Bicycle Mechanics - Carbon seatpost installation

Just got a new USE Alien carbon seatpost. Installation instructions are very specific on being incredibly careful about how the clamp is tightened, to degrease the inside of the seat tube, campher the edge of the clamp, etc. Anyone with experience in changing out to this post? (P.S. this is on a Litespeed Tuscany with standard clamp & AL. post)

Haveen't changed to a carbon post myself, but I can reiterate the importance of being careful when clamping and handling the seatpost. Scratches that are deep enough can lead to cracks, which will lead to sudden failure of the post. Make sure to follow the instuctions and you should be fine. There is also a lot of stuff on the net about the care needed with carbon components. A search on this site might also let you in on some concerns to be careful of, and may put others to rest that you have heard. Good luck!

-Moab


EDITED: In Response to Pokey - I stated that deep scratches and cracks could be something to be careful about because I have read that CF often fails suddenly when it does fail, and that this failure is the result of neglected gouges or scratches that might not cause worry on a component made of a different material. It does often depend on how the component is built, though. Some companies use care in creating their products, and some companies build crap. Some feel that there is nothing to worry about, while others like to stay away from the stuff. Just make sure to check the thing after falls for damage that could lead to problems. I don't see anything wrong with what I wrote - I was just passing on some information that I had gathered from reading and talking to other carbon users.

Originally posted by moabrider47
Make sure to follow the instuctions and you should be fine.

-Moab Yeah,follow instructions,and watch out for applesause.