custom seat build

[Kenneth]

I have been looking for a way to get rid of the recumbent butt/ hip joint issue I have on long rides. Last week I was considering a Thor seat and the forum gave me lots of info about them. I decided to try some other things first. This weekend I built a leather suspension saddle/seat for my S40.
This is something I've been thinking about for a while but thought it might not be doable or funtionable. Friday evening I decided to make a a prototype and see what happened.....
I finished it Sunday afternoon and have about 30 miles on it, including my commute yesterday and today. The real test needs to be a century ride but it is crazy comfortable so far and I am greatly encouraged that this might be the ticket for me.
This a prototype and was built with a concept in mind so a final build would be one piece, and be more detail oriented. It might use a thicker saddle grade leather as well. Time and use will determine if a more final build is made.
The bottom portion of the seat floats and the leather conforms to the my shape making for a very comfortable seat.
The upper portion has two strips underneath which sit on either side of my spine allowing for my spine to also float and the leather to conform to its shape as well.
The strips on the back sit just between my shoulder blades allowing my shoulder blades to grip the seat in a way that keeps me firmly in place. Well as you can tell I'm pretty happy with the outcome. Cheers

 

[The Brook]

That looks great, nice thinking on how to get suspension on the seat without adding much weight.
Bravo !

 

[Bruce B]

Thought, talent and tools at the right time and place. Just amazing.

 

[Mark B]

Nice! Kind of reminiscent of a Pedersen Saddle. I think your seat height could be lower. I can't imagine you needing much give.

Mark

 

[Rampa]

Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Did you name your bike Trigger?

 

[Kenneth]

Nice! Kind of reminiscent of a Pedersen Saddle. I think your seat height could be lower. I can't imagine you needing much give

If it works out long term I might remove the seat pan portion of the carbon seat increasing the room to set it up a bit lower by a little.

 

[Kenneth]

Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Did you name your bike Trigger?

How about Traveller instead

 

[jond]

Rollin', rollin', rollin'
Did you name your bike Trigger?

“Trigger and he pulled the fastest milk cart in the West.”

Nice job Kenneth. Making something happen to find what works for you is fantastic.

 

[jond]

Kenneth does your saddle on climbs swing or yaw with effort. Will moisture be a stretch issue. ?

 

[Kenneth]

Kenneth does your saddle on climbs swing or yaw with effort. Will moisture be a stretch issue. ?

No, it's pretty stable, the seat pan changes shape slightly with my hip joints as they move.
It has the potential to stretch if it gets too wet. Generally speaking I do not for see a problem but that is one reason a final build would be of thicker saddle leather. I used somewhat thick leather I had on hand but didn't want to invest in the saddle leather until I was sure it would work and I find the flaws and improvements needed. When and if this prototype gets retired that is the route I'll go.
But first I need to go for a seriously long ride to make sure that it solves the original issue with my hip.

 

[jond]

Maybe build your miles up Kenneth so you can rule out other causes. Apologies if you’re a high miler already .

It’s part of my aging experience that various niggles pains seize the day ever more frequently. Painkillers anti inflammatory pills anyone for your day 2 audax kit.

Surprised you did not find ventisit or mods to your liking.

For me the magic angles seems to be 20 25 deg no recumbutt or other issue. Vendetta catrike 700 But my more upright bents do cause issue no matter style or padding of seat after three hours. Greenspeed gto and hurricane.

Upright = more weight on gluteus bumeus = recumbutt

The solution is to stop walk around a few minutes. Upright bents are slower anyhow so I’m usually just enjoying the extra looking.

About to add another butt layer for hurricane see what if anything that does.

Goodonya for breaking new ground.

 

[tiltmaniac]

This is likely blinding obvious to you, but just in case, be sure to use lots of saddle wax to make sure that first rainy day doesn't mess everything up!

 

[Gary123]

I knew there would be horse jokes but I resisted. By the way when are you making the reins.

 

[bladderhead]

Goodonya for breaking new ground.

Yes.

Don't nag. Flat pedals? Speedplay? Stirrups? How stable is it?

I will rein it in now.

 

[Kenneth]

Maybe build your miles up Kenneth so you can rule out other causes. Apologies if you’re a high miler already .

It’s part of my aging experience that various niggles pains seize the day ever more frequently. Painkillers anti inflammatory pills anyone for your day 2 audax kit.

Surprised you did not find ventisit or mods to your liking.

For me the magic angles seems to be 20 25 deg no recumbutt or other issue. Vendetta catrike 700 But my more upright bents do cause issue no matter style or padding of seat after three hours. Greenspeed gto and hurricane.

Upright = more weight on gluteus bumeus = recumbutt

The solution is to stop walk around a few minutes. Upright bents are slower anyhow so I’m usually just enjoying the extra looking.

About to add another butt layer for hurricane see what if anything that does.

Goodonya for breaking

Maybe build your miles up Kenneth so you can rule out other causes. Apologies if you’re a high miler already .

It’s part of my aging experience that various niggles pains seize the day ever more frequently. Painkillers anti inflammatory pills anyone for your day 2 audax kit.

Surprised you did not find ventisit or mods to your liking.

For me the magic angles seems to be 20 25 deg no recumbutt or other issue. Vendetta catrike 700 But my more upright bents do cause issue no matter style or padding of seat after three hours. Greenspeed gto and hurricane.

Upright = more weight on gluteus bumeus = recumbutt

The solution is to stop walk around a few minutes. Upright bents are slower anyhow so I’m usually just enjoying the extra looking.

About to add another butt layer for hurricane see what if anything that does.

Goodonya for breaking new ground.

I ride plenty of miles and have my share of wear and tear issues but this has more to do with the upright angle and how my hip joint interacts with the seat.
I do like the ventisit pad but even after opening it up and adding more the problem continues. It did get better but not enough. But before I go that route I want to see how this saddle works out.

 

[Kenneth]

This is likely blinding obvious to you, but just in case, be sure to use lots of saddle wax to make sure that first rainy day doesn't mess everything up!

Yep