Foam and glue to use for refinishing Selle Italia Flite

[Mattbotak]

I have a beaten up 1990 Selle Italia Flite. Leather was dried up and torn and the foam is disintegrating. I've purchased some leather and have researched info on foam and glue but can't find anything useful. Has anyone repaired a Flite saddle and if so what foam and glue did you use? Thanks, Matthew

[Dave]

I sure wouldn't waste my time trying to rebuild a 30 year old saddle. There are new and better saddles available.

[mhespenheide]

Originally Posted by Dave

I sure wouldn't waste my time trying to rebuild a 30 year old saddle. There are new and better saddles available.

There may be newer saddles than the '91 Flite, but that doesn't necessarily make them better. For some of us, the Flite is still the best.

[Mattbotak]

Fits me well and carbon and titanium are still In great condition. I’m no hoarder but try to upcycle and fix rather than throw away.

[Velocipede]

Originally Posted by Mattbotak

I have a beaten up 1990 Selle Italia Flite. Leather was dried up and torn and the foam is disintegrating. I've purchased some leather and have researched info on foam and glue but can't find anything useful. Has anyone repaired a Flite saddle and if so what foam and glue did you use? Thanks, Matthew

I've sent mine back to Selle Italia directly. But I'm in industry guy. They might not do it for everyone. I can ask if you want.

[numberSix]

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...3206248&rt=rud

3M has a bunch of products way tackier than brush-on contact cement.

Foam:
Search for “high density upholstery foam”. Sewing hobby stores like Joann’s Fabrics (USA) sell it in small quantities. There’s sanding/shaping videos on YouTube, I vaguely recall a few about the tricks of saddles specifically which show the edge glueing procedure.

[Mike V]

I too have been contemplating the same thing. On the same saddle also.

My foam is good. Just need new leather.

[mhespenheide]

Originally Posted by Velocipede

I've sent mine back to Selle Italia directly. But I'm in industry guy. They might not do it for everyone. I can ask if you want.

I'd be interested in hearing their response. I've got two or three that could use it.

[Mattbotak]

Originally Posted by Velocipede

I've sent mine back to Selle Italia directly. But I'm in industry guy. They might not do it for everyone. I can ask if you want.

This would be the ideal for sure.

[Ozz]

Sounds like a fun project...

If the structure of the saddle is in good shape, why not do it?

[Velocipede]

Originally Posted by mhespenheide

I'd be interested in hearing their response. I've got two or three that could use it.

Originally Posted by Mattbotak

This would be the ideal for sure.

I'll email Paolo and see what he says.

[jmoore]

I've prob recovered 60-70 old Flites.

You need to use Barge Cement or WeldWood contact cement. It is the only adhesive that I found that stayed flexible in all weather conditions and held on well.

As for refoaming, good luck figuring that out. There is plenty of stuff to try but it all has a serious drawbacks in the long term. Generally it compresses and will not reform, is too soft, or deteriorates too quickly as a saddle foam.

Lastly, if you want some leather that works perfectly, I'd be happy to sell you some of the stuff I used. I'll even cut it into the old school Flite pattern.

[Hindmost]

Neoprene? I used some on some motorcycle seats years ago. Good medium density, easily shaped and came in various thicknesses.

[jmoore]

Originally Posted by Hindmost

Neoprene? I used some on some motorcycle seats years ago. Good medium density, easily shaped and came in various thicknesses.

Prob not very abrasion resistant. But could work ok.

[Mattbotak]

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for the tip.

Originally Posted by numberSix

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-...3206248&rt=rud

3M has a bunch of products way tackier than brush-on contact cement.

Foam:
Search for “high density upholstery foam”. Sewing hobby stores like Joann’s Fabrics (USA) sell it in small quantities. There’s sanding/shaping videos on YouTube, I vaguely recall a few about the tricks of saddles specifically which show the edge glueing procedure.