Restore Brooks B72?
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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?
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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.
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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.
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Thanks all, I don't have a need for the saddle so I'll put my time elsewhere.
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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.
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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.
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Paging @rhm
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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.
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I'd be interested if rhm passes. I could use that frame for a Super Tourer.
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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...