Bicycle Mechanics - Silicone OK with carbon?

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Mojo GoGo
10-18-07, 08:11 PM
Just wondering if there are any issues with using silicone caulk on carbon (e.g., competing view of lube on carbon seat posts). My frame gathers quite a bit of water when riding on wet roads/in the rain and I'm thinking about applying a thin bead of caulk around the seat post.

capwater
10-19-07, 06:01 AM
That's just wrong, though it probably wouldn't hurt anything. You shouldn't be getting water in between the post and the seat tube. If you must, just wrap a layer of clack electrical tape around. The only silicone on a carbon frame should be Lynn Gaggioli.
Mojo GoGo
10-19-07, 08:41 AM
That's just wrong, though it probably wouldn't hurt anything. You shouldn't be getting water in between the post and the seat tube. If you must, just wrap a layer of clack electrical tape around. The only silicone on a carbon frame should be Lynn Gaggioli.

I don't disagree but if I'm out in the rain I have to tip my bike upside down and about a 1/4 cup of water will drain out. I already have the electrical tape on the tube to mark seat height but it doesn't help - I think the water is coming in just below the clamp where the seat post tube is slotted vertically.

I was just hoping to verify if there was anything in the silicone that would chemically damage the carbon or any materials to stay away from (e.g., petroleum based).

ericm979
10-19-07, 11:49 AM
Since a lot of greases will attack carbon fiber, I'd be concerned about using silicone sealer.
Can't you just put a piece of electrical tape over the seatpost slot?