Questions re lacing and hacking a Brooks
02-24-09, 09:33 PM
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Questions re lacing and hacking a Brooks
I just started riding a Brooks Pro and, even though not broken in, I'm diggin' it. Now I'm wondering, as I always do, about mods to Brooks saddles. I did a search and found limited information. I would appreciate your experience lacing or hacking, any advice you have, as well as photos.
Many Thanks
RFC
Many Thanks
RFC
02-24-09, 09:38 PM
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I recently chopped up and laced a B17, it turned out OK, but it was kind of hard to get both sides the same and get the lacing holes placed evenly
02-24-09, 09:47 PM
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just for the hell of it? It looks kind of cool and I was in need of a project on a cold February night, and I can't afford a Brooks Swift or Swallow at the moment
02-24-09, 09:53 PM
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its a tad less stiff now, plus, its much easier to adjust the stupid mounting bolts on the top of the campy seat post it resides on
02-25-09, 04:43 AM
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There was a real good thread on BF about Swalllowizing a B17, but I've had trouble finding it. Within the past three months, I think.
02-25-09, 05:52 AM
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02-26-09, 01:36 PM
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Thanks all.
I went ahead and laced the Pro. It is a remarkably simple thing to do. I marked four holes on each side, drilled them out with an electric drill, and laced it up. I used leather laces, but am relatively confident they will fail before most materials. Even so, it will be easy to lace again.
BTW, I do suggest drilling the holes just a little larger than you think you need in order to make the lacing easy.
Because of the posts above, I want to try chopping a B17.
I went ahead and laced the Pro. It is a remarkably simple thing to do. I marked four holes on each side, drilled them out with an electric drill, and laced it up. I used leather laces, but am relatively confident they will fail before most materials. Even so, it will be easy to lace again.
BTW, I do suggest drilling the holes just a little larger than you think you need in order to make the lacing easy.
Because of the posts above, I want to try chopping a B17.
Last edited by RFC; 02-26-09 at 04:40 PM.
02-26-09, 02:55 PM
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Yeah, I've "swallowized" a few B17s; I heard it was common in the 50s. I copied another one I have...
Just put another on my Sears single speed, still in process.
Just put another on my Sears single speed, still in process.
02-26-09, 03:37 PM
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I've got a Brooks Colt that I've been thinking about butchering ever since I got it on a Giane I bought three years ago.
02-26-09, 06:19 PM
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like we used to say
Before:
During:
After:
I will punch it and lace it as it's a little too flexy for my liking now. Note I'm currently 200lb.
During:
After:
I will punch it and lace it as it's a little too flexy for my liking now. Note I'm currently 200lb.
02-27-09, 10:26 AM
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I've done a few: here are pics of one on a Zeus I renovated & gave to my son: I don't lace & there isn't a noticeable difference in feel before & after. I'm a little guy @ 150 pounds & my son is taller but only about 20-25 pounds heavier. Haven't seen any sagging yet but lacing is probably a good idea if you are a big guy. Another bonus from butchering a B17 is the two side pieces can be shaped into a nifty, small mud flap. Don
PS: this was a 4-5 year old saddle, nicely broken in.
PS: this was a 4-5 year old saddle, nicely broken in.
Last edited by ollo_ollo; 02-27-09 at 10:40 AM. Reason: add info
02-27-09, 10:40 AM
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02-27-09, 11:59 AM
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This may be a dumb question, but could one of you hackers trace, photograph, and post the outline of the pieces you have cut from a B17? Also, what is the best tool for cutting? Any other advice is appreciated.
