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Broken Seat FrameHas anybody ever had a problem with their aluminum seat frame cracking or breaking? Over the last two riding seasons my frame has broken at each of the four holes where the seat frame is bolted to the bike frame and seat supports. I am 6'3"" 210 lbs and I do ride the bike hard. But, I can't believe I'm so big or ride the bike so hard to be the only person having this sort of problem. BTW the bike is 7 years old and I'm the only owner.
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Broken seat frame
I very recently had a similar problem, after about 8 years of ownership. My frame cracked in a different place, just to the outside of the lower left part of the frame, just outside the supporting section of a cylinder. It seems a pretty obvious stress point to me. I noticed that there appeared to be a strengthening pipe inside the tube there, but the crack started just as it finished, where the tube started its bend. This meant that the left-hand part of the frame had no support, so the frame also cracked on the upper left bolt hole. What amazes me is that I managed to ride like this for quite a while without realising what had happened (weeks, at least), thinking only that I should find the time to tighten up the seat web!
a few questions
Hi Stuart,
Lightning bikes are built lighter than other recumbent bicycles, and because they are so much fun to ride, owners often put in big miles. The down side is that they will sometimes experience metal fatigue and develop cracks. Especially when used by heavier riders after years of sustained riding. I feel your pain. It has happened to me too.
The aluminum seat frame seems to be the Achilles heel of more recent Lightning P38 bikes. When my 1993 seat frame eventually cracked, I had a friend TIG-weld it back together. That got me about three more years of riding before it cracked again, in new places. I purchased a replacement seat from Lightning that had somewhat thicker tubing than the original, and that has held up well. (Knock on aluminum.)
Just curious: How much do you weigh? Could you guesstimate your total mileage? Are you the kind of rider who jumps curbs and goes off-road, or do you tend to baby your bike? And are you the original owner of the bike, or did you purchase it used?
I would first try to find someone local who might be able to repair the seat frame. Failing that, contact Lightning and see if they can find a way to get you rolling again.
A final option to consider for heavier riders: Lightning can make a seat out of cro-moly tubing that should be more robust than the standard aluminum framed seat. Might cost something extra, and weigh a few ounces more though.
Safe riding,
Joel Dickman
busted seat
See the discussion of this under the thread "P-38 seat modification"