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what seat is best on recumbent trike

Discussion in 'Gear and Equipment' started by gudism, Jan 31, 2014.  |  Print Topic

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  1. gudism

    gudism

    Region:
    East
    State/Country:
    Australia
    City:
    Brisbane
    Ride:
    Performer F tr
    Name:
    Craig
    Hi all

    What is everyones thoughts on the best seat for a recumbent trike?

    Mesh or hard? Pros and cons of each?

    Cheers
    Craig
     
    gudism, Jan 31, 2014
    #1
  2. tmason54

    tmason54

    Region:
    Middle
    State/Country:
    NC
    City:
    Lexington
    Ride:
    Ice sprint trik
    Name:
    Brick
    I have had 2 hard recurves and now I have the mesh. I enjoyed the recurves except they were hot in the humid nc summers. The mesh is more breathable and cooler for my summer riding. I didn't find either to be uncomfortable. Many feel you lose energy to the pedals from the less ridged mesh seat.
     
    tmason54, Jan 31, 2014
    #2
  3. A.D.

    A.D. #1 Custodian

    Region:
    SouthEast
    State/Country:
    TN
    City:
    Athens
    Ride:
    Reynolds T-Bone
    Name:
    AD
    I agree with Brick. While I don't have a trike, I can tell you that I lose about 2mph by simply switching from a hardshell (i.e. M5) type seat to a mesh/sling type seat on my RANS Rocket. That's as measured over a 30 mile route with the seat change-out being the only change.

    So one advantage is speed with a hardshell type seat. The disadvantage of such is the ride. In Tennessee while our roads are fine for cars with suspensions, but they are not glass smooth. :embarrassed9: As such, I found a huge difference in the ride. While the hardshell seat is alright, it really makes the ride rough. I mean teeth-rattling rough at times.

    Yet, a hardshell is usually my choice of seats. When riding on one, I don't notice the vibrations all that bad. It's when I swap over to a mesh type seat that it feels like riding in a recliner and then I notice the absence of all the teeth-rattling rough surface.

    Typically when I go out for a ride, I clip in and don't stop or un-clip until I return home. However, if I'm out on a ride with friends then I'm not nearly as obsessed about my performance.

    So really part of it depends on how you like to ride. Are you more interested in speed & fitness, or fun & comfort? :wink9:
     
    A.D., Jan 31, 2014
    #3
  4. gudism

    gudism

    Region:
    East
    State/Country:
    Australia
    City:
    Brisbane
    Ride:
    Performer F tr
    Name:
    Craig
    Thanks for your opinion.
    I'll be more for fun and leisure and fitness.
    I heard from someone that the older mesh Greenspeed seats didnt hold you into the seat well and they would have to hold themselves in.
     
    gudism, Jan 31, 2014
    #4
  5. WardJ

    WardJ

    Region:
    SouthEast
    State/Country:
    GA
    City:
    Columbus
    Ride:
    Windcheetah SS #481
    You really need to try and get some seat time if possible. For me, the mesh seats (Rans, Bacchetta, Rotator, and Hase) were all very comfortable on short rides. Longer rides they killed by back.

    There are also many types of Hard shell seats. They can be similar but all will have slight differences. The HP Velo body is the most adjustable, if it won't work for you nothing will.
     
    WardJ, Jan 31, 2014
    #5
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