mandovoodoo

My Brooks saddle went away with a bike and recently returned. I think it has been tightened or shrunk. I loosened it up. Looking for pointers on re-breaking it in and adjusting the tightness.

Thanks!

ricohman

If someone really cranked it tight then the leather can be ruined.
You may end up with a permanent sag.
Very little and not very often is the key to tensioning a leather saddle.

mandovoodoo

OK. I know it may be ruined. It wasn't in that hot a shape when I got it in 1970. How can I tell whether it is ruined now? Assume a saddle with no tension. At what point in bringing it up to tension is the tension appropriate? If I have an appropriate tension, put on proofhide, and then ride it for a while I expect it will either come back or not. I don't know what the appropriate tension is. Now I've got it just past where the nut engages.

ricohman

I would bring it up till its snug and then ride it.
If it feels saggy snug it up a bit more and repeat.
Not much else you can do.

gregstandt

I've read about lacing across the bottom of the sides to prevent them from spreading to reduce sag without having to overtension it.

mandovoodoo

Mine is already set for lacing - I used to ride that way. It's a stock system of holes. Can't recall the model. Seems to be recovering by itself with less tension. Fitting fenders, then I'll try a test ride.