Seat Clamp Recommendations
08-15-22, 10:42 AM
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Seat Clamp Recommendations
The bike: 5 year old Norco commuter, aluminum frame. I ride everyday and have taken it on trips.
The problem: I have to REALLY tighten the clamp to keep the seat from dropping and twisting. By this I mean that the lever is a two-handed struggle to open and close. The bike shop I asked turned the clamp 180°, which worked but then it digs in my leg.
No amount of grease on the post helps, and I tried a different post. I am probably the heaviest person you've seen on a bicycle, that's the problem. Oh, and the fancy clamps from Surly do not fit.
So, any ideas? Would a bolt style be a better bet? Two clamps? Shim?
Thanks.
The problem: I have to REALLY tighten the clamp to keep the seat from dropping and twisting. By this I mean that the lever is a two-handed struggle to open and close. The bike shop I asked turned the clamp 180°, which worked but then it digs in my leg.
No amount of grease on the post helps, and I tried a different post. I am probably the heaviest person you've seen on a bicycle, that's the problem. Oh, and the fancy clamps from Surly do not fit.
So, any ideas? Would a bolt style be a better bet? Two clamps? Shim?
Thanks.
08-15-22, 11:05 AM
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A bolt-type seatpost clamp should give a better hold and a stainless steel radiator clamp tightened securely around the seatpost as a depth stop above the clamp will add more retention.
08-15-22, 11:14 AM
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What size clamp do you need? That would help quite a bit. I would recommend a non-quick release collar and proper torque to start with assuming of course the seatpost is of the right size and the clamp is also of the right size.
Also how heavy are you? It could be that the bike is just not designed to handle your weight. Unfortunately most stock bikes cannot handle heavy heavy weight and you claim to be "the heaviest person you've seen on a bicycle" which is quite heavy (600+ lbs is the biggest I have seen) so you might need a custom bike. Find a builder who understands heavier riders and their needs like say Lennard Zinn and see what he recommends based on your size.
Also how heavy are you? It could be that the bike is just not designed to handle your weight. Unfortunately most stock bikes cannot handle heavy heavy weight and you claim to be "the heaviest person you've seen on a bicycle" which is quite heavy (600+ lbs is the biggest I have seen) so you might need a custom bike. Find a builder who understands heavier riders and their needs like say Lennard Zinn and see what he recommends based on your size.
08-15-22, 11:49 AM
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Using the radiator clamp as a depth stop is a good idea.
This clamp did work for about 6 months. Now, it requires so much force to clamp securely, it makes a person wary.
This clamp did work for about 6 months. Now, it requires so much force to clamp securely, it makes a person wary.
Last edited by OldBike876; 08-15-22 at 11:55 AM.
08-15-22, 11:53 AM
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If you can find a double clamp such as this, it may work very well for you. Bicycle Seatpost Clamp Aluminum Alloy Double Bolt Heavy Duty 31.6mm/ 34.9mm | eBay This has one part that clamps to the post and the bottom clamps around the seat tube. This is just one example, can't vouch for quality and may not fit your bike but shop around for other options.
08-15-22, 02:50 PM
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Grease was mentioned, but not what type.
This may sound wrong, but some fine mineral clay or sand on a greased seatpost will help. I have no idea if it can overcome the load though. It has worked for me.
08-15-22, 05:21 PM
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Are you sure that the seatpost is the correct diameter? You really shouldn’t have to over tighten the clamp to keep the post from sliding.
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08-15-22, 05:34 PM
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Hmmm. You know, I just assumed it was the right size. When someone stole my seat/post last year, I took it to the shop and they sold me a new post without measuring (but they certainly seem to fit the same).
08-15-22, 05:36 PM
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If you can find a double clamp such as this, it may work very well for you. Bicycle Seatpost Clamp Aluminum Alloy Double Bolt Heavy Duty 31.6mm/ 34.9mm | eBay This has one part that clamps to the post and the bottom clamps around the seat tube. This is just one example, can't vouch for quality and may not fit your bike but shop around for other options.
Thanks.
08-24-22, 11:06 AM
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Well, I tried a regular bolt style. I installed it yesterday and noticed an immediate improvement. Even though I had greased the old one a few times, I also noticed that the bike is much quieter now, so I assume that old clamp was at least part of a noise I have been trying to eliminate.
Thanks to all for their suggestions.
Thanks to all for their suggestions.
08-24-22, 11:36 AM
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Unless you have a need to frequently adjust the saddle height, replace the lever-type clamp with a bolt type clamp. That will allow higher clamping force on the post. If you do have a need to frequently change the saddle height, use a lever-type clamp with an enclosed cam, as those have greater mechanical advantage than the open-cam style.
N.B. and as others noted above, make sure you're using the right diameter post. The sides of the slot in the seat tube where the clamp tightens should be parallel. If they're pulled out of parallel by the clamp, your post is too small diameter.
N.B. and as others noted above, make sure you're using the right diameter post. The sides of the slot in the seat tube where the clamp tightens should be parallel. If they're pulled out of parallel by the clamp, your post is too small diameter.
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08-24-22, 12:08 PM
#13
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Don't use quick release seat post clamps. Get a bolted one. A bit harder for someone to casually steal your saddle too.
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08-25-22, 12:35 PM
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