Introduction
The saddle (bike seat) is the most pivotal part of a bicycle. The comfort of your ride literally depends on it. The more you ride, the more your saddle gets used and eventually, you will need to update it. Luckily, it is relatively easy to switch out bike saddles yourself. However, the type of accessories a bike has can sometimes make it difficult to switch out your saddle. For example, a cyclist who uses a rear bike rack attached to the seat post, may need to know how to adjust both the bike rack and the seat post to replace the saddle.
This guide is the answer to this problem. The steps to complete this replacement are relatively simple and require very little prior experience. It only requires 1 tool, a Hex Key, also known as an Allen Wrench. The size of your Hex Key will vary per bike. In my repair I used a 6mm Long Arm Hex Key.
Tools
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Grab your Hex Key (I used a 6mm Long Arm Hex Key) and secure it within one of the bolts.
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Turn your Hex Key in a counter-clockwise direction to loosen the bolt. Repeat with second bolt if applicable.
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Rotate the neck of the bike rack away from the base of the saddle once the bike rack's bolts are removed.
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Place your Hex Key securely into the saddle's bolt and rotate counter-clockwise until the bolt is loose.
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Remove the clamp and nut attached to the old saddle.
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Leave the bolt and top piece of the clamp attached to the seat post.
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Secure Hex Key into the saddle's bolt and turn clockwise. Use one or two fingers to hold the nut and top clamp together as you tighten the bolt.
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After a few turns, flip the bike seat upright. This will allow you to check that the angle of the seat is correct.
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Rotate your rack back to its original position, directly below the saddle.
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Replace both bolts into the rack and their washers (if applicable) into the bike rack.
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Secure the Hex Key into the bolt and turn clockwise to tighten it. Repeat this process for the second bolt if applicable.
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Lower the bike post into the bike frame.
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Set the height of the seat to match your needs and comfort level.
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Push the latch of the quick release clamp towards the bike post.
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Squeeze the quick release clamp tightly to make sure your seat post will not move.
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Now your new saddle, bike rack, and bike post should be completely secured. If there is any movement in any of these parts, please go back to the guide and ensure that all bolts are properly tightened to avoid a dangerous situation while riding.
Enjoy your new saddle! Ride on!
