Saddle Transplant

[Big Block]

I would be interested to see if you could stretch the leather by wetting it, then laying it over the saddle shape and then vacuum bagging it. Then remove the leather, let it dry, and see if it had been stretched where required.
Vegetable-tanned leather works best, and a nice piece of kangaroo skin would be my preference.

Busyman produces some outstanding saddle tops. https://busymanbicycles.blogspot.com/ and may provide some inspiration.

 

[bikeworkshop]

You can stretch the leather like this, but it's surprising how little

 

[Nob]

Busyman produces some outstanding saddle tops. https://busymanbicycles.blogspot.com/ and may provide some inspiration.

Met the man personally when I was living in Melbourne & he did a very special Saddle for me while I was living there & a great guy with a keen eye for design & produces some wonderful custom saddles

 

[7Speed]

That’s a great rescue.

Saddlers tend to be good at this stuff in my experience - the local horsey community will know where to find one.

 

[Fifthgrace]

I would be interested to see if you could stretch the leather by wetting it, then laying it over the saddle shape and then vacuum bagging it. Then remove the leather, let it dry, and see if it had been stretched where required.
Vegetable-tanned leather works best, and a nice piece of kangaroo skin would be my preference.

Busyman produces some outstanding saddle tops. https://busymanbicycles.blogspot.com/ and may provide some inspiration.

To be honest, I don't have an issue in stretching leather. I have strong, but nimble fingers and some handy tools. I think it's more about having the right thickness of leather to start with. Shallow saddles are easier than those with deep curves/noses. Thanks for the link, some great work, but it won't be cheap (and shouldn't be!), and I'm guessing that importing from Australia to UK = +20% on total price? I did find another very similar crafter to Busyman in the UK, but was no longer taking orders.