Q45 seat bottom crack

[Bendy22]

Got my Q45 in June 2023 and at first had the seat bottom mounted in the more rearward position while I was learning. To take more weight to my back and be a little more aero, I eventually shifted the seat bottom to the more forward position and adjusted the seat back for more rake.

One thing I ignored since putting the seat bottom in this position was the fact that the front part of the seat bent to touch the frame when I sat on it. I just checked it today and, of course, it's cracked.

Not pushing on the front you can see it a bit.


Pushing like I'm sitting on it and touching the frame it's quite noticeable:


I reviewed Robert's installation video and there was no additional support I neglected to install for this front section, so I imagine this is an inherent issue installing the seat in this position.

Anyone have a mitigation for this issue other than reverting to the more rearward seat bottom mounting position? I thought of wrapping the frame in a soft but firm material to support under the seat, like rubber or something like this that was weatherproof. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

 

[vmi1056]

I had the same issue, reached out to customer support and they shipped me a replacement seat. Might end up the same way but they did replace it no questions asked. Like you I’m curious if any other tribe members have found a solution. I eventually ended up swapping out the seat. Good luck.

 

[Decher Kritzmire]

Well that's a bit concerning. I did change my seat to the forward position yesterday and felt some flex when I sat down that I hadn't felt before. I may need to rethink the change, or add some kind of plate reinforcement underneath. I have some 1/4" thick HDPE that might work well. Ultimately a new seat bracket design, one larger piece with two mounting positions, would seem appropriate and offer easier adjustment without the labor.

 

[Bendy22]

For now, I cut up an old yoga mat and folded it in three and stuffed it under to support it better. It supports the front of the seat bottom well enough, but also forces it up so the crack comes apart in other direction when I'm not sitting on it. I'm not sure how often Robert and others look at the forums, so I'll reach out directly to support and reference this thread for further guidance.

 

[Bendy22]

I reached out to support and they responded very quickly and are sending me a new seat bottom. It is supposedly thicker than the original so we'll see how it works. What an amazingly supportive company we have the privilege of working with here!

 

[Flying Dutchman]

Indeed a known problem, reported quite a few times here in the forum (me included). Apparently the new seat pans are reinforced at the attachment area. Mine was cracked between all the holes, got a new one sent and have ridden it for a year now without any further cracks.