Re: [CR] Saddle reconditioning CAUTIONS!

(Example: Production Builders:Peugeot:PX-10LE)

From: <CYCLETRUCK@aol.com>
Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2004 01:12:18 EST
Subject: Re: [CR] Saddle reconditioning CAUTIONS!
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


I've had lots of luck with bringing back several dozen dried out and abused saddles over the years. Much of what applies to restoring tack applies to bicycle leather.

Some important considerations have been ignored in this discussion but if you'll check the archive you'll find they've been deal with more than once before.

-----DIRT AND SALT (SWEAT) Must FIRST be removed from the leather. compressed air>dry brush>damp cloth>damp cloth w/leather cleaner-condition> soaking wet cloth (in that order) Do not use saddle soap!!! SADDLE SOAP SUCKS the life out of leather.

-----LIMITED application of oil! I've not used Rejuvenator Oil but leather upholstery differs considerably from saddle leather in suppleness. It probably fine but just don't over apply. TOO much oil will over-soften a good saddle. Apply the oil thinly (LEXOL is excellent) while the leather is still wet after cleaning and only on a saddle that was extremely dry. Otherwise just use Proofide--it does soften the saddle as radically.

-----Tie the saddle into the proper shape while it is still damp. Allow it to dry slowly....no hair dryers!

-----After the saddle has dried for a week or so a coat of carnuba furniture wax will make it look a might newer and protect it longer. Parade shoe wax will do as well and will also cover scuffs.

I use a Dremel small brush and tooth paste to polish the rivets. Carry a shower cap in your tour bag. Muddy weather is the natural enemy of leather saddles.

Calvert Guthrie
Kansas City
Missouri