...in my seat tube. Wha... what did you think I meant?

I bought my first carbon bike (Specialized Roubaix), and I pulled the seat tube to check it out and adjust, and it looks really dry in there. I watched a few videos about caring for carbon fiber frames and components, and one of them suggested special carbon fiber grease to help with the grip. Its printed right on the seatpost not to use grease, but my question is this - would it hurt to swab some Armor-All or Lemon Pledge down there, and perhaps use it to clean up and shine up the seatpost? I've also thought of using Butcher's Bowling Alley wax, just to protects and clean and shine.

Your advice to this CF noob?

Carbon fiber assembly paste is the stuff to use. I use Tacx brand, but there are others.

Yes, it would hurt.

The "carbon grease" is actually "carbon assembly paste". It's a gel with plastic grit in it. That improves the friction between the seat post and the seat tube, so you don't need to over torque the seatpost bolt. (And it works great on aluminum stem surfaces, too.)

So will I do any damage to the seat tube or seat post if I use the assembly paste even though the manufacturer says no?

If you bought the bike new and its under warranty check with the dealer in case there is ever a warranty claim.

Manufacturer is telling you not to use lubricant. The CF assembly paste is not a lubricant, it is to increase friction
between surfaces. Armorall or furniture polish contain waxes and oils that are functionally lubricants, not a good
idea on gripping surfaces.

Carbon paste also has an isolating aspect, as in galvanic action is reduced. I don't know about carbon to carbon but I have seen carbon to both Ti and Al galvanic corrosion causing frozen seat posts.


I should add that there have been many carbon frames and posts which have had grease applied to them with no damage other then the clamping torque concerns. Calfee once said that there was no substance available from your local hardware store that would damage well cured carbon. Andy.

Thank you, kind gentlefolk. I will buy some CF assembly paste and do the job right. The fit is CF-to-CF, so having it clean and pasted will be the good move. Thanks again!

I'd do carbon - carbon dry, unless you have a problem with slipping.

You can wax your bike after you have the seat adjusted properly, if you wish.