Does anyone have any tips (not involving surgery !) to make the seat sittable ?
Hi, Chris!
To a certain extent, "They all do that" best describes a Brooks' slipperiness.
That said, I've found changing the other part of the interface -- riding shorts, tights, or trousers -- helps a lot. Some blends of lycra, especially, are just "squirmy" atop a Brooks. Others with a coarser weave aren't nearly as slippery. I've found wool shorts (as used "back in the day") are fine.
I've also found saddle position makes a great deal of difference. If I have it spot-on, then I don't slide around much. If the saddle is too far nose-up or -down for me, then I slide. Saddle height being a bit "off" can contribute also. Wearing-in the saddle helps, as the little dents one's bottom makes help locate a person on the saddle. I think riding tends to wear off some of the initial surface polish. Sweating a lot in hot summer temperatures helps, sometimes too well!
Some people tend to apply Brooks' Proofide saddle dressing a bit too generously or too often, and that can make things more slippery till it wears off. Still, it is the top grain (skin side) of the hide that really makes for a slippery surface.
I did see a sanded Brooks one time. I was a little horrified till I realized it was a last-ditch attempt to make the saddle usable. The rider claimed it helped a lot, but had to be re-done periodically as it wore smooth again.
Best,
Dan.
