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Broke seat post clamp

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Old 09-28-16 | 06:32 PM
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[FIXED] Broke seat post clamp

Simply put, I broke the clamp that holds your seat post fast.

How the heck do I know I am buying the right size? Do I go by the seat post diameter itself or do I measure the part that the seat post goes into?

Also, since I need my bike, anyone try a standard autozone hose clamp to hold it? I will probably try that tomorrow, since they are cheap enough, but was wondering if anyone has already tried it.

Thanks guys!

Last edited by SethB; 09-29-16 at 12:42 PM.
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Old 09-28-16 | 06:34 PM
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In a typical arrangement, the clamp goes around the frame's seat tube and compresses it onto the seat post. So, by now I suspect you've answered your own question, namely that the clamps are bought based on the frame, not the post diameter.
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Old 09-28-16 | 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by FBinNY
In a typical arrangement, the clamp goes around the frame's seat tube and compresses it onto the seat post. So, by now I suspect you've answered your own question, namely that the clamps are bought based on the frame, not the post diameter.
Yep. I had figured that is what the measurement is of. Wasn't sure so just wanted to reconfirm with a more knowledgeable individual.

On that note, mine measures 36.5mm, would it hurt to use a slightly smaller one? Smaller by ~4mm?
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Old 09-28-16 | 07:33 PM
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Your broken clamp likely has the size somewhere on it, but as FBinNY says, you fit the seat tube OD. I suspect that a hose clamp might be marginally strong for the job, you will have the best luck if you position it so that the screw mechanism straddles the seat post slot, to better squeeze the slot closed. But best to get the right clamp for the job.
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Old 09-28-16 | 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by SethB
Yep. I had figured that is what the measurement is of. Wasn't sure so just wanted to reconfirm with a more knowledgeable individual.

On that note, mine measures 36.5mm, would it hurt to use a slightly smaller one? Smaller by ~4mm?
Sure; good luck trying to get that on.
Seatpost clamps come in just a few different standard sizes.

Last edited by Shimagnolo; 09-28-16 at 07:43 PM.
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Old 09-28-16 | 07:38 PM
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Originally Posted by SethB
Yep. I had figured that is what the measurement is of. Wasn't sure so just wanted to reconfirm with a more knowledgeable individual.

On that note, mine measures 36.5mm, would it hurt to use a slightly smaller one? Smaller by ~4mm?
A clamp 4mm too small will never go over the post, and if it did would not clamp effectively; get the right size. Something like this will do the job: https://www.amazon.com/Miche-X-Carbo.../dp/B0029LBOA8 Just an example but it shows the typical range of sizes, in this case +/- 0.2mm.

Edit: Don't forget to grease the screw threads on your new clamp.
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Old 09-28-16 | 08:21 PM
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Thanks all for the replies! I am going to check the LBS if they have anything in stock for a decent price. If not, then I shall head to autozone and get a hose clamp for the time being till one I order gets here.

And thanks for the heads up about greasing the screw threads!
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Old 09-28-16 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by SethB
Thanks all for the replies! I am going to check the LBS if they have anything in stock for a decent price. If not, then I shall head to autozone and get a hose clamp for the time being till one I order gets here.

And thanks for the heads up about greasing the screw threads!
I'm not sure that you'll get adequate hold out of a hose clamp, but no harm in trying. However improve your odds by buying 2 clamps. Put the extra one one around the post, butting up against the seat tube to help support your weight.
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Old 09-29-16 | 09:33 AM
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For all I can guess you broke-stripped the brazed part of the frame type of seat post binder .
since you left that out.

Want to Bodge with hose clamps, Buy 2, I agree .. 1 grip the post above the frame ,

the other squeeze, the frame around the post together they should handle your weight .


I have used a double clamp scheme just to stop slipping down , these are made for purpose,
rather than hose clamps ...
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Old 09-29-16 | 09:46 AM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
For all I can guess you broke-stripped the brazed part of the frame type of seat post binder .
since you left that out.

Want to Bodge with hose clamps, .....
It's pretty clear from the context of the OP, that he's dealing with a broken clamp band, and not a broken ear on a seat tube or lug.
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Old 09-29-16 | 09:53 AM
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Assumptions & sparse details are a common BF feature
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Old 09-29-16 | 10:12 AM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
Assumptions & sparse details are a common BF feature

+10!


I just posted to another thread after doing a bit of on line searching to get greater understanding of the OP's bike design. A simple photo showing a larger view of the area in question would have given me the needed info.


I tend to use medical analogies often. So imagine calling your Dr with a leg pain problem and not mentioning that there's an arrow sticking out of your leg. Or that you are an octopus and you have more then 4 legs.


In this case, again, a simple photo or two would have given so much more info. A bike brand, model wasn't even mentioned. Hopefully the OP will solve this, both the actual broken clamp and his lacking detail in asking further questions. Andy.
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Old 09-29-16 | 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Andrew R Stewart
+10!

..I tend to use medical analogies often. So imagine calling your Dr with a leg pain problem and not mentioning that there's an arrow sticking out of your leg. Or that you are an octopus and you have more then 4 legs.


In this case, again, a simple photo or two would have given so much more info......
While I agree that inadequate OPs often make it difficult to help, what's not said can also be useful info.

In this case the syntax of the OP gave me and others the info we needed. The OP didn't ask how to fix his broken clamp or binder ears, he asked a straightforward question of sizing clamp bands so he could replace one he broke.

He said clamp band and referenced how to buy, so I saw no basis to challenge an assumption that we were dealing with a replaceable band.

To use your medical analogy --- when you hear hoofbeats, don't look for zebras.

BTW- since the answer to the assumed question was easy enough, there was no time lost trying to dope out details. If the answer were inadequate, the OP would come back asking "how do I saw off the other ear?" and we can move from there.
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Old 09-29-16 | 12:00 PM
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Originally Posted by SethB
Yep. I had figured that is what the measurement is of. Wasn't sure so just wanted to reconfirm with a more knowledgeable individual.

On that note, mine measures 36.5mm, would it hurt to use a slightly smaller one? Smaller by ~4mm?
That's the diameter I assume.
Calculate the circumference and you'll see that grow to about a 13mm difference. About 1/2".
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Old 09-29-16 | 12:45 PM
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Again, thank you all for the ideas and help.

BUT!

LBS FTW! They saved me

Gave me a FREE seat post clamp from a bike they had gotten rid of, so the clamp was just laying in a box. It was FREE I love it. All back together and working again! Even matches the paint! (Its black so that is not hard to do xD )

Thanks all for the ideas!! Luckily I didn't need to gamble with hose clamps!
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Old 09-29-16 | 04:03 PM
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Seth-

How did you change the title of your post?

I've sometimes wanted to edit the title of threads I've started, and couldn't. I could edit the body text all I wanted, but not the title.
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Old 09-30-16 | 05:32 AM
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Originally Posted by FBinNY
Seth-

How did you change the title of your post?

I've sometimes wanted to edit the title of threads I've started, and couldn't. I could edit the body text all I wanted, but not the title.
I think a moderator has to do that. Either from being reported and request to fix, or a mod does a "drive-by" typo fix.
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Old 09-30-16 | 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by SethB
LBS FTW! They saved me

Gave me a FREE seat post clamp
Just make sure to buy things from them in the future. Even if its random stuff like water bottles and cages or whatever, or something needed and best to try on first like a helmet or shoes.
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Old 09-30-16 | 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by FBinNY
Seth-

How did you change the title of your post?

I've sometimes wanted to edit the title of threads I've started, and couldn't. I could edit the body text all I wanted, but not the title.
Originally Posted by Homebrew01
I think a moderator has to do that. Either from being reported and request to fix, or a mod does a "drive-by" typo fix.
Nope. If you make a thread, and go to your first post, click "edit", then click, "go advanced" it gives you the option to edit the title. The key here is to click "go advanced" after clicking the edit button. I have been in a lot of threads, so I normally like to put "solved" or "fixed" or something like that to signify to any googlers and anyone else that may come across the thread that there is a solution for it.
Originally Posted by mstateglfr
Just make sure to buy things from them in the future. Even if its random stuff like water bottles and cages or whatever, or something needed and best to try on first like a helmet or shoes.
Yes. I will definitely. I would like some decent clip in shoes, since i have had the pedals since owning the bike. But was gonna go the eBay route, may just get 'em from the LBS as a "thanks". I was especially shocked they didn't charge me like 5 bucks for it since I was a new costumer. Heck I will even buy my lube and degreaser from them when it comes time to wash the baby.
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Old 09-30-16 | 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Homebrew01
I think a moderator has to do that. Either from being reported and request to fix, or a mod does a "drive-by" typo fix.
Homebrew,

You've become obsolete. The OP let us all in on the secret.
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Old 09-30-16 | 05:38 PM
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Originally Posted by FBinNY
Homebrew,

You've become obsolete. The OP let us all in on the secret.
There's still the boundless pleasure of deleting "Live Streaming" spam.....
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