It does weaken it as it worsens, but it’s relevant to know that if it ever actually becomes too weak the steel will slowly deform under your weight rather than suddenly breaking apart. You’d probably hit a bigger-than-usual bump and simply realize that your saddle isn’t at quite the right angle anymore.
I’ve built and ridden enough bikes to forget the count and while I have broken saddles, they were all ultra-cheap ones with plastic molding instead of steel rails.
My verdict is spend your worry elsewhere, no half-decent saddle will have its upholstery outlast its frame.
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It does weaken it as it worsens, but it’s relevant to know that if it ever actually becomes too weak the steel will slowly deform under your weight rather than suddenly breaking apart. You’d probably hit a bigger-than-usual bump and simply realize that your saddle isn’t at quite the right angle anymore.
I’ve built and ridden enough bikes to forget the count and while I have broken saddles, they were all ultra-cheap ones with plastic molding instead of steel rails.
My verdict is spend your worry elsewhere, no half-decent saddle will have its upholstery outlast its frame.