Bicycle Mechanics - Repairing saddles...

I have an Italia Flight saddle that is tearing at the side, and the top is peeling off the (leather??)
under part. I was thinking of sewing the tear with an awl , but how can I glue the top layer back
to the under part (excuse my language as I am not familiar with the proper names of these parts,
anyone who knows the real names please let me know)? Is there a special kind of glue to use? Will
the saddle be comfortable if I just remove the top? Thanks for any input in advance.

3M makes an adhesive that's meant for automotive interiors. How do I know this? My local REI store sold a tube of it to me as tubular glue! It works really well for that, and for other random applications like the one you've got. But as to where to get it, I have no idea. Maybe check some hardware stores and auto parts places?

Goop would also work, but it is thick and you would have to work to smush the thin leather to the under side flat. Once it hardens it is rubbery stiff. I glued back some soles of 15yr old NB 990s and the glue job has held up to ~10miles of trail hiking. 3M was what I used when I had tubulars, weatherstripping cement IIRC. 3M makes all kinds of glues though. Newer saddles are falling into the tire and bartape category, good for a few years then throwaway. Not like the older saddles that would last 10-15yrs (ruining your crotch all the time). Steve

Newer saddles are falling into the tire and bartape category, good for a few years then throwaway. Not like the older saddles that would last 10-15yrs (ruining your crotch all the time). Steve

This is one of the most frusterating things about the bicycle industry for me, for example, the saddle I
have is really nice, comfortable, but for the price you pay it should be lasting much longer, or there
should at least be common and simple procedures available for repairing them when this happens. It just
looks like it wasn't made to last. Anyone know if the Italia Flight would still be comfortable without the
top padding? Thanks

Fiver...I just sent you a PM...let me know.
Best Regards,
George

The standard glue for shoe repair is Barge cement, in the yellow tube or can. Buy it at a shoe repair store, its the shizzle for this type of repair.

I've repaired Brooks saddles with a sewing awl and would reccommend prepunching the saddle with a standard awl first.

Bekologist...what kind of repair did you perform on a Brooks saddle?
George

I would tend to go with contact cement. If you use it, read the instructions carefully. It is NOT glue and you have to use it differently.

I have an Italia Flight saddle that is tearing at the side, and the top is peeling off the (leather??)
under part. I was thinking of sewing the tear with an awl , but how can I glue the top layer back
to the under part (excuse my language as I am not familiar with the proper names of these parts,
anyone who knows the real names please let me know)? Is there a special kind of glue to use? Will
the saddle be comfortable if I just remove the top? Thanks for any input in advance.
Well another option is to have the seat reupolstered by this guy.
http://members.aol.com/mudmash/rss.html
$16 including return shipping.
The guy does excellent work and is extremely fast with his turn around.

four inch razor slash in a B-66 the saddle from edge towards middle. stitched with sewing awl, still riding strong.

:eek: The infamous saddle slasher has struck!