[CR] How restorable are these as daily rider saddles?

(Example: Events:Eroica)

From: "Jon Spangler" <jonswriter@att.net>
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:02:26 -0700
To: Dale Brown <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR] How restorable are these as daily rider saddles?


Dear Tony and all,

I have been looking at used Ideale and Brooks saddles--and now need yet another one for my replacement mixte. But have never restored one from a condition as bad as these ebay items are in.

(I have always taken much better care of my own leather saddles. Duh.)

How usable would these saddles be, and what would they need to function well as daily riders in "normal" use? Will they need new leather "covers" to work at all well? (I cannot afford to have Tony replace a saddle's leather at this point, although I'd willingly do it in a heartbeat if I could.)

Has anyone else "rescued" similar saddles from a comparable state of abuse/neglect? What am I in for if I buy one like these? Any suggested "break even point" suggestions to use in making bids (or limiting the bid amounts) on these candidates for adoption and rescue?

Ebay listings/item numbers:

230459005666 http://ebay.com/<blah>

220585853724 http://ebay.com/<blah>

200459287993 http://ebay.com/<blah>

I'd like to buy one like this one for my Allegro, and a similar saddle for my new mixte, but am always outbid, thus the questions about restorability:

http://ebay.com/<blah>

Thanks for your help and wise counsel.

Jon Spangler Alameda, CA USA

Jon Spangler
Writer/editor
Linda Hudson Writing
TEL 510-864-2144
CEL 510-846-5356
JonSwriter@att.net
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmspangler
http://www.twitter.com/jonmspangler