Leather ADGA Saddle Restoration
#1
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Leather ADGA Saddle Restoration
Hello,
Recently got my hands on an old Peugeot (posted on here before about buying a front rack). I quickly replaced the saddle, but I kind of want to restore the thing. The leather is dry and old (from the 70s), and I'm just wondering what to do with it. I've been told to use some leather soap, but I've never done anything with leather so I'm not sure how to use that.
Thanks in advance
Recently got my hands on an old Peugeot (posted on here before about buying a front rack). I quickly replaced the saddle, but I kind of want to restore the thing. The leather is dry and old (from the 70s), and I'm just wondering what to do with it. I've been told to use some leather soap, but I've never done anything with leather so I'm not sure how to use that.
Thanks in advance
#2
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Hello,
Recently got my hands on an old Peugeot (posted on here before about buying a front rack). I quickly replaced the saddle, but I kind of want to restore the thing. The leather is dry and old (from the 70s), and I'm just wondering what to do with it. I've been told to use some leather soap, but I've never done anything with leather so I'm not sure how to use that.
Thanks in advance
Recently got my hands on an old Peugeot (posted on here before about buying a front rack). I quickly replaced the saddle, but I kind of want to restore the thing. The leather is dry and old (from the 70s), and I'm just wondering what to do with it. I've been told to use some leather soap, but I've never done anything with leather so I'm not sure how to use that.
Thanks in advance
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
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#3
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Hello,
Recently got my hands on an old Peugeot (posted on here before about buying a front rack). I quickly replaced the saddle, but I kind of want to restore the thing. The leather is dry and old (from the 70s), and I'm just wondering what to do with it. I've been told to use some leather soap, but I've never done anything with leather so I'm not sure how to use that.
Thanks in advance
Recently got my hands on an old Peugeot (posted on here before about buying a front rack). I quickly replaced the saddle, but I kind of want to restore the thing. The leather is dry and old (from the 70s), and I'm just wondering what to do with it. I've been told to use some leather soap, but I've never done anything with leather so I'm not sure how to use that.
Thanks in advance
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#5
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In the meantime welcome aboard, glad you found us, you're in the right place.
You need 5 posts X 2 days for 10 to post pics here, go around, say Hi AND comment on any threads you like.
#6
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#7
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Following/piggybacking as I just got an old Dawes touring bike with a Brooks B.17 that may be beyond saving. Used up nearly half a tin of Kiwi saddle soap (on a damp t-shirt) and it would still turn the rag coffee brown. Went to a stiff-ish brush from there, but that's starting to remove surface. Should I just seal the gunk somehow? I don't have Proofide at hand, was going to use Timberland "waxed leather protector" which is beeswax and coconut oil. Well, the current formulation is, however this tin might be 20 years old.
#8
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Following/piggybacking as I just got an old Dawes touring bike with a Brooks B.17 that may be beyond saving. Used up nearly half a tin of Kiwi saddle soap (on a damp t-shirt) and it would still turn the rag coffee brown. Went to a stiff-ish brush from there, but that's starting to remove surface. Should I just seal the gunk somehow? I don't have Proofide at hand, was going to use Timberland "waxed leather protector" which is beeswax and coconut oil. Well, the current formulation is, however this tin might be 20 years old.
I would encourage you to stop where you're at and wait a couple of days and see.
You can always ride them anyway but I would plan on it possibly being a display only saddle.
Wipe it down good and get any excess off for now and I would not plan on using anymore.
#9
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You might have been better off going slower, sparingly to see how it responds.
I would encourage you to stop where you're at and wait a couple of days and see.
You can always ride them anyway but I would plan on it possibly being a display only saddle.
Wipe it down good and get any excess off for now and I would not plan on using anymore.
I would encourage you to stop where you're at and wait a couple of days and see.
You can always ride them anyway but I would plan on it possibly being a display only saddle.
Wipe it down good and get any excess off for now and I would not plan on using anymore.
#10
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Well, as long as it still turns a damp rag brown, my pants are not going on there, that's for sure. Disappointed to see that Brooks doesn't seem to offer a leather replacement service. If (and that's a big "if") I decide I want a traditional saddle, I'm leaning towards Selle Anatomica just because they do. The pseudo-Italian name bugs me but apart from that they seem a lot less snooty than Brooks.
The other thing is heavy treatment causes the finish to come loose from the leather, especially when it has been dry and hard for a long time.
Like I said, I would encourage you to let it sit for couple days at least and see how it is after that, a damp rag at this point is going to pull color off the leather that has been treated because the bond has been softened.
These will put up with a lot, a heavy hand is usually not one.
I have a couple dozen Brooks saddles, many in regular use, old, very old, new, in between, broken in and not, etc. on and on.
Under typical use, a Brooks can easily last a lifetime, some of mine are over 40 years old and still going strong.
Brooks offers a 10 year warranty on a new one that will never be needed if it is even reasonably well cared for.
#11
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EVlove , rhm can recover your Brooks saddle and you can customize it in the process, if you so choose. Rudy's work is exceptional. He made me this Ideale which was his 10th saddle. Since he's way past 100+ at this point his skill level is even better.
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#12
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Yes, thanks, checked out his site right away from his link above. Impressed and delighted that someone is doing this and that it seems to be working for him. It's an option but probably overkill for my intended use at this time, which is short but intense rides. I'd prefer a slimmer shape than the B.17 anyway. Probably a toss-up between working out some kind of trade with him, or picking a used or B stock Selle Anatomica.
#13
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- the saddle frames have changed dimensions over the years, even with the same model number, so careful measurement and checking to determine if the leather stamps, leather molds and model stamps have been retained and are available
- the frame quality may be compromised, so checking to determine whether it is suitable
- the cleaning/refurbishment of the saddle frame to meet legal obligations
- the time taken locating the stamping dies to cut the saddle top, installing then using, then returning to the storage area
- the time taken to track the individual leather top whilst it undergoes immersion in the water
- the time taken to locate the moulding dies, installing them, using them and then returning them to the storage area
- the time taken to track the individual saddle top during the drying process
- the time taken to locate, install then use, then return the model stamps to the storage area,
- the time taken to ensure the appropriate rivets are used
- the time taken to invoice and prepare for postage the refurbished saddle
- the time taken to ensure that the payment has been made.
If you want a recover then Rudi does them. In Australia, there is Paul Watson. He does outstanding work, and museum quality. Have a look at some of his work on his Facebook page. But you can buy a new one far, far cheaper. Or you could put a new leather cover on it yourself as I do. Leather forming, then riveting. But it is still cheaper to buy a new one.
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+++++++++^^^^^^^^ a bazillion.
#15
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Good grief folks, it's a bike saddle, not a religion.
This isn't even my thread so I'll keep this brief:
-My bike, my butt, my money = my decisions.
-Try not to confuse lack of post count with lack of experience.
-Selle Anatomica offers new leather for $100 ($75 if you buy a second skin at time of original purchase). I'm aware that it's a very different design that's inherently shorter-lived but I just don't buy the argument that a replacement service would end up costing more than a new saddle.
Anyway, the B.17 will be sunning itself in the garden today, upside down. I gave the underside a second coating of the Timberland product and this should help it soak in. For the top, I'm thinking I can ride it with a soft cloth under a rain cover for a while and see how bad of a mess it makes.
This isn't even my thread so I'll keep this brief:
-My bike, my butt, my money = my decisions.
-Try not to confuse lack of post count with lack of experience.
-Selle Anatomica offers new leather for $100 ($75 if you buy a second skin at time of original purchase). I'm aware that it's a very different design that's inherently shorter-lived but I just don't buy the argument that a replacement service would end up costing more than a new saddle.
Anyway, the B.17 will be sunning itself in the garden today, upside down. I gave the underside a second coating of the Timberland product and this should help it soak in. For the top, I'm thinking I can ride it with a soft cloth under a rain cover for a while and see how bad of a mess it makes.
#17
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Good grief folks, it's a bike saddle, not a religion.
This isn't even my thread so I'll keep this brief:
-My bike, my butt, my money = my decisions.
-Try not to confuse lack of post count with lack of experience.
-Selle Anatomica offers new leather for $100 ($75 if you buy a second skin at time of original purchase). I'm aware that it's a very different design that's inherently shorter-lived but I just don't buy the argument that a replacement service would end up costing more than a new saddle.
Anyway, the B.17 will be sunning itself in the garden today, upside down. I gave the underside a second coating of the Timberland product and this should help it soak in. For the top, I'm thinking I can ride it with a soft cloth under a rain cover for a while and see how bad of a mess it makes.
This isn't even my thread so I'll keep this brief:
-My bike, my butt, my money = my decisions.
-Try not to confuse lack of post count with lack of experience.
-Selle Anatomica offers new leather for $100 ($75 if you buy a second skin at time of original purchase). I'm aware that it's a very different design that's inherently shorter-lived but I just don't buy the argument that a replacement service would end up costing more than a new saddle.
Anyway, the B.17 will be sunning itself in the garden today, upside down. I gave the underside a second coating of the Timberland product and this should help it soak in. For the top, I'm thinking I can ride it with a soft cloth under a rain cover for a while and see how bad of a mess it makes.
Last edited by Germany_chris; 09-08-22 at 11:22 AM.
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#19
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#20
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Scenes from today's fun in the sun. I like how the underside came out. That's two applications which produced a nice thin waxy layer. It came to me with the tension screw practically all in like this, which seems odd after 40+ years and who knows how many miles.
Not happy yet with the business side:
Before
During, showing the Timberland treatment. It's an old tin but I doubt the stuff has changed. Made in Ireland which makes me think it's originally for horse tack.
After three applications
It still seemed blotchy, dry and dull, so I gave it another coat and that's where I'll leave it for now. Ignore the spots near the two "corner" rivets, that's some kind of old glue stain that I haven't been able to remove completely.
Not happy yet with the business side:
Before
During, showing the Timberland treatment. It's an old tin but I doubt the stuff has changed. Made in Ireland which makes me think it's originally for horse tack.
After three applications
It still seemed blotchy, dry and dull, so I gave it another coat and that's where I'll leave it for now. Ignore the spots near the two "corner" rivets, that's some kind of old glue stain that I haven't been able to remove completely.
Last edited by EVlove; 09-08-22 at 02:57 PM. Reason: typo
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And by the way, the metal Brooks tag bending out like that, does that mean the leather has shrunk?
#22
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For really dried out saddles, I’ve had good results with this stuff:
#23
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OK, call it a cult
If there was money to be made, someone would be doing it. There's a few members on this list who've done it well and they can speak to truth.
Last edited by clubman; 09-08-22 at 06:09 PM.
#24
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So, while our OP apparently hasn't been back to the forum in a while, I'm happy to report that my Brooks carried me for 32 miles/50 km of pretty varied New England roads today, comfortably. And I don't wear padded shorts, either.
I'm a little embarrassed to admit that this represents a lifetime distance record for myself, and I'm, oh, right around 50 years past my training wheels I suppose. Just had no interest in longer rides at all when I was younger, the bike was strictly for commuting. So you may imagine that comfort in the saddle was my no. 1 concern planning today's trip. Turns out my knees start complaining long before that would become an issue, still dialing in saddle height. But the real problem today was that I foolishly trusted the 40+ year old spokes on the Dawes for this ride. Broke one (drive side rear, naturally) 20 miles into the trip and my wonderful wife came to rescue me with the Zizzo folder in the trunk. Swapped the Brooks over and kept going!
I'm a little embarrassed to admit that this represents a lifetime distance record for myself, and I'm, oh, right around 50 years past my training wheels I suppose. Just had no interest in longer rides at all when I was younger, the bike was strictly for commuting. So you may imagine that comfort in the saddle was my no. 1 concern planning today's trip. Turns out my knees start complaining long before that would become an issue, still dialing in saddle height. But the real problem today was that I foolishly trusted the 40+ year old spokes on the Dawes for this ride. Broke one (drive side rear, naturally) 20 miles into the trip and my wonderful wife came to rescue me with the Zizzo folder in the trunk. Swapped the Brooks over and kept going!
#25
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i have returned! I have been very busy working on finding employment, volunteering, and hanging out with friends. Apologies for the delay.
I also couldn'tfind a particularly interesting thread to post on, so I've been waiting for that as well. I think I've just about hit 10 posts though, so I'm going to try and post photos again.
I also couldn'tfind a particularly interesting thread to post on, so I've been waiting for that as well. I think I've just about hit 10 posts though, so I'm going to try and post photos again.