Richard8655

I've had some difficulties with my Specialized micro-adjust side clamp seatpost. I ride cross bike on local hardpack gravel paths often over rough transitions to pavement and dirt. The seat nose will occasionally shift up, no matter how much I tighten the clamp bolt. Any tighter and I fear the bolt will shear.

The original seatpost with the bike was a ratcheted single bolt design that never budged. So now I've had enough of the micro-adjust side clamp design and replaced with a Specialized 2-bolt version. It's now stable as a rock throughout my rides.

But for the general community, has anyone run into these issues? In my experience, just bad from a design point of view. And I'm not heavy (180lbs).

jonc123

I had the same problems with saddle movement, I am a bit heavier at 188. The bike had a single bolt setback seatpost and I had problems with movement in every direction. Seatpost slipping, fore, aft and tilt movement.

Just a few days ago I installed a Thomson Elite Setback post with a Surly Constrictor clamp. I'll wait and see if this works.

I can live with some stuff, but not seat/seatpost movement. Drives me crazy and it's a pain to readjust if your picky about the saddle position.

fietsbob

2 things the diameter of the shaft and the head type .. well 3 if you include the length

I still like the old Campag 2 bolt heads at the top Campag seatposts , but they were designed to use leather saddles ..

The side clamping Race Face is an interesting design there is 1 bolt squeezing the rails , and a second one gripping the seat post shaft

you can change the saddle angle with it and not loosen the bolt gripping the saddle rails..

Richard8655

You described my same frustration exactly. It's the last thing you want to fiddle with and adjust on a long ride.

I'm perplexed with this trend. Curiously it's the only design Specialized is now selling for their seatposts. In the meantime, hope your Thomson/Surly solution has good success.

Richard8655

This is a good point. My saddle is leather (Brooks) and probably a little heavier than typical. It might be enough extra weight to encourage tilting with the side clamp design.

fietsbob

Campagnolo made a wrench for their seat posts , it has a Z offset to reach the Bolt head ..

accessed lifting the leather side skirt.

6 point box type on 1 end the other end, an open end, fits the tension nut on Brooks saddles
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/ima...en_sr_sp_2.JPG

Marcus_Ti

It isn't just Specialized...Moots, Lynskey, and Erisksen all make single side bolt clamp posts like the ones I believe you are talking about.

They do look slick...but if they don't work that well at holding the saddle then they don't work that well.

dabac

No.
The weight of the saddle is entirely insignificant compared to the forces the rider creates.
What does a Brooks weigh, 2 lbs?
That's a tad more than 1% of your weight, and then we haven't even considered the dynamics if you fail to go light when hitting a bump.
Don't blame the saddle.

dsbrantjr

+1 saddle weight is insignificant.

Richard8655

Similar to Specialized design.

Richard8655

Not blaming anyone or anything. Just discussing the issue and possibilities. Your point is taken.

fietsbob

https://www.classicrendezvous.com/ima...en_sr_sp_2.JPG

not really.. 1 its not Carbon.. and it's about 40 years earlier .

Race face seat post I own seems to have dropped from their production It's aluminum Too..

I also have a cane creek thudbuster seat post ..

Richard8655

True, although also a 2 bolt design. Looks pretty solid (and heavy, as was the case back then). That Thudbuster is a bit more than I need.

JohnDThompson 

While the Campagnolo #771 Saddle Spanner is marginally better than an ordinary combo wrench on those posts, a 10mm flex-head ratchet is much, much better (and probably less expensive and easier to find, these days).

Richard8655

Yes, that right. It's these, and if they don't work properly immediately they never will.

That Thomson Elite looks sweet. Would have gone with that if not a believer in Specialized Zertz vibration dampening (whether hype or not).

fietsbob

Guess finally you are stuck then with that Loyalty blocking your using any thing else.. thanks for playing ..

Ergon seat posts are another interesting design ERGON BIKE ERGONOMICS


It's simpler for Me having had the <C> one for 30+ years.

FWIW Center cut out saddles make it a snap ..

Richard8655

Not brand loyalty at play here, but an effective solution that works well in my opinion. Nothing stuck in this decision.

fietsbob

Maybe a different saddle will work better with the post you like. IDK.. its a coin toss..




I am less component weight conscious.. Thudbuster posts have a variety of elastomer densities to adjust to rider weight,,

UK's USE is similar.. they had a package of various internal springs and elastomers in Different type of seat Post.

I had a German Airwings suspension post [Koga OEM Pick] but it is a zero set back head, CC has setback ..

Richard8655

No. I think it's purely the head design. The 2 bolt should work fine with the saddle I use. Looking mostly at competent and cost-effective designs and brands. High-end not really my interest or need.

JohnDThompson 

Oh, I have the Campagnolo Saddle Spanner; it came with the toolkit. I just don't think it works as well as the flex-head ratchet.