Hi ladies, hopefully someone can be of help. I think i've ruined my new saddle, as it is leather and was out last week on the downs and was covered. in. mud. i wiped it with a damp sponge once i got home, but it still seems grimy and looks overly dry and the decals have come off. since its leather, am i supposed to do anything special with it to keep it clean?

TIA!

Danielle
Get some glycerine saddle soap from a (horse)tack shop. Clean sponge, slightly damp, wipe over saddle soap and then wipe into bike saddle. It will act as a cleaner as well as restoring the moisture to the saddle. When the saddle is dry if it needs more just repeat. Hope it helps.

I've got a couple of Selle Italia saddles and I've only ever used soapy water (car shampoo in hot water) to get them clean. Like you, I'm near the SDW so saddles often get covered in chalky mud, but mostly from the underside. The decals wore away pretty quickly, but the saddles have remained comfy and reasonably presentable. Saddle soap/polish would be a good idea, or you could try a clear, leather shoe polish to give a bit more of a shine.