Vintage Italian saddle options?
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Vintage Italian saddle options?
Obviously I need a new saddle as I clean this bike up. I want to stick with a yellow, Italian, reasonably vintage saddle if I can. Any recommendations for ones to search for? If I put something modern on it, are there good options that won't look too modern, and won't break the bank? On that last question, I've been looking at one of these in yellow: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AQRNT64...ing=UTF8&psc=1
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Looks like it could use recovering.
#3
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I doubt you'll find a more appropriate saddle for your sun-faded but mechanically sound Tommasini than a scuffed, faded, but functional yellow Turbo.
That yellow saddle you posted would be a...huge mistake...from an aesthetic POV, IMO.
That yellow saddle you posted would be a...huge mistake...from an aesthetic POV, IMO.
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A Yellow Cinelli Unicanitor - Cinelli Unicanitor CMX Saddle Yellow | eBay
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If I ride the bike and it feels like it really fits me, and I can get the stem out, then I may well have it repainted. But even in its current condition, the seat is the ugliest part of the whole picture.
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Who does that? I saw a place in Austin I think that does fancy leather recovering, but it looked crazy expensive. Does anyone restore these old Turbo saddles to nice condition at less than the price of finding an old one it excellent shape?
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A Yellow Cinelli Unicanitor - Cinelli Unicanitor CMX Saddle Yellow | eBay
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Yellow Concor Supercorsa. As far as worrying about breaking the bank, well, sometimes you gotta pay to play. Vintage Italian colors aren't cheap, but the re-pop Concors can be had for under $100.
DD
DD
Last edited by Drillium Dude; 08-16-16 at 01:13 PM.
#9
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DIY option - peruse the above thread.
No experience with this site, but it looks pretty legit: Recovered Saddle - Custom Bicycle Saddle Covers, Repairs and Restoration
(Perhaps that's the site you referred to earlier.)
Last edited by due ruote; 08-15-16 at 11:49 PM.
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My butt has always liked San Marco Rolls saddles. Fairly wide in the sit-bones, and just the right amount of bling for a Tommasini. I've ridden Turbos as well and personally prefer the Rolls for both comfort and aesthetics. They also came in yellow. You may be able to find one cheaper with some patience, but here's a nice example:
New Old Stock Selle San Marco Rolls Saddle Smooth Yellow Cover | eBay
New Old Stock Selle San Marco Rolls Saddle Smooth Yellow Cover | eBay
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absolutely - I rode them when I was 19, and gave them up when I was 29 (replaced with Concor)
Our OP might find a yellow Concor - here's one in Italy San Marco Concor Supercorsa Saddle YELLOW, Dodici Cicli Online Store
Our OP might find a yellow Concor - here's one in Italy San Marco Concor Supercorsa Saddle YELLOW, Dodici Cicli Online Store
Last edited by bulldog1935; 08-16-16 at 03:37 AM.
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absolutely - I rode them when I was 19, and gave them up when I was 29 (replaced with Concor)
Our OP might find a yellow Concor - here's one in Italy San Marco Concor Supercorsa Saddle YELLOW, Dodici Cicli Online Store
Our OP might find a yellow Concor - here's one in Italy San Marco Concor Supercorsa Saddle YELLOW, Dodici Cicli Online Store
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Same seller as the Rolls above. Not as authentic but $100 cheaper. FWIW, I bought a Gipiemme saddle from this seller and he's a straight up guy. Good detail and communication.
New Old Stock Koga Miyata Saddle w Synthetic Leather Yellow Cover | eBay
New Old Stock Koga Miyata Saddle w Synthetic Leather Yellow Cover | eBay
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OP, I have a vintage Sella Italia Flite in yellow, titanium rails, "genuine gel" version. It looks great, but was not ideal for my butt. Send me a PM if you're interested, and I'll send you some pics. I will let it go for a very good price if you'd like to try it.
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Obviously I need a new saddle as I clean this bike up. I want to stick with a yellow, Italian, reasonably vintage saddle if I can. Any recommendations for ones to search for? If I put something modern on it, are there good options that won't look too modern, and won't break the bank?
Last edited by Last ride 76; 08-16-16 at 08:51 AM.
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https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...ur-saddle.html
DIY option - peruse the above thread.
No experience with this site, but it looks pretty legit: Recovered Saddle - Custom Bicycle Saddle Covers, Repairs and Restoration
(Perhaps that's the site you referred to earlier.)
DIY option - peruse the above thread.
No experience with this site, but it looks pretty legit: Recovered Saddle - Custom Bicycle Saddle Covers, Repairs and Restoration
(Perhaps that's the site you referred to earlier.)
I'm going to check out the various links, too. Always good to have options.
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That's a smokin' deal
DD
DD
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Cinelli's and Turbo's in decent shape can be expensive, but there are lots of good deals on other brands. I bought a yellow Vetta Nuvola in really good shape a couple years ago for under $30 shipped. This year I got a very nice white Selle Royal Sprint for $32 shipped. Both of these are leather, have a classic shape, and are quite comfortable.
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The DIY link is great! I'd thought about recovering the Turbo, but figured it'd be a mess. I have some 777 spray adhesive, though it might be expired, and I'm always up for a $-saving project. Plus it would preserve some of the originality of the bike. I'll check if the local leather place has any yellow leather. I see some good looking yellow leather on eBay, but it's lambskin, which I think would be too fragile for a bike saddle.
I'm going to check out the various links, too. Always good to have options.
I'm going to check out the various links, too. Always good to have options.
Is molded in place and I have yet to see a good method for patching. Maybe someone can chime in.
The leather on these is typically very thin. I have used "upholstery leather" which is fairly thin and even so it can be a challenge on certain saddles (eg Concor). The lamb skin might be OK if you lay it down nice and snug. Hard to say without feeling it.