Galoot

I decided to not sell my late brother-in-law's Easy Racer. I doubt I'd get more than $200 for it and I think it will be good for getting back in shape on the flats. 8 years ago I learned how to ride it (it took 20 miles) and did a few 30 mile rides, not too hilly. I'll never use it as a touring bike because I can't climb hills on it. I'm 60 and no, I'm not going to work on developing stronger legs. But riding my Trek 520 touring bike often leads to hand numbness, which of course is no issue on the recumbent.

My only issue (other than hills) when I rode it 8 years ago was that I felt EVERY bump in the road or bike path in my arthritic lower back. Any suggestions for any sort of padding to add to the seat to alleviate this?

linberl

I don't know if padding will help or not, but changing tires definitely helped me. I went from standard tires to Big Ben Plus and that huge volume of air is like a suspension. Really dampens the shocks. Do you have the option of going to Big Bens or Big Apples?

BlazingPedals

You don't say if you have a cobra seat or a mesh-back. If it's a mesh-back, you can get a Love Seat cover from Necessary Options for it,and put some softer upholstery foam underneath it.

Jeff Wills

IIRC, the Easy Racers Cobra seats used several layers of foam of different densities. They may have broken down with age. If you remove the cover and take it to an automotive or motorcycle upholstery shop they may be able to rebuild it with new foam or add layers to lessen impact.

FWIW: my Easy Racers Cobra seat is now on its third bike. I got it with my Tour Easy, transferred it to my Gold Rush, and now it lives on my RANS Phoenix.

BlazingPedals

I'm probably not the guy to talk to about soft seats. I'm the one who takes the 3" foam off my V-Rex and replaces it with a 1/2" camping foam, or sometimes rides without any padding.