Concerning Leather Saddles
03-01-12, 12:46 AM
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Concerning Leather Saddles
I'm considering purchasing a leather saddle for my commuter.
But it rains often down here in Mobile Alabama, We are right on the cost. It's very humid and whatnot.
Although I would take the time to care for the saddle on a regular basis, I fear that the weather would ruin it regardless.
On average I'd say I get caught in the rain about twice a month, year around.
Stick with lame plastic?
Or
Take good care of a leather saddle?
But it rains often down here in Mobile Alabama, We are right on the cost. It's very humid and whatnot.
Although I would take the time to care for the saddle on a regular basis, I fear that the weather would ruin it regardless.
On average I'd say I get caught in the rain about twice a month, year around.
Stick with lame plastic?
Or
Take good care of a leather saddle?
03-01-12, 01:21 AM
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Just a thought.. waterproofing solution that you get at sporting goods stores for boots. Im going to try it on my brooks once I finish my commuter build. Again just a thought as I havn't done it yet so idk what it will do to the leather saddle.
03-01-12, 02:03 AM
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Yes to plastic bags. I carry a plastic shopping bag with me and if it's pouring outside I put the bag on my saddle. If you're only worried about rain a couple of times per month, then a plastic bag shouldn't be too bothersome.
Yes, take care of the saddle either way.
Yes, take care of the saddle either way.
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03-01-12, 02:22 AM
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I ride in the Deep South too, Charleston, Savannah and points north. I Proofide the saddles and keep a plastic bag or shower cap handy for when the bike is parked outside. If I happen to be riding in the rain, my rear keeps the saddle well covered.
Aaron
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03-01-12, 04:15 AM
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Buy a Brooks, made and designed in the UK where its rains pretty much all the time but those saddles last forever.
but those saddles last forever.
03-01-12, 04:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Ecrevisse
Brooks saddles come with a rain cover.
Aaron
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03-01-12, 05:04 AM
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You can also put a generic saddle cover on it such as those from Jandd. I have several of theirs and of the Brooks and prefer the Jandd cover.
03-01-12, 05:33 AM
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I have been carrying three plastic grocery bags with me for years.
One can be used, and often times is, to cover the suspended leather saddles, I tend to run on my bicycle. The other two can be used as gloves or booties in a pinch. Gloves to help keep one's hands clean during on the road maintenance, and booties to protect (very temporarily) one's costly riding shoes.
To that add, this. You can store your spare inner tube, a couple of wrenches, a rag and what ever else needs to be kept together, in a small rolled up package.
And, one more thing a plastic bag can be used for - plugging the hole in the top of the Old School seat post.
Plastic bags - gotta love em - all cozillion produced and discarded every year:-(
Of ya - don't forget my Poor Man's Bubble Wrap that I invented that is perfect for packing/padding just about anything in a bicycle box.
One can be used, and often times is, to cover the suspended leather saddles, I tend to run on my bicycle. The other two can be used as gloves or booties in a pinch. Gloves to help keep one's hands clean during on the road maintenance, and booties to protect (very temporarily) one's costly riding shoes.
To that add, this. You can store your spare inner tube, a couple of wrenches, a rag and what ever else needs to be kept together, in a small rolled up package.
And, one more thing a plastic bag can be used for - plugging the hole in the top of the Old School seat post.
Plastic bags - gotta love em - all cozillion produced and discarded every year:-(
Of ya - don't forget my Poor Man's Bubble Wrap that I invented that is perfect for packing/padding just about anything in a bicycle box.
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03-01-12, 05:55 AM
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One of my older Brooks saddles has seen a fairly hard life.
This Swift has over 7,000 miles and it's holding up fine.
I have the original Brooks cover that came with it, and I carry it wherever the saddle goes.
Fits right in the Acorn tool bag when the need arises.
Don't forget to dry these before you put them back in the tool roll or you'll be treated to a moldy mess when you need it most.
This Swift has over 7,000 miles and it's holding up fine.
I have the original Brooks cover that came with it, and I carry it wherever the saddle goes.
Fits right in the Acorn tool bag when the need arises.
Don't forget to dry these before you put them back in the tool roll or you'll be treated to a moldy mess when you need it most.
03-01-12, 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by gomango
One of my older Brooks saddles has seen a fairly hard life.
This Swift has over 7,000 miles and it's holding up fine.
I have the original Brooks cover that came with it, and I carry it wherever the saddle goes.
Fits right in the Acorn tool bag when the need arises.
Don't forget to dry these before you put them back in the tool roll or you'll be treated to a moldy mess when you need it most.
This Swift has over 7,000 miles and it's holding up fine.
I have the original Brooks cover that came with it, and I carry it wherever the saddle goes.
Fits right in the Acorn tool bag when the need arises.
Don't forget to dry these before you put them back in the tool roll or you'll be treated to a moldy mess when you need it most.
I have a Brooks Team Pro that is going on ~4 years now including commuting in the rain. Treat the saddle just like any other leather using Proofide or in my case I use Snoseal, and it'll last for a very long time. Leather is tough when treated properly and doesn't really need to be babied.
Mine came with a cover so I use that when it's raining, but the bottom of the saddle is still exposed. Just remember to treat your saddle 1-2 times each season and you should be fine.
03-01-12, 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Berylbite
I'm considering purchasing a leather saddle for my commuter.
But it rains often down here in Mobile Alabama, We are right on the cost. It's very humid and whatnot.
Although I would take the time to care for the saddle on a regular basis, I fear that the weather would ruin it regardless.
On average I'd say I get caught in the rain about twice a month, year around.
Stick with lame plastic?
Or
Take good care of a leather saddle?
But it rains often down here in Mobile Alabama, We are right on the cost. It's very humid and whatnot.
Although I would take the time to care for the saddle on a regular basis, I fear that the weather would ruin it regardless.
On average I'd say I get caught in the rain about twice a month, year around.
Stick with lame plastic?
Or
Take good care of a leather saddle?
03-01-12, 03:16 PM
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03-01-12, 06:55 PM
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Thanks for the input fellas, I've opted to buy me a nice leather saddle. I've always wanted one.
03-01-12, 09:25 PM
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I know there are lots of Brooks fans here, and that's cool. I never found them to work for me, and a friend turned me on to Selle Anatomica saddles. Also leather, and for me, comfortable out of the box. If you want a brown one, they're on sale right now for about half price. I already have 2 black ones, and just ordered the brown for a Trek project I have going. I hope you have many happy and comfy miles on whatever saddle you choose! https://www.selleanatomica.com/store/
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