Is modifying a brooks b17 a bad idea?
03-24-08, 04:46 PM
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Is modifying a brooks b17 a bad idea?
This year I really caught the commuting bug and in my zealousness now am the proud owner of a LHT that I am slowly fitting out to be my ultimate commute/ touring daytripper. The saddle that came with my LHT was awful and I took the plunge and splurged on a B17 from my local shop. I really like it, though I am still fine tuning the position, but it seems that the leather is too wide around the nose (the excess below the rivets). I think all my mild discomfort problems would be solved by taking an awl and some leather string and lacing the sides together for a little more streamlined feel.
Is this a bad idea? I dont have the cash to buy another saddle for awhile if I mess this one up but it seems a straight forward endeavor. Any thoughts???
Is this a bad idea? I dont have the cash to buy another saddle for awhile if I mess this one up but it seems a straight forward endeavor. Any thoughts???
03-24-08, 05:03 PM
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Many people lace their brooks saddles to keep the sides in. I've never done it but I'm sure if you use the search you can find a "how to guide" on these forums.
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shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
03-24-08, 05:10 PM
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03-24-08, 08:16 PM
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Go for it, you're not going to hurt it that way. At the very worst -- you'll have a B17 with a few holes in the skirt -- big deal.
I waterlogged my B17 a couple years ago, and it stretched a bit leading the skirt to really flair out. I punched holes in it and tied it for a while to "train" the leather to stay down a little. After a while, I took the lacing out with no ill effects. IMO, you can't screw it up by poking a few holes in it.
I waterlogged my B17 a couple years ago, and it stretched a bit leading the skirt to really flair out. I punched holes in it and tied it for a while to "train" the leather to stay down a little. After a while, I took the lacing out with no ill effects. IMO, you can't screw it up by poking a few holes in it.
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