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Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts

What you need

  1. Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Loosen Seat Bolt: step 1, image 1 of 3 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Loosen Seat Bolt: step 1, image 2 of 3 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Loosen Seat Bolt: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • Before you begin the replacement, find the properly sized hex key for your bike's seat clamp bolt. It should fit snugly in the bolt and the bolt should turn with the hex key without slipping.

    • Access the bolt securing the seat clamp from underneath the saddle.

    • Use a hex key to loosen the bolt by turning counter clockwise until the seat can be removed from the clamp.

  2. Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Remove Seat: step 2, image 1 of 2 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Remove Seat: step 2, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the seat from the clamp.

    • It is possible that your clamp will disassemble into separate parts once the bolt is loosened. If the clamp has fully disassembled, keep track of its bolt, bottom plate, top plate, and nut.

  3. Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Align Clamp and Place on Rails: step 3, image 1 of 2 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Align Clamp and Place on Rails: step 3, image 2 of 2
    • Position the new seat's rails into the seat clamp with the clamp lying approximately flat and in the center of the rails.

  4. Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Replace Bolt and Clamp: step 4, image 1 of 3 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Replace Bolt and Clamp: step 4, image 2 of 3 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Replace Bolt and Clamp: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Replace the bolt by twisting it in the clockwise direction while holding the top nut in place.

    • This step may not be necessary if the clamp was not fully disassembled when removing the old seat.

  5. Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Tighten Bolt: step 5, image 1 of 3 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Tighten Bolt: step 5, image 2 of 3 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Tighten Bolt: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Turn the bolt clockwise with the hex key to partially tighten the seat so it is stable enough to hold your weight.

  6. Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Check Position of Seat: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • Improper bike seat positioning can lead to discomfort while riding and even stress injuries.

    • Test the position of the new seat by sitting on it. You should be in a neutral position (like in the photo) which allows you to comfortably reach the handlebars. You should not have any uncomfortable pressure when you sit.

    • Check for a moderately arched back without strain in the shoulders, wrists, or hands.

  7. Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Adjust Seat if Cramped: step 7, image 1 of 3 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Adjust Seat if Cramped: step 7, image 2 of 3 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Adjust Seat if Cramped: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • If you feel cramped through the elbows and shoulders, have an uncomfortable negative arch in your back, or your upper torso is positioned directly above your arms (potentially causing wrist pain), your seat may be too far forward.

    • If your seat is too close to the handlebars, push the seat back and test it for comfort again.

  8. Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Adjust Seat if Overextended: step 8, image 1 of 3 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Adjust Seat if Overextended: step 8, image 2 of 3 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Adjust Seat if Overextended: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • If you are overextending your arms, overarching your back, or feeling discomfort when reaching for the breaks, your seat may be too far backwards.

    • If your seat is too far away from the handlebars, push the seat forward and test it for comfort again.

  9. Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Ensure Seat is Straight: step 9, image 1 of 3 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Ensure Seat is Straight: step 9, image 2 of 3 Bicycle Seat Replacement and Positioning for One-Bolt Seatposts, Ensure Seat is Straight: step 9, image 3 of 3
    • Straighten the seat by checking for parallel alignment with the bike frame.

    • Fully tighten the seat post bolt once you are satisfied with the positioning.

Conclusion

Happy riding!

3 other people completed this guide.

Anna Garverick

Member since: 02/17/20

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Team

UC Davis, Team S1-G7, Andersen Winter 2020 Member of UC Davis, Team S1-G7, Andersen Winter 2020

UCD-ANDERSEN-W20S1G7

3 Members

1 Guide authored

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