Well I bought a bike for 1 euro and the only item that I can or will use is the Saddle. It's a Leather Ideale 39 saddle made in France. I've searched the web and it seems that this model was the "budget" one, yet very nice one at that. How can I bring back the shine to the saddle? Also, the bike it came on was a 1969 (heavy as hell) bike built in a local bike shop. The guy said the saddle is the original one that came with the bike. Can I expect this saddle to conform to me? I'm guessing this would look best on a French bike but what about on a Merckx Strada (I got this bike for 75 euro from the same guy)?

Man have I been getting some deals lately. I'll post more pic of the Merckx so you guys can figure out the year for me.

Nice deal on the saddle. I would use a bit of saddle soap (go easy on it), and then rub in some leather conditioner (proofide or some such) until it doesn't feel too dry. I work one application onto the top and as many as it takes on the underside. It should still feel dry when you stop, but not dry enough that you feel it could crack.

As for conforming - it will take several rides. I got a bike with an Ideale 43 about a year ago. It is a very nice saddle, but it was shaped such that it was remarkably uncomfortable for me. After about 200-300 miles, it is no longer uncomfortable - though not yet quite perfect for me. Riding will not only help to re-shape the saddle to your form, but will also help to clean and polish the top of the saddle.

Remember - the saddle didn't get that way in a day, and it won't get back to the way you want it to be in a day either. If you can get it nicely broken in in 2 months, you're doing pretty well.

Thanks man for you help! I usually do about 2 hours every other day on the trainer and on weekends I ride the ***** out of the poor Ventoux. I thinking I going to ride it all through the fall and winter to break it inn then modifying like I saw on this website. What do you think about doing these types of mods? https://www.wallbike.com/content/butchering.html