Here are photos of my latest Brooks saddle chop job. I took a Makita grinder to a new B17 Narrow saddle and chopped off it's skirts, nose, & rear and finished off using a medium grit sandpaper. Since I am not a heavy rider, I didn't tie or secure the mid section of the saddle as it is done on a Brooks Swallow, for example. So far, I've butchered two B17's and two Professionals. The Pro saddles are not as radically butchered due to their large rivets. A job like this normally takes about 3 hours from start to finish. Thanks!
George Leakos - Los Angeles, CA - Leakosg@aol.com
Here's a photo of another butchered Brooks. This is the Team Pro. Even with it's pre-softened leather, I've had absolutely no problems with the saddle sagging or flaring out in the middle. Hope you could use this as well. This butchering practice is gaining popularity once again. Even Wallingford has a page dedicated to butchering & tieing Brooks saddles.
Hi Dennis,
This is a brand new Brooks Professional in antique brown, trimmed skirts and end. (I actually weighed my new Professional saddle before my butchering began. It weighed in at 540 grams. Now it weighs 465 grams. )
Fri, 26 Mar 2004 00:13:49 EST
Hi Dennis,
After using the Brooks Swift for a year, I finally decided to butcher it as well since I've gained confidence from butchering several other less expensive Brooks saddles. The sides and the rear were trimmed. There is absolutely no difference felt in saddle comfort. Thanks!
George Leakos
