CARE INSTRUCTIONS
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Your IDÉALE saddle has been made with dedication and passion from the utmost quality materials, it can last a lifetime if you treat it with care.
We only use extra-slow vegetable-tanned French leather, which evolves, softens and acquires a patina over time, thus endowing it with a unique cachet that only long-lasting goods can achieve.
To ensure that your IDÉALE saddle will be a faithful and reliable partner over the years, we invite you to follow these care recommendations.
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TAKE THE TIME
This is a new saddle, the settings will not be the same as on your previous saddle, take the time to find the necessary adjustments and get used to it.
MAINTAIN TENSION
As you use it, the leather will mold to fit your body. This is a desired effect because it ensures the comfort of an adjusted interface. However, sagging leather is not comfortable. When you feel that your saddle sags a little too much, tighten it with the supplied tension key. Do not give it more than one or two quarter turns at a time, too much tension puts too much strain on the leather and tears its fibres. Repeat if necessary after a few days. The operation is reversible, you will be able to relax by a quarter of a turn, if you finally find it too tense. Trust your feelings.
Your saddle will be usable until the tensioning screw has reached the end of its thread, under standard practice conditions several decades, and even beyond, because, as in the old days, it is possible to dismantle the leather, cut it back and reassemble it.
CLEAN IT
The leather can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Allow to dry completely before reusing the saddle or greasing it. Bien laisser sécher complètement avant de réutiliser la selle ou de la graisser.
NOURRISH IT
Grease is used to nourish your saddle’s leather to prevent it from drying out, like any other epidermis. It is particularly well-suited to vegetable-tanned leathers.
At least once a year, before the start of the season for example, remove your saddle. After cleaning, apply grease to the top of the saddle, then to the underside. It’s best to apply the grease to warm leather to prevent it from freezing. Let penetrate for a maximum of one hour, depending on ambient temperature. Shine with a soft cloth.
Our saddles are already greased in the workshop, and a small 15ml can, sufficient for 2-3 maintenance sessions, is supplied with the saddle. If you use your Idéale in an intensive way, then increase the frequency of lubrication, with priority to the top side.
PROTECT IT
Vegetable-tanned leather is fairly resistant to water, a capacity that is further enhanced by the protection provided by the greaseproofing. However, it is not advisable to leave your saddle in the rain for long periods of time.
If your saddle gets very wet, wipe it thoroughly and then let it dry completely in a ventilated place. If necessary, stuff it with newspaper. Once completely dry, grease it and check tension again.
When planning long time trip in all weathers, especially without mudguards, we recommend treating your saddle with our waterproofing spray, which provides a water-repellent layer, but does not replace the feeding step.
Apply waterproofing with the help of the spray. Spread carefully with a brush, using criss-cross strokes. Turn the saddle over to treat the underside. Let dry 24 hours before using your saddle.
PREVENT IT FROM BAD EXPERIENCES
The leather of your saddle has already been broken in using the “Rebour” process. There is no need for any further treatment. You will only need to use it so that it gradually adapts to the shape of your body.
We do not recommend any other “recipes” such as putting it in cold or hot water, dipping it in fat, cleansing milk or any other product. This will only alter the structure of the leather.
CONTACT US
If you have any doubts or questions, do not hesitate to contact us, we will always be happy to advise you in the best possible way.
Properly maintained, your IDÉALE saddle will become more beautiful upon riding with you and will acquire character over time.