How to Replace a Bike Saddle When You Have a Rear Bike Rack

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.

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Étape 1 Bike Saddle

How to Replace a Bike Saddle When You Have a Rear Bike Rack, Bike Saddle: étape 1, image 1 de 1

Lift the latch of your quick release clamp by pulling away from the bike post.

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Étape 2

Use both hands to lift the bike post up and out of the bike frame.

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Étape 3

How to Replace a Bike Saddle When You Have a Rear Bike Rack: étape 3, image 3 de 3

Grab your Hex Key (I used a 6mm Long Arm Hex Key) and secure it within one of the bolts.
Turn your Hex Key in a counter-clockwise direction to loosen the bolt. Repeat with second bolt if applicable.
Your bolt will likely have a small washer with it. Be careful not to lose this part once you pull out the bolt. Make sure you have a designated place to set any loose parts to avoid losing them.

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Étape 4

Rotate the neck of the bike rack away from the base of the saddle once the bike rack's bolts are removed.
Make sure you have a clear view of the bolt at the base of the saddle.

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Étape 5

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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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Étape 6

Remove the clamp and nut attached to the old saddle.
Leave the bolt and top piece of the clamp attached to the seat post.

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Étape 7

Place the bottom part of the clamp and nut beneath the rails of the new saddle.
The nut should be between the clamp and the bottom of the saddle. Make sure to line up the holes of the clamp and the nut.

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Étape 8

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.
After a few turns, flip the bike seat upright. This will allow you to check that the angle of the seat is correct.
Best practice is to have the seat level or tilted down slight towards the front of your bike.

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Étape 9

How to Replace a Bike Saddle When You Have a Rear Bike Rack: étape 9, image 3 de 3

Rotate your rack back to its original position, directly below the saddle.
Replace both bolts into the rack and their washers (if applicable) into the bike rack.
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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Étape 10

Lower the bike post into the bike frame.
Keep your hands away from the base of the seat post. You do not want your fingers to get caught as you slide the post into the frame.
Set the height of the seat to match your needs and comfort level.

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Étape 11

Push the latch of the quick release clamp towards the bike post.
Squeeze the quick release clamp tightly to make sure your seat post will not move.

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Conclusion

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!