Brooks Butchering

[MTBMaven]

Several years ago (like in '05) I read a post on MTBR about butchering, or modifying, Brooks saddles. I just purchased my first Brooks B-17 in antique brown from Bike Nashbar, price $62 with discount and free shipping.

I taped it up tonight. As soon as I get a box cutter I will begin the butchering process.

Additional resources:
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=145726
http://www.wallbike.com/content/butchering.html
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/articles/brooks.htm

[speckledtrout]

hey mtbmaven, i checked out that link you included in your post to me. you are mighty brave! i would never have the guts to even attempt that for fear of totally botching it. make sure you post pics when you're done.

[spookydave]

haha, I'm getting ready to whack one too.

[bjammin]

Stupid question...why? I have a Brooks on my fixed and love the way it feels and looks. What are the advantages of cutting it? Weight, looks, comfort?
Thanks.

[MTBMaven]

For me the butchering is a look thing. I totally dig the way the Swallows look but am not going to pay $200 $300 or $400 for a saddle. In the MTBR link they also talk about tying, this helps stiffen the saddle. Seeing as mine is fresh out of the box I don't think I need any stiffening.

[Pain Freak]

A lot of my roadie bro's are riding the B17. I haven't spent enough time on one to say weather I'd like it or not...

I'm with Ben here, why? Most roadies are cutting them up, but I just like the original better.

[1FG rider]

I have a B17 that I took a razor to also. I liked the looks of the Swallow but couldn't justify putting that amount of cash into a saddle. I used tape as a guide and carefully scored the saddle and simply went over it again and again with a box cutter until I finally got shape I wanted. Probably didn't take me more than 30 mins to do the whole thing. Definitely looks sleeker and feels noticebly lighter.

[TooManyTacos]

Cool! I got a nearly new B17 for $35 off eBay but haven't ridden it yet. Those mods look cool but I'm not really mechanical, so I'd probably just mess it up.

[MTBMaven]

Butchering almost complete...

[Collette]

Wow, that came out much nicer and cleaner than I expected. I had this vision of a hack job in my head, but you nailed it.

[1FG rider]

Nice job. Looks pretty good and its actually easy to do. Just the thought of cutting up a nice leather saddle got me a little nervous though. What's it going on?

[MTBMaven]

What's it going on?

99% sure it will be going on a Niner MCR9. I hope to get a root beer brown but we will see. I really wanted silver bits but likely will be black bits as I have mostly black parts already.

[1FG rider]

Ooh sweet. Had my B17 on my Niner SIR9 a while back.

[emfc]

Once you cut it do you have to finish up the edges?

[1FG rider]

Once you cut it do you have to finish up the edges?

I used a metal file to smooth out the edges. Tried sandpaper at first, but the file was easier and quicker.

[MTBMaven]

Yeah I need to finish up the edges and get the proper leather protector. I want to treat the top as recommended but also the bottom and freshly cut sides.

[speckledtrout]

the proofide that brooks recommends for the saddle is really the ticket. It gives it a beautiful glow and helps to break the leather in. i applied it liberally to my new saddle, including the underside. this helps protect the underside from mud, etc. and also helps break the leather down from both sides of the saddle so that you can mold it to your booty faster. I reapplied it several times during the first couple of weeks and it helped to speed the break in process. one little tin goes a long way. if you buy the kit (it's like 18 clams) it includes the chamois and the wrench for tightening the saddle as it stretches out)

[MTBMaven]

Where can one purchase the kit locally? I got my saddle from Nashbar but would rather not mail order the kit if I can get it locally.

[speckledtrout]

i don't know where you live, but i live in LA so i got it from Hollywood Pro Bicycles. are you going to the "learn to huck" skills thing tomorrow at southridge? if you are, i can see if the shop has one in stock and buy it for you and you can pay me back there.

[foofighter]

that came out spot on! Love that saddle color as well.