BikeLite

I bought an Ergon ST Gel saddle 2.5 years ago and it suddenly showed a tear a few weeks ago. It was never in the sun and I don't wear items in my back pocket to have caused this. In the next days I will get in touch with Ergon to see if it can be replaced. If they deny me any help, what type of tape or other repair should I use to stop it from getting larger? Thanks for any suggestions.

05 fuji

This is their warranty from their site stating they have a 2 year warranty.

For warranty consideration in the US or Canada, please present the item along with a receipt to the selling Ergon retailer or an Ergon retailer in your immediate area. The retailer will inspect the product for any manufacturing defects. If the retailer suspects a defect in manufacturing, they will contact the respective Ergon warranty department in your market for replacement. Ergon International (hereinafter “Ergon, our, we, us”) warrants to the original retail purchaser ("you") that the Ergon product for which you received this warranty is free from defects in material and workmanship for (2) two years from the date of original retail purchase.

Koyote

Whether they replace it or not, I would just keep riding that saddle. Unless that tear gets significantly larger, it’s nothing – will not affect functionality.

Bald Paul

Looks like you're out of the warranty period.
If it bothers you, try something like this: Amazon.com: Permatex 80902 Vinyl and Leather Repair Kit : Automotive

XxHaimBondxX

wonder if a tube patch would work here.

BikeLite

Thanks for repsonses. I did already hear from Ergon USA who reminded me of the 2 year warranty. They still said to fill out the form and send it in to see what Ergon Germany says.

I also have some clear tenacious tape that might be a good cover.

freeranger

Was going to meet with a client and my boss showed me a tear in one of the seats in his Cadillac. About a week or so later, showed me the seat and you'd never know there was a tear. Might want to check with an auto shop to see what they might be able to do, or for a referral to who they use for interior repairs. Otherwise, seems like the Permatex product ref'd above would work.

XxHaimBondxX

I'm not sure I would go though the lengths for a $50-60 saddle, however, don't ride until it's fixed: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r...SIN=B07H3KS2HY

BikeLite

It is interesting that my tear is in similar area.

BikeLite

If you look at the original pic same spot on opposite side, it appears to be a very small spot of early breakdown of the microfiber.

"Saddle Care: To increase the longevity and appearance of your Ergon saddle, remove dirt and sweat that builds up from use. Avoid using petroleum based oils or creams on the cover – use only mild soap and water to clean off any dirt, then air dry. Do not use stiff brushes, solvents or other chemical products since they can cause the glue to soften and separate the cover from the foam. Loss of color in some covering materials are not covered under product warranty, as this is normally caused from direct heat and UV exposure. Failure to follow this advice may cause the material to crack, split or harden. "

"Saddle Care: To clean the saddle of dirt and sweat, it is advisable to use a soft cloth moistened with water and a little neutral soap. We do not advise the use of pressure washers. Do not use solvent-base products (oils or creams) on the saddle covering as they could cause cracking or detaching of the covering. Please note, the use of some saddle creams could damage the saddle covering. The loss of colour in some covering materials is not covered by the warranty, as this is normally caused by UV rays, sweat, heat, moisture. The saddle should be allowed to dry naturally out of direct sunlight. The saddle may develop noises in time as dirt is forced into the construction through use. Use a silicon based lubricant to apply to the affected area. It may be necessary to remove the saddle and clean the saddle clamp / rails if noises persist. "

BikeLite

I put a Tear Aid type B patch on it and we'll see how it holds up.

BikeLite

And I'll wager that the dimpled area is a magnet for debris causing friction and breakdown. If I had another one I will cover dimples with vinyl tape and it will never happen...betcha.

2old

I'mm sure there are a lot of similar products, but Loctite vinyl repair works well for me.

BikeLite

Is this the product you mean?
https://www.loctiteproducts.com/en/p...eadhesive.html

2old

Yes. I use it to "fill" small "fissures" and sometimes to patch larger areas with leather. It's also great to repair sneaker soles that have dislodged.

shapiroeric

I would use a dab of flowable superglue and "tape" the tear shut while it sets.....

BikeLite

My tear does have a small gape that may cause a problem. If/when that gape opens up (tear aid failure), I will fill with loctite and then add another tear-aid vinyl patch.