Karl's V20 variable seat angle solution

[Karl42]

Here are some pictures from last weekend's 400 km ride. Just before the ride I realized that I had forgotten to reinstall a fender to protect the seat raising mechanism from getting dirty, so I cut a plastic cup in half and taped it to the bike. And I'm glad I did, because this ride got very muddy.

 

[CoolHandChris]

The whole thing is still a bit provisional, but I made my first ride test today:

The first impression is very positive. It feels very stable, and gives good support when climbing. Operation is straightforward. The upright seat angle is the resting position. To lower the seat, I push the lever under the seat and lean back. To raise the seat, I simply lean forward, and the seat will raise by itself.
The hill at the end of the video was nearly impossible for me to climb with the stock V20, because this path has a very rough surface with lots of debris on it, and I would usually lose traction. With the seat angle modification it is now super easy.
My only regret is that I haven't done this sooner.

Impressive! I’m in the beginning stages of modifying my V20C to do the same thing.

 

[Robertas]

Impressive! I’m in the beginning stages of modifying my V20C to do the same thing.

Me too

 

[3bs]

i love your work here. i think it is in the top 3 best trys, maybe the best. i cant tell you how many hours i spent on this and how many emails and experiments i had. also did comparison rides between my cb's for seat angle analysis. i cut seats, i used hinges, i used foam, i did all kinds of stuff. i had a few good versions, but, even on my longest rides and tours, i came to a few conclusions:
1. the single greatest comprimise bike and seat angle is found on the s30. a modern version of this bike should still be made. they are unicorns and for good reason. the best seat angle and break down for shipping the best. i still dont have one, but my neighbor does.
2. the single cheapest lighest and easiest mod to use is a foam wedge. i was delighted when cb started to sell one. i have an entire box of my experimental wedges.
3. all things considered, ultimatly i prefer the thor seat. i have them on the 20 and 40 i ride the most. i still have standard seats with foam on my other 20's and 40's but even with the thor i have a foam insert. recently bought two more thors to test an idea....
4. gearing is more important than seat angle. i have spent even more time on gearing and driveline.
5. i have ridden many multiday rides on the 20 and the 40. the longer the days the more i prefer the 20 as i get recumbutt on the 40 around 100. the steeper the climbs the more i prefer the 40, so i can push on my back. i have experienced wheels slip on both so bad i had to walk the bikes. nowadays i just dont go on those rides any more. i hate climbing no matter the bike, so, if i am going to be on the steepest climbs, now i just bring frankentrike. it is geared to climb, and if i get exhausted, because it is a fwd mbb trike, i just stop and rest, then i start up again. the seat angle on it is lower than a 20 with a little kick up at the shoulders.