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Steamboat Wharf Nantucket, MA

Is a Leather Saddle Right For You?

These days, you don’t have to look far to find high tech, ergonomic, synthetic saddle designs. Every year manufacturers release fancy foam seats in sleek shapes that promise to eliminate soreness and allow you to ride for hundreds of miles at a stretch. Sometimes these designs really do deliver, but most of the time they’re more flair than function.

But what if there was another tried and true option we could turn to instead? Enter the leather saddle. These classic designs have been regaining popularity in recent years, and not just because they look great. Leather saddles offer riders a few key advantages over their space age counterparts.

Longevity

When properly cared for, a leather saddle can last a lifetime. That said, they do require some special care. Leather shouldn’t be allowed to get wet, at least not for long periods of time. Fortunately, this is usually pretty easy to avoid. Giving your saddle a quick wipe down with a cloth and then wrapping it with a protective plastic bag will do the trick. In order to maximize their lifespan, leather saddles should also be treated with oil about once a year. This will keep the leather soft and supple, and protect it from water penetration as well.

Comfort

This is perhaps the greatest benefit of leather saddles, but it comes with a caveat. For the 100 miles or so, leather saddles are not especially comfortable. In fact, a long ride on a fresh leather saddle can leave you with a pretty sore rear end. As you ride, however, the leather will mold to your from like a baseball glove. Once you get through the initial breakthrough period, you’ll have earned yourself an extremely comfortable saddle that conforms to your body. Leather saddles also perform particularly well in hot weather because they breathe better than synthetic materials.

A leather saddle isn’t for everyone, but if you’ve struggled to find a synthetic seat that meets your needs, leather might be a good option to consider. Want to learn more? Feel free to stop in or give us a call.

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