Seatpost clamp falling to pieces

snuff
snuff Posts: 6
edited July 2007 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi, was wondering if anyone knows the best way to stop my post falling to bits on every ride (the clamp section). I use good Hex keys and lots of patience when reinstalling; will round off the bolts eventually- is greasing the parts a good idea? I've tried glasspapering the parts to create more grip....any tips out there?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    how does it fall to pieces?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • snuff
    snuff Posts: 6
    It a USE post with a three part saddle clamp; held together(!) by two 2.5mm hex bolts. during a ride, the saddle starts to tilt back after any heavy impacts( my bum), until the lower saddle cradle finally separates from the post rail; then bits spray off....then i put it all back together(again+again+again), trying not to round off the Hex bolts until -the next ride...
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    oh the saddle clamp not the seatpost clamp.

    thread lock. higher grade bolts that you can tighen more. new seatpost.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • glasgowdan
    glasgowdan Posts: 155
    Sounds like the knurled ridges on the post are smoothed out over time... get a new post.
    Crushing the symptoms
  • snuff
    snuff Posts: 6
    I think USE shuold give me a new post!- but it came on a s/hand bike so i guess i'm just going to fettle it and see....if i improve their design, i'll let them know..!
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    snuff wrote:
    I think USE shuold give me a new post!- but it came on a s/hand bike so i guess i'm just going to fettle it and see....if i improve their design, i'll let them know..!

    came on a Second hand bike. bet the old owner destroyed it and did not tell you.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • snuff
    snuff Posts: 6
    To be fair; i reckon he fitted it once, tight, and never moved it againso (it may have taken a 'set'), I like to adjust things and swap parts a lot (got three saddles- did'nt get on witht the Flite it came with(the previous owner was semi-pro racer)). I also like to persevere and fix faults myself..
  • madmole
    madmole Posts: 466
    That USE system is pants anyway. the bolts are far to small for actual use. Do yourself a big favour and get a better stem before those bolts break

    USE themselves got rid of that system
    Marin Mount Vision 2005. Fox RL100/RP3. Hope Pro 2/Mavic XC717/DT rev. Cinders 2.1, XTR, Lots of bling

    Cervelo S3 2011. Mavic Cosmic Carbonne SLE. RED. Q-rings, lots of bling and very light!

Categories