Carbon seatpost

[PaulSecteur]

Now that I have found a saddle that I really like (Specialized Toupe), I would like a carbon post to pearch it on. Im thinking of a Specialized one with zerts. It will be going in a Secteur elite, so thats an Ali frame.

1-Can anyone recommend a torque wrench for doing it up "just right"
2-Do I need to lubricate the stem to prevent it sticing to the frame? If so, what to use?

All help appreciated!

 

[Herzog]

1- Park tools do a nice torque wrench, though I use a cheaper one which was calibrated independently to make sure it was OK (it was bang on). Icetoolz do a cheap one- http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+...e+21+-+105Nm+38++12+driver_TORQUE-WRENCH.htm;


2- You can use a carbon paste to stop the seatpost slipping:
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+...p+Carbon+Fibre+Assembly+Gel_FL-FIBER-GRIP.htm

 

[fossyant]

You don't need a torque wrench if you are mechanically sympathetic. If a wrench monkey, then go get one.

I use standard grease for my carbon post in my alloy frame. Also seals the gaps and stops water getting in. Used grease for the last two years - not a problem.

 

[HLaB]

When I bought my Pave I never had a torque wrench, I've got one now but it doesn't seem like I done it any damage.

 

[slowmotion]

I bought one of these from the PVR shop on Amazon. It comes with a three (or four) point calibration. Actually, if you have a spring balance, it's really easy to do your own calibration.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Torque-Wren...XD4Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1308066150&sr=8-2

 

[smokeysmoo]

I've just sold my carbon seat post and fitted a nice strong alu one

 

[YahudaMoon]

I believe carbon seatpost are prone to slipping down the seatube. Ive seen how you can get round with two seat post clamps. Although thats what I'd call a bodged cock up. I think there more prone to slipping if it's a carbon seatpost going into a carbon bike frame ?.

What are the benifits of having a carbon seatpost ? I do like carbon forks for there stiffness. As for frames/seat post/ bars / wheels I'm not sure as I'm not that bothered about taking my PB's times down that much. Also I believe I could get a better performing bike spending money elsewhere on a bike other than a carbon seatpost. I think high performance carbon is cool......Goes off topic ....Though these £1000 carbon bikes knocking about all over the place just don't do it for me and some look really cheap in the finish in the frame.

Went a little off topic there me thinks ?

 

[2Loose]

+1 for the Fibre grip - it makes smooth carbon surfaces feel really rough to prevent slip and allows less torque to be used when tightening.

Carbon forks reduce buzz through the bars and a carbon seatpost reduces buzz through the bum.

 

[monnet]

I've got an Allez with a zertz seat post, I like it but in terms of seat post performance it doesn't seem any different to my other seat posts. They're all carbon, but that's what came with the bikes. I suppose it's a bit softer than the Ritchey on my race bike but then the Spesh is for long distance training rides in winter where comfort is paramount. The race bike has compromised elements of comfort in the name of speed.

As for torque wrenches, very useful bits of kit but I only got mine (a PRO, about £70 from CRC) when I got a full carbon frame. I'm generally pretty delicate of touch with my bikes but the though of wrecking my pride and joy (Scott Addict) was too much to bare.

Carbon posts slipping - carbon paste fixes that problem. However, it is only really a problem on carbon seatposts in carbon frames. Tighten a carbon seat clamp too tightly, in the name of keeping the post fixed and you can end up fracturing the seat tube. A torque wrench helps avoid this - if used correctly. In an alu frame, it's not so much of an issue.

 

[villagio]

I've just bought an FSA carbon seat post, has anyone tried one of these:

Torque Key

Dunno if it's just worth spending £40 on that torque wrench posted above, and be able to use it on all bolts (tempted by a carbon stem too now ). Seems a good idea to keep one of those torque keys in your bag anyway though.

Also, I was going to replace my seat clamp with a QR one (so me and the other half can change seats easily), how do people get on with QR clamps and carbon seatposts?