[CR]Kashimax saddles & suede restoration advice

(Example: Component Manufacturers)

From: "Charles T. Young" <youngc@netreach.net>
To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2003 21:09:00 -0400
Subject: [CR]Kashimax saddles & suede restoration advice

I recently acquired a brown suede Kashimax saddle with chromed steel rails by the Kashima Saddle Company of Osaka. It seems to be a nice Unicanitor clone. I suppose that it is an '80's saddle and is probably destined for a 3Rensho. Remnants of gold lettering are barely visible on the skirts and I can't discern what it may have spelled (Kashimax?). I'm curious about whether these common on Japanese road and track frames and whether they are still in business. Running down a google search didn't yield much information other than that they may still be producing Keirin saddles and the "MX" seems to have been highly prized by the BMX crowd for being "comfortable".

The saddle is somewhat water stained and any tips on minimizing the appearance of the stains would be appreciated. Does one brush suede and, if so, what type of brush is used? Any other tricks to rejuvenating suede saddles would be helpful.

Thanks, Charlie

Charles T. Young
Honeybrook. PA