Fixing a gel seat
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Fixing a gel seat
Not a bicycle issue per se, but I was wondering if there is a way to fix a split gel saddle. I have a Selle Royal Ellipse seat which I've been using for less than a year, and it split inside the cutout and is leaking gel. I hate throwing things away if they can be fixed, and I believe I haven't been using it for long enough for such wear and tear. If anybody managed to patch or seal this type of breakage, please let me know!
#2
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: San Juan, PR
Posts: 160
Bikes: 1980's Royce Union "fixed wheel", 1995 Trek 370, 406 -wheeled " shopper/minivelo"for running errands, SS Raleigh M60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 44 Post(s)
Liked 58 Times
in
46 Posts
Sorry to say but if the gel bladder(s) is(are) broken, you'll need a new saddle.
$40USD through Amazon will get you a new one.
https://www.amazon.com/Ellipse-Athletic-Bike-Seat-Unisex/dp/B07LGPKH4C/ref=gp_aw_ybh_a_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=P1EDH9SZ74NEZ00KSX4B
$40USD through Amazon will get you a new one.
https://www.amazon.com/Ellipse-Athletic-Bike-Seat-Unisex/dp/B07LGPKH4C/ref=gp_aw_ybh_a_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=P1EDH9SZ74NEZ00KSX4B
Last edited by Juan el Boricua; 06-13-21 at 05:25 PM.
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
yeah, I unfortunately don't have the receipt for that purchase, normally these saddles have a 2 year warranty.
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks, yes, purchased with a credit card but the emailed order confirmation was deleted and the bank statement doesn't detail what purchase it was. I did contact Selle Royal yesterday, worth a try I guess.
#9
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,531
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4357 Post(s)
Liked 3,996 Times
in
2,667 Posts
If you bought it from an authorized dealer like your local bike shop they can likely get you a copy of the receipt and potentially help with warranty.
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
No luck so far with this seat. Selle Royal wants me to replace it with the dealer (Sports Direct), and the dealer wants me to first get an independent assessment from a "reputable company" which would say definitively that it's a fault rather than wear and tear. I now have the invoice for this proving purchase, but getting blown off by both companies. Does anyone have any suggestions? I know it's probably not that much money to many people, but if I it's under warranty, I thought it would be replaced no questions asked. Instead they are saying I have to pay for an independent investigation.
#11
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: San Juan, PR
Posts: 160
Bikes: 1980's Royce Union "fixed wheel", 1995 Trek 370, 406 -wheeled " shopper/minivelo"for running errands, SS Raleigh M60
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 44 Post(s)
Liked 58 Times
in
46 Posts
I understand that there are principles and morality involved but given the case, having an "independent resource evaluate" will cost more than a new saddle; I'd chalk it up as an experience and buy a new one (but I would from another company and or provider, as there actions have given me a "sour note"). Good luck in whichever path you choose to follow.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 3,676
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 839 Post(s)
Liked 1,064 Times
in
747 Posts
No luck so far with this seat. Selle Royal wants me to replace it with the dealer (Sports Direct), and the dealer wants me to first get an independent assessment from a "reputable company" which would say definitively that it's a fault rather than wear and tear. I now have the invoice for this proving purchase, but getting blown off by both companies. Does anyone have any suggestions? I know it's probably not that much money to many people, but if I it's under warranty, I thought it would be replaced no questions asked. Instead they are saying I have to pay for an independent investigation.
#13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well that's an incredibly crappy response from the dealer. Try contacting Selle Royal again with your experience and see what they say. Never heard of a requirement for an independent assessment on a defective $50 item still under warranty. Since you found the invoice it's worth contacting the credit card company to help with a refund. You could also forward a link to this thread to the customer relations dept. so they know they're getting some bad publicity over this.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 3,676
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 839 Post(s)
Liked 1,064 Times
in
747 Posts
I believe the UK has some strong consumer protection laws. Isn't there a "not fit for purpose" or some such thing that can be used in a case like this? Use as a last resort but worth looking into if you get no satisfaction. This requirement of an "independent assessment" has got me all riled up.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,482
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 967 Post(s)
Liked 1,631 Times
in
1,047 Posts
As for Gel seats in general, I have seen these seats used for years without problems, but not me. I just tear stuff up without even trying. I can't even wear a nice watch. I once was gifted a pair of Air Cushion Ascis jogging shoes in the 90's. I did not even make it off the back yard before stepping on some Texas Mesquite and getting a flat... Rats!
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
#16
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The Gel is toast but the saddle is not? If not repairable please consider stripping this saddle down to reveal its bones, and take some pictures for me. I like the fact that this saddle is wide and have wondered if it would be worth the time to purchase one and strip off all the padding to recover it with smooth leather.
As for Gel seats in general, I have seen these seats used for years without problems, but not me. I just tear stuff up without even trying. I can't even wear a nice watch. I once was gifted a pair of Air Cushion Ascis jogging shoes in the 90's. I did not even make it off the back yard before stepping on some Texas Mesquite and getting a flat... Rats!
As for Gel seats in general, I have seen these seats used for years without problems, but not me. I just tear stuff up without even trying. I can't even wear a nice watch. I once was gifted a pair of Air Cushion Ascis jogging shoes in the 90's. I did not even make it off the back yard before stepping on some Texas Mesquite and getting a flat... Rats!
#17
2-Wheeled Fool
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 2,346
Bikes: Surly Ogre, Brompton
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1385 Post(s)
Liked 677 Times
in
457 Posts
A pic would help. My suspicions are that the saddle is torn due to use. Any decent saddle from a reputable company just do not split on their own. Gel saddles suck anyway. Gel feels good with initial contact, but does not get any better for long-term use. Gel conforms to your butt, BUT never stays in the shape of your butt, so its like sitting on a fresh new saddle every time. They are hot in the summer and blocks of ice in the winter. The gel is constantly moving as you move around on the covering. Gel saddles are just not that tough. It is also my opinion that gel saddles are another silly fad, using a material that is best left for other applications. No sir, I don't like it!
#18
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 7
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
A pic would help. My suspicions are that the saddle is torn due to use. Any decent saddle from a reputable company just do not split on their own. Gel saddles suck anyway. Gel feels good with initial contact, but does not get any better for long-term use. Gel conforms to your butt, BUT never stays in the shape of your butt, so its like sitting on a fresh new saddle every time. They are hot in the summer and blocks of ice in the winter. The gel is constantly moving as you move around on the covering. Gel saddles are just not that tough. It is also my opinion that gel saddles are another silly fad, using a material that is best left for other applications. No sir, I don't like it!