Originally Posted by
JohnDThompson
I suspect the saddle was over-treated, degrading the leather.
I disagree. The saddle lived in southern California heat its whole life and was neglected just like the bike. Although that climate can help preserve a bike I think it is death to untreated leather. Lexol is specifically to restore strength to leather. I used a slow and methodical process over several months to treat it. I finished it with mink oil to add suppleness. In my experience, mink oil is the absolute best leather treatment out there. I now believe that this saddle was simply too degraded from its environment to save.
Originally Posted by
JohnDThompson
While Lexol and mink oil may be fine for treating 100 year old horse saddles, keep in mind that horse saddles don't suspend your body weight between two fixed ends. Bike saddles need to retain strength to support your body over the saddle frame, and this means different leather treatment to preserve that strength.
I must disagree again! Sure, on the seat, skirt and pommel of a equine saddle there is little stress, but the stirrup straps, girth, bridle and reins all have significant points of stress and must remain strong as well as supple. We have equine saddles which are 100 years old and have been well cared for over the many decades. The leather remains supple and strong and have never seen a modern leather treatment. The important element in preserving leather is regular care, whichever your preferred method.
I hope that I am not being too disagreeable!