When seatposts fail (not pretty)
#26
Aren't there some weight limitations often associated with titanium parts. I seem to recall limitations with Crank Brother pedals, Brook saddles and Phil bottom brackets.
Crank Brothers has a 185lb rating on some of their Titanium pedals https://www.crankbrothers.com/candy_4ti.php
Crank Brothers has a 185lb rating on some of their Titanium pedals https://www.crankbrothers.com/candy_4ti.php
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-materials.html
Just a little quote (I suggest to read the article, it's great):
identical steel vs titanium frames would be about equal in strength, but that the titanium frame would be about half the weight and half the stiffness.
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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Crank Brothers has a 185lb rating on some of their Titanium pedals https://www.crankbrothers.com/candy_4ti.php
perhaps this is better stated (from the campy website, 80kg=176lb):
"Last year I weighed 80 kg and now I weigh 83 kg. Can I still use Campagnolo products, or am I too heavy?
There is no clear dividing line defining when someone is "too heavy" for Campagnolo products. Many factors need to be considered.
Campagnolo products were designed for "racing" type bicycles used on smooth asphalt roads or tracks. Any other use of Campagnolo products is improper.
Magnified stresses and loads caused by a "heavy" rider, coupled with forces from an uneven road surface, greatly shorten the lifespan of Campagnolo products, especially if your bicycle is equipped with tires, wheels, or stiff frames that are poor at absorbing shocks and vibrations.
The weight of the rider, type of bike and the style and conditions of use are all critical factors affecting the lifespan of your product.
Technical knowledge, experience, common sense, and prudence are required. If you weigh 80 kg or more, you must be especially vigilant and have your bicycle inspected regularly for any evidence of cracks, deformation, or other signs of fatigue or stress. Check with your mechanic to discuss whether the components you selected are suitable for your use, and to determine the frequency of inspections."
#28
While it may be a bit of CYA, the fact that they publish a number for Titanium and not for the SS or Cromo models would represent some type of limitation.
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This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
#29
Titanium is in all aspects stronger, harder, stiffer than aluminum. It's somewhat heavier, but not much. And it's much more expensive. Otherwise it is the perfect metal for almost all things bicycle, eccept the chain (and chainrings, if you are anal about durability like I am).
#33
Lotion/Basket/Hose

Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,368
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From: Chicago
Bikes: 1992 Schwinn Paramount
Check out this thread: https://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=377144
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 854
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From: Minneapolis, MN
Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Miyata 310 (conversion)
too bad they only made their seat post out of titanium and not the clamp.
Take a look at that stress fracture in the aluminum near the break, there is a discoloration in there that indicates that it had been cracked for a little while now, and then finally gave.
Take a look at that stress fracture in the aluminum near the break, there is a discoloration in there that indicates that it had been cracked for a little while now, and then finally gave.
#35
By the look of the design, I bet tightening torque is important on the bolts. They force the underside of the seatpost head against the protrusions that are missing, yes? So severe overtightening might put more force on them than spec'd... leading to a break. Not saying the OP did so, just sayin' it looks like a possibility with that particular design.
#36
From the posting in the roadie forum it seems I'm not alone.
#37
By the look of the design, I bet tightening torque is important on the bolts. They force the underside of the seatpost head against the protrusions that are missing, yes? So severe overtightening might put more force on them than spec'd... leading to a break. Not saying the OP did so, just sayin' it looks like a possibility with that particular design.
#38
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 13
#40
I told USE that I'm a reasonably skinny-ass rider (6' 170lbs) so weight wasn't a factor in their product's failure.
Besides, 75% of my body mass is contained by my massive quads anyway (obviously) which is mostly borne by my cranks.

sort of like this guy:






