Repairing A Vinyl Saddle
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Repairing A Vinyl Saddle
Hundreds (probably thousands) of miles down the road, the original saddle on my 1996 GT Outpost is finally showing some signs of wear. Returning from an interstate overnight bike trip this weekend, I noticed a small crack near the edge of the saddle and I am really bummed about it.
This is a GT "Supersoft" vinyl saddle that has provided 23 years of comfort on everything from single-track MTB trails to milky-smooth rail trails. I've never ridden another saddle so comfortable, and I've had to remount it twice just because I can't bear to let it go.
So I know there are vinyl/leather repair kits out there for automobiles, boats, etc., but nothing seems to be recommended for bicycle saddles. Has anyone had a good experience with a product that doesn't cost more than about $20?
This is a GT "Supersoft" vinyl saddle that has provided 23 years of comfort on everything from single-track MTB trails to milky-smooth rail trails. I've never ridden another saddle so comfortable, and I've had to remount it twice just because I can't bear to let it go.
So I know there are vinyl/leather repair kits out there for automobiles, boats, etc., but nothing seems to be recommended for bicycle saddles. Has anyone had a good experience with a product that doesn't cost more than about $20?
#2
I'm the anecdote.
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: S.E. Texas
Posts: 1,823
Bikes: '12 Schwinn, '13 Norco
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1110 Post(s)
Liked 1,176 Times
in
795 Posts
Back in my motorcycle days, I'd fix seat tears using a curved carpet needle to sew it up, and then seal the sewed up area with black silicone sealant/glue. You could forgo the silicone if you didn't require waterproofing the repair.
It wasn't pretty, and on a bicycle saddle, the repair might rub you in the wrong place.
However, it wasn't a long lasting repair as the new holes made by the needle would start tearing over time.
It wasn't pretty, and on a bicycle saddle, the repair might rub you in the wrong place.
However, it wasn't a long lasting repair as the new holes made by the needle would start tearing over time.
#3
Forum Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 21,324
Bikes: Fuji SL2.1 Carbon Di2 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5 Viscount Aerospace Pro Colnago Classic Rabobank Schwinn Waterford PMount Raleigh C50 Cromoly Hybrid Legnano Tipo Roma Pista
Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3059 Post(s)
Liked 6,380 Times
in
3,692 Posts
According to Bicycle Blue Book, your saddle is a GT Supersoft.
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Sear...85&model=41060
I see various saddles named that on eBay from $12 to $120.
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Sear...85&model=41060
I see various saddles named that on eBay from $12 to $120.
Likes For cb400bill:
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Llano Estacado
Posts: 3,702
Bikes: old clunker
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 684 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 104 Times
in
82 Posts
Hundreds (probably thousands) of miles down the road, the original saddle on my 1996 GT Outpost is finally showing some signs of wear. Returning from an interstate overnight bike trip this weekend, I noticed a small crack near the edge of the saddle and I am really bummed about it.
This is a GT "Supersoft" vinyl saddle that has provided 23 years of comfort on everything from single-track MTB trails to milky-smooth rail trails. I've never ridden another saddle so comfortable, and I've had to remount it twice just because I can't bear to let it go.
So I know there are vinyl/leather repair kits out there for automobiles, boats, etc., but nothing seems to be recommended for bicycle saddles. Has anyone had a good experience with a product that doesn't cost more than about $20?
This is a GT "Supersoft" vinyl saddle that has provided 23 years of comfort on everything from single-track MTB trails to milky-smooth rail trails. I've never ridden another saddle so comfortable, and I've had to remount it twice just because I can't bear to let it go.
So I know there are vinyl/leather repair kits out there for automobiles, boats, etc., but nothing seems to be recommended for bicycle saddles. Has anyone had a good experience with a product that doesn't cost more than about $20?
#5
Hello
Put new vinyl cloth on it.
I have done this with a number of saddles. Go to a fabric store and buy suitable material, remove the old, save the staples, cut, warm, and stretch new material over the foam.
re-use staples or use staple gun to put in some new ones. Voila.
I have done this with a number of saddles. Go to a fabric store and buy suitable material, remove the old, save the staples, cut, warm, and stretch new material over the foam.
re-use staples or use staple gun to put in some new ones. Voila.
Likes For zebede:
#6
Zip tie Karen
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Posts: 7,006
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1465 Post(s)
Liked 1,542 Times
in
806 Posts
^+1. This. I've done it on a couple of saddles that I was matching to the color scheme of the bike. Check out sewing fabric outlets. Look for marine vinyl, which is a slightly thicker, more durable grade. Warming and shaping is the key. Use short staples so as not to penetrate the plastic form too far. I also applied fabric adhesive as I worked. This gave a smooth bond. It's really not hard to do. I'd wager that there are YouTube videos on it now.
#7
Half way there
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2,955
Bikes: Many, and the list changes frequently
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 985 Post(s)
Liked 879 Times
in
526 Posts
I've recovered saddles with thin leather. You can usually find scrap pieces of sufficient size on ebay for $10 or so.
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Wow, you guys are ambitious. Although I have successfully accomplished a few restoration projects in my time, I have never been very lucky with fabric. I think I'd just buy one of those stretchy saddle covers before I'd get involved with cutting and stretching vinyl or leather over my Supersoft.
Isn't there a good vinyl repair kit out there somewhere?
Isn't there a good vinyl repair kit out there somewhere?
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,694
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 834 Post(s)
Liked 332 Times
in
247 Posts
I just tape over the saddles that deteriorate with Gorilla tape. It usually holds better than the original vinyl. Eventually you may replace the tape if you want. In this manner the vinyl saddles become practically indestructible. Sometimes I get comments about the saddle appearance, but it is my rear that needs to like the saddle and the appearance likely reduces the chances of bike theft. Given that my wife demands application of the Gorilla tape to her saddles when there is a problem, I suppose that I made the grade.
P.S. I tried other tapes too and it is the Gorilla tape that works.
P.S. I tried other tapes too and it is the Gorilla tape that works.
Last edited by 2_i; 07-23-19 at 04:42 PM. Reason: P.S.
Likes For 2_i:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 261
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
It takes a bit of time and patience, and it's only recommended of you really want to. You start with cleaning and sanding down rough spots; then carefully fill in with a vinyl/leather compound, let it dry. Any tears need to be glued to a patch from the under side. It has to be done neat, smooth and even with the surface. Then you dye it (or it will be left as a sort of white rubbery filler). Some products require you use heat, like a heat gun on a low setting or hair dryer. The dye often comes in primary colors and you need to blend them to match the color like on painters palette. I guess black should come as a ready made option.
All in all, I would rather reupholster the seat if you can't find an acceptable new replacement. Go to a store that sells pvc - faux leather material for cars and motor bikes. They usually have smooth finishes and some leather imitations, but I have yet to find the tough materials with sort of puncture hole pattern that was common in the 80s and early 90s. It's not expensive, sold by the meter (or half a meter, any length cut from a bolt). New upholstery material stands up to wear much better than any repair. Accept signs of age and wear, and replace in good time before it all falls appart. Seats can last a long time, but before you spend time and money on it, make sure all parts from seat post to padding is in good condition.
All in all, I would rather reupholster the seat if you can't find an acceptable new replacement. Go to a store that sells pvc - faux leather material for cars and motor bikes. They usually have smooth finishes and some leather imitations, but I have yet to find the tough materials with sort of puncture hole pattern that was common in the 80s and early 90s. It's not expensive, sold by the meter (or half a meter, any length cut from a bolt). New upholstery material stands up to wear much better than any repair. Accept signs of age and wear, and replace in good time before it all falls appart. Seats can last a long time, but before you spend time and money on it, make sure all parts from seat post to padding is in good condition.
Last edited by Mickey2; 07-23-19 at 05:22 PM.
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I find that any time I try to repair something I sit on with tape, I ultimately end up walking around some fancy store with tape stuck to my butt.
Seriously, does Gorilla Tape get gooey on top like most other adhesive tapes?
Seriously, does Gorilla Tape get gooey on top like most other adhesive tapes?
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 543
Bikes: 1985 Cannondale SR500, 1990 Cannondale ST600, 1993 Cannondale M700
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 170 Post(s)
Liked 272 Times
in
105 Posts
Try liquid electrical tape. Waterproof, dries flexible, fantastic adhesion.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, East bay
Posts: 8,682
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1590 Post(s)
Liked 2,495 Times
in
1,190 Posts
You could try an iron on repair patch.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,893
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1062 Post(s)
Liked 665 Times
in
421 Posts
Two very similar products: "Shoe Goo" and "Amazing Goop." I don't know the difference, except that the latter comes in a larger quantity for less money. I've repaired small dings in saddles with it. Worth trying on a non-functional portion of the saddle before attempting to repair the crack. Meanwhile, I'm going to check out that waterproof electrical tape. Maybe it has something special for sticking to vinyl, since a lot of wiring insulation is vinyl.
Likes For Gresp15C:
#15
Optically Corrected
I think after 23 years I'd be looking for a brand new saddle...
Transfer width/profile and length measurements, from old to new, and be amazed at how much saddle material, ergonomic and construction processes have improved over the last 25 years!
Dealing with Shoo Goo/Gorilla Tape sticky/tacky surface repairs ain't no fun... especially in the sun! Melty!
You can get a brand new saddle for $50-100.
Much less if you get used.
Go ahead... "treat" yourself!
Transfer width/profile and length measurements, from old to new, and be amazed at how much saddle material, ergonomic and construction processes have improved over the last 25 years!
Dealing with Shoo Goo/Gorilla Tape sticky/tacky surface repairs ain't no fun... especially in the sun! Melty!
You can get a brand new saddle for $50-100.
Much less if you get used.
Go ahead... "treat" yourself!
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,694
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 834 Post(s)
Liked 332 Times
in
247 Posts
My wife commonly rides in light pants. If there were a significant issue there, she would not be asking for fixing her saddle with the tape. By now our main saddles are completely taped over and live happily. At the more general level, when you ride in light clothes a shadow will develop over the area on which you sit on the bike. Is there a difference when you sit on the Gorilla tape instead of the original vinyl? Presumably there is some. Is it noticeable in practice? No.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,655
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
Recovering a saddle with vinyl isn't all that hard to do. To make it easier you can attach the vinyl to one edge of the saddle, let the glue cure and then stretch the vinyl to the opposite side and glue it there. I use plastic tipped metal clamps from the dollar store to hold the second edge of the vinyl whilst the glue cures. Actually I found recovering it with leather even easier.
Here's an old Vetta saddle that had the top badly damaged on a low stippled ceiling in a stairwell as I was carrying it up the stairs. I bought a red leather ladies mini-skirt for $3.50 at a thrift store. I glued one edge and the front (not the entire cover) to the saddle with contact cement. When that was cured well i stretched he leather over to the other side and glued and clamped it. When the glue was cured I removed the clamps. I never used staples on it and the leather has stayed put all these years. I imagine that something like Gorilla Glue might be even better but the contact cement is readily available in small amounts.
The three closeup images of the recovered saddle were taken with a cheap point and shoot camera and thus are not the best quality.
Cheers
Here's an old Vetta saddle that had the top badly damaged on a low stippled ceiling in a stairwell as I was carrying it up the stairs. I bought a red leather ladies mini-skirt for $3.50 at a thrift store. I glued one edge and the front (not the entire cover) to the saddle with contact cement. When that was cured well i stretched he leather over to the other side and glued and clamped it. When the glue was cured I removed the clamps. I never used staples on it and the leather has stayed put all these years. I imagine that something like Gorilla Glue might be even better but the contact cement is readily available in small amounts.
The three closeup images of the recovered saddle were taken with a cheap point and shoot camera and thus are not the best quality.
Cheers
Likes For Miele Man:
#18
Hello
Thats Fantastic
Recovering a saddle with vinyl isn't all that hard to do. To make it easier you can attach the vinyl to one edge of the saddle, let the glue cure and then stretch the vinyl to the opposite side and glue it there. I use plastic tipped metal clamps from the dollar store to hold the second edge of the vinyl whilst the glue cures. Actually I found recovering it with leather even easier.
Here's an old Vetta saddle that had the top badly damaged on a low stippled ceiling in a stairwell as I was carrying it up the stairs. I bought a red leather ladies mini-skirt for $3.50 at a thrift store. I glued one edge and the front (not the entire cover) to the saddle with contact cement. When that was cured well i stretched he leather over to the other side and glued and clamped it. When the glue was cured I removed the clamps. I never used staples on it and the leather has stayed put all these years. I imagine that something like Gorilla Glue might be even better but the contact cement is readily available in small amounts.
The three closeup images of the recovered saddle were taken with a cheap point and shoot camera and thus are not the best quality.
Cheers
Here's an old Vetta saddle that had the top badly damaged on a low stippled ceiling in a stairwell as I was carrying it up the stairs. I bought a red leather ladies mini-skirt for $3.50 at a thrift store. I glued one edge and the front (not the entire cover) to the saddle with contact cement. When that was cured well i stretched he leather over to the other side and glued and clamped it. When the glue was cured I removed the clamps. I never used staples on it and the leather has stayed put all these years. I imagine that something like Gorilla Glue might be even better but the contact cement is readily available in small amounts.
The three closeup images of the recovered saddle were taken with a cheap point and shoot camera and thus are not the best quality.
Cheers
Thats FANTASTIC. Nice Job.
Sometimes its easy to repair an old favorite item instead of just throwing it away in the landfill and buying new. Pride, value and quality (and you helped save the planet)
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,655
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
Cheers
#20
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I am going to look for liquid electrical tape, something I had never heard of before this thread. Will let you know how it works out.
#21
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,691
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 510 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7287 Post(s)
Liked 2,365 Times
in
1,382 Posts
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
So the guy at Home Depot talked me out of liquid electrical tape, which he apparently uses all the time for electrical work. He wasn't too confident about recommending anything else, but thought I should give Gorilla Glue Gel (not your grandfather's Gorilla Glue) a shot. I've already applied it and now I am waiting for it to dry. I don't know when I will get back on the bike again (busy season at work) but I will report back then.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: socal
Posts: 4,219
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 872 Post(s)
Liked 795 Times
in
603 Posts
Locktite "Shoe Glue" (about $5), a liquid adhesive for leather, vinyl or rubber, may "heal" the crack with a single application. At the worse just patch the crack with a small piece of material. Most of my saddles are leather, so I use a small piece of leather cut from a larger scrap.
#24
Senior Member
Wow, you guys are ambitious. Although I have successfully accomplished a few restoration projects in my time, I have never been very lucky with fabric. I think I'd just buy one of those stretchy saddle covers before I'd get involved with cutting and stretching vinyl or leather over my Supersoft.
Isn't there a good vinyl repair kit out there somewhere?
Isn't there a good vinyl repair kit out there somewhere?
Recover Your Saddle
#25
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I ended up using Gorilla Super Glue GEL on the crack. Now that it has set, it seems that this repair might have caused problems if the crack had fallen on a part of the saddle that gets sat on; however, given that the crack is at the rear of the saddle (I know...I am grinning at the juvenile "crack" and "rear" references, too, but I couldn't think of other words to use!) I think it's going to be OK. The gel seems to have put the brakes ('like THAT one?) on any further spreading of the damage. We'll see.