Brooks saddle failure.

[SkipdiverJohn]

Wrap some ducktape around the end. At least 20 more years out of it.

Well, I've done exactly that to a ratty Apollo MTB saddle on a skip rescue bike and it's been going strong for well over two years. I will admit though the appearance of a black saddle wrapped in silver-grey duct tape is an, er, acquired taste - but my arse doesn't complain at all. Good job I'm not OCD, just imagine not only a cheapskate bodge job but not even a matching colour bodge!

 

[Johnsco]

When the saddle failed, I said to my partner:
"I wish we had a roll of ducktape between us"
Alas - We hadn't ... so I wrapped in in a knotted jacket sleeve to get me home.
Fortunately, my partner had an unused "iscaselle" saddle on the shelf at home.
It fitted nicely on the existing seat post.
It doesn't have the same heritage - But - At least it's a bit less weight.

 

[raleighnut]

When the saddle failed, I said to my partner:
"I wish we had a roll of ducktape between us"
Alas - We hadn't ... so I wrapped in in a knotted jacket sleeve to get me home.
Fortunately, my partner had an unused "iscaselle" saddle on the shelf at home.
It fitted nicely on the existing seat post.
It doesn't have the same heritage - But - At least it's a bit less weight.

Spa Cycles have the B17n on offer at the moment (equivalent to the B5n)

https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m18b0s144p74/BROOKS-B17-Narrow-Black

 

[Johnsco]

Thanks raleighnut.
I like Spa Cycles .... I recently bought a pair of SKS mudguards from them at a very attractive price.
Good service too !!

Having fitted the iscaselle saddle, I can't really fault it - Despite its "plasticness".
It does the job.
I'm not sure I want to spend so much more money on a new Brooks.
I've one or two more urgent projects to spend my cash on at this time.
Sad ......... But !

 

[rogerzilla]

Put it on eBay with L'Eroica in the title.

 

[Cambram]

I wonder if the nice lady from The Repair Shop (TV programme) could sort it? Free too!

 

[Johnsco]

I think that the nice lady from The Repair Shop might shy away from the repair of my saddle.
See photo .... Post #15 above.
It's not just the leather - The frame is corroded - It's chrome-plate finish is shot - Who knows what level of pitting corrosion / stress corrosion there may be in the springs.
There's a good piece on Brooks saddle repair on this link:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddle-repair.html
Some of his examples have broken springs, as well as the usual leather or rivet failure.

I've brought this old Carlton back from the dead after 35 years in the garage.
I'm still finding out things about it ... Some good ... Some not-so-good.
I've got a few questions coming up in other posts.
Your help may be needed guys !!
At least, the bike is ridable now, and I'm rediscovering the joy of cycling after 35 years away.

 

[Johnsco]

Put it on eBay with L'Eroica in the title.

I'm afraid that I had to look up L'Eroica.
There's a similar annual event in Bakewell each year, I believe.
The problem I have is that the bike may be vintage (mid 60s), but I'm almost mediaeval ...... 1947

 

[Illaveago]

Ouch indeed !!
Thanks for your thoughts guys.
I can't complain too much.
I had many miles of good service from the saddle.
It suffered from 35 years of neglect - Much of it in a damp garage.
The photos of the corrosion rivets show the problem.
Not to mention the under-carriage.
I'm not going to do anything with it.
If it's any good to anyone - It's complete - No bits missing --- Let me know.
Otherwise - It's in the bin.
View attachment 539874

Don't bin it !
It happened to me earlier this year. At first I just thought that the saddle had slipped on the post as it was pointing downwards, but when I heard the front metal bit hit the floor I realised that something was up .
I'm in the process of trying to fix mine back up . I have glued a piece of 1/8th leather to the underside to hold it in one piece. I will need to get some larger copper rivets to re fix it . I think it will also need a couple more just beyond the break so that it doesn't try to pull the bits apart again .

 

[Johnsco]

I haven't binned it.
I am a bit like "The Repair Shop" ... A great program ... People after my own heart.
There isn't much that I don't have a go at.
My former partner used to play hell with me as all the neighbours used to come to me with their DIY problems.
Leather-work isn't really my thing.
If anyone wants to have a try .... Then you're welcome to the saddle.

 

[goldcoastjon]

I'd try and fix it...

Hammer, Heat and Hammer, then it goes in the bin...

Leather is organic and it decays, even with the best of care. DON"T toss out your old and broken Brooks saddles, though: if the frame (usually steel) is intact you can have it recovered with new leather and get another 50-70 years out of it.

Brooks and others have the resources for this: contact them.

 

[Hover Fly]

Brooks used to fit new leather to old frames, but I believe the costs changed so it's more economical to just buy a new saddle (but they still supply new frames for old leather).
my father had an old 1936ish B17, when the nose started to split, as they almost always do, in about 2000, he wrapped it with an old tubular tyre base tape and araldite, it lasted him out.