Silicon damaging saddles!?

poiuytrewq

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I’ve just read through a post on FB where someone had a 6 mth old K&M saddle that’s peeling.
The replies were mostly saying the same, it seems to be a fairly common issue.
It was suggested that it’s caused by silicon on sticky seat tights or breeches.
I rarely take a huge amount of notice of these things as every FB warrior is the expert!
However, I love my sticky seat tights, I also love my brand new saddle, mines Fairfax so the same manufacturer.
I’d be gutted if I damage it.
 

Tarragon

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I have long thought that the silicon on the sticky seat tights must surely have an impact on the saddle. I bought a pair once, and the first time that I wore them I could barely get out of my car with its leather seats! I personally don't like them and avoid buying them, but they do seem to be very popular
 

MickeyFinn22

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I’ve just read through a post on FB where someone had a 6 mth old K&M saddle that’s peeling.
The replies were mostly saying the same, it seems to be a fairly common issue.
It was suggested that it’s caused by silicon on sticky seat tights or breeches.
I rarely take a huge amount of notice of these things as every FB warrior is the expert!
However, I love my sticky seat tights, I also love my brand new saddle, mines Fairfax so the same manufacturer.
I’d be gutted if I damage it.
I have also heard a few stories of people having their saddles ruined by silicone breeches. I too avoid them like the plague!
 

smolmaus

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Some of the silicon patches are SO sticky I wouldn't be going near my also brand new saddle with them. More friction is always going to be more "damage" to a saddle seat. I have a few well worn pairs that are only just gripper than normal breeches that I would probably risk.

Leather tearing after 6 months does seem extreme though. Maybe with the cheap sticky tights with those horrible thick spongy patches and less than ideal leather care I could see it.
 

Red-1

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I have seen 2 types of silicone seats. The first is cheaper, it is sort of shiny and harder - you can feel it on top of the material. The second is very thin, flexible and matte - you can't feel it other than it isn't slippery.

The first type is likely to damage saddles, the second not IME.
 

poiuytrewq

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Some of the silicon patches are SO sticky I wouldn't be going near my also brand new saddle with them. More friction is always going to be more "damage" to a saddle seat. I have a few well worn pairs that are only just gripper than normal breeches that I would probably risk.

Leather tearing after 6 months does seem extreme though. Maybe with the cheap sticky tights with those horrible thick spongy patches and less than ideal leather care I could see it.
They said peeling, I’m not sure really what that means!
Every poster said that they were very good about correct leather care. 🤷‍♀️

My current favourite tights are PE ones.
I don’t think they are horrifically sticky but do have silicone.
 

Fransurrey

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I've got a couple of pairs of silicone seated tights and never had an issue, but they are good quality, not harder/shiny ones as mentioned above. If you're worried you could get a seat saver as suggested. I ride much better with mine as I'm dyspraxic, so they 'remind' me to not shift about in the saddle (as they make it harder!!).
 
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