In a message dated 12/10/2001 7:37:57 AM Eastern Standard Time, CYCLETRUCK@aol.com writes:
> Never pre-soften or break-n a leather saddle prior to riding it. Butt bones
> do a better job than baseball bats for softening a saddle to the correct
> contour of your own anatomy. A THIN application of Proofride or one of
> several other wax/oil treatments to the bottom of the saddle will soften it
> enough for the break-in to begin....& it serves to protect the underside
> from
> mud and road oil. Use a cheap, inch-wide, bristle paint brush for reaching
> under the cantle and pomel.
>
What about saddles that have obviously not had any treatment for a long time, if ever? As an initial corrective measure I've been applying heavy coats of Proofide top and bottom, and letting it soak in for a day or two which has seemed to help; and thereafter giving it normal light coats based on my judgment of which bike's saddles are used enough to be due a treatment. Once a year as a minimum. My latest procurement is a "Norex" saddle, the first coat soaked in like paint on dry wood! Anyone know anything about Norex? Made in France, vaguely shaped like a B17N. Goes on the Peugeot fixer.
Pete Geurds
Douglassville, PA