How to Build a Lightweight Recumbent Bicycle Seat
Recumbent bicycles have an entirely different structure then other conventional bikes. Therefore, the accessories and other parts of these sorts of bikes are entirely different. If you have bought or built a recumbent bike yourself but haven’t got its seat yet, you will be shocked to know the prices of recumbent seats from the stores. However, if you have some creative skills and a will to perform the task, you can make a recumbent bicycle seat at home. Also keep in mind that these bicycles are already heavier than the conventional ones, you must build a light-weight seat.
Instructions
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1
Start with cutting the conduit to the required length of the seat. You will need the ½ inch tubing and require cutting about 36 inches long piece of it.
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2
As for the seat of the recumbent bicycle, it shall stretch 24 inches long and made out of ¾ inch tubing. Evenly cut both tubing into half and then use a filer to scrape out the uneven ends of them.
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3
Next, bend the conduit pieces to form the shape of the seat sides. Make sure you have bent both sides in exactly the same way in within the same plane.
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4
Also bend the 36-inch piece to 45 degrees and make sure that the bent centre is about 4 ½ inches of size.
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5
Now measure the conduit 12 ½ inches from one end and bend it to 90 degrees in the opposite direction. You will need to make two 15-degrees bends in the similar direction to the initial bend. These two bends should be 19 ½ and 22 ½ inches away from the end of the conduit.
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In the end, you have to make one 20-degree bend opposite to the initial bend at 28 ¾ inches and another one at 32 ¼ inches. Now make the similar sort of bends on the other piece of conduit as well.
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As for making the seat stretchers, make a 60-degree bend in ¾ inch conduit at 6 inches from the end and do the same at the other end of the same piece. Make two similar bends in the other piece of conduit also.
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Braze the ends of seat stretchers to the seat sides at 90 degrees and 45 degrees bends, positioned at 8 inches from the end. Connect the other stretcher as well but make fish mouth cuts before fitting and brazing the pieces together.
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Then you have to attach the fabric to your seat. Use the fishing line to sew the fabric on the seat rail and keep as much tension in it as you can.
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10
Cut the excessive fabric. Fold the ends of it and sew a seam on both sides of the fabric to sustain tension and strength of the seat.
