SERIOUSLY COMFORTABLE BIKE SADDLE

Think different: forget the bike, get a chair. A big comfy one.
Build a recumbent frame to go under and ride in style!

Step 1: Chop Chop

Nibble up your leather

Step 2: Get Framed

This takes time and guesswork. Measure things like your legs, a bit of giggling.
Made up a 2" pine mock up and chopped up some junk bikes... MTB for the rear - and a kids's bike with 18" wheel for the front.

Step 3: Steel Yourself

Actually Julian did this for me. I'm a bit wooden. He copied my pine pattern behind in 2" square section steel. V solid. the clamps are trying to guess the chain runs with Juriaan Bol's chain runners (www.dutchspeedbikes.com) he does recumbent bits.

Step 4: Back Up

This has to be very strong.

Step 5: Full Frontal Nerdity

I just guessed rake angle - the human eye is a wonderful thing. In the end I can almost ride it no hands...

Step 6: Chained Up

Yep, it works. Two and half old chains....

Step 7: Screwed

Together, so I can take into two for easy transport.

Step 8: And Screwd Again

No huge precision required. It just has to work, be strong and look pretty on top.

Step 9: Three Point Linkage

So the thing doesn't wobble... and goes together / comes apart quick.

Step 10: Skid Row

Castors are a very very bad idea. But the leather takes a scraping - ask any biker. So here's a bit of scrap oak. The fuel line is a tilt device - it works to some extent but by the time I hear it I'm probably wobbling in a tight corner and in trouble enough.

Step 11: Skid Stops

Can pull them out or replace..

Step 12: Strong Stuff

The 18" was replaced by 20" front end with v-pull brakes. This improves ride height and helps pull up. You have to pay for real comfort, and this saddle is sooooooh heavy.

Step 13: This Is It

Armchair or bike - you decide.

Step 14: Does My Bum Look Big in This?

41" inches wide. For less than a Double-sprung Gel Comfort saddle.

Step 15: Armchair Cyclist

My other bike is an armchair.