Do I really need a new seatpost?

[swee'pea99]

First one of my saddle rails broke. Then, when I took the saddle off, the bottom plate that the rails sit on (are clamped into) proved to be in two pieces. Which may have had something to do with the saddle breaking...or the other way round. Anyway, I went to my LBS to get a replacement 'bottom plate' (whatever its proper name is) and he said, no, you can't buy those. They're kind of part of the seat post, and pretty much every one is different. You'll have to get a new seat post.

Now, I'm sure he's not winding me up or trying to rip me off, but it does seem completely bonkers to have to replace a whole seat post because a very basic detachable bit has broken. Can this be right?

 

[mickle]

Yes.

 

[fossyant]

No he is right. You might be able to bodge one if you found an old plate, but they are all different.

I've never had a post fail in all my life, including those on cheap bikes, so it's not really a 'bonkers' concept.

Just take the opportunity to upgrade to a lighter seatpost.

 

[swee'pea99]

Damn! Still, all I have to do now is get the bugger out. *sigh* (ever tried removing an old seat post without even a saddle to give some leverage?)

 

[PatrickPending]

[quote name='swee'pea99' timestamp='1321103588' post='1919557']
Damn! Still, all I have to do now is get the bugger out. *sigh* (ever tried removing an old seat post without even a saddle to give some leverage?)
[/quote]

Hopefully it was well gresed when it was installed. If not this might help

http://www.sheldonbr...-seatposts.html

good luck!

 

[swee'pea99]

Thanks all. Done. I used a large Hungarian builder. Highly recommended.