Ratzinger

I got an old crusty leather saddle and put it on a banged-up Fuji Del Rey that I use as my beater to get around town.

I wonder if there is a way to soften up the seat a bit? Is there some kind of home remedy (olive oil??) that might make it more comfortable?

I don't hold out too much hope. It's just kind of for a lark. It's pretty crappy looking seat and fits well with the "don't steal me" vibe of the bike.

rootboy 

You could try soaking it in oil but then don't wear pants you care about. What make of saddle is it?

frenchbikefan

there are literally hundreds of threads on this topic. clean it, proofide it, when it is still damp from the cleaning and proofide tie a string around it to get its shape back, let dry for a week, proofide it again. If the cracking isbad I have heard nivea works well before the clean and proofide/ or use neatsfoot oil (make sure its from rendered tallow not petroleum)/ or/or/or....ad infinitum

Sigurdd50

yes, lots of opinions on this... google or search the forum and cross reference until you get some consensus

On a saddle that was not terribly cracked but had mis-shapened (the skirts were flared up)
I actually soaked it in some water, wrapped a small towel around it, wrapped some twine around the nose and middle section until it the skirts were down, bagged it, and left it for a couple days. After a couple day, the saddle had dried, the skirts were pointed down, and no more chafing.

But of cours that may NOT be your problem. A variety of saddle makers make saddle balm.

Ex Pres 

The CR list [to the extent they do on anything] agrees with Sig's start: Soak in a bucket of water first.

Ratzinger

Sorry I should have done a search beforehand. I just came across this saddle and I'm giving it a go, but I'm not really looking to spend money to restore it.

The brand is too hard to read, but it says "made in england" on the metal part. I'll attach a thumbnail.

The skirts are flared but it's quite narrow so they're not really in the way.
Anyway, thanks for the tips.

shipwreck

I restored one much worse than that with some lanolin based creme. It was very dry, with curled sides and cracks. I had little hope. Moistened it with water, then spread the creme on thick, several times. Tied the bottom, it is now a pretty nice saddle.

blaise_f

"Oil" is a broad term. Use NOTHING petroleum based - that attacks, dries and destroys leather. Proper restoration requires patience of a saint. Soak in neatsfoot oil (NOT compound), let it soak in, naturally "dry", repeat and massage cracks with spoon.

tigerdog

If you have a local tack and (horse) saddle shop near you, take the old bike saddle in and have them take a look. Seems like there's a lot of similarity in the type of leather curing that's done between horse and leather bike saddles. I use a product called "Belvoir Leather Balsam". I don't have a leather bike saddle but if it can make aging German car seats supple, it'll probably work on the bike saddle too.

Sigurdd50

looks like a Brooks to me. looks to be in good shape for it's age.