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[enfield_trials]

My friend brian classy bullet diesel

[Chris [Stockport]]

Some of the bikes on here have the saddle higher, others, lower. I experimented with mine to get it lower. Main problem was the original springs were too long.

Are there any hints from people with bikes on here.. or others, how to either reduce existing springs or where to get shorter ones from. (I think Hitchcocks only do the standard size for the saddles they sell.)

[stinkwheel]

Some of the bikes on here have the saddle higher, others, lower. I experimented with mine to get it lower. Main problem was the original springs were too long.

Are there any hints from people with bikes on here.. or others, how to either reduce existing springs or where to get shorter ones from. (I think Hitchcocks only do the standard size for the saddles they sell.)

I'd say you need either the whole thing higher or canted forwards more (using a different hole at the front). If you sit on that, it's going to hit the mudguard. You'll also feel like you are going to tip over backwards as you ride off. I find they are ideal leaning forwards a little when you are on them, that way you can effectively take the acceleration forces through the saddle and braking forces through your knees and the tank rather than hanging onto the bars. It makes you take a little moreof your weight on your feet than most people are used to which seems tiring at first but makes your ride less fatiguing and improves overall bike control once you are used to it.

Torsion seat-springs have a lower profile but again, the saddle still needs to be high enough to clear the mudguard.

[stinkwheel]

I'd also add that they way you have that set up, it'll pivot on the frame lug, ovalling the hole and wearing the bolt at two points. It'll land up clunky-loose in no time. You normally have a tube of some description between the front flats of the saddle frame which is attached rigidly to the bike frame so the bolt pivots inside the tube.

I drilled a bit of alloy for the pivot and bolted it to the bike frame lug with a big M10 stud (I helicoiled the thread in the alloy, wasn't man enough).

This area is subjected to a surprising amount of force.

Here's my trials seat. The tube in the frame bracket is a tight fit, it's not free to rotate. I had to replace this frame bracket, welded a new one on because the original was hopelessly ovalled by a pin rotating in it to the point it split.


Here's the "standard" seat on my 612 showing the alloy pivot block I fabricated. Dead simple, a hole all the way through and one up into the bottom at 90 degrees with a stud in it to attach it to the bike. I've even got nyon washers either side to take up any slack and ensure it remains free to pivot slightly.

[Chris [Stockport]]

Many thanks for the replies. Lots to think about there, then. ….. But I have time....

Glad nobody mentioned the nail needing replacement by a bolt.

[Exile]

Thumper. As he was when I first bought him...

[Daiwiskers]

Some of the bikes on here have the saddle higher, others, lower. I experimented with mine to get it lower. Main problem was the original springs were too long.

Are there any hints from people with bikes on here.. or others, how to either reduce existing springs or where to get shorter ones from. (I think Hitchcocks only do the standard size for the saddles they sell.)

Hi Chris
Looking at your picture of your seat those springs may be helped with something like this

[Daiwiskers]

Ok just had a better look
There must be a better place to mount the bottom of the springs even if you have to weld a bolt to the frame somewhere
You need those springs straight for them to work

[Chris [Stockport]]

Thanks for the photos, more food for thought!
I quite agree about having the springs straight; this was just a first, rough attempt to see what it all looked like, with the existing springs.
I'm so glad that you, like others, haven't criticised my use of a large nail at the front....

[KC1961]

Bullet 500 from 2000. Minor 1000 (1098) from 1968. Bullet 500 with Watsonian chair, from 2007.

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