This past week, I discovered cracks in one of the seat stays on my Challenge Seiran SL highracer. The shop I went to only had some Bachetta stays, so I thought I'd give them a shot. Just to get my bike on the road quickly, I decided not to address some installation issues and just used the bottom halves of the stays. This had the effect of giving me a much more reclined position with the top of the seat about 3" lower than before.

This has had a number of side effects. The first is that my riding position is much further back on the seat so I had to bring in my boom a couple inches. However, the new weight distribution is WAY more comfortable (no more "recumbutt"), I like the muscle sets that get engaged better, and it feels like the power might be better. The short but relatively thick stays are stiffer and more secure than the original equipment titanium ones. The new position lets me use my hams as well as other sets more plus the breathing is excellent. Speeds above 25mph are improved and this is really noticeable at 40+. Handling is decent, though slightly degraded for tighter work.

The biggest downside is that the neck position is terrible to the point of being painful. Even with my old setup, I had to get my neck in shape, but I can't imagine doing a ride of any significance without a brace. Also, my bars are now in my line of sight which obscures vision somewhat.

But the new position is so much more comfortable and the high end speed is enough more fun that I'm trying to figure out what to do. One thing I am wondering is if I'm not experiencing a placebo effect -- could just laying further back really improve my power or is that just in my head? Also, how bad is this neck thing going to be on longer rides? Lastly, presuming I should keep this new position which has me laying practically on my back, what neck rest would you recommend to attach to a Velokraft carbon fiber seat?