My new chair arrived today, packed into a surprisingly small box thanks to the marvels of German engineering (or something). A deft bit of allen key action later, and it was ready to go. Initial impressions are that it’s going to take some getting used to. The gas lift does indeed go high enough to use with a standing height desk, and it’s very solidly built and very stable, which is good when you’re perched that high.
It’s adjustable in more ways than I can get my head around right now so will take some time to get right, and my jury-rigged elevated desk isn’t so great with this set-up since your legs are cramped by the original desk surface (which is now at thigh height), so I’ll need to look for a more permanent setup. And the saddle seat – well, it certainly does alter your posture so that it’s like a horse riding or skiing pose (bend zee knees!) rather than sitting, but the initial downside of the saddle-like configuration is that it can make your inner thighs a little sore to begin with – but at least that prompts a return to the standing posture. At least it doesn’t bounce around like a real horse does though – I know from experience how sore that can make you after a few hours! I’ll see how it goes.
Oh, and I have a hundred and one things to catch up on this week after last week’s unplanned diversions, so bear with me if I’ve missed things in the forum or am otherwise slow to respond. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to make up for the time lost in a short time, especially when my back still limits the amount of desk time I have available.
February 11th, 2009 at 10:31 am
This chair looks like it is going to be helpful. ut again I warn dont stick to chair for long , remember various variety of activities, and breaks after say 1/2 or 1 hour.
February 18th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Any news on the chair? I’m almost convinced of buying one, but I was holding off for an update!
February 18th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
So far, I like it, but it’s not something you can sit on all day immediately unless you’re already an accomplished horseman (ie thighs of steel)
I’ve had it a week, and I can spend longer on it now, but I still have to switch to standing up every 30 mins to an hour, which is actually a good thing for me but wouldn’t be if you don’t have a stand-up desk already.
The posture is definitely more natural than sitting, feels a lot like standing but with the weight off your feet. If you have back problems and a stand-up or sit/stand desk I’d cautiously recommend it so far. Just expect to be sore for a while!
February 18th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Well, I tried to ignore the price and just ordered one.
I figure the high sitting position also promotes regular movement, which must be a good thing, right?
February 18th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
You’re definitely perched more actively in this chair, and like I say it makes me switch back & forth throughout the day – doing so means neither my feet nor my thighs get too sore, and is definitely good for me. You can also spin the chair around and sit the opposite way which is pretty comfortable, but less active so I tend not to use that mode.
Price is definitely high, but not that much higher than a regular office chair, and if it helps my back it’s worth every penny. I can definitely say that it’s better built than most office chairs I’ve seen, definitely very solidly constructed.
February 24th, 2009 at 9:22 am
I’ve had one of these for over 4 years now. Fantastic. My wife got one with a round seat (I call it the cupcake version). We switch every now and then.
This and the high-rider desk I made out of multi-plex have cured me of repetiive strain ailments.