Plazebo
Member
Hi,
I've modified my newly acquired Quest 2.0 by extending the seat back and adding a headrest...
alt="Seat back extension and head rest - side view"
I'm 183cm (6ft) and found the Quest to be designed for riders smaller than myself. In particular the seat top would stick into my upper back quite noticeably. And the seat, even in its most upright position, is very reclined and could do with a head rest.
alt="Seat back mount and headrest"
alt="Seat extension assembly"
It took a few attempts but I'm reasonably happy with the outcome to date. The seat back is a much more comfortable length and the headrest seems good although it will take some getting used to. I'm still learning to ride the bike as it seems to have a mind of it's own sometimes. I understand it takes hundreds of kilometers / miles to get comfortable.
Features of this modification:
Things to do differently:
Tips:
Any feedback for myself or future readers is appreciated. And there are more photos online for anyone interested.
I've modified my newly acquired Quest 2.0 by extending the seat back and adding a headrest...
alt="Seat back extension and head rest - side view"
I'm 183cm (6ft) and found the Quest to be designed for riders smaller than myself. In particular the seat top would stick into my upper back quite noticeably. And the seat, even in its most upright position, is very reclined and could do with a head rest.
alt="Seat back mount and headrest"
It took a few attempts but I'm reasonably happy with the outcome to date. The seat back is a much more comfortable length and the headrest seems good although it will take some getting used to. I'm still learning to ride the bike as it seems to have a mind of it's own sometimes. I understand it takes hundreds of kilometers / miles to get comfortable.
Features of this modification:
- 10cm (4") extension is not padded (at this point). The stock seat padding is moved about 1cm (.4") lower and reaches the top of the pelvis
- The extension angles away from the rider (as it meets the seat pan) for ergonomics when reclined or sitting forward (for difficult climbs)
- Struts between 'seat post' and seat back needed fresh mount holes as angles were not acceptable
- Headrest has mild flex and is vertically adjustable
- Headrest orientation is adjusted by closing/opening the 'curl' and drilling a fresh hole for the 'skull plate' (?)
- Vertical tube has not be cut yet but I'm thinking it could be a useful 'mast' for a flag or other feature
Things to do differently:
- Perhaps use longer bolts and drill all the way through the tubing (but beware crushing the tube)
- Ideally the extension would be a single piece and not two pieces bolted together, but tube choice was limited
- Find a way to fabricate wedge-profile washers
- Obtain a drill press
Tips:
- I'm not sure how correct this is but I didn't like bolting two flat (imperfect) pieces of metal together. I used some plumbers tape or left-over frame protector tape as necessary
- Spare hacksaw blades
- Expect a lot of assembling and disassembling, and only use the nylock nuts for the final assembly
- Beware the 'mast' sticking up... put a gardening glove or something on it when garaged
- Twisting the gear shifter so the cables pass over the handlebars frees up valuable knee space
Any feedback for myself or future readers is appreciated. And there are more photos online for anyone interested.
