Re: [CR] Soaking saddles - The Expert Responds

(Example: Framebuilders:Bernard Carré)

Date: Sat, 30 May 2009 12:55:34 -0400
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
From: "John Betmanis" <johnb@oxford.net>
In-Reply-To: <78737.25913.qm@web82204.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [CR] Soaking saddles - The Expert Responds


At 08:28 AM 30/05/2009 -0700, Jerome & Elizabeth Moos wrote:
>
>I've received an offlist response from Tony Colegrave.
>
>In regard to tensioning, he advises that it can be a sensible precaution to detension or even remove the nose bolt before beginning if circumstances permit.
>

Was there any response from anyone on or off-list whether the water should be changed when it turns black after several hours? My own personal sense would be not to change it because you'd end up leeching more of the "goodness" out of the saddle. I also wonder if it would help to try and scrape off any excess Proofide or try washing it off with alcohol before soaking, or would soaking eventually just lift it off anyway?

As for soaking hiking boots, as someone mentioned, I've also heard that's how you're supposed to break in new cowboy boots. Fill them with water and wear them night and day until they're dry. Not sure I'd want to do that with a pair that cost more than a titanium Brooks saddle.

John Betmanis
Woodstock, Ontario
Canada