tree pollen?
 

I just purchased a bike that has sat outside for at least five years. There is no rust so it must not have been exposed to rain. The entire bike has a green tint, but the Brooks saddle is really bad. I may go at the Brooks, which is also a bit crispy, with saddle soap but I'm hoping for other ideas from you guys and gals. Here is the before pic. Sorry about the focus.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...724e985899.jpg

Interesting! I have no idea what I’d try either, besides saddle soap. I’m looking forward however, to seeing what you do and the kinds of responses you get. Can’t wait to see the final results. Good luck with it.

I would start with a cloth and soap and warm water. That will not damage anything. No need to allow it to soak in, just wash the outside and see how it goes. Then, got at it with Proofhide.

Wow! Was the original saddle color black?

Yellow mold on a light brown Brooks?

-Kurt

I thought it was mold until I realized the steel frame was coated also. To be honest I'm not 100% sure what it is. But yes, brown saddle originally.

I'm interested to see how this turns out..

Using a wash rag, warm water and dish soap I scrubbed the saddle down thoroughly. A bit of green remains- not enough to concern me. I will scrub once more before moving on to the rejuvenation phase. This is what it looked like after drying.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2a0c62bae3.jpg

In addition to being quite dried out, the sides are noticeably splayed. I am thinking of trying the soak and block technique to reshape it. Anyone here attempted that?

This is the bike after a cursory bath. The pollen came off the frame easily enough but the bar tape is permanently green. The tires are disintegrating from exposure to elements. I feel very fortunate, even grateful, to have acquired this bike. I could not have afforded something like this were it not in a distressed state. The frame size is ideal for me. I won't even have to adjust the saddle height. I will be riding this a lot and likely changing nothing.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4fff6692d3.jpg

What a great find, and ain't it great to be able to take someone's castaway to turn into your treasure? I love that about this hobby.

I agree with that sentiment. Sometimes to me it seems more like a rescue than a purchase.

This case is different, however. The previous owner, who I didn't get to meet, suffered a stroke that left him unable to ride. I'm sure it wasn't easy for him to finally let this particular bike go. I would like to think that in the end it found it's way to the perfect new home.

Crosshairs - excellent. Igleheart fork?

Sorry to hear about the previous owner's circumstance. But no doubt he would want it to be ridden.

I’ve soaked and blocked splayed out leather saddles, following directions from [MENTION=73614]rhm[/MENTION], to good effect.