Gee3

I have a Small Look 595 frame I just got but I cannot find the factory manual online anywhere.

It's looking like I'm going to need to cut the seat tube pretty low but is there a maximum length I am able to safely cut the tube?

Anyone have a .pdf or copy of the 2008 595 manual you can send me or share?

For those that cut their seat tubes short can you post a pic?

Thanks!

sweeks

The seat tube is part of the frame. Are you talking about the seat *post* (the part that is inserted into the seat tube and supports the saddle)? Cutting the frame is a new thing for me.
Steve

alcjphil

I had a look at my own 595 and my answer is: I don't know. However, I suspect that if you have a size small frame and you think you have to cut the seat tube that low, the frame may be too big for you. If you can, shine a light down the seat tube to see if there is any constriction at the lug joining the seat tube to the top tube and seat stay. If there is, measure how far down it is, then measure how far the Epost extends into the seat tube. That will tell you how much seat tube you can cut. If there is no constriction, you may be able to cut even more as long as the interior profile of the seat tube doesn't change. I doubt very much that Look ever considered that anyone buying that size frame would have to cut it that low

alcjphil

This bike has an integrated seat tube. It has to be cut to fit the rider

sweeks

Thanks! I had no idea. I'm a bit old-school.
Steve

alcjphil

You asked a legitimate question. I answered because I own a bike with the frame in question and have some experience with Look bikes

Gee3

Thanks! I'll take a look again. My initial check is that there is still room within. The only protrusions are the water bottle bosses/rivnuts and there looks to be ample room after the cut. But I'll look again when I get home. Per my initial measurements I'd have to cut about 3.25". So it'd be just about at the top of the "L" or "K" depending on what side you look at. But I posed the question because it makes me nervous to cut that much and wanted to see if anyone else has tried.

So thanks for the responses!! I'll check and measure again. I may end up selling it if I don't feel comfortable cutt Ng that much.

Retro Grouch 

Not having the opportunity to see either the bike or you that sounds like an awful lot to be cutting down. Are you sure that you have measured everything right?

Gee3

I'm going to measure it again just to be sure as well as compare it with my other bike for reference. I may have to bite the bullet and sell it.

maddog34

this one was cut down pretty far... appears the bottom of the seat post became an issue, or it slipped upward before the pic was taken... the gap at the top of the frame tube is usually just about 1/4-3/8 inch in the other pics i found, so.....

https://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/d/l400/...69135988_1.jpg

the main structural issue would be post/frame interface length, and related stresses, getting to the point of seat tube failure, i'd think.... limiting factors as far as obstruction have already been discussed above.

how much do you weigh? how thick is that seat tube? how long is the seat tube now? and is your seat going to be adjusted very far towards the rear of the bike?

have you ever bent seat rails? it happens sometimes...

alcjphil

It is hard to tell from that photo whether the black area between the top of the seat tube and the Epost isn't just a spacer. It could also be that the owner installed the black elastomer instead of the red or grey one. The Epost allows 3 cm of fore and aft movement of the saddle clamp itself without having to move the saddle rails in the clamp. You would almost never have to move the saddle in the clamp to be able to move it back sufficiently