On Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 8:08 AM, Steve Maas <bikestuff@nonlintec.com> wrote:
> Try wetting the inside a bit where you need to straighten it, enough to make
> it flexible, but beyond that the amount of water isn't critical. Then clamp
> it in the shape you want, let it dry completely, and it should stay that
> way. If it doesn't, try again with more water. After it's in the shape you
> want, you can oil it; oiling won't cause it to resume its former shape.
>
> If the saddle has been oiled a lot, this won't work. You might have to soak
> the whole thing to get oil out and water in. Sounds like an awful thing to
> do, I know, but this has worked for me without causing any damage. And,
> after all, if it doesn't work, you're only out five bucks.
>
Had good results using the method Steve describes although there are other methods in the archives. One way to clamp the saddle effectively I've found is using duct tape over plastic or newpaper. For example, cover the center of the saddle with a plastic bag to protect the leather from duct tape adhesive and then wrap the duct tape around the center of the saddle, wrapping progressively tighter until the saddle pulls into a tight shape. I've found that getting a narrow shape at the middle, like a corset, is the way to restore a Brooks shape--get the top flat, reduce side splay. Using tape reduces the chance of damaging the leather with sharp edges from a square edged clamp or bench vice. Important to let the saddle dry completely while clamped in shape, and that can take days.
Mitch Harris
Little Rock Canyon, Utah, USA