Restore Brooks B72?
02-19-24, 01:56 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: Chicago
Posts: 13
Bikes: 2019 26" surly long haul trucker, 1984 fuji espree (converted to fixed/single), 1999 fuji touring series
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Restore Brooks B72?
I pulled this saddle off a bike destined for the dump- is it salvageable? I don't have much leather experience, aside a brief foray with a B17 and some desert boots. I've got some proofide and saddle soap knocking around the house. Can I bring this back to life?
02-19-24, 02:57 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,831 Times
in
1,997 Posts
It’s future is limited.
when it lets go it will be uncomfortable, so consider the trip home with you riding off the saddle the entire way.
when it lets go it will be uncomfortable, so consider the trip home with you riding off the saddle the entire way.
Likes For repechage:
02-19-24, 03:12 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Toledo Ohio
Posts: 1,496
Bikes: 1964 Huffy Sportsman, 1972 Fuji Newest, 1973 Schwinn Super Sport (3), 1982 Trek 412, 1983 Trek 700, 1989 Miyata 1000LT, 1991 Bianchi Boardwalk, plus others
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 583 Post(s)
Liked 699 Times
in
394 Posts
Unfortunately I think it is a goner. Look at the tear at the front rivet. I have two of these that have leather in very nice shape, but one is torn almost through at the nose, and the other is kinda questionable. If you do some more research, you will see that this is a problem area on this model unfortunately. I’ve wondered what it would cost to get recovered if it was even possible. I think the standard leather is fairly thin on these also.
Likes For sd5782:
02-19-24, 04:44 PM
#5
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: Chicago
Posts: 13
Bikes: 2019 26" surly long haul trucker, 1984 fuji espree (converted to fixed/single), 1999 fuji touring series
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
Thanks all, I don't have a need for the saddle so I'll put my time elsewhere.
02-19-24, 05:37 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Toledo Ohio
Posts: 1,496
Bikes: 1964 Huffy Sportsman, 1972 Fuji Newest, 1973 Schwinn Super Sport (3), 1982 Trek 412, 1983 Trek 700, 1989 Miyata 1000LT, 1991 Bianchi Boardwalk, plus others
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 583 Post(s)
Liked 699 Times
in
394 Posts
It’s too bad, as these are nice riding saddles. Brooks are usually well regarded ,but this design it seems doesn’t survive the test of time and use as well as their other designs.
02-19-24, 07:15 PM
#7
SE Wis
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 10,516
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2747 Post(s)
Liked 3,401 Times
in
2,058 Posts
02-20-24, 09:45 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 939
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 539 Post(s)
Liked 466 Times
in
259 Posts
I would attempt an overlay on both top and bottom with thin full grain leather. Sand the surface and use Weldwood contact cement as directed. If you don't have any leather on hand, a thrift store can be a good source with old jackets and purses. I would remove the frame for the overlay.
02-21-24, 02:40 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,046
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4512 Post(s)
Liked 6,387 Times
in
3,672 Posts
Paging @rhm 
Likes For merziac:
02-21-24, 09:07 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,831 Times
in
1,997 Posts
Paging @rhm
‘the nose piece and adjuster bolt does have some utility to Rudy no doubt. I had a saddle that lost one into the storm drain! Saddle let go and nose piece departed.
was my second similar saddle to lose its nose. The second saddle I bought at a garage sale for $2. so I cannot complain. Lasted for a decade before its demise.
B66 or B72 is a good upright bike saddle. Just the leather does not go beyond 50 years most often.
02-21-24, 02:33 PM
#11
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,925
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1492 Post(s)
Liked 1,095 Times
in
641 Posts
I'd be interested if rhm passes. I could use that frame for a Super Tourer.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
02-21-24, 03:01 PM
#12
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,629
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3871 Post(s)
Liked 2,568 Times
in
1,579 Posts
Yeah, this saddle doesn't have much life left. B72s especially seem prone to tearing away at the nose. I stuffed a bunch of pipe insulation into mine to try to prolong the inevitable...
