Brooks B72 Saddle Help
 

I bought a matching Raleigh Sports for my wife. The saddle looks a little rough.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...SCN2233JPG.jpg

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...SCN2234JPG.jpg

I've read several threads on saddles with a variety of advice. Can this saddle be saved? If so, how?

Gary

I think it looks a-ok. I don't see any tearing around the rivets or anything that looks deep into the leather. I would just apply some proofide or sno-seal on the top and bottom then ride it as is.

When you apply the first layer of Proofide (or other favorite topical conditioner), be nice and generous and let it soak in for a few days. It will appreciate the Brooks "spa" treatment!

If Proofide does not work, step up to Neatsfoot oil and possibly lacing:
http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2009/...e-saddles.html

i proofide mine, stick them in the oven on the lowest setting. really. just don't forget about it. a cooked brooks is a terrible thing.

Greetings from St.Paul! +1 on Kiwi Revive. George's Shoes on Grand Avenue will set you right up! I use a B-72 on my Schwinn Racer. Super comfy saddle.

I preheat the oven to 170 degrees, turn it off and then put the saddle in. The Proofide is completely absorbed after an hour.

Does that mean the shoe polish will come out on my wife's pants or skirt? That will not make her happy.
Perhaps I should put it on my bike and wear old pants for a time.

So I need saddle soap, proofide, and Kiwi Revive.

Gary

If you treat that old saddle, it'll sweat crap onto your wife's pants. They're not that comfy, I have a few. I'd get wifey a nice modern seat made for women. Fashion is sooo over-rated compared to comfort.

Whatever you use, slather-up the underside real good. And give the top as many coats as it will absorb - but no more then 3.

That is all just a matter of opinion and anatomy. I have a Brooks Pro that I would say is so/so at the moment and a Vetta saddle that I really love.

I used Obenauf's on my Brooks and it worked great.

I cleaned the saddle with saddle soap, then treated it with Sno-seal. Here's how it turned out:

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...o/DSCN2262.jpg

My wife is pleased. Thanks for the help.

Gary

Looks 1000 times better :thumb:

That's an incredible before/after.

I'm impressed. Never heard of sno-seal, but it never snows here anyway.

WOW!!!! Very nice work on that B-72 restoration!

Never?

http://phyllishoughton.com/sitebuild...30-600x442.jpg

:D

I've found a closed garage in the summer works pretty well, too. I suspect an attic would also work, if you don't have a garage.

I put mine in the loft in my garage--gets very warm up there when the sun is shining. Seemed to work. The warm leather just sucked up the Sno-seal.