Saddle rail removal/installation

[Mod-Master]

Is it possible to remove or install a set of saddle rails without damaging the saddle? I have a boardman ti saddle that’s not gonna get used so thought I could replace the Cromo rails on my Sbike saddle to make it lighter.

Any info appreciated.

 

[Mod-Master]

none of the saddle experts know? I think ive seen it done before..

 

[raidan73]

I've seen it done before, but are the rails the same size and profile?

 

[Mod-Master]

seems like yes. I can butcher the saddle i'm removing it from but not the one i'm installing it in

 

[markoc]

I'm not sure its something I'd want to do. From my experience (mucking about in the garage trying to make "art" out of saddles) they are a very tight push fit into the moulded plastic saddle shell. They are unlikely to be a common shape.

In addition, I'd be worried about them separating again under use - and the ensuing bum/seatpost interface.

 

[joglo]

I haven't done it yet, but I was told you need quite a lot of force to tighten the rails to fit it into an given saddle base.
Nothing you can do by hand, but you may need some kind of fixture construction.

That's the reason why i haven't done it myself. However I have a set of titanium rails from a Flite I was thinking of using this for an Turbo with CroMo rails, where the rails look from the shape itself pretty equally.
In my case the removal was easy as the Flite base was anyhow broken.
Instead of removing the rails from the target saddle, I may cut it into pieces.
Than it's >just< about forcing the other rails into the base.
Still not sure if I should start this, in worst case I've killed another saddle