randyjawa 

This Sekine SHS270 is a recent acquisition, in "as found" condition and it got me to thinking. Which was does a non-integral saddle clamp fit. Which side goes up and which down, or does it matter...

mixteup

I think they look a little better facing up, tucked under the seat more that way - But that's just me.
Probably not much difference in function, as long as they don't actually hit the seat underside.

Aubergine 

thumpism 

Practically speaking, flipping it from one way to the other can give you that critical inch (either up or down) when you need it. Generally, the bolt goes behind the post to get the seat position right relative to the centerline of the crank.

randyjawa 

I, too, prefer the rails down allowing for much of the mechanism to be hidden from quick view. Yes, one can get an extra inch, or so, the other way and, if needed - great. Front to back has never been an issue - I always have the bolt at the back of the seat post. As for "not much difference in function"...

Based on visual appraisal, alone (not to mention that it appears rails on top is most common), I think the assembly would be stronger with the clamps above the bolt, in the event of saddle clamp failure (not sure if that has ever happened). None the less, think I will go out and switch the clamp, to rails down) on the Sekine before I go back to work on the rock wall...

randyjawa 

Rail clamps up...


Rail clamps down and going for a test ride after the rock wall, then crafts with the youngest grand daughter and - nope, then time for a ride, even installed a set of SPD pedals...




Though I had forgotten that the lady had asked for that spoke protector to be removed, I did so and it has been hanging on a beam, under my summer cottage, ever since. Cleaned it up, this morning, and plan to put it back where it belongs, if the new owner wishes it so...

SJX426 

Anyone configure with rails down and then have interference with the saddle once it is broken in?

Is this the reason Brooks saddles have so much distance between rails and leather?

T-Mar

Typically, the bolt is located behind the post and below the rails. This maximizes the bolt exposure for ease of adjustment. If the bolt is above the rails, access is more restricted with some saddle types. Also, if the bolt is located above the rails and is insufficiently tightened, there is a possibility of the rails popping out of the cradle. I have placed the rails below the bolt, in cases where very short riders needed another 1" of saddle drop and smaller frames were not available.

mixteup

They are technically stronger with the bolt under, but as with many things, it's a judgement call, I think.
I've definitely seen some of these that are worse quality than others, with thinner gauge stampings,
and poorly formed clamp shape, and some that are pretty robust and solid.
So it depends.

PS - I wish all dork discs looked as nice as that - I might tend to keep more of them on

3speedslow

tiger1964 

+1

Imagine if there was one reading "Campagnolo". They would sell for serious money on eBay.

randyjawa 

Speaking of the Sekine dork disc...

Years ago, while riding this lovely old Sekine, I had to stop for a traffic light. Coasting to the curb, I uncliped and waited. While waiting a lady, close to my age I guess, walked up to me and, looking at the back of my bike, said...

"Are you looking for sex?" Surprised at the abruptness of the question, I, none the less, kept my cool and said "yes". I then her why she would ask a stranger such a question. As she answered, she glanced at the rear wheel and commented on the dork disc...


She had, mistakenly I guess, thought it said "Seking Sex". True story and this is the bike that proved, almost, to be a chick magnet...