Bicycle Mechanics - Adding quick-release seatpost bolt to road bike

Hi

I was hoping to change the allen-bolt which tightens my seatpost on my old trek road bike to a quick-release version (to make it easier to share this bike with a shorter rider). Any ideas where to get such a part & what sizes or concerns I might have?

Do you have a removable seat clamp? If so, easy to convert, as you just need to get a seatpost collar for a QR to fit your seat tube. Does it have brazed on eyelets? Harder, but not much. You can shim a new QR to fit, but it can get ugly.

Thanks for the reply. It is brazed on. Ugly doesn't matter as I am planning on using this set-up as an indoor trainer. I looked on line & saw some items in the UK with dimensions of 6mm and 8mm. Would that be the diameter of the bolts? I assume someone sells them in the US.

If you're just going to use it for a trainer then just go buy a 6mm or whatever allen wrench and keep it with the bike? that is unless you just want to fiddle and experiment with things... which is ok too i guess..

My first thought when I saw the thread title was; "that's a quick way to have the saddle and seatpost stolen." But, if it's confined to indoor trainer use, no problem.

I agree with Jakedatc, just keep a 5 mm or 6 mm allen wrench nearby and use it to adjust the seat height. It's almost as fast as a qr. Mark the seatpost with nail polish at the two (or more) height settings so you can return to them easily.

If the eyelets are brazed on, couldn't you use something like this:

http://www.salsacycles.com/components/images/skewer_flipoffSeat.jpg

Or am I misunderstanding things?

That should work.

If the eyelets are brazed on, couldn't you use something like this:

http://www.salsacycles.com/components/images/skewer_flipoffSeat.jpg

Or am I misunderstanding things?

It kind of depends on exactly which type of braze-ons are used. Alot of seat_clamp_braze-ons have significant countersinking for the head of the bolt and the nut. These Salsa skewers are not really a good solution for this type. Yes, you can use them for this type of countersunk seat clamp, but, if you do, then you should really try to find some spacers to fill the countersink. Seat_clamp_braze-ons that are basically flat - and parallel - on both ends are fine for these Salsa skewers. They are available at any LBS (via QBP), BTW.

Personally, I'd just get a "Y" type (4,5,6mm) hex wrench and keep it handy.

I had to leave the computer & glad to see more help waiting for me today. I thought about continuing with the allen wrench, but we switch seat hight pretty frequently so I will get my hands on one of those Salsa clamps (or similar) & get it to work.

Thanks again!

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000117&subcategory=60001189&brand=&sku=8045&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Seatpost%20Accessories

Can't go wrong with that price.