Re: [CR]Resurrecting Leather Saddles

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2007)

Date: Thu, 18 Nov 2004 12:21:23 -0800
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR]Resurrecting Leather Saddles
References: <001401c4ce71$c18e6ee0$f9ea6644@OFFICECOMPUTER>


rhandsfield wrote:
>
> Yesterday I decided to look at my stash of old leather saddles-a couple of old Brooks and a Messenger Supreme Racer have lost their "crown"; the top sags and the sides splay out. I Proofhided them top and bottom and wrapped them with an old toe strap to push in the sides and raise the crown...Methinks that as soon as I remove the strap and sit on one of these saddles, the sag will return. Are there any experts with ideas on ho to avoid the tops sagging? Is it time to adjust the front bolt or tie the sides together with leather thongs as I've seen? thanks, It' s rainy in the heartland. Rodney Handsfield, Hutchinson, KS.

Rodney,

I'm no expert obviously, but to fix the top sagging you have to tighten the tension bolt in the nose. To correct the splaying flaps you need to lace the saddle.

Here's an example of lacing the sides: http://www.wallbike.com/content/JPG/swiftbutchered.jpg

Lacing with flat waxed black shoe laces (tie two together if not long enough) works much better than leather thongs (the leather thong stretches; not so good).

Use a leather punch to make the holes. Using a drill results in a very roughly formed hole.

Good luck, Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California

.