NWT folding seat mast question

[L Wylie]

Hello. I'm preparing to sell my late husband's NWT and noticed something I wanted to run by folks here. When the folding seat mast is extended into riding position, it's not completely in line with the tube of the bottom bracket. Rather, the seat mast is angled slightly forward. Also, the 'forks' of the seat mast don't appear to fully seat onto the quick release stem. (photos attached).

s this normal, or does something need to be adjusted? I thought maybe things were stuck from not being used so tried a bit of lubrication, but that didn't change anything.Appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

[John Thurston]

What you show is neither correct nor safe. The 'ears' need to be fully clamped by the quick release.

The important bit is the 'ears' don't fit down over the quick release stem. The quick release passes through a hole in a small steel stub. The 'ears' of the seat mast and rear triangle must fit down over the ends of that stub. 

Try removing the quick release completely so you can see the parts more clearly. Rust on the ears, or slight bends from packing, can cause them to 'catch' and not slip fully over the stub. Then put the quick release back in, tighten it up, and clamp it down.

John Thurston
Juneau, Alaska

On 8/5/2026 8:27 AM, L Wylie wrote:

Hello. I'm preparing to sell my late husband's NWT and noticed something I wanted to run by folks here. When the folding seat mast is extended into riding position, it's not completely in line with the tube of the bottom bracket. Rather, the seat mast is angled slightly forward. Also, the 'forks' of the seat mast don't appear to fully seat onto the quick release stem. (photos attached).

s this normal, or does something need to be adjusted? I thought maybe things were stuck from not being used so tried a bit of lubrication, but that didn't change anything.Appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

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[John Thurston]

Here are a couple of pictures (with the quick release removed) to illustrate.

John Thurston
Juneau, Alaska

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[robert clark]

Not pulled back adequately. 

[Tony Raven]

So sorry about your loss and it’s difficult going through the cherished personal effects of someone you loved.  As John says it needs to be pulled back further so the “forks” of the seat mast are bedded down.   First have you undone the quick release because the seat mast won’t seat unless you do?    But mine is very stiff there in that the forks are very tight over the bottom half.   You might need to pull the seat mast back while looking at those forks to make sure they are going either side and inside the ends of the quick release and then apply a bit of gentle force (pressure not hammer) to get it fully down.   You won’t break anything by doing that.  Good luck and I hope whoever is the new owner gets as much enjoyment from it as you husband did.