General Cycling Discussion - Do you use used leather saddles? Safe health-wise?

I have a used leather saddle that looks pretty old. Came on a bike I bought.
Faded color. But still has its shape and feels comfortable to ride on. Took it riding today.
But I can't help but think if I am exposing myself to any bugs. Like what if the previous owner had jock itch or something.

How is your track record with used saddles? No increase in saddle sores or anything?

Avoid riding ass-naked and you will be OK!

You got Aids LOL. Seriously though it's fine I'm sure. If it makes you feel any better use some lleather cleaner on it and go get tested ASAP.

Germs, bacteria, viruses, fungus, bugs, etc. can exist on any surface. You should worry less about the leather seat and more about everything else.

Oh, for the love of Christ...

I wouldn't worry about it. The handlebar tape on the bike when you bought it is probably worse than the saddle. At any rate, for sake of mind, I'd just spray some Lysol on it and you should be fine.

Didn't we just have a used saddle thread like 4 days ago?

I rode a used Ideale for a few years around the turn of the century and didn't get any saddle sores from it.

Avoid riding ass-naked and you will be OK!

:thumb: Works for me.


Didn't we just have a used saddle thread like 4 days ago?

I rode a used Ideale for a few years around the turn of the century and didn't get any saddle sores from it.

Ayup...but it was in C&V.

Aaron :)

I only use stainless steel saddles for that very reason.

Dip it in boiling water and you should be good!

You should clean it with your tongue. It really is the gentlest, most effective way to clean leather.

I teach a spinning class at a gym. The saddles on those bikes have hundreds of different people using them. I've never heard of someone picking up cooties from the bike seats.

Germs, bacteria, viruses, fungus, bugs, etc. can exist on any surface. You should worry less about the leather seat and more about everything else.

Now you got me thinking and worried

just don't lick the saddle and you'll be fine. If anything, hose it down with lysol.

When getting flats, you should avoid touching the tires...just imagine what kind of nasty things those things have rolled over.

I teach a spinning class at a gym. The saddles on those bikes have hundreds of different people using them. I've never heard of someone picking up cooties from the bike seats.

Does Brooks offer a spin class model now? ;)

But I can't help but think if I am exposing myself to any bugs.

stay in doors with the shades drawn and the HEPA filtered A/C on..


Though, the OCD may need counseling and therapy.. :rolleyes:

Bring a box of anti bacterial handy wipes with you at all times.

As long as you wear shorts and wash them after every ride (which you should do no matter the saddle), you should be golden. But still, don't eat the yellow snow.

No they are completely unsanitary, so you should send them all to me....I'll make sure they get disposed of properly for a small fee of course.:thumb:


Of course I do gotta admit that it was kind of funny because recently someone on CL listed a bike, and as part of their sales pitch on how little it was ridden they said it did a couple of the local naked bike rides. Butt even then the saddle is probably ok with a little cleaning.

The best cure for germophobia or mysophobia is to get on a subway car in New York City at 5 p.m. on a week day and lick the pole that everyone holds on to.

Haha, he said lick the pole.

I would be more worried about the last owners ars print being broken in to it making it harder for your ars to break in to it.

I would be more worried about the last owners ars print being broken in to it making it harder for your ars to break in to it.

Did you want to write ass?

Did you want to write ass?
Yers.... errr, yes.

I would be more worried about the last owners ars print being broken in to it making it harder for your ars to break in to it.

Arse. Not 'ars.'

Arse. Not 'ars.'

Thank you, noted. I never tried to spell arse before.

Does Brooks offer a spin class model now? ;)

Some of the bikes have those soft "gel" seats covered in lycra that act like a giant sponge. That's got to absorb a whole lot more than leather.

OH, I know those saddles are the worst. I thought the Lycra covered sponge saddle craze died by 1992, but if they got 'em on spin bikes, eeeewwwwww.

I teach a spinning class at a gym. The saddles on those bikes have hundreds of different people using them. I've never heard of someone picking up cooties from the bike seats.

That's 'cause it's taboo. Nobody wants to talk about it. :o