I have a rigid shovel with a king/queen seat. The ride is OK on longer trips but would a spring seat be better? Springs don't have the lower back support that the K/Q's do, but some say they are softer. Anyone ridden both?

 

I rode a rigid for years with an 13" wide solo seat with 5" springs. Very nice compared to a unsprung seat. You could build a backrest assembly that would attach to a solo seat and perhaps get what you're looking for. On the solo seat I added a low bar (1/2" round stock) across the back (it came up about 2 1/2") to keep me from slipping off the back of it during hard acceleration.

 

Just the little I have ridden my newly finished Rigid, I can tell you that the 3 inch beehive springs have made it a cushy ride....a little bouncy if the road is REALLY rough, but doesn't bother me (YET). Alot of old timers run lower air pressure in the back tire to make it better, but this is bad for the tire and could cause a blowout, and seriously hurt or even kill you.

Most guys who ride long distances have gone the smart route and built their bike around a frame with actual suspension.

~Joe

 

I rode a rigid for years with only 1" or less padding in the seat.Always ran the rear tire with low air pressure.That bike took a pounding,regular burnouts,constant,powershifting never had a problem with tires.They wore normally until it was time to change them out 2 or 3 times a season.The secret is to find the pressure that works for your back.The only problem I had was with the rear sprocket rivets and spokes.

 

Seems like a good idea.. do you by chance have a pic? And thanks..

 

Have you looked into air bags? I have a rigid currently and I am looking into the air bags myself. Even running a 230 rear with a LePera gel seat I would like a little more for the longer hauls. I rode a rigid for 12 years in the late 70's but that was with a lot less rear tire and we use to run them at a lower pressure.

 

Air bags to add to the seat top? Or as cushion between seat and rail?

 

anyone know the goodyear part number for the little airbags used in the indian larry rigidair kit? then i could build it myself wayy cheaper. Kodi

 

alwaysarider,
Here is a pic of my '66 Shovel with that solo seat and the five inch springs. Photo is from the early 80's.
(I hope this works)

 

Hey thanks for the pic.. always helps to have a visual.