Seat angle and first real ride

[Bo6]

Got my V20 in Oct. and used it on a trainer all winter. Made some modifications to the seat to allow me to adjust the angle to make it easier to use to bike on group rides. The photos give an idea of what I did, it is similar to some modifications shown in other post on the forum. A cable and lever from a dropper post operates the spring-loaded aluminum pins to allow the seat to be set at 3 different angles. The seat was molded from the original and is hinged at the lower back level.

Finally got out for a 20km ride to get a feel for the difference from my Q45. Kept the seat in the ~40 degree position and it was not too hard to get used to. A lot less wobbly than the Q45 and perhaps a bit slower handling. Tried a few of my 15-17% short hills and was pleasantly surprised how well it climbs. No surprise that even on an easy ride it felt much faster than the Q. Very pleased with the overall feel and looking forward to a few rides with friends to compare performance with the Q45 I have been using.

Have to fabricate a head rest before any long rides but looking forward to a summer of riding.

 

[Jeffers]

Ingenious design!

 

[Always-Learnin]

Could you post a short video showing how it works with you on the bike? Very cool design!

 

[Karl42]

I built a variable seat system as well following a slightly different path. If you search "Seat angle and first real ride" you'll find a few pictures. Unfortunately, I did not document the process. I have used it a few times but came to the conclusion that I was unlikely to use anything but the 30ish setting. I am currently making a storage box to fit under the seat to hold the seat up at the 30 deg position. Once it is done I will remove the mechanism. Made a plug and from that a mold, then made the box in 2 halves. Now I only have to join them and test it. It may be a while as I have far too many project on the go.

Thanks for sharing your work. Your carbon fiber skills seem quite impressive. I wish I could make something like that myself.

Your solution seems to be similar to the one from @Salaamaleikum shown in this video:

I can't tell from your initial post and the pictures how you built the seat raising mechanism. How does the seat go up after retracting the holding pins?
Could you show some videos before you disassemble the mechanism?

Also, how did you make the hinge of the seat?

 

[Bo6]

That video was one of my inspirations and I made a few modifications. I will try to get a few more picts, not much good at videos. The seat is moved up by a couple of week bungees attached to the frame and bottom of the support flanges. The hinge is made of several layers of left-over carbon cloth and strands of Kevlar glued to both halves of the seat but not glued in the middle.

The system does rattle a bit over bumps or when you sit upright.