Originally Posted by
gosmsgo
I never soaked mine in oil or anything and the middle of my saddle touches the black bars underneath now when Im sitting on it.
That started at about 5k and now I am at about 8k on it.
I have not tensioned it because I have read that once you start doing that its a short down hill from there to the trash can.
I expected the saddle to last decades from what I read. What gives? Should I just tension it and go on with my life or what?
Yeah, go ahead and tension it. Give it one full turn to start with. Less than that won't be enough, by the sound of it. You may need more but I wouldn't do it all at once. Give the hide a few days to relax, then another turn if need be. Laying off the leather treatments is good. It sounds like this one doesn't need any potions, and you don't want to soften the rivet holes.
Most of them can last decades, while some don't. It doesn't sound like yours is dying, it just gets used alot.