Cutting Carbon Fiber Seatpost?
02-21-11, 03:39 AM
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Cutting Carbon Fiber Seatpost?
How much should I leave below the seatpost binder?
02-21-11, 04:25 AM
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unless you have a very small frame and can't get it low enough I would not recomend cutting it. I would think cutting it could cause unseen damage to it.
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02-21-11, 06:42 AM
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This is another `it depends` situation
Different manufacturers have different recommendations and I`ve seen as short as 2.5in. But most recommend 4.5 in and the answer that really counts is - the one thats ricommended by YOUR manufacturer.
Unless the post has already been cut, there should be a minimum insertion marking on the post. That should be a good reference.
Commercially this stuff is wet cut using eye and respiratory protection because the dust is a health risk. So take precautions - you only live once and its a lot more fun when you`re healthy.
Unless the post has already been cut, there should be a minimum insertion marking on the post. That should be a good reference.
Commercially this stuff is wet cut using eye and respiratory protection because the dust is a health risk. So take precautions - you only live once and its a lot more fun when you`re healthy.
02-21-11, 08:59 AM
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Unless the seat post must be shortened to fit in your frame, leave it alone as the weight savings from cutting it is insignificant. Otherwise, as Burton noted, use the distance from the post's end to the original minimum insertion line as your guide and leave at least that much extra.
I cut seatposts and carbon steerers using a fine tooth (32 teeth/inch) hacksaw blade and wrap the cut line with a layer or two of masking tape to prevent splintering as you cut. Use very little pressure, actually just the weight of the saw is sufficient, as you cut.
You can use the edge of a hose clamp as a cutting guide to keep the cut at a proper 90° angle. Also, rotate the cut completely around the circumference of the post as you go rather than just starting on one side and going straight through.
Commercial cutters do wet cut and use respiritory protection since they are exposed on a daily basis but it can't hurt to follow their lead. At the very least do the cutting in a well ventillated area and stay upwind.
I cut seatposts and carbon steerers using a fine tooth (32 teeth/inch) hacksaw blade and wrap the cut line with a layer or two of masking tape to prevent splintering as you cut. Use very little pressure, actually just the weight of the saw is sufficient, as you cut.
You can use the edge of a hose clamp as a cutting guide to keep the cut at a proper 90° angle. Also, rotate the cut completely around the circumference of the post as you go rather than just starting on one side and going straight through.
Commercial cutters do wet cut and use respiritory protection since they are exposed on a daily basis but it can't hurt to follow their lead. At the very least do the cutting in a well ventillated area and stay upwind.
