Solution for changing Q45 seat angle?

[castlerobber]

I bought a used 2022 Q45 a couple of years ago. The seat angle the original owner had set, with the seat pan in the more forward position, worked great for me.

Unfortunately, the original 2-position seat pan fatigued and broke through the bolt holes. The redesigned replacement seat allows only the farther-back position, which makes the seat more upright (and the seat pan less likely to flex).

Since replacing the seat pan, I now consistently have a problem with pressure on the tailbone (coccyx). Even with the seatpost attached directly to the seat back, without the U-bracket, I can't get back to the original angle.

Flipping the seatpost over, which allowed more layback on the early Q45 models, doesn't work on the newer Q45s. The seatpost angle was changed around 2021-22, for the riders who wanted an even more upright seat; so flipping it over lays the seat back way too far. Robert Holler had once mentioned the possibility of Cruzbike making an optional seatpost closer to the original, but I haven't found anything else about that in forum searches.

Has anyone else run into this and come up with a satisfactory solution? Most of what I found in searching the forums has been for how to install a Thor seat, or how to get the stock seat laid down enough to imitate an S30 or V20.

 

[jeffssmith1]

I just bought a Q45 (from the warehouse, a return) and put it together this morning. I flipped the seat post and I have a good recline angle (see photo). Have you tried this?

 

[kizarmynot]

I just bought a Q45 (from the warehouse, a return) and put it together this morning. I flipped the seat post and I have a good recline angle (see photo). Have you tried this?

The problem I had with this is the need for a neck rest, which is not easy to find. I started a modification but then put it on the back burner when I found that the S40 is a great tourer. I’ll probably take another look later this year.

 

[Bent not broken!]

I struggled with tailbone pain and pressure, so contacted Cruzbike. They suggested a second layer of seat foam and cutouts for my tailbone. I can’t find my photos, but am pretty sure I posted here.

It took a little fiddling, but solved my problem.

 

[jeffssmith1]

I'm glad to hear they helped you come up with a solution.

My seat angle is working for me.

 

[castlerobber]

I just bought a Q45 (from the warehouse, a return) and put it together this morning. I flipped the seat post and I have a good recline angle (see photo). Have you tried this?

I have. The seatpost nearly rubs the tire, and lays the seat way too far back, even with the U-bracket set the way yours is.

So your Q45 is a 2026? 2025? Mine is a 2022 model.

Your photo may have answered my question about whether the seatpost has been reworked, though. The bend in yours is way closer to the frame than the bend in mine.

I probably need to order an updated seatpost. I'll check with Cruzbike.

Thank you!

 

[castlerobber]

I struggled with tailbone pain and pressure, so contacted Cruzbike. They suggested a second layer of seat foam and cutouts for my tailbone. I can’t find my photos, but am pretty sure I posted here.

It took a little fiddling, but solved my problem.

Thank you. I may give that a try.

 

[jeffssmith1]

I've attached another photo. One nice thing is that a good sized bike bag fits right behind the seat, and my U lock fits in there too.

I also have put my Bacchetta Brainbox bag on the end of the seat and that worked acceptably.

It is a generation 5 warehouse clearance Q45. I have no idea what year it is or how long it has been in the warehouse. Included was newer and better suspension (1500 psi instead of 1200) and an improved seat.

My first mile was wobbly and I briefly wondered what I had gotten myself into but that passed fairly quickly. I did a 20 mile ride today with no problems except the boom slipped a little because I didn't tighten it properly. I need to adjust the derailleur a little too. It's a good bike.