Once back from my most recent overland trike jaunt, it was once again time to start sanitizing the beast … you know, things like cleaning the chain, pulling wires out of the tires, wiping off the dust, stuff like that. Things that we all live for, right? Well, something I have never done during the nearly 3 years of owning this fine ICE Q trike is really clean up the mesh on my recumbent seat.
What got me inspired to do such a menial task with so many other aspects of life pressing me for attention? The mesh is held in place behind the seat by 14 straps, and after the straps go through the buckles, a little “O” ring holds the excess from flapping wildly in the breeze. Over time, these little buggers dry up, crack, and eventually just fall off, leaving the strap end dangling. Recently, I noticed a number dangling issues asking to be treated.
I dealt with a few of these many months ago, but without removing the seat, they are difficult to access unless they are at the ends of the seat. This time, there were so many breaking that I just figured, heck, may as well replace them all proactively, and while I’m at it, might as well just toss the mesh into the washer for the first time since production back in 2007.
Sure enough, the mesh, especially where it circled around the seat tubes, was loaded with years of dust and grime. And it was very inflexible with all that dirt embedded in it. I acquired 14 new extra heavy duty O rings at True Value, washed and dried the mesh on gentle cycle and low heat for 20 minutes, and am now set to go! The mesh is flexible as the day it was new, and mighty clean to boot. What an exciting little diversion from typing all day.
Looks kind of weird with no mesh, huh ma?
Steve! Naked Pictures on your Blog! We need more~
Seriously your article brings to mind a good point. What are the pluses & minuses of the different seat types over long journeys? Mesh compared to Ventiseat or other pads? What about comfort vs weather? etc.
I like the Venti seat pad, yet I have found the mesh comfortable enough for me over the long haul. This mesh seems to really stand up well to use. I have a slight separation of strands in the lower seat on the right side, but nothing that will lead to failure of the seat to support me. I originally kept the seat adjustment straps relatively tight to force the lumbar arc, but have found it all more comfortable with the straps loosened up so that I kind of sink into the seat, like an easy chair. Add those Radical Design side seat panniers to the seat, and it’s like having plush arms on my easy chair. I’m one happy triker!
Hmmmm, very interesting! I never thought of machine washing the mesh seat. I have considered power washing it assuming that would get it pretty clean. Of course, for me to do either of these would be challenging as I ride nearly daily and it would be difficult to accomplish this time wise. I reckon I would have to forego riding for awhile. I have a Catrike so the mesh seat material is thicker and heavier duty than the one on your ICE. Consequently it takes longer to dry if it gets wet. That complicates things even more as far as down time. Still I need to do a thorough cleaning of my trike and I can’t make excuses. It needs to be done. Thanks for the challenge. :-)
Using the washer on gentle and the dryer for only 20 minutes resulted in a very soft and pliable mesh. It’s back on the trike now and looks good as new, not to mention that is CLEAN for a change. If I had power washed it, water would have been driven into the chain and idler pulley beneath the mesh, probably not a good thing I suppose. Since I had to replace all the O rings, and the mesh was off anyway, washing was the logical next step. I highly recommend this every few years when you see a lot of dirt built up where the mesh circles around the seat tubes.