Leather conditioning

[goanna_38]

After buying a new Collins jacket I was curious about what to use to keep it in good condition. My 2 previous jackets have both had Dubbin put on them and they have both suffered from the same failure. After about 10-12 years the surface of the leather on the sleeves that faces up when you are riding, starts cracking along the natural crease lines in the leather. Eventually it parts and you have some very nice natural ventilation slots. This doesn't do my mental state any good. If the sleeves have split now, what is the rest of the jacket like, and how long has it been weakened for? More importantly, can you stop it? The upshot is that I ended up emailing Collins for a suggestion. The answer surprised me. Collins says not to use Dubbin or Lanogard. Wash it with a mild soapy water solution, let it dry, and then use a very light application of OLIVE OIL. I'm willing to give anything a go, but will be a bit upset if I end up smelling like a well dressed salad. Anyone else heard of this?

[Glen]

Nup, never heard of that one but if the blokes from Collins recommend it then I'd say it has some merit.

I've been using some stuff called Zorbel which seems pretty good. I got it from a leather place. I do them once every six months or so.

You happy with the Collins Jacket? I bought a set of leathers a few months ago and I reckon they're brilliant.

[goanna_38]

Tried it on in the shop and it fitted alright. Haven't worn it on the bike yet. As soon as I got home with it the missus confiscated it and declared it was my Christmas present, and I haven't seen it since. Don't mind actually, at least I will be getting something I want. Nothing worse than getting something you wouldn't buy for yourself in a million years, and then having to pretend you have always wanted one. Haven't ridden the bike in 2 weeks because I'm too busy with shopping and carting my youngest lad around (recovering from knee surgery). Bike is in pieces at the moment while I fit my Christmas present to it. Brand new Wilbers shock. Should be on in the next day or so (time permitting) and hopefully I will be able to stop cringing at the sight of bumps.

[deafwish]

I use a bee's wax substance in a little glass jar which gets applied by a square of foam.
It puts a nice weather proof layer on the leather and does not weaken the stitching.