Ottusi Saddles, Part II

Part I

Another rare Ottusi saddle (on a Pogliaghi Italcorse).

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Giorgio Siligardi Saddles

Delving back into the world of Italian saddle makers, where we previously discussed Ottusi saddles, we now come to a Giorgio Siligardi from Vignola. The pictured Giorgio Siligardi vintage saddle was purchased new in the original packaging. It has a stainless steel frame, special custom marked rivets and serial number.

As is best known, every saddle made by Siligardi is unique.

If anyone has additional information about Siligardi or Ottusi saddles please leave a comment or send an email to the address below.

Photos: thanks to a friend!

Addendum, September 9, 2012: photos of another Siligardi saddle:

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Ottusi Saddles

Going back 40, 50 years or so....

There was a gentleman by the name of Giuseppe Ottusi in Milan, considered "the master" in saddle modifications. He would purchase saddles, such as a Brooks saddle, and modify them. This work would would often be carried out for professional riders. The modifications would include shaping the saddle, making it softer, making it more breathable, and changing the height of the saddle (to rails). The costs of the modifications typically exceeded the cost of the saddle. Ottusi modified saddles have his name stamped in one or two rivets.

While Ottusi was considered "the" master in Milan, the last of these craftsman was Giorgio Siligardi of Vignola.

They are relatively rare and are sought out by collectors for their bicycle restoration projects.

If anyone has more information about either of these saddles please leave a comment.

Photos: top photo is frfom a saddle sold on ebay in the Netherlands in 2009