Kestrel seat post question.......problem...
 

Just bought a 2010 Kestrel RT800. It has a aero carbon fiber post and it was real tough getting in. I actually only put it in about 2 inches and could barely get it out. I recently got the bike back from a lbs where I has sram rival group put on and I figured they would fix it. They couldn't get it in and didn't feel comfortable forcing it in case it got stuck. I emailed Kestrel and they said they are tight, but to try and sand the post ans inside the seat tube to make it fit easier. I did and it's better, I don't feel like im killing myself to get it out.

Question...

Can I put some kind or grease/lubricant to make it a little easier? Will grease hurt carbon fiber? They bike doesn't have a clear coat, its like a matte finish.

I has carbon rip gel, but i know that just creates more grip.

Did you receive my reply to your e-mail yesterday?

Oh, and don't use grease. I did that once, ended up with a broken frame from overtightening. :(

Yeah, use carbon assembly gel. It helps it stick. I had a problem with my first RT 800 seatpost. It was too small.

Mine is is real tight, I have the carbon assembly gel with the beads, but that causes more grip, I want it to go in and out easier. I figure I would try a little grease first and I will use a torque wrench so I don't over tighten. then if its too loose and slips, I will remove the grease and use the carbon assembly gel.

I have to take off the seat every time I transport my bike in my car, so I want it to be able to come off without killing myself, plus i don't want it to cease or get stuck.

Yeah, the RT series seatposts are a real b***h when it comes to moving them.

Kestrel emailed me and told me the seatposts are tight. He told me to lightly sand the inside of the seat tube, then try the seatpost. He said I could use grease and it wouln't hurt the cf. I did what he said and it moves easier than it did. I am going to use the carbon fiber assembly gel from Finish Line to make sure it doesn't slip. I also heard if I use the assembly gel it should prevent the seatpost from seizing.

The Kestrel guy I was emailing me was real prompt with his replies, made me feel better about buying a bike online, and buying a lesser known brand. He also said he could make local dealers authorized dealers if I needed him to.

Question..
I looked in the documentation that came with my bike, and it says to torque the seatpost to5Nm or 45 in lbs max. I am ordering a Giant Torque key bc it comes with 3,4, and 5 mm interchangeable bits, but it goes to 4Nm which is like 35 in lbs.

If I use carbon assembly gel, and torque the seatpost with the 4Nm Giant tool, will that be okay?