Cycling UK Forum

Each seat is different, some have fixed angles, others have alterable angles. The shapes and curves are different, mesh seats can be loosened or tightened.

I am afraid theses going to be a case of trying out different types to see which suits you.

I've slightly changed the shape of my hardshell seat with a thin piece of polystyrene between the shell and the Ventisit pad.
It makes the top of the seat slightly convex and stops the edges digging into my back when the arm harness pulls my shoulders back.
So slight mods are reasonably easy if you know what is needed.

NUKe wrote:The HPV body link seat is good for backs as it’s adjustable...

+1, but IME it does take time to get it dialed in - worth it, though

Just as an update,been out tentatively in the woods and ,touch wood,no after affects.Very little pain now,just weak right quads.Surprised what you can do with 1.5 legs.

One advantage of a bent trike is there's no real minimum gear.
As long as you don't expect to climb fast then just gear it down into the single digits.
Then as long as you keep traction you can climb anything relatively easily.
My trike is geared down to 9.6" or ~2 mph but even 25% hills are easy on it.

My top gear of ~178" is another story entirely .......

squeaker wrote:

NUKe wrote:The HPV body link seat is good for backs as it’s adjustable...

+1, but IME it does take time to get it dialed in - worth it, though

It's a good concept and a reasonable execution, but having spent considerable amounts of time trying to get one just as good as the old Medium seat on my Streetmachine GT I never quite got it right, and find my older fixed seat and the different fixed one on Roos' Nazca Fiero to be preferable.

The moral is, while adjustable is a Good Thing, if you have something that is just about right to start with adjustment doesn't help, and trying out everything you can (including the adjustables) is highly recommended.

Pete.

cyclop wrote:My question is this.Does recumbent riding put less pressure on the lumbar discs compared to upright?

In my case, I'd say considerably less pressure.
I've never felt as comfortable since injuring my back until I sat in the seat of the trike I've just ordered (an ICE Sprint X Tour).

^^^+1^^^

cyclop wrote:Thankyou.I tried a recumbent last year for a completely different reason but decided against it.Now ,it may be a case of recumbent or nothing due to ongoing sciatica,femoral nerve compression leading to rt quad weakness.Also looking at electric versions of the same.Cheers.

IME, yes! But suspect it depends upon your choice of upwrong FileZilla Malwarebytes Rufus and choice of recumbent: not all recumbent seats are comfortable (again, IME). There can be the added bonus of a gentle lumbar massage if you get it right - try some!