Fixing a broken leather saddle?

I know I've seen a tutorial floating around the interwebs before where the author (maybe Grant Petersen?) wrapped the broken nose of a leather saddle with handlebar wrap as a quick fix. I know there was a bit more to it than that but I can't find any details. Anyone have a link to it or a photo of the finished product I can follow? 

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Permalink Reply by mike w. on April 27, 2012 at 2:56pm

Found this.

 

HTH

Permalink Reply by Allen Wrench on April 27, 2012 at 4:43pm

Quick fix? Why not just fix it? There's a shoemaker supply shop specializing in leather findings that might have what you are looking for on Roosevelt just east of I90-94 on the south side of the street - bet they have a lot of suggestions. I haven't got in to ask them about my torn 1960s leather saddle yet but how hard can it be? If it's like in Boy Scouts you get the thick leather really wet and tool it to decorate, then mold it and press it into the form you want, then let it dry and Proofide/SnowSeal it. Bookbinders use screw connectors that would fit, or you can rivet like Brooks. Put up a photo of your finished work and we'll all be jealous.

Permalink Reply by Salvo Lutzery on April 28, 2012 at 1:39am

Here's the link you were looking for. Scroll down the page for the saddle "repair."

http://rivbike.tumblr.com/post/19882144922/mid-marcher

Permalink Reply by Ash L. on April 28, 2012 at 2:37am

Perfect! Thanks. 

Doug, I got the saddle from someone who brought it to a cobbler in lincoln park and they added a second piece of leather to the bottom of the saddle and tried to fix the nose a bit but it was still too gnarly for him to feel comfortable/safe using so it got gifted to be since I'm about 50lbs lighter and have less fear of untimely doom. It's held up pretty well for me but rips into my jeans when I dismount so I'm going to use this rainy day to do a nice fixer on that. 

 

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on April 28, 2012 at 2:59am

The Riv fix looks like it would be nice cosmetically as well as make it more comfortable at the nose where it is a bit gnarly and rough.  

Just be sure not to cover up the tension adjustment bolt flats under the saddle.  Since the repair isn't going to add any structural strength of any consequence the nose repair done by Gus's on Clark may not be super-stable over the long run.  Tension adjustment may very well be in your future.   

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