As I’ve been doing some research on MUni building (I just happen to be the new owner of a Steve Howard frame and I’m extremely excited), I’ve come across much discussion of Miyata air-conversion seats. I have a few questions about them (or air-seats in general).
It sounds like the air seats create wonderful cushioning for the old tush, but how do they affect the back?
And for trail riding, do you sacrifice any control for comfort?
Finally, how easy is it to pull the seat out in front of you?
I ask these questions because I built a primitive air seat about a thousand years ago, and it killed my back (I think from constant shifting around.) Also, I didn’t feel like I was ever stable on top of the seat, which decreased my off-road riding capabilities.
Any insights from experienced airseat users (or anyone else who feels they know what they’re talking about) would be welcome. Thanks!
Paco,
Many agreed that the frame Steve Howard donated to the Moab MUni Fest could not have gone to a more needy rider. Sure, a stock 24" Schwinn works on trails, but it’s not as fun!
Should be no change. If the seat works well, you sit the same way. Sounds like your earlier air seat had way too much air in it. The innertube you put in the seat should look way underinflated before you sit on it, and the size and shape of the seat should be relatively normal.
You don’t have to. Some air seats have double layers of innertube and are kind of tall, which may take away a little bit of control. But sometimes it’s just worth it to do that. Same thing with suspension. Depending on the design, a suspension seatpost will usually affect the unicycle’s performance somewhat. The one I was using in Moab (http://www.unicycle.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=274) was absolutely awesome for riding on rock all day, and did not have a noticeable affect on handling.
Same. Only if your seat gets bigger should this be affected. You may find the Miyata-style seat easier to do this on as it’s a little wider in the back. Even if your air seat turns out to be taller than a stock Miyata, this should not affect pulling out and putting in.
I have an airseat setup on both my Muni and my Coker, and have loved them. In terms of pulling the seat, I’d agree with John…it’s the same. If you pump the seat really full, it raises the height, but you just compensate by brinking the seatpost lower. I like the seat on my Coker REALLY full, and so actually had to lop a couple inches off the post to get it to work at the right height.
Tom
I think the trick with air seats is to have them be low profile and not too
full of air. The ones I make are only a tiny bit bigger than say a Miyata
seat, and are very soft to the touch. I’ve seen some that are rock hard and
very tall which I would think would sacrifice some control. But of course
it’s a personal choice. Try it low profile/low pressure and I think you’ll
like it.
—Nathan
“paco” <paco.ldpqc@timelimit.unicyclist.com> wrote in message news:paco.ldpqc@timelimit.unicyclist.com…
>
> As I’ve been doing some research on MUni building (I just happen to be
> the new owner of a Steve Howard frame and I’m extremely excited),
> I’ve come across much discussion of Miyata air-conversion seats. I have
> a few questions about them (or air-seats in general).
> 1. It sounds like the air seats create wonderful cushioning for the old
> tush, but how do they affect the back?
> 2. And for trail riding, do you sacrifice any control for comfort?
> 3. Finally, how easy is it to pull the seat out in front of you?
>
> I ask these questions because I built a primitive air seat about a
> thousand years ago, and it killed my back (I think from constant
> shifting around.) Also, I didn’t feel like I was ever stable on top of
> the seat, which decreased my off-road riding capabilities.
>
> Any insights from experienced airseat users (or anyone else who feels
> they know what they’re talking about) would be welcome. Thanks!
and I’m extremely excited), I’ve come across much discussion of Miyata air-conversion seats. I have a few questions about them (or air-seats in general).