• I’m trying and failing to find leather - I want matching leather to recover a saddle, probably make handlebar tape, and mudguard flaps.

    Think I need 1mm thickness for saddle and 2mm for mudguard flaps and tape.

    The second lightest brown here looks about the right colour, but I don’t fancy getting it from China with barely any information (does it make any sense worrying about animal rights when you’re trying to buy dead animal skins? Probably not, I don’t know).

    Anyone have any recommendations? I’m near Bristol if in person is best.

  • Aren't there at least 8-10 tanners in the UK?

  • I'd say you'd really need three different types/thicknesses of leather for those things. Veg tan would be fine for the flaps. But you want something softer and more pliable for the saddle surely?

    Edit.just saw the in Bristol bit. The leather supplier in cheddar would be a place to start.

    If you want veg tan try Thomas ware and sons on the coronation Road. That place is incredible! Pre lockdown they had an offcuts shop where I've always got my leather from. I've had a tour of the place and it's disgusting and amazing all at the same time!

  • For covering a saddle look no further than Pittards. Their economy range is cheap and available in small pieces with amazing colours.
    No use whatsoever for mudguard flaps.

  • I'd rather recycle an unwanted jacket and dye it. Get a horrible white or tan jacket from a charity shop/bin/ebay and use Fiebings dye. I find it very satisfying. It feels creative, although it isn't really. I like the idea of the animal's skin having multiple lifetimes.

    Edit: and matching colours are pretty much a given. And you end up with the stuff and the knowledge to redo the dye, and dye other things, and maintain all of them.

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