Try soaking it in Red Wing boot oil in a Frisbee or an aluminum cooking pan for a day. Then treat with a small amount of Proofide. Don't use it for a month. It is really a nice touch.
Best Regards, John Proch La Grange, Texas
________________________________ From: nicbordeaux <nicbordeaux@yahoo.fr> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2009 4:56:44 PM Subject: [CR] Saddle soaking
To quote Jerry "I made matters worse with massive application of Proofide" ... "It became totally soft and limp". Jerry, I would like to extend my sympathy.
I can confirm this, I left mine to soak in a bucket of water for a long time, and on applying lubricant to the underside it indeed did become soft and limp.
Actually, tried drowning a old brooks pro in water for 24 hours, it came out nice and pliable, so much so that it was possible to lace the "cheeks" together under the rails and make an interesting imitation of what some racers used to do with their leather, eg lace it so that it looks like a "swallow" or "swift". Unfortunately, in spite of applying lubricant sparingly, the thing has become as hard as a rock, with a distinct banana shape. Needless to say I won't be riding it.
Guess I'll be avoiding soaking saddles, it obviously requires some experience.
Nick March, Agen 47, France