How To Clean a Leather Bike Saddle
If you’ve considered purchasing a leather saddle but are hesitant about the care and maintenance, this guide is for you. Here’s how to clean a leather bike saddle.
Three Things You Should Know About Leather Bike Saddle Care
Wipe Down the Leather and Frame
A simple yet important step is to keep your bike seat free of dirt, dust, or other grime. When wiping down your bike seat, use a soft rag to clean the surface and underneath the leather. If the frame has grime buildup, use a cloth or soft brush with a bit of water to remove it. Be careful not to get the leather saddle wet, as this can cause larger issues.
Condition the Leather
An important step of cleaning a leather bike saddle is conditioning. Use brand-recommended oil to soften and protect your saddle. For some leather bike brands, conditioning will help break it in. However, with a Selle Anatomica saddle, they’re ready to go the second they arrive—no break in period. So, when talking about oiling or conditioning your leather Selle Anatomica saddle, it’s all about maintaining softness and protection.
For Selle Anatomica saddle, we recommend using Saddle Sauce to protect against weather. This will also help extend the saddle’s life—a huge plus to every saddle owner.
Protect From Elements
Using a conditioner, such as Saddle Sauce, is a great first step to protecting your leather bike seat from the elements. If you’re planning on riding when it is rainy or where there may be wet or muddy roads, you’ll want to use a cover.
If you have a Selle Anatomica saddle of any style, our waterproof rain cover will keep all surfaces safe from the elements.
Now that you know how to clean a leather bike saddle, there are several more preventative steps you can do to keep your leather bike saddle in great condition. Keep your bike seat in top condition by:
- Starting with a good quality leather bike saddle that is intended for your style of riding and weight
- Only using recommended waterproofing products
- Keeping your bike in a safe, dry location when it’s not in use
- Giving the rest of your bike some much needed TLC
- If something isn’t working—or just seem off—getting it checked out by an expert
To learn more about bike care and cycling tips, head over to our blog here.
