Opinions on this Brooks saddle?
06-15-09, 10:17 AM
#1
Retro Grouch in Waiting
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Opinions on this Brooks saddle?
I got it on a '78 Fuji S10-S, and by my research, it was not original. It is sprung, and doesn't look too bad to me. It is weather checked some, dry and hard, but is intact. Questions: Can the leather be reconditioned and therefore serviceable? Is it worth much as it is? I already have an Ideale saddle for my Gitane, so I may sell it, if it has any value. Thanks! geek
Last edited by geekrunner; 06-15-09 at 10:18 AM. Reason: canot spel LOL
06-15-09, 10:27 AM
#2
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It looks to me like the leather is too cracked and dry to be saved. If you have a tin of proofide, rub some a lot of it into the underside, and some into the top, and leave it out in the sun for a while so the grease melts and soaks into the fibers as well as possible... but don't expect miracles.
06-15-09, 11:28 AM
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you also might get a few bux for the frame on eBay.
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06-15-09, 02:26 PM
#5
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Nothing lasts forever, and everything has it's time to die. This saddle's time has come and gone. You can buy a new one for less than a hundred bucks on eBay. You might be able to find a new leather piece for it, but it will cost more than the fixed saddle would be worth.
06-15-09, 03:36 PM
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You could make the ride tolerable by putting a cover on the seat. It could be hard to find one that fits, though.
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06-15-09, 04:11 PM
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Look for info on leather repair and restoration. https://www.leathermagic.com/
06-16-09, 06:22 AM
#8
Retro Grouch in Waiting
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Thanks to all for the info!
geek
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06-16-09, 06:41 AM
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Don't rub proofide into the bottom. All that will do it soften the leather to the point it will sag (possibly uncontrollably). I recommend going to www.bikelist.org and looking in the recent archives (past two weeks) for postings with "Brooks" in the subject line on ClassicRevdezvous. There has been a lot of information posted on the topic of salvaging saddles posted very recently.
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