Picked up an Ideale saddle 6 today
 

It looks to be in great shape. Anyone know if this saddle is prone to failure or if there is anything I should do to extend its lifespan?

I've only had Brooks saddles, but would imagine that the failure mode would be comparable to a Brooks - leather at the nose rivets and untreated leather causing it to dry out.

is that the model number (6)? I don't recall seeing any with that low a number, but the whole Ideale numbering thing is very murky. Show us a pic.
Generally: they are no more prone to failing than brooks or other quality leather saddles, extending lifespan is the same drill: keep it clean, dry and occasionally apply very small amount of Proofide...don't tighten the tension until/unless you really know why and how.

BTW, forgot to say: pics or it didn't happen!! :D

Need a picture...from what I have seen Ideale saddles used a heavier leather than Brooks. I have a couple of 20+ year old Ideales and they are still chugging along.

Aaron :)

Well then...
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/6...74602f77_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7...69722468_b.jpg

That is in indeed in excellent condition. I think I'd just put some leather conditioner on it and call it a day. Great score kiwi!

Woah. Has that been re-done? I've never seen one in that condition before. Can we see the frame?

Frame:http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/6...b2ddf087_b.jpg
I don't imagine it has been redone. For all its loveliness, it definitely has patina. I'm pretty stoked, and I didn't have a moment's concern about it until a google search (which turned up almost nil) lead me to a blogger who said this saddle had a tendency to develop a ridge of torture. This doesn't seem to have any sign of evil, though.

That's amazing. I've never seen one that nice.

^ Thanks, guys!

It is phenomenal. Really. Is that the replacement for the Brooks Colt? :P

Looks like its about to fall apart. I'll dispose of it for you.

ah-hah, you have a No.6 (dame) which is the Lady's version of No.4 dual rail (Hommes), according to this here Ideale catalog scan:
http://www.velo-pages.com/main.php?g2_itemId=2055

Ah, no.
:lol:
It's going on the mixte that I am converting to a SS/FG.

Awesome- thanks!

Then I bet you've never seen one in this condition (unused, new old stock), lol

http://i46.tinypic.com/dbozee.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/xmk044.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/wk1bwm.jpg

I bought her about 5 years ago to go on a Peugeot mixte project -- the Peugeot is sold now.. and as soon as I can figure out a fair value on this saddle -- I'll probably sell her too (I have a lady brooks that I'm just getting broken in)

Yeah, but nobody will know that while you're riding it. :)

Don't tell anyone, but I have an Ideale 92D ("dame") saddle on one of my bikes. It's just a bit shorter and wider than the standard model 92:

http://www.os2.dhs.org/~john/ideale92a.jpg

not to get this started again.....but for kiwigem a "dame" saddle would be appropriate :)

92D stands for 92 Diagonale and it is a beautiful touring saddle with very few equals... the #6 on the other hand is failure prone and as such should not be used and rather sent to me so I can install it on my 1957 Peugeot as this is what the original saddle was.

:)

Karmicpedals... let me know if you decide to part with that #6 as a mint saddle would look great on my nearly mint bike and would match the bar tape very nicely.

My father has a 30+ year old Ideale saddle on one of his bikes and it's the most comfortable saddle I've ever ridden, Brooks included. Nice find. Looks great.

I'm a girl?

:roflmao2:

"Groupon" stamp--it's way ahead of its time!

It's actually "Croupon"