DIY Recumbent Bike Seat Support

Recumbent bikes, which are built so that a rider sits in a slightly reclined position with his legs thrust forward to pedal rather than in an upright position above the pedals, are generally more comfortable than their traditional counterparts. The more natural and better-supported seated position doesn't sacrifice efficiency, however, because the bike's pedals are at an angle that still provides an intense workout. It's probably best for you to go for a recumbent bike if you are new at exercising, if you are a senior, or if you have some back or joint problems. You could even modify your recumbent bike's seat support to specially fit your body.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal frame
  • Screws
  • Wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get a frame from a reputable bike shop. The frame should have a longer body since you will be pedaling in front of your torso instead of underneath your body as on a conventional bike. The frame will serve as your main building block for the project.

    • 2

      Procure the right type of bike seat and seat support. The right bike seat has to feel comfortable and should be a lot wider and longer than a conventional bike seat. You will look like you're riding a car in this configuration, so a lot more of your posterior will be touching the seat. Test it out for comfort in the shop before deciding to put it on your bike.

    • 3

      Attach the seat support on a slightly obtuse angle. The seat support as well as the back rest should go on a gentle slope of around 100 to 120 degrees from the horizontal plane of the bike. This ensures that the seat will be comfortable without compromising your field of vision too much with obstruction from the handlebars.

    • 4

      Attach the supports with bolts and screws. Use a wrench to tighten and secure the bolt on the body of the recumbent bike.

    • 5

      Calibrate the seat as needed for preventive maintenance. As you will be using your bike for a while, you need to continue checking how good the seat support is holding up. Once you feel like that the seat support is no longer in an ideal position, alter the configuration back to its original position during the initial customization.