Heads up on those new carbon seatpost clamps from the big brands

I used to just slap them on and torque to spec, but after seeing three posts crack at the binder bolt slot in my shop this spring, I changed my whole process. Now I use a torque wrench for the bolt and a second pass with a beam-type wrench on the collar itself, checking for even gap all around. The issue seems to be with the molded-in alloy inserts pulling out under uneven pressure. Has anyone else found a better way to set these up without a scary 'crack' sound?

2 comments

2 Comments

lucask111d ago

Are we overthinking this? I just follow the printed torque spec with a decent wrench and it's been fine for years. Those three cracked posts you saw could have been from old damage, a bad batch, or even over-torquing by the previous owner. Adding a second wrench and checking the gap seems like a solution looking for a problem. Most people don't have a beam-type wrench just lying around. Sometimes the simplest method, done right, is all you need.

ruby_reed481d ago

Yeah I saw those cracked posts on the old forum. I just use a clicker wrench and go a little under spec, like 5 ft-lbs less. Never had one come loose or break.