A customer wrote me the other day with a fitting issue regarding his Cruzbike Quest. While he pedaled, he had contact between the backs of his thighs and the front edge of the seat pan. Over time this can be uncomfortable. I've encountered the same issue, both with customers, when fitting them for test rides, as well as for myself. For me, it seems to only happen on the Quest 20. For this rider it was occurring on his Quest 26.
The source of the problem is that when the front boom of the Quest is extended -- to fit long-legged riders -- the pedal axle moves lower in comparison to the seat pan. If the front of the seat pan is raised, for example when it is set as far forward as possible, this, combined with the low pedal axle position, may result in contact between the rider's thigh and the front of the seat pan on the downward pedal stroke.
The solution involves making minute adjustments in several places with the aim of raising the feet in comparison to the front of the seat. Keep in mind that the more you are able to shorten the boom on a Cruzbike, the higher will be the foot position.
Try these changes. I suggest beginning by making small adjustments in each area.
1. Move the seat pan backwards. There are a series of bolt holes in the bottom of the seat which allow the rider to adjust the seat fore and aft. Due to the curves of the seat and frame, when you move the seat to the front, the front of the seat pan becomes higher; move the seat towards the rear of the bike and the front of the seat pan becomes lower. After you've done this, you'll also be able to shorten the boom, which will raise the pedal axle in comparison to the front of the seat.
2. Set the seat back at a lower angle of recline. This will also enable you to shorten the boom (which will raise the pedals). You don't need to recline the seat very much.
3. Check the location of your feet on the pedals. If you're wearing cleats, try moving the cleats down -- towards your instep -- by a few millimeters. This will raise your feet.
4. Make a simple shim out of a thin piece of plastic like from a yogurt container. Use this to increase the thickness of the rear-most rubber pad under the seat.
If you (reader) have any additional suggestions, please send them in!
Have fun and stay healthy,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2013 Robert Matson
The source of the problem is that when the front boom of the Quest is extended -- to fit long-legged riders -- the pedal axle moves lower in comparison to the seat pan. If the front of the seat pan is raised, for example when it is set as far forward as possible, this, combined with the low pedal axle position, may result in contact between the rider's thigh and the front of the seat pan on the downward pedal stroke.
The solution involves making minute adjustments in several places with the aim of raising the feet in comparison to the front of the seat. Keep in mind that the more you are able to shorten the boom on a Cruzbike, the higher will be the foot position.
Try these changes. I suggest beginning by making small adjustments in each area.
1. Move the seat pan backwards. There are a series of bolt holes in the bottom of the seat which allow the rider to adjust the seat fore and aft. Due to the curves of the seat and frame, when you move the seat to the front, the front of the seat pan becomes higher; move the seat towards the rear of the bike and the front of the seat pan becomes lower. After you've done this, you'll also be able to shorten the boom, which will raise the pedal axle in comparison to the front of the seat.
2. Set the seat back at a lower angle of recline. This will also enable you to shorten the boom (which will raise the pedals). You don't need to recline the seat very much.
3. Check the location of your feet on the pedals. If you're wearing cleats, try moving the cleats down -- towards your instep -- by a few millimeters. This will raise your feet.
4. Make a simple shim out of a thin piece of plastic like from a yogurt container. Use this to increase the thickness of the rear-most rubber pad under the seat.
If you (reader) have any additional suggestions, please send them in!
Have fun and stay healthy,
Robert
------------
Robert Matson
New York City Recumbent Supply
The Innovation Works, Inc.
copyright 2013 Robert Matson
Identical situation, setting up my new quest 451 and getting contact in front. Put the seat back all the way, reclined the back, adjusted cleats, and much better. May shim the back of the base as well. Thanks!
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