Tensioning a Brooks Swallow Saddle

[sawston_vulcan]

My Swallow is of the chrome variety and not Titanium....i just bought it from ebay and don't want to ruin it but at the moment it is not very comfortable.

I believe the saddle sagging....soggy in the nose area and indentations where my sit bones go....and where someone elses sit bones made a mark....much is said about 'breaking in' a Brooks saddle but what about re-moulding it to another persons sit bones and bottom shape?

I also noticed/heard that the metal nose section is a tad loose and it rattles against the metal tension shackle...is that normal? ....why is that happening?...Will tensioning the saddle stop the rattle?....Read a lot about tensioning on line....little and not often being the rule.....but what about in the context of the front end rattle i just described?.....Or the 'current' sit-bone indentations?

The saddle is as level as i can get it as suggested by Brooks.

i have ordered a Swallow specific tensioning spanner and have removed the saddle till it arrives.Do i just give a 1/4 turn or a bit more [1/2 or 1 whole turn or until the rattling stops]? Lot of mythology on the net about the use of the spanner! Please advise.

 

[Midlife]

Back in the 1970's Brooks would usually take one of their saddles and refurbish it......usually for a very good price and return it often with a note / certificate.

Knowing the company do they not do the same today ?

Shaun

 

[sawston_vulcan]

Back in the 1970's Brooks would usually take one of their saddles and refurbish it......usually for a very good price and return it often with a note / certificate.

Knowing the company do they not do the same today ?

Shaun

I doubt it..Firstly, i bought it used and secondly..i sent Brooks a similar message as you replied to and i have received no answer or advice....but then again if you don't ask!.....I will have my LBS examine it first!

Leon

 

[stevevw]

Have a look at the attached link for details on how to reshape the sit bone indent.
http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/co ... cking.html

You should do the blocking first then set the tension which will stop the rattle unless the tension pin is broken like mine was? When you have got it sorted and run in to your backside do not let anyone else sit on it. To be fair you would have been better off spending the extra on a new saddle that you would put your own sit bone indents in to, unless you need a period correct saddle in which case you will not have that option.

 

[sawston_vulcan]

i'll send you a pm!