I have a rough tush. That’s my explanation for why every six months my bike seat disintegrates. I ride about 6 miles a week on my beater bike so the damage is beyond normal wear and tear. It could be that I leave my bike out in the rain and buy cheap seats to start with. No matter, my bike seat, above, is an embarrassment to bikers everywhere.
But rather than buy another $35 seat, I decided to cover the remnants of my current seat in duct tape.
My friends did not like this plan. One offered to buy me a seat so I wouldn’t a have to sit on duct tape. Here’s how one conversation went.
Friend: “Your seat is crap. Why don’t you get a new one?”
Me: “I don’t want to pay $35 for a seat that is going to fall apart in six months. I’m going to cover it in duct tape. It’ll last forever!”
Friend: “I know you’re frugal, but aren’t you taking this Bargain Babe thing too far?”
Me: “If the duct tape doesn’t work, I’ll buy a new bike seat.”
Friend, realizing I am stubborn: “Go for it!”
Recently I fulfilled my frugal dream of covering my bike seat in duct tape, which I am been talking about for at least 6 weeks. The process took all of 15 minutes.
It is not pink, which I had considered after reader Naomi pointed out duct tape comes in a rainbow of colors. But the black tape (actually it is Gorilla Tape) blends in and will save me from additional scorn.
Haven’t taken her out for a ride, but will keep you posted. In the meantime, here are pictures.
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Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
Why don’t you just buy a seat cover? That way the tape won’t show and you can hold your head up
Linda, a bike seat cover has a bigger price tag than a roll of duct tape. And I doubt it would last as long. I’m quite proud of my new seat – so I can hold my head up when I ride.
We are a toss and replace generation. My mother-in-law is a Depression child. She and many of her friends make use of everything. I think your seat looks great. I hope you have many rides on it. 🙂
Thanks Kathleen!
As long as it’s not dangerous for you, knock yourself out with the duct tape! I have been known for years as the d.t. queen, taping up patio chairs when they began cracking, until I noted my friends were wary of sitting in the chairs, they were so cracked and taped! I finally bought new patio chairs last summer, and haven’t needed to tape ’em yet, but I’m sure the day will come!
Beautiful job! Might not want to leave it in the sun though…sticky sticky and hot! Whew! Ironic though because just before reading this I posted a note about what big fans of duct tape we are! I’m particularly fond of the gray variety. But I’ve use the “clear” kind to have to repair shower curtains where the holes tear at the rings – just fold it over the top so it covers both sides and punch a new hole in it with a hole puncher…you’ll get many months more use! Enjoy riding for many more miles!
Great tip! Duct tape has many, many uses. Hmmm, perhaps I should write a blog post about all the money-saving uses for the tape?
If you have to leave the bike outside, put a plastic bag over the seat. The chain will also rust pretty quickly, so oil it regularly and if you can put a tarpaqulin or sheet of plastic over the entire bike.
Yes, the chain on my beater bike is very rusty. I’ve been meaning to take it into the shop for a maintenance check up. Right now it squeaks quite a bit – a good warning that I am coming.
Loved this post! Hope the duct tape seat is working out for you and let us know how long it lasts. I love how your friend eventually gave up on convincing you to buy a new seat and just let you go about your own plan. The picture of the bike seat actually looks pretty good in my opinion! 🙂 You should consider creating a http://bit.ly/4bybHr poll for your readers. I find them pretty useful and fun for voting, as well!
Thanks Meghan! I’ll let you know how the bike seat ride is today, my first time riding it with the duct taped seat. I love creating polls on BargainBabe.com and have liked PollDaddy.com. Thanks for the suggestion, though.
Your article on this blog is fantastic.
Well done! I’m a big fan of your blog and be sure to keep up the great work.
I plan on returning and linking to your site.
Sincerely,
Alan H.
http://www.alanhaft.com