Neatsfoot oil for squeaky saddle leather?
 

I have a Flite saddle that I picked up not too long ago. The saddle is in pretty good condition but the leather squeaks quite a lot. It's not the rails, it's the leather. I have the saddle off the bike right now because the frame was sent out for paint - that's another thread :). When the leather is pinched or bent you can see light cracks...more like wrinkles, like the leather is a bit too dry. I'm hoping to save this saddle and quiet it down some. Has anyone used neatsfoot oil to condition the leather on a bike saddle. I know this is common on horse tack, but I have concerns about how it may affect the foam under the leather.

Use a leather conditioner for leather car seats or furniture. Neatsfoot oil is unlikely going to stay on leather that thin for long. Neatsfood oil also has a reputation for making tensioned saddles too soft, causing them to sag and become ruined. That's the use for neatsfoot oil, to soften leather by lubricating the fibers so they can pull into the desired shape, as in shaping a baseball mitt. The alternative is causing the fibers to eventually break from the strain, also ruining the product and significantly shortening it's life.

Leather conditioner or lotion is a lighter oil content usually mixed with some heavier fats and a little water to help the oils get to the fibers needing the lubrication to keep them from breaking, causing cracks. It sounds like your saddle is already going down this road.

Maybe it's your shorts that are squeaking. Not making fun but yea I'd be worried about how the foam reacts. Try wax/shoe polish that stays on the surface.

I thought about that, but it squeaks when I just press on it.

Good info. I'll look into that. Also answered another question for me too. I have a very nice old Brooks that needs freshening up from going unused for likely two decades. I was considering using the neatsfoot on that as well if I ended up purchasing. Don't want to ruin a nice old saddle.

That sounds like the foam squeaking against the cover. How would neatsfoot oil on the outside help that?

You can buy proofide. I use Obenauf's heavy duty leather preservative because that's what I have on hand for my leather footwear. It also tends to soften leather a bit, whereas proofide stays on the outside more, as a water barrier.

Using Neatsfoot oil on a leather saddle is an EXCELLENT way to ruin the saddle. Use a Proof Hide type of leather conditioner.

Cheers