CJB91

I have just purchased a fizik 00 saddle, and need some advice regarding attaching it to the seatpost (a fizik r1).

The saddles rails have a small section of rough carbon fibre, which I assume is where you re allowed to clamp it to the seatpost (obviously it doesn't have markings like aluminium ones do). Am I right on this?

The instructions in the pictures don't exactly make it clear if I'm right, and also how much torque allowed to use, (it does mention 18 but surely this can't be right). As far as I can see from instructions in the pictures, it shows you an example with a cross that you shouldn't do, and then the exact same picture- this time saying it is correct,

Please help!

rpenmanparker 

There is a subtle difference between the two circled diagrams. In the first one, Xed out, the bottom of the saddle clamp is not fully supported by the top of the seat post. The clamp is rotated too far. In the second one it is fully supported.

It would be easier to help you if you would rotate the photos 90 deg.

You can get the best assistance on the Mechanics forum.

kleng

I've got several Arione 00's , I only clamp them at 4-5nm, just enough to hold them in place. too much and you will hear a nice little crack.
You should only clamp them on the roughend tape surface, also watch out for the oval shaped rails not all seatpost clamps fit as they are designed for round rails.

CJB91

Great thanks! Do you use carbon paste as well to keep them secure at that torque? I've got a fizik r1 seatpost so hoping that is designed for this saddle

rpenmanparker 

Carbon paste is a good idea, but hardly necessary. Maximum recommended torques are rarely necessary to keep bike parts in place. Most of it is just CYA on the part of the manufacturer. A cracked rail is a lot less expensive for them than a cracked noggin. But they go way too far with their extreme recommendations. You will be plenty secure at much lower torque.

bikepro

I don't think that is necessary, although it wouldn't hurt anything. Unlike a seatpost or handlebar, there is little force trying to move the saddle fore/aft. Also, be sure you have a "carbon friendly" seat post clamp. That is, it should clamp the rails from the top and bottom and the edges of the clamp should be slightly chamfered or rounded to prevent damaging the rails.