Originally Posted by
MnHPVA Guy
Mike,
I'm running mine with 2" insertion, but I don't put much weight on the bars with my very upright position.
I believe he's asking about reversing the seat clamp, not sliding the seat back in the clamp. On most bikes, it's normal to have the bolt behind the post, but many Tourist riders (including myself) run the seat clamp backwards due to the shallow (66 degree IRRC) seat tube. This does give a more upright position due to less reach to the bars.
You get more bending load on the seatpost, with the bolt behind the post. But unless the bike is way too small or you are a clydesdale this shouldn't be an issue.
BTW I should be riding a 22" but sold mine to get a 24" just to have the higher bars. When I ride my huge black beauty, with my wife on her tiny white Moulton MkIII, we do get some double takes.
I do agree with you about the advantages of a "Ladies" frame for load carrying. My "Townie" is a '73 Raleigh Ladies Sport with Wald's biggest "Newsboy" baskets.
Thanks for the responses- I tried a 2 1/4" insertion this morning; it felt like the thing to do... now with the bars up I might try flipping the seat back around- I had originally flipped it to get a little more knee room. When I first got the bike the clamp was toward the back, but I noticed the Raleigh logo was upside down, so it seemed like it would be an acceptable switch.
I got this bike after remembering (for the past 30+ years) a DL-1 or Tourist that a co-worker of my father's had stored with us after a move... the thing was too big for me at the time but I did manage to get up and ride it; I've wanted the feeling of riding really upright ever since... love it. My neck doesn't hurt anymore.