Self-designed Seat Cover



U

UNIquelyCanadian

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Here is a photo of a seat cover I designed for my KH20 Unicycle (Fusion
saddle). Made of denim material, with draw-string attachment
underneath. What do you think of the prototype?


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Looks great !

But denim holds moisture :(
It wont be long before mildew sets in :(


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DigitalDave - scabless

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That looks nice. Many years ago (1982?) my mom made me a denim Miyata
seat replacement. To give you an idea how long ago this was, it was for
the old Miyata seats with *metal bumpers*. We kept the white vinyl top
part from a seat where the sides were all ripped up, and replaced the
sides with blue-jean denim.

I thought that should be really tough. I was surprised to see how fast
it wore through. This is in part due to the high friction areas along
the bottom edge of the seat. I think the KH saddle will have less
friction in those areas, so it should hold up a lot better. But that old
vinyl seat stuff was definitely stronger than the denim we used back
then.


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Thanks for the comments! I see how demin probably isn't the greatest
material to use. That material was really just as a "trial" to get a
pattern worked out, since it was easy to work with. I've got a leather
jacket, which I can cut up and use for the next round of testing. Any
other suggestions for a good material to use?


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UNIquelyCanadian - Muni Rider

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UNIquelyCanadian wrote:
> *Thanks for the comments! I see how demin probably isn't the greatest
> material to use. Any other suggestions for a good material to use? *



That is a really great looking cover. I have made quite a few myself.
Vinyl is my material of choice :) It wears well and has some stretch to
it which makes fitting it onto the saddle a little easier


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Krashin'Kenny - Crash Tested

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brockfisher05: yes, we were really pleased with how the seat turned
out!

Krashin'Kenny: As soon as I can find some vinyl, I'll give that a try;
thanks for the suggestion!

I now have the coat disassembled and the pattern cut out in dark-green
smooth leather. We are in the process of machine-stitching it together
now. Here are the pieces...


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UNIquelyCanadian - Muni Rider

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Leather wouldn't hold up good.

You would need to constantly maintain it though, if you want to keep it
water resistant.
Remember that leather is heavy, esp. when wet.
It also changes size too.
(shrinks when dry)
And it's not very strong, it may rip at your stiching.

So, maybe not so good either, but hey!,,, for looks and comfort
:thumbsup


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DigitalDave - scabless

'nf7-s ~ xp2400mobile'
(http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.html?rigid=21988)
'20,124 3dm01' (http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k1=8399731)

my will to live was stronger than my will to die. - iggy pop
that which does not kill me, makes me stronger. - friedrich nietzsche
1899

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I've finished my newest prototype. The leather looks quite nice, and
feels comfortable. We will have to see how it wears.


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UNIquelyCanadian - Muni Rider

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UNIquelyCanadian wrote:
> *I've finished my newest prototype. The leather looks quite nice, and
> feels comfortable. We will have to see how it wears. *



That turned out really nice. Do you have an upolstry sewing machine, or
did you use a standard sewing machine? I think leather will be fine,
saddles-leather, motorcycle seats-leather, car seats-leather,
cows-leather. They all seem to do fine. So are you going to sell your
covers? And do they have draw strings? And how are you knocking these
out so fast?


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bugman - Survivor 2004 Wolfman Duathalon

"The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who
are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it."

Albert Einstein


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bugman, Thanks for your comments/encouragement! Yes, I am planning to
try and sell these at some point. However, until I have done extensive
testing (and any required mods), I won't consider offering them for
sale. I'll certainly keep everyone posted on the results of our
testing.

Thanks for your interest...


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UNIquelyCanadian - Muni Rider

"The skull is great helmet, and with no brain inside you can have
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This is what you're looking for:

Ripstop Nylon

This is (I believe) the stuff that a lot of durable consumer goods are
made of, like tents and gloves and gaiters and the like. I found some
remnants at the local fabric store for around $4 / yd.

It looks like you just copied the design of the Fusion cover. Did you
do the same design for the draw string attachment? I was hoping to
re-enforce the attachment with some gussets or something to keep the
string from ripping out...


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"maestro8" <[email protected]> writes:

> Ripstop Nylon


Nylon is the standard which high strength fibers are measured against,
but rip stop isn't what yer after. Rip stop is a very thin fabric,
and can be recognized by heavier threads in the weave at regular
intervals forming a grid. "Pack cloth" and "Cordura" are examples of
heavier nylon fabrics.

Still, I'd stick with leather for performance. Leather is strong,
supple, stands up to heavy use, and looks great. The only downside is
the cost. By the way, don't use suede - it can be very strong, but is
too sticky to ride comfortably. Don't ask how I know...

For high fashon, you can't go wrong with the "shampelt"
[http://fishproducts.com/catalog/pelts.html] that Fish Products uses
in their climbing harnesses and chalkbags. I don't claim to know how
strong the stuff is, but I'd be first in line to buy seat covers with
leather in the high wear areas and some oh so suave Honey Dalmation
accents. Drop Russ at line at fishproducts.com for the dirt on
shampelt.

Ken
 
I've used three materials for unicycle seats, vinyl (Miyata), cordura
nylon (Roach), and leather (Gemcrest). Of these the leather is the best
for durability. Also it deals with getting wet better and looks better
too. I think you'll be very happy with your custom seat - nice job.

---Nathan


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General Dibbles wrote:
> *Any chance in getting one of those seat covers for a miyata seat?
> They look great. *



I don't have that particular seat, so it would be difficult to make a
pattern which would fit nicely. Thanks for your interest though...


So far, I've done about 20 kms on the leather seat. It still looks
great, and is holding together perfectly. What kind of testing would
people like to see before I consider offering them for sale?

Thanks to everyone for your comments! Also, thanks for suggestions on
materials for the seat. I'll have to give them a try...


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UNIquelyCanadian - Muni Rider

"The skull is great helmet, and with no brain inside you can have
maximum protection; your teeth are safe " - Always wear a helmet.
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UNIquelyCanadian wrote:
> *I don't have that particular seat, so it would be difficult to make a
> pattern which would fit nicely. Thanks for your interest though...
>
>
> So far, I've done about 20 kms on the leather seat. It still looks
> great, and is holding together perfectly. What kind of testing would
> people like to see before I consider offering them for sale?
>
> Thanks to everyone for your comments! Also, thanks for suggestions on
> materials for the seat. I'll have to give them a try... *



I would like to test one before you start selling them.:D


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bugman - Survivor 2004 Wolfman Duathalon

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i have some yellow kevlar fabric i would like to have a cover made from
one day.


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Just an update on the leather seat cover I designed/made last fall.
After a couple hundered KMs of trials-type riding it still looks and
works great...other then a little scuffing, the material has held up
fine.

Also, I made a similar seat cover for my brother out of a black leather
jacket; after over 500 KMs of riding, it too still looks like the day I
made it.


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