steve-d

I recently succeeded in picking up a very nice Gazelle frame set. It dates from approximately 1988. It came with the flush mounted Allen head binder bolt that is inserted on the right side. However it is missing the specialty Fastener that is inserted into the left side lug.

The lug itself is along the lines of a cylindrical deep well. The frame set came with a nut, however it is not proper for this application. The nut, to work properly, must have notches at the bottom end where it is inserted into the frame set. There are matching notches in the lug to keep it from spinning. The flats of the nut that came with the frame set just do not hold it in place. Does anybody have a spare or know where I could get such a seat tube binder bolt designed for such a lug? Appreciate it very much. Steve

non-fixie 

Nachos? You mean like this?

non-fixie 

Or maybe a single nacho, like this?

steve-d

Appreciate it. Keep in mind voice recognition software isn't everything it's cracked up to be! Of course I was referring to Notches vs. Nachos! The Fastener inserted into the left side of the lug must have Notches at the very end point of the Fastener where it is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the frame lug. They would mate up with The slots that are inside the frame lug itself. Unfortunately for me a rather unique set up! Thanks very much for the links. Steve

steve-d

I'll try and get a picture in an hour or so.

non-fixie 

No worries. The types I'm familiar with are the two posted above. The version with the single notch can still be ordered from various web shops. Here is one. For the Campagnolo style bolts, which sort of "grab" the inside of the cylinder, you may have to resort to Ebay. They were also made by Miche, BTW.

steve-d

steve-d

The above shot is where one is looking into the left side of the seat post binder lug. The Notch is at the 5 o'clock position of the lug. Steve

non-fixie 

Looks like you need the single notch version:


Pic is from a US shop: IttyBittyBikeShop.

steve-d

Well either a single or double notch fastener would work. But the flange of the typical Campy type binder bolt prevents it from being drawn into the lug hole to allow the notch to mate up with the slot in the lug. Just wondering and hoping there may be a common bike make that uses such a fastening system.

non-fixie 

So, if I understand correctly, it's the head diameter that's the problem? Is this the seat lug we're talking about?

steve-d

Yes that is it. Hex bolt from right side. Head of bolt is flush with the lug. Fastener on left side accepts the threads of the bolt. This left side fastener has two notches for insertion into the slots of the lug.

steve-d

It is the left side fastener that has me hung up. As it has the 'unique' two notches to keep it from spinning.

non-fixie 

OK. I have just sent a message to Gazelle, asking what bolt it is and where to find one, and they said they'd try to answer us within ten working days.

steve-d

Thanks so much. Very much appreciated. Have a great weekend! Steve

non-fixie 

You're welcome. In the meantime: Miki built frames during the eighties that used a similar "narrow" bolt. I believe they built frames for Sekine and maybe some other brands that are more common in your area.

This is the seat cluster of my Miki-built Union:

malcala622

The miele I picked up last night has the same nacho on the binder ears. I used a nacholess bolt but of course I needed 2 allen keys to tighten the post in place.

non-fixie 

I got a reply from Gazelle, which basically said "we don't deal with consumers directly, please see your nearest Gazelle dealer. They can order the part."

Wel I did, and they can't. Which was exactly what I expected.

Anyway, I checked with a couple of older race specialist shops close to my office today, and they at least understand the question. However, their bits and bobs bins have not yielded the correct bolt so far.

I'll be checking with some other shops over the next few days. Someone will have one.

non-fixie 

Update:

After my previous post I decided to send Gazelle another e-mail to thank them for their reply and share my lack of success, and lo and behold, within five minutes I got a reply that they'd found the bolt and would send it to me. Nice!

We'll see what turns up, and if it is the correct one, I'll be happy to forward it.

steve-d

Well, that is amazing. Please send a pic of it upon receipt. If nothing else, I possibly could make a substitute here. Maybe take a nut and file it down so all that remains are the needed two notches (Nachos!) to fit into the slots. Thanks again. Steve

non-fixie 

Indeed, a very nice gesture. However .....

... this is what I received today from Gazelle. A bog standard Sugino-type bolt. 12mm head, 8mm body:




But I also found what might at least be a good temporary solution: use a recessed brake nut.

My source: a similar thread on Retrobike.

steve-d

I can visualize how a recessed brake nut might work. It would allow an allen wrench to secure the left side nut while tightening the right allen bolt. I'll give it a try. Too bad nothing is available to take advantage of the slots on the left side of the frame lug. Steve

steve-d

I looked into it some more, and the Sugino bolt with the notch will not work. The head of the bolt flange is too big to allow for the bolt itself to be inserted into the left side hole and thereby have the Notch end engage with the slot. It just won't work. I discussed this with a friend who also has a Gazelle with this type of seatpost binder lug. He allowed me to take apart his seatpost lug bolt assembly. I'll post pictures. Steve

steve-d

Here are some pictures of the original equipment binder bolt and nut for the seat post lug. The nut is sufficiently cylindrical to allow it to be totally pulled into the lug and it also has the necessary two notches to fit into the slots on the inside of the lug.

steve-d