Rich, I once recovered a seat - but I just put the new cover on top of the old one. I used a strong staple gun, I think that's what upholsterers use?
Anyway, just to thank you for the offer of a place to kip in Pheonix - very kind. I only just saw it, however, and am catching a plane to NZ tonight from LAX. Bike's on a boat to Australia.
Anyway, same offer to you if you should ever find yourself in Scotland.