Cyclists. Seat fitting advice required please

Marcel

Marcel

Kim Jong Bod
Admin
Messages
29,411
Name
Marcel
Edit My Images
Yes
I have a Trek, er, something.
Last week Lidl were doing loads of bike stuff so I bought a spangly gel seat for my fat arse.
Finally got round to fitting it and there's a problem.
Here's the replacement seat fitting. A clamp to go round the seat post with bolts to tighten. The seat fits in the 'rails' of the clamp.

IMG_3314.jpg

This is currently what's on the bike.
IMG_3315.jpg

As you can see, it looks like this clamp system doesn't come out of the seat post.
I tried switching the seats over, putting the rails of the new seat into the existing clamp but the angle of the seat is completely wrong.

So I think I need a new seat post, or there's some way of removing this clamp from the current seat post that I can't see.

Thoughts?
 
Your seat post has a centre section that rotates, allowing you to get the seat to the right angle. Discard the steel clamp from your new seat, swap it for the old seat, rotate until it's at the desired angle, clamp up with the 2 allen bolts fore and aft of the mounting point and then enjoy.

Be warned that gel saddles aren't always the answer to a bum's prayers - I had one that forced the gel, displaced by my sit-bones, up my bum in an extremely uncomfy fashion. :eek: Hope this does better for you.
 
Change seat stem for a conventional one - OR remove seat stem and see if there is a bolt up the tube holding the fancy seat clamp on?
 
ancient_mariner said:
Your seat post has a centre section that rotates, allowing you to get the seat to the right angle. Discard the steel clamp from your new seat, swap it for the old seat, rotate until it's at the desired angle, clamp up with the 2 allen bolts fore and aft of the mounting point and then enjoy.

Be warned that gel saddles aren't always the answer to a bum's prayers - I had one that forced the gel, displaced by my sit-bones, up my bum in an extremely uncomfy fashion. :eek: Hope this does better for you.
Click to expand...

That's the thing, I tried that. The rotation with the new seat on was very minimal and I couldn't get it at the right angle. I can only assume that this section was made for Bontrager seats and no one else.

LASTOLITE said:
Change seat stem for a conventional one - OR remove seat stem and see if there is a bolt up the tube holding the fancy seat clamp on?
Click to expand...

Hmmm I didn't think of that. Although I don't think I'd have a socket set long enough :p
 
Marcel said:
Hmmm I didn't think of that. Although I don't think I'd have a socket set long enough :p
Click to expand...

The whole set does not need to be any particular length, Just a socket and an extension bar :love:
 
I have also seen the top mount screwed onto the stem - your old stem doesn't look like one those though.....either way I think a new stem is needed as the stem is generally thicker in diameter to fit the frame and the slightly drawn thinner to accept the seat clamp, also procided a shoulder on the stem the seat can rest on, so the clamp does not take all the weight.

Like this steel one http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/rale...id59374.html?gclid=CJP0spSO_csCFdS7GwodMI0EEA
 
Would have thought you're easiest way would be to just get a new seat post...depending on where you are in Manchester, I know someone that has a bike shop in Chorlton if it's of any help...
 
There will be a swivel mech on the stem, I've never met one that doesn't, I normally loosen it and then wiggle it until it moves :D. Aim is to have the saddle flat.
 
What is it that's stopping the saddle from reaching the correct angle, once it's in the clamp?

Your existing seat post looks to be a much more quality item, it would be a shame to replace it with the old sort that fits the new pressed steel version. I'd expect the clamp to be bonded on BTW.
 
It sounds like you need a new seat post in that case. Your current one will have the diameter stamped on it somewhere - make sure you get the right size! For good value and reasonably quick delivery I'd recommend Chainreaction cycles (chainreactioncycles.com) or to select one yourself try any Halfords - usually OK quality and not outrageously priced: £14 upwards. But do ditch the horrid steel clamp system the seat was supplied with.
 
take off saddle completely hammer in a broom stick so approx 6 inches shows ,then ride the bike ,guarantee you will never fall off either :banana::banana::banana::beer:p.s cobra told me to post this :cobra::pint::exit::exit:
 
opinion is that a gel saddle is the wrong choice

sit on a piece of foam - and measure your 'sit-bones' spacing
then buy a saddle to match

FWIW - the most comfortable saddle out of my 3 is the old fashioned Brookes leather on my Peugeot
purchased 'used' ie broken-in
 
Just do what I did.....go and ask for "big". :p:sneaky:

:exit:
 
Thanks for all the replies. I'm actually literally just up the road from Cooksons (Where I got the bike from). I did think that about the new seat clamp, the horrible steel thing. Would sort of be a step backwards. Might just sell this on and buy a different gel seat perhaps.

I'll have another proper look at it tomorrow. Just been out and done a few miles tonight and I don't feel too bad, although my bumbones will certainly be grumbling in the morning no doubt!
 
Well it looks like @ancient_mariner was on the right lines.
I originally just swapped the seats over but couldn't get the angle right. There wasn't enough rotation in the centre section.
However I tried it again today and realised that the fore and aft screws can be adjusted together to give more movement. So loosening one and tightening the other got it at the right angle!
It's now sat on the bike ready for a quick test this weekend :)

Cheers ladies and gents! My arse thanks you.
 
May it treat your botty kindly Marcel. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top