Fred Rafael Rednor wrote:
> [snip] Lon Haldeman used 30 weight motor oil to
> condition and break in his saddles.
> Given the amazing number of replies that Harvey has included
> here, I'm curious if anyone on this list has actually used the
> motor oil treatment?
IIRC, we have been warned by petroleum engineers, Frank Berto among them I believe, to not use motor oil on saddles. I seem to remember the problem was carcinogens, specifically the additives, not the oil per se.
Used motor oil is a known (not just suspected) carcinogen, but I don't remember how bad new motor oil is. Probably varies from brand to brand. But given the aggregate history of the oil companies and the concern they've shown about our health over the years, I sure wouldn't trust the stuff.
Maybe the amount you'd get through padded shorts is small enough to be an acceptable risk to you. For me, just thinking about it would tend to spoil the ride. There are plenty of safer alternatives.
Mark Bulgier
Seattle WA USA