Cutting seatpost - Advice please

Shadowness
Shadowness Posts: 44
edited March 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
After my ride today, Ive decided I'd like to shorten my seatpost, as on the downhill sections I'd like to lower it for better pedaling etc.
Heres a pic of my bike (with the red lines showing the total length of the post, Its a bit hard to see the lower end @))

DSC00259copy2.jpg

My question is would it be ok to cut it near the yellow line? I cant lower it at the moment because the post would hit the top of the rear shock. Would cutting it there have any disadvantages? Im guessing it would make no difference to the seatclamping mech, as thats not affected by the cut?

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    look at one of the telescopic seat posts. Scott do one.

    Problems with cutting a seat post? you may not be able to get the correct riding position when not descending.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Iwould agree with above, cutting the post and leaving such a short length in might cause problems, I would go for a Meverick speedball, I believe some of the higher end ransoms have these as standard, Nice bike by the way, I was eyeing up a bargain 2007 model for when I can convince the wife that I really do need 2 bikes!!
  • Thanks for the replies guys. Would it be ok to cut it between the yellow and bottom red line then you reckon? Or put another way, whats the most I could take off without comprimising anything else?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    Well you can cut what ever you want but you need to take a measurement of the current Min insertion depth and keep the same length as your new min insertion length.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Sorry for being thick....but what do you mean by the min insertion depth?
  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    There will be a mark on the post with the min insertion depth, usually a set of lines like | | | | |

    This is the minimum amount of post you should have in the frame, any less & you risk damaging your frame.
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg