Just did the same thing. Really easy and fast. Good idea Eddie.

Hmm, oh well, here's goes nothing in a few days

Just rocked the patented eddiebrannan xacto-chop and it worked like a charm. Pics to come next week. Thanks for the peer pressure, you sick bastards.

That's a guy from the FGGF right? Given the luck I've had with dying (dye-ing?) actual shoes with shoe dye, I would imagine that he will have some sweet, sweet red stains on his pants for some time to come. Probably until the time that the saddle fades back to its original colour. But damn, damn, damn does that saddle ever look hottt.

Also, re: corset tied, chopped Brookses - does anyone have a photo of this? I'm curious what it looks like.

m.

check this out for the "tied" look

http://www.wallbike.com/content/butchering.html

Here's my hacked Pro. I used a carpet razor and it cut right through with no prob, then sanded the edges. Also used a bench grinder to remove about 1/4" of the frame on either end near the last rivets.

So hey, all you that have done this... would you not suggest doing it if you're a heaver rider? I'm in the mid 220's down from 260 at the beginning of June, and still going (so don't laugh) but I don't think that I'd be doing myself any favors trying to get down below 175. That said, if I can find a good deal on a B-17, I buy one and try this, but not if I'll break it.

BTW - to the OP'er, nice cracks about the burning dead cow smell and opining that a specific tool made to vut leather well might be called a leather cutter.

i wouldn't do it if i were heavier. there's really nothing to be gained other than from an aesthetic perspective. i feel that the risk of ruining the saddle would be higher for a heavier rider, and without good reason then why would you?

I think at your weight you might be able to get away with it on a Pro/Team Pro because it's narrower than a B17, but with a B17 it might end up with too much 'give' in the center. Maybe you could trim a B17 if you left enough of the skirting to be able to lace it through the middle and pull it taut. (?)

I weigh 220 and I have butchered a B17 and a Pro with no problems whatsoever. Admitedly I don't ride all day every day, but they both have a good few miles on them and they're not sagging any more than they should. And if they do just tighten them up, that's what the bolt's for.

And there is definately good reason to do it other than asthetics; when I first got my Pro I rode it stock for a while and my thighs rubbed on the skirts. So I cut them off and now it's comfy as heck.

Righto. I must have gotten a pretty thick piece of leather on my Pro just by sheer luck. When I trimmed it, it actually helped the thing not to be so hard, and gave it just enough 'give' to make the tension just about right for me (200 lbs. +/-). It only needed about 1/4 of a turn and it was perfect.

buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurn


http://img173.imageshack.us/img173/6697/dscn28720sg.jpg

...they're at it again, those crazy Brooks fans...

:D

kinda a highjack but as long as we're discussin' brooks and all, how long it take to break one in so my ass don't hurt? i love the look but how many miles before i feel no mo' pain? i knew goin' in there'd be a breakin period--just curious is all. don't worry, i'm puttin' some serious ass-sweat on mine.

I just started using my brooks on my bike with drop bars, not sure if i have the balls to do this but i am having problems with chafing. Did i just say balls and chafing in the same sentance?

OMG.

wake & bake...

b17 & $.99 box cutter-

and a couple mins was all it took

I too, have joined the Brooks Butchering Club. I marked where I wanted to cut using electrical tape and then went to town using my handy dandy Xacto knife! Very easy to do!
Before:
http://static.flickr.com/29/65950657_d8ada28d1e.jpg

After:
http://static.flickr.com/25/65950656_ff0214534a.jpg

this post makes me want a brooks to butcher!

It's hard to say how long, because everyone's weight, model, and time in the saddle is different. The ass-sweat is good tho', you just gotta hold on for awhile more until it gets copacetic with the leather.

Keep on keepin' on brutha. It'll pay off. :)

I need to do this....I also need to oil my saddle... quick question: after I've oiled my saddle, will it stain my pants forever?

LOL! Which model are you on, and where is chafing you? You could do a hack job like the pics above show. That often helps get rid of some excess Brookage and stops the chafing.

If it's Black it'll come off a little more than Honey or Ant. Brown. Just wear a dark pair for a couple of rides, then later wear whatever color you want.

Cool, thanks.

aebike has the swallow for like $170

edit: oops...the swift is $160.99, but the swallow is still way cheaper than the ushe at $233

http://aebike.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=30&SKU=SA1271

Totally forgot about the pics sorry all. Did it with an Xacto knife and masking tape. Took 10 minutes, sanded it down with med grit paper. Easy easy and no burning leather smell. The pics are from before sanding.