How Low Should I Go?

[kgantz]

I've had my Quest since October and have managed to put a little over 400 miles on it through this harsh Winter. My riding skill is now acceptable, and I can ride for hundreds of yards with no hands, so I'm wondering now about seat angle. I have reduced it some while I was learning to ride the Quest but now I'm wondering if my goal should be to eventually lower the seat-back down to the lowest position? I'm assuming I should try that for decreased wind resistance. Assuming no neck or back pain, is the lowest seat angle the goal of all Cruzbike riders?

 

[Shahmatt]

I suppose it depends on what

I suppose it depends on what you are using the bike for.

For my conversion I began with a seat angle of around 35 degrees but have now since increased it around 45. The reason for this is because I use my bike mostly for commuting to work in traffic so the heads up view is necessary. Also I find that it's just more comfortable to sit more upright. If I lay back too much then I find that I tend to slide a bit towards the front.

I also find that the more upright position is helpful for climbing, slow navigation through pedestrians and that kind of thing.

Whilst there is some advantage to be gained by reclining less than 45 degrees I am not so sure that it's very significant, i.e. unless you are truly aiming for small percentage gains.

If such is the case I would suggest you simply go with a fairing. Even a small one should give you tremendous gains.

But I am no expert. Perhaps others will give you a better perspective.

 

[Eric Winn]

I think the lowest seat angle

I think the lowest seat angle is more a goal of least aerodynamic resistance for higher speeds, particularly into the wind.

I could get the Quest seat back really, really low but then I looked like I was riding with ape hangers and I felt the need for a headrest.

If you find really low is what you want the Silvio and Vendetta cockpit configurations are more suited. Although I do wonder if you could manage to use handlebars like the Raptobike or Zockra on the Quest to better accommodate a really low recline.

-Eric

 

[MrSteve]

How Low?

As low as you like, of course.

One factor to consider is that your hip/torso angle will open up
as you recline. To keep the same angle, you will need to raise
the height of your bottom bracket as your seat reclines.

Another factor is your handlebar position.
Your shoulders move away from the handlebars as your seat reclines.

Another factor is weight distribution.
As you recline, your center of mass moves closer to the rear.

All the above changes -and more- will affect the handling.

----


On the other hand, speed is fun and decreasing your frontal
area will give you a boost in speed.

Now, every body is different, but when I'm riding with my 18-degree
seat (very low recline), my hill-climbing speed/efficiency is actually
best.

Have fun,

-Steve

 

[chrisblessing]

What Steve said...

I don't ride a Quest, but my 406 conversion has largely the same profile. The most I can get my seat is about 45 , which is not terribly aero, but I'm not certain the speeds I can reach merit the effort in getting more recline. Furthermore, with it's lower BB, the more upright position makes climbing much easier.

Chris