Brooks 911
Thread started by
trickmilla at 06.1.10 - 8:53 pm
Once the most wonderful ass hammock I have ever sat on, my Brooks is not doing me right. Every bike shop I've been to is stumped as to how to fix this or if it is possible or worth it.
Its has an ugly bead up one side and it appears to be off center,
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from what i can see it looks like the rails are bent to one side like it was stepped on or smashed in some way. what happened?
sancho106.1.10 - 9:18 pm
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Try putting it under a heat lamp while you apply neatsfoot oil or Brooks proofride
to the underside. Once hot and lubed, tighten the center bolt on the front of the saddle (don't go crazy) Also you can drill a small hole low on each side flap and
use a small zip tie to pull the side flaps in closer to the rails. From the photo it
looks like this saddle was neglected and allowed to dry out ?
Dedicated81806.1.10 - 9:59 pm
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Good tips.
I've been treating it with proofide
The saddle is about 40 years old.
It actually has holes along the side so that it can be laced.
I never bothered because it was always so comfortable.
I dont know how the rails got bent, dropping the bike? A minor crash?
I don't know but that does seem to be part of the problem.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by Dedicated818
06.2.10 - 12:46 am
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Not sure you want to try this, but I have heard of people soaking them overnight in a bucket of water then reshaping them.
alicestrong06.2.10 - 12:20 pm
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I got mine all wet and now it's mooing at me. What do I due?
Joe Borfo responding to a
comment by alicestrong
06.2.10 - 12:21 pm
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Call for an immediate press conference with PETA...:)
Sheldon Brown said to soak it in motor oil...
alicestrong responding to a
comment by Joe Borfo
06.2.10 - 12:26 pm
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Yes, I have a solution, although it does require using your hands, as follows:
(1) Hold the saddle in one hand, using a firm yet comfortable grip.
(2) Using the other hand, pick up a trash can lid, using a relaxed grip.
(3) Release your grip on the saddle, allowing gravity to cause your saddle to fall directly into the trash can.
(4) DO NOT disturb the natural evolution of the contents of the trash can (e;g., from home to curbside, then on to landfill).
(5) Using either or both hands, employ the device of a telephone or Internet to purchase a saddle, or using both legs by way of perambulation, purchase a saddle directly from an appropriate vendor.
razorboy06.2.10 - 12:34 pm
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Oh yeah, before you soak it, detension it a bit.
alicestrong06.2.10 - 12:39 pm
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nah ...
its fixable
I know most things in our culture are disposable now-a-days.
but this saddle has worked better after 35 years of life (and who knows howmant 1000's of miles) than any saddle I have ever sat on, on any bike.
Event though it needs repair, it is still more comfortable than the replacement saddle I am using in its place.
Simply, this saddle is a keeper.
Thanks for the detailed instructions though.
I'll save it for something that's actually trash.
trickmilla responding to a
comment by razorboy
06.2.10 - 1:27 pm
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I've had a saddle bend after the bike tipped over on it's side.
imachynna responding to a
comment by trickmilla
06.4.10 - 1:25 pm
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from the picture it appears to be stretched out on the right side. i've never repaired a saddle, though i have worked with hides and shoe leather before. i don't know how accurate my info would be, but here's what i would do:
-detension the screw
-soak briefly in warm water, rubbing the inside of the right side, allow to sit and absorb and repeat several times. you can also partially submerge the saddle so that the right side absorbs more water.
-dry slowly, outside in the shade, while frequently brushing with oil
-as the saddle begins to dry and harden, lace it up with a durable string or leather strip. it will look awesome with lacing on it.
-wait at least a week to use it.
i wish there were easy instructions out there for you, but i think you're going to have to pioneer this one for all of us. this may of course be the end of your long-lived saddle!
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/leather.html
tortuga_veloce06.4.10 - 3:09 pm
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http://www.mplsbikelove.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=14654
Also, Harvey at Bike Oven has all kinds of tools for precise measuring/straightening metal, etc.if you really know it's bent, I can't tell for sure from the pictures. I told him your problem and he said he'd help you if you like...
Did you ever get it wet or very hot? What do you use to keep it lubricated?
alicestrong06.5.10 - 8:02 pm
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Dearest Ridazz,
Thanks you for your awesomeness.
I will report back!
- trickmillz
trickmilla06.5.10 - 9:26 pm
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Hey...you know you can buy parts for the Brooks, too right?
http://www.wallbike.com/brooks/partsandaccessories.html
I restored an Ideale once that was headed for the trash. It's a long story, but it turned out to be a great saddle...
alicestrong06.6.10 - 7:23 am
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Ridazz Roulette!