Popular Post fbhb Posted July 26, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted July 26, 2019 (edited) After recently seeing @Marty Backes video, which credited @Ando Melkonyan for the initial idea, I finally received 2 of the “bicycle suspension device” brackets to modify my Tesla for seated riding. Wow, even though I say it myself, I am really stoked and impressed with how well this has all worked out. Up until yesterday I have never been able to give seated riding a go, but took the Tesla out and covered 52kms, mainly seated, at the first try! Obviously, there was a settling in period to transitioning from standing to sitting and the actual position of the saddle did need tweaking as I felt I was sitting just a little too far forward. I have now moved the saddle back about 25mm (1inch), so the next ride should be a lot more dialled in. As far as @Marty Backes initial concerns regarding lateral stability are concerned (when using 2 brackets, rather than 1), I can assure him that 2 brackets do actually mount up extremely solidly. I have purposely left the band clamps exposed, so that I can periodically check the tension, but initial impressions are very favourable as it all remained firmly in place after 52kms including some bumpy off road terrain in places. With using 2 brackets I also found that there is a good amount of spring/suspension effect when needed on rough surfaces. Another plus for this set up was that it has also offered me a place to mount a rear “Serfas” light that I already had. Also, there is no need to use the trolley handle with the seat being tall enough to use instead without crouching. Anyway, take a look at the photos to get an idea of how well it looks without having the saddle mounted at an upward angle and also offering a height of 600mm (24inches) above the pedals!!! Edited July 26, 2019 by fbhb 16 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Dmitry Khyzhyi Posted July 27, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted July 27, 2019 (edited) Wow this looks awesome! Wanna make a seat for my Mten3 now))) I'll have to use 4 brackets thought, possibly even 6)) Edited July 28, 2019 by Dmitry Khyzhyi 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrRobot Posted July 27, 2019 Share Posted July 27, 2019 Interesting... Would this work on an msx? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post fbhb Posted July 27, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted July 27, 2019 (edited) 4 hours ago, MrRobot said: Interesting... Would this work on an msx? Yes, the original inspiration for this mod was posted by @Marty Backe and includes a video of the process being fitted to an MSX! In my mod I have taken it one step further by using 2 brackets (instead of just 1) to gain more height, more suspension effect and enable the saddle to mount without an upwards angle! Edited July 27, 2019 by fbhb 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post neurokinetik Posted July 28, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted July 28, 2019 I still find it amusing that people are mounting bicycle saddles on EUCs. Those nut-crushing saddles were one of the biggest reasons I stopped riding (conventional) bicycles. But if it works better for you, then by all means, have at it! 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmPSyN Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 I'm interested in doing this modification myself, but am worried about it's feasibility since the pedals, and not the case, are built to withstand rider weight. How much do you weigh and does the plastic feel at all like it is cracking? Also, do you feel any slippage? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunka Hunka Burning Love Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 (edited) That seat mount is a thing of beauty! I also like the "Tesla" wheel stand and rear badging. Very cool ride! Edited October 28, 2019 by Hunka Hunka Burning Love 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post fbhb Posted October 28, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted October 28, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, EmPSyN said: I'm interested in doing this modification myself, but am worried about it's feasibility since the pedals, and not the case, are built to withstand rider weight. How much do you weigh and does the plastic feel at all like it is cracking? Also, do you feel any slippage? @EmPSyN This seat modification, using 2x suspension brackets, actually works brilliantly on the Tesla and I have absolutely Zero concerns about the rigidity of the plastic around the handle area that it is attached to! I have now covered approximately 400 - 500kms seated since fitting the seat mod and during that period, had to strip the Tesla back down to repair a puncture. Whilst I had the wheel open, I was able to inspect the area around the handle/shell externally and also internally for any signs of cracking etc. with nothing to even suggest that the area/shell was subjected to any load at all!!! (due to the protective material used between the plastic and the brackets/clamps, there wasn't even any abrasion/marking of the handle where they had been mounted!) Added to that, since carrying out this mod I am now only using the Tesla on "Off Road" limestone/light gravel cycle trails which has led to the inevitable occasional spill whereby the wheel has tumbled with the seat sometimes taking some of the impact after hitting the ground, also without causing any stress related issues/damage to the plastics (or even dislodging the seat assembly)! By using 2x brackets in this way, the considerable amount of spring/suspension travel offered is a big plus when seated and your knees are unable to perform their usual "natural" suspension duties for you. My weight is around 80ish + Kgs with gear and there have been absolutely No signs of the brackets slipping/moving from their mounting position over the handle. Also worth mentioning that your weight, although placed on the seat, is still spread across the pedals as well so the seat does not take the Full Load! Once the brackets are securely clamped, the fact that the Tesla handle tapers out helps to prevent the bracket from moving by actually locking it into the taper under load! If you are considering this modification and own a Tesla, I highly recommend you give it a try as you will not be disappointed with the comfort/seated height that 2x suspension brackets offers. When I bought my Z10 last year, the Tesla sat unused for months on end until I decided to make it my "Off Road" ONLY wheel then subsequently my "Seated Off Road" ONLY wheel! Since carrying out this seated mod the Tesla really has taken on a New lease of life as I now spend more and more time purposely venturing off road. Edited October 28, 2019 by fbhb 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fbhb Posted October 28, 2019 Author Share Posted October 28, 2019 (edited) 1 hour ago, Hunka Hunka Burning Love said: That seat mount if a thing of beauty! I also like the "Tesla" wheel stand and rear badging. Very cool ride! Hey @Hunka Hunka Burning Love, thanks for your comments on the Tesla seat mod and the badging. As I explained to @EmPSyN in my post above, the Tesla as you know yourself is an awesome wheel but now with the option to sit whenever the need arises, lifts it to another level altogether! Another added bonus is that seated riding also gives a little more range to the 1020wh battery life! Edited October 28, 2019 by fbhb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrelwood Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 This is exactly what I decided to try on my MSX after seeing Marty’s video, but had forgotten about it alltogether! Thank you for the reminder, ordering the brackets right now. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fbhb Posted October 28, 2019 Author Share Posted October 28, 2019 (edited) 19 minutes ago, mrelwood said: This is exactly what I decided to try on my MSX after seeing Marty’s video, but had forgotten about it alltogether! Thank you for the reminder, ordering the brackets right now. @mrelwood I'm very glad to hear that my post today has jogged your memory to carry this out, you won't be disappointed. I also notice you stated "ordering the brackets" i.e. plural, as 2x brackets I truly believe transforms this mod to next level in every way possible! Just one thing to note, for anyone using 2x brackets, you will need to replace the 8mm Socket cap screws with equivalent length bolts to allow for assembly (Allen key access is rendered impossible) In my original photos I had already used 1x 8mm bolt which works, but have since replaced both with bolts for ease of adjustment should you need to tweak the seat position or the amount of spring tension! Edited October 28, 2019 by fbhb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunka Hunka Burning Love Posted October 28, 2019 Share Posted October 28, 2019 I also like how you're able to still use the handle with the seat locked in place. The Tesla weighs a ton, but I think you can still fit your hand underneath there in and around the hose clamps to lift it. For Telsa V2 owners, where is the temporary disengagement switch located? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrelwood Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 4 hours ago, fbhb said: @mrelwood I'm very glad to hear that my post today has jogged your memory to carry this out, you won't be disappointed. I also notice you stated "ordering the brackets" i.e. plural, as 2x brackets I truly believe transforms this mod to next level in every way possible! Absolutely, thank you for the reminder! I saw two brackets in my mind the moment I saw Marty’s tilted saddle. And guess what, after scientifically 3D-measuring the available space by twisting my body around while standing on my wheel and quickly glancing at the clearance, I decided to also order an extra large and super wide fat-ars saddle that besides being extra soft and cushy, also has spring suspension at the back. It should take the mod even to a nexter level! 3 hours ago, Hunka Hunka Burning Love said: I also like how you're able to still use the handle with the seat locked in place. I was worried about lifting the MSX once the mod is in place, but then realized that these brackets and seats are designed to carry a bouncing MTB rider. Lifting even a 24kg wheel directly from the bracket or even the saddle cannot be a problem at all. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fbhb Posted October 29, 2019 Author Share Posted October 29, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, mrelwood said: Lifting even a 24kg wheel directly from the bracket or even the saddle cannot be a problem at all. @Hunka Hunka Burning Love & @mrelwood Yep, this set up does indeed allow you to lift (in my case the Tesla) with the original handle, with your hand underneath the junction of both brackets or with your hand underneath the the junction of the Top bracket! I have No issues at all lifting the wheel in and out of my car with any of these 3 options, as the seat/brackets are so securely attached. Another plus being that with the seat fitted it's now just about high enough to grab the seat's nose as a makeshift trolley handle! (useful in the case of the Tesla, as the original trolley is now obstructed from fully extending) 5 hours ago, Hunka Hunka Burning Love said: For Telsa V2 owners, where is the temporary disengagement switch located? The Tesla V2 disengagement switch would fall/fit between the 2 hose clamps (I used Stainless Steel by the way for it's durability/tensile strength), so should still work without issue. Edited October 29, 2019 by fbhb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmPSyN Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 @fbhbUsing two brackets is a great idea as I've seen others do seat mods and it looks like there's a lot of stress on their knees. With a second bracket, there seems to be enough elevation. I'm surprised you use the Tesla as an offroad wheel as the wheel isn't that wide or large and is considered more an urban wheel. It seems there's a flurry of interest. Would you consider providing a how-to guide? As in, what numbers do you have the brackets locked on? For parts: Shock Absorber : AliExpress Metal Zip Tie (?) - I'm not sure what these are called, but I assume Home Depot would have them. Padding - I saw Marty used leather, what did you use? The black blends with the wheel and looks very secure. Bicycle Seat - Seems any seat with similar lower housing Rear Light - Optional. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmPSyN Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 11 hours ago, mrelwood said: I decided to also order an extra large and super wide fat-ars saddle that besides being extra soft and cushy, also has spring suspension at the back. It should take the mod even to a nexter level! The spring seat idea sounds interesting. This is becoming a proper bike. Install a water bottle holder under the seat and start doing EUC Enduro races. 11 hours ago, mrelwood said: I was worried about lifting the MSX once the mod is in place, but then realized that these brackets and seats are designed to carry a bouncing MTB rider. Lifting even a 24kg wheel directly from the bracket or even the saddle cannot be a problem at all. I'm sure the brackets are solid, but I wouldn't trust them as your notion suggests since the brackets and seats are designed to be compressed, rather than lifted. It might not be able to withstand the weight of an MTB rider pulling it apart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fbhb Posted October 29, 2019 Author Share Posted October 29, 2019 (edited) 6 hours ago, EmPSyN said: It seems there's a flurry of interest. Would you consider providing a how-to guide? As in, what numbers do you have the brackets locked on? @EmPSyN you will not really need a "How-to" guide, as you have all the information you need with @Marty Backe's video plus my O.P. including photos to work from (along with my subsequent posts in this thread). As regards where to lock each of the brackets/seat together: This is going to be down to personal preference with how far forward/back your choice of bicycle saddle needs to be? Also bear in mind that when clamping the 2 brackets together, this can also have an affect on the amount of spring available. All the photos I posted are quite high resolution, so if you click on the side view it will give a very clear idea which markings I used to clamp everything together. Having said that, I have since made my own small adjustments with the clamping positions to get the optimum seating position over the pedals/amount of spring for my personal preference, so there will be some trial and error needed. 6 hours ago, EmPSyN said: For parts: Shock Absorber : AliExpress Metal Zip Tie (?) - I'm not sure what these are called, but I assume Home Depot would have them. Padding - I saw Marty used leather, what did you use? The black blends with the wheel and looks very secure. Bicycle Seat - Seems any seat with similar lower housing Rear Light - Optional. Shock Absorber: Your link to Ali seller is fine. Metal Zip Tie: "Adjustable Hose Clamp" (I used stainless steel) and yes somewhere like Home Depot or a Plumbers merchant. Padding: I also used leather and some cordura fabric (I had a surplus shoulder strap pad, that was leather one side and cordura on the other, so just cut that up). Bicycle Seat: Your personal choice that provides the comfort level that suits you best. Rear Light: I used a "Serfas Thunderbolt", as the lugs to attach it using small bungee cords, lines up perfectly on the seat rails/suspension bracket. 6 hours ago, EmPSyN said: I'm sure the brackets are solid, but I wouldn't trust them as your notion suggests since the brackets and seats are designed to be compressed, rather than lifted. It might not be able to withstand the weight of an MTB rider pulling it apart. As I posted previously, due to the solidity of the spring steel brackets and the way they are attached to the wheel with stainless steel hose clamps, there is absolutely No Issue with lifting the wheel by the brackets or the seat! Hope your seat mod goes well for you, remember to come back to this thread and let us know how it all works out? Edited October 29, 2019 by fbhb 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Backe Posted October 29, 2019 Share Posted October 29, 2019 For those that don't know where my original video is: 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EUCSTEVELA Posted November 22, 2019 Share Posted November 22, 2019 Yes perfect! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bart Swerts Posted May 5, 2020 Share Posted May 5, 2020 hi guys, I’m new to this forum, so I’m still learning how to post images and stuff Marty inspired me for the saddle mod and I thought I’d give it a try to design my own saddle holder and it works perfect, rides like a dream 😁 how this link works maybe someone can explain how I can post pictures directly in this frame?https://share.icloud.com/photos/0_DliMNhxTNd-PrZuAF77bBgQ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Bart Swerts Posted May 7, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted May 7, 2020 Hi, me again, this time with the actual images 😜 @Marty Backe and @fbhb inspired me for this mod, but I wanted something that was easy removable 😁 so I modelled something that can stay on the wheel and I can simply slide the saddle in if I need it for long rides If I want to remove it totally, I just unscrew the 6 bolts 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Backe Posted May 11, 2020 Share Posted May 11, 2020 On 5/7/2020 at 10:47 AM, Bart Swerts said: Hi, me again, this time with the actual images 😜 @Marty Backe and @fbhb inspired me for this mod, but I wanted something that was easy removable 😁 so I modelled something that can stay on the wheel and I can simply slide the saddle in if I need it for long rides If I want to remove it totally, I just unscrew the 6 bolts Wow. Very cool. I love it If I had a 3D printer I'd be trying cool designs like this too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoseHeadphones Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 On 5/7/2020 at 10:47 AM, Bart Swerts said: Hi, me again, this time with the actual images 😜 @Marty Backe and @fbhb inspired me for this mod, but I wanted something that was easy removable 😁 so I modelled something that can stay on the wheel and I can simply slide the saddle in if I need it for long rides If I want to remove it totally, I just unscrew the 6 bolts I would love to try this out. I'm still struggling with learning the stock MSX/P seat, this looks a lot more comfortable and rides way higher which is a big plus. Any plans to publish the files? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FULspeed Posted May 12, 2020 Share Posted May 12, 2020 Dear @Bart Swerts, I was also drawing my version of the saddle support, to be printed in 3d ...Of course if I could have the STLs of your excellent work it would be (very) nice ...! ( by chance, are you a Thingiverse user?) Ciao Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FULspeed Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 ...and here is also my version, adapted to my old ACM2. Thanks everyone for the idea. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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