Anyone know Ideale saddles?
Robert Harlan Stone
Are you familiar with the leather saddle called Ideale made in France? I have
one that just will not break-in. After hundreds of miles it is still hard as a
board. Also the leather is coated or saturated with some type of wax or oil
(preservative?). I have to use a saddle cover or the stuff gets into my
clothes.
My questions are: How can I break this saddle in? What should be done about
the wax or oil?
I've heard about soaking the saddle in water, covering it with a plastic bag
and riding it that way to break it in, but I think the wax or oil would
disallow this technique.
You ideas and knowledgeable help are much appreciated.
Rick Denney
I put 15,000 miles on an old Ideale 2000 saddle, which was Ideale's
answer to the Brooks Pro. Avoid neatsfoot oil, it will break down the
leather and cause it to lose its shape. It sounds like someone already
soaked the saddle in oil, which is unfortunate. Let the oil dry as much
as possible, and then use Brooks Proofide to protect the leather.
As for making it soft, only miles will do it. But you might try
loosening the adjustment nut a little--it may just be too tight until
the leather breaks in a little better.
Leather becomes softer with movement, not chemical treatments. The Water
Torture you describe will shorten the life of your saddle and make it
harder in the end. It will allow the saddle to reshape to your butt to
some extent, but when it dries the leather will be harder and drier than
ever. Remember that riding will supply the leather with moisture in the
form of perspiration, except when you use a saddle cover. Wear black.
BTW, I ride modern saddles now, because they feel good brand new.
Disclaimer: These are my own experiences. I didn't check the FAQ before
responding. If the FAQ says something different, then I don't want to
hear about it. This is free advice--take what you want and leave the
rest.
Frank Miles
In article <5o1o5p$atj$1...@jefferson.lisco.com>,
Robert Harlan Stone <bobs...@lisco.com> wrote:
>Are you familiar with the leather saddle called Ideale made in France? I have
>one that just will not break-in. After hundreds of miles it is still hard as a
>board. Also the leather is coated or saturated with some type of wax or oil
>(preservative?). I have to use a saddle cover or the stuff gets into my
>clothes.
>
>My questions are: How can I break this saddle in? What should be done about
>the wax or oil?
>
>I've heard about soaking the saddle in water, covering it with a plastic bag
>and riding it that way to break it in, but I think the wax or oil would
>disallow this technique.
>
>You ideas and knowledgeable help are much appreciated.
Probably too late for you; but mine is the Daniel Rebour (sp?) treated
Ideale. Very nice from day 1, and is now close to 20 years old...
I wasn't sure Ideale saddles were sold any more. Still don't know
whether the Rebour treated saddles are.
Of course, every 5-10 years I have to tighten the nose bolt to accomodate
the sag :)
-frank
Thomas H. Kunich
>I've heard about soaking the saddle in water, covering it with a plastic bag
>and riding it that way to break it in, but I think the wax or oil would
>disallow this technique.
Well, the oil won't disallow that technique. 3-5 minutes in hot tap
water, plastic bag and then ride the thing and it will conform. So
what's to lose? If it won't soften now then it is useless. If soaking
it doesn't work right you still have a useless saddle.
Personally I just use a Regal and to heck with those leather saddles.