I think this is the right forum to post this question, as i think you all are a bit more resourceful than the average cyclist...

Recently, i wore a hole in my favorite saddle (classic WTB SST Ti that i bought almost 10 years ago). Is there a way to affordably repair this seat? I took it to a cobbler, and was quote $75, which can obviously get me a comparable new seat. I'm going to try another cobbler later next week, though.

Any suggestions? I hate to toss out an almost perfectly functional seat...

-Damon

Id put it on a beater bike and buy a new one if it were me. there's suddenly a bunch of sst 2k's w/ti rails popping up online, greenfish has them for <a href="http://www.greenfishsports.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=190">$28</a>.

Try to call a tack shop—sometimes they can help. If you can go to one, check their bulletin board for people who repair tack. Something always gets ripped/torn/shredded in horse sports, and riders aren't about to throw out a $3,000 saddle just because it needs some repair.

or do you just want it to be functional? Depending on where the hole is, you can repair with thin layers of quick-set epoxy, if you don't care about looks. I've fixed worn spots in several saddles (shoes, too) this way. Smooth the edges of the hole by trimming or sanding, and smooth on a thin layer of 5-minute epoxy -- use a popsicle stick or the like. Let it set, lighltly sand any bumps or rough spots, and apply another layer if necessary. The result will be flexible and tough, and will last longer than the rest of the saddle.

Thanks for all the replies - great suggestions.

Re: the replacement saddle, i'm going to try a bunch of different WTB saddle samples, and am assuming i'm going to settle on the shadow or devo, depending on how the test ride pans out. The linked seat could do the trick, although some reviews say that it feels quite different than the one i have.

Re: the tack shop - excellent suggestion. I'll try calling a few places after christmas to see what they can do. There are a lot of posh equestrian types around these parts, so i hope that doesn't translate into an expensive repair cost.

Re: the epoxy - another good idea. I must admit, i am a bit vain, but would certainly think about a repair like that, and then putting it on the commuter. One question, though - do you think it would patch a hole that is about 1.5" long by .75" wide? The hole is on the side of the nose, where my thigh rubs it.

Again, thanks for the replies - glad to see this question wasn't too "out there".

-Damon