Creaking, slipping seat post.

[Motozulu]

Got a blingy superstars seat post clamp and no matter how much I tighten it, the saddle has turned into a gradual dropper post Got to the point that I have it so tight that I'm worried I'll snap the clamp.

Anyone got any suggestions? If I have to refit the old clamp I will but I rather like the red SS one - I've wiped the post clean of grease but also fret that it'll sieze up because of the lack of grease.

Any suggestions for a miracle cure folks?

 

[Gary E]

First thing to check is the size of the clamp. Remember It's not just the diameter of the seat post that matters, the wall thickness of the frame plays a part too. Make sure there's still a gap in the clamp, if there isn't no amount of tightening will help.
You can get non-slip pastes that will help stop the post slipping (usually used on carbon fibre but work with aluminum or steel too). I don't use it but I'm sure someone on here will be able to recommend something.

 

[Motozulu]

Cheers mate - measured the seat post from outer edge to outer edge when buying the clamp so sure that is right. I'll look into the Carbon paste - nice one.

 

[02GF74]

I have found that some lightweight seat post clamps have tendency to let the seatpost slip even when done up to the point you think the bolt will snap or threads pull out. In those cases, I discovered that the clamp ends are getting bent which means the clamping force is not going into holding the seat post. This can be seen by the ends of the clamp no longer being parallel.

My solution, proven on 3 posts and not failed yet, is to put a spacer, such as a washer, in the gap. As the bolt is done up the ends of the clamp start to bend and will touch the spacer. As the bolt is further tightened, the other end of the clamp is pulled so no longer is the clamp getting bent but getting tighter.

Note that if you have too thick a spacer (washer) then the clamp will not get tighter as already mentioned.

hopefully ^^^^ it makes sense.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

I had the same thing on my Cube and sorted it by fitting a Salsa Flip Lock - they ain't cheap by the grip like a demon

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=salsa+flip+lock&_sop=15

Oddly I had a superstar one fitted before the salsa

 

[Motozulu]

Thanks, picked up some carbon assembly paste so I'll try that first. Shame as the problem only happened once the SS clamp went on. S'pose you get what you pay for.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

Good luck with the carbon paste - I tried that but it didn't work for me

Here's me Salsa

 

[Cubist]

Be wary of the paste if you adjust your post a lot, as it will abrade all the finish from your post in record time.

 

[Motozulu]

Cleaned the post, applied carbon paste and took it out for a run around a wet and grotty Cannock - after some initial adjustments to the pressure on the clamp it stayed put - nowhere near as much pressure required. I would imagine it would destroy the finish quickly, it is very gritty to the touch, but luckily I tend to leave the saddle where it is once I've got it right for me.

Cheers!

 

[02GF74]

, it is very gritty to the touch, but luckily I tend to leave the saddle where it is once I've got it right for me.

yep - it contains tiny particules of abrasive which are supposed to do the gripping - I wonder if toothpaste would do the same, ata fraction of the cost plus would smell nice too.

 

[Boon 51]

I have the same thing on my Trek mtb and I was wondering if you can get a 2 bolt type clamp as per road bike that might fit as I dont have any problems with my road bike.

 

[Ness]

Maybe you put it in slightly to one side Zulu.