Is the Kalloy Uno just a horrible seat post?
 

Or am I doing it wrong?

I bought a new seat post (Kalloy Uno) to replace the stock one on my Crosscheck, which seized up after riding it in a monsoon. Luckily, the post didn't seize in the frame, just the clamp froze. So, like a cautious guy, I applied a bit of grease to everything just to make sure I didn't have a second seized seat post clamp.

The upshot is that the seat post clamp now won't stay put when I ride. I've had the saddle nose in my junk a few times already. I assumed this was because the bolt wasn't tight enough, so I cranked it so hard I nearly stripped the bolt (the part where the allen key goes in). Still can't ride with the post.

So, my question is: does this seat post simply suck? (reviews online say it sucks.) Or did I put too much grease on it to begin with?

We've used these posts for years, sold these posts, installed these posts and built custom bikes with these posts. The posts don't suck. They're a basic $10 seatpost that works. Take a picture of the post off the bike with the seat off the post. I'm betting it's you.

Put grease on the lower (tube) part. Don't put grease all over the clamp part. A little lube on the bolt threads only. Friction and pressure is what makes it hold. It's mostly aluminum, it won't rust.

It may be possible to overtighten the clamp on some posts enough to deform the clamp components and allow slippage. If you take the post apart you may see a curve in some of the components, and they should all be straight.

+1

I've had a few posts slip when the grease got in the clamp area. Once I wiped it off that part, there was never another problem.

I'd go so far as to soak the clamp in charcoal-lighter fluid, or other solvent, to remove the grease. Then apply a little to the bolts and reassemble it. Unless it was already bent or warped from the previous mistake. Then I'd be glad it only cost me $10.