties, that is. Whether you choose to beleive this, along
with other aspects of the Company's 'history' being peddled these days, is
up to you.
If you've got (empty) vintage 'Proofide' tins, perhaps you might consider
sending one to Bill Laine, at Walligford ('wallbike'), to add to his small
collection of 'Brooksiana' ?
Tony Colegrave. Northiam, E.Sussex, U.K.
>From: Crumpy6204@aol.com
>To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>Subject: [CR]Re: Classicrendezvous Digest, Vol 56, Issue 79 Brooks
>Proofidemix?
>Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 23:10:06 EDT
>
>As many members have, I have several Brooks saddles, I have always used
>when
>possible Brooks Proofide, I had a good supply of the orig Proofide in the
>Red cans, but ran out (still have the cans!) got some of the new stuff from
>Nashbar, completely different in Colour texture SMELL! etc, PLUS the new
>cans
>now have on the lid the Ingredients. I was surprised, Tallow, Cod Oil,
>Vegetable oil, Paraffin wax,Bees wax, Citronella oil. Does any member know
>if this
>the same mix as the orig ? I did NOT think that oils are good for bike
>saddles,
>Paraffin is GOOD I do know that, in fact wax is good, any one have any
>comments on this? Have Brooks after ALL these years found something new
>that
>should work better? or is this the same as the orig? I tried a Google
>could not
>find any info. Cheers John Crump OldwannabuyanoldcanBrit, Parker, Co USA
>
>
>
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