Would you return this saddle?
01-02-25 | 01:31 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 637
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From: Aus
Would you return this saddle?
Hi everyone,
I got a new bike about 5 months ago and soon after replaced the saddle. The new saddle is the current model of one I've happily used for a while on my other bike, and new was >$100.
The new bike fit itself feels fine but recently I've been getting some chafing on the very upper inner thigh that different knicks and good chamois cream haven't helped with. Today I took a closer look at the still newish saddle and the leather has creases on both sides when it was originally smooth. I'm thinking this has to be contributing to the chafing, and that this should be a smooth surface. But I'm also after your thoughts to check on my sanity and whether this is worth returning for a refund.
Photo below - the wrinkles are similar on both sides.
I got a new bike about 5 months ago and soon after replaced the saddle. The new saddle is the current model of one I've happily used for a while on my other bike, and new was >$100.
The new bike fit itself feels fine but recently I've been getting some chafing on the very upper inner thigh that different knicks and good chamois cream haven't helped with. Today I took a closer look at the still newish saddle and the leather has creases on both sides when it was originally smooth. I'm thinking this has to be contributing to the chafing, and that this should be a smooth surface. But I'm also after your thoughts to check on my sanity and whether this is worth returning for a refund.
Photo below - the wrinkles are similar on both sides.
01-02-25 | 02:39 AM
#2
pan y agua
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,812
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From: Jacksonville
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Chicken/Egg problem. It would appear at least equally likely that the friction that is causing your chaffing is doing this to the seat, as it would be that an imperfection in the saddle is causing the chaffing.
I think it would be rather unusual for the saddle to have the same defect on both sides of the saddle. I’d just try another saddle.
I think it would be rather unusual for the saddle to have the same defect on both sides of the saddle. I’d just try another saddle.
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You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
01-02-25 | 09:24 AM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Tallahassee, FL
Bikes: Several
How long have you been using it and for how many miles? Also where did you buy it? I think all that would determine how likely it is that I'd bother trying to get a refund or replacement. Often the retailer is a better bet than the manufacturer. Some places are better than others at taking returns or exchanges though.
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Pete in Tallahassee
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Check out my profile, articles, and trip journals at:
https:/www.crazyguyonabike.com/staehpj1
01-02-25 | 11:14 AM
#6
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Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 3
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I suspect the wrinkled covering causes the chafing. The condition of the cover of this saddle does not make a good impression(no pun intended), wheather it's from usage or was simply made this way. Even a lot of cheap saddles can last a long time (maybe too long). A hundred bucks ought to get you a better, more durable saddle.
