73-74 Raleigh Competition. Question about original saddle
03-27-21, 04:47 PM
#1
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73-74 Raleigh Competition. Question about original saddle
I picked this up for $100. I love it(even the shoddy craftsmanship). The bike hardly has a scratch on it so I imagine it has mainly been sitting all this time. Is there anything I should be doing with the saddle? I've used proofhide on it already but I am afraid the saddle will be so dry from all that time sitting that it will start cracking and fall apart.
Raleigh competition
Original saddle
Raleigh competition
Original saddle
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03-27-21, 05:12 PM
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That's a fine deal at $100. If the leather is smooth, you should be good to go with some proofide. Heck ride it. If it breaks, replace it. If you end up replacing it, you may spend more on the saddle, than you did the bike.
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03-27-21, 06:04 PM
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That saddle is looking nice! I wouldn’t do anything else to it. It sure doesn’t look ready to break from this angle. I have several Brooks saddles from this era and most of them look much more worn than this. Ride on.
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03-27-21, 06:18 PM
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as recalled, the saddles on these came dyed black
to get to this colour would expect it to have had some good use
for saddle advice, one can always count upon the redoubtable rhm
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as recalled, the saddles on these came dyed black
to get to this colour would expect it to have had some good use
for saddle advice, one can always count upon the redoubtable rhm
-----
03-27-21, 07:05 PM
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"shoddy craftsmanship".... "character".. it's just a question of terminology, I suppose. 
That is in amazing shape, and the B.17 is looking quite good. Maybe apply a little leather oil if you'd like. Otherwise, just some proofide or something. The fact that it's not black makes me think it has either seen a fair bit of use or is newer than the bike. You could check the date on the saddle to get a clue.
Steve in Peoria
That is in amazing shape, and the B.17 is looking quite good. Maybe apply a little leather oil if you'd like. Otherwise, just some proofide or something. The fact that it's not black makes me think it has either seen a fair bit of use or is newer than the bike. You could check the date on the saddle to get a clue.
Steve in Peoria
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03-27-21, 08:04 PM
#6
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as recalled, the saddles on these came dyed black
to get to this colour would expect it to have had some good use
for saddle advice, one can always count upon the redoubtable rhm
-----
as recalled, the saddles on these came dyed black
to get to this colour would expect it to have had some good use
for saddle advice, one can always count upon the redoubtable rhm
-----
03-27-21, 08:14 PM
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My Comp of that vintage came with a black B17N. Also tubulars and Huret downtube shifters.
03-27-21, 08:41 PM
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the switch to clinchers is very practical, and I'd argue that B.17N is an acquired taste (ymmv, etc.)
from my 1974 catalog for the USA....
full res here: https://live.staticflickr.com/8434/2...7837b_4k_d.jpg
Steve in Peoria
03-27-21, 08:42 PM
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03-27-21, 10:40 PM
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Slap the Proofhide on the saddle, top and bottom side. Don't be too cheap, extra will not hurt. Then, put the saddle in a plastic bag and sort of seal the bag (dark plastic is best but any grocery bag will do). Now, put it where the sun can shine on it and leave it for a couple of days. Repeat the above procedure a time or two. With that done, give the saddle a serious rubbing to help polish the Proofhide into the saddle surface and sort of polish it up.
That has worked pretty good for me. Make sure that you wipe all excess off and choose what pants/shorts you wear with care for a bit. Your butt will finish the surface polish for you but your attire might get a bit of discoloring.
That has worked pretty good for me. Make sure that you wipe all excess off and choose what pants/shorts you wear with care for a bit. Your butt will finish the surface polish for you but your attire might get a bit of discoloring.
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