I did something stupid with my bike.

[sabian92]

Ages ago, I swapped the saddles over on my bikes (Virtuoso saddle gave me a really sore... *ahem* to the point of not being able to sit properly for 2 weeks) and I couldn't get it in the frame, so I picked up what I thought was a can of lubricant... it was hairspray, which as you know, is a glue. I'd been using it to stick my grips onto my hybrid bike at the time and didn't look before I sprayed. How should I get the seat post out without damaging the frame?

Would heating it up help melt the glue inside the frame? It's well and truely stuck to the point of I can take the seat clamp off and sit on it and it won't budge (and I'm 16 1/2 stone!)

 

[I like Skol]

I would guess just soapy water would be the only way. Try wrapping a wet flannel with a little washing up liquid around the clamp area then put some clingfilm around to keep it damp and tight to the joint and wait overnight and see if it is any looser in the morning.

 

[Alien8]

Maybe you could use some kind of solvent? Goggle for removing hairspray for some ideas. I guess it would take a long time to work itself inside.

 

[NormanD]

Baking soda and water down the tube 1 part baking soda to 4 parts water ... baking soda dissolves hairspray.

 

[YahudaMoon]

Try a hair-dryer on it.

Don't bother with the LBS. take it to the hair-dressers and see if they can comb it out

 

[sabian92]

I'll try these and see what happens. Where would I put baking soda and water? I don't want to wreck the frame, it's not an expensive bike but it's my "good" bike as well as my commuter :P Suppose I should have thought of that before putting hairspray down it...

 

[Alien8]

Where would I put baking soda and water?

In a mug and gulp it down in one go.

Alternatively, to the base of the seat post where it enters the frame or at any other points where you think you might be able to dribble some in.

And keep reapplying - it will probably be a long drawn-out job.

I don't think a baking soda solution will wreck your frame.

 

[Paul.G.]

Boil the kettle and pour boiling water over the frame then quickly twist saddle before frame cools and heat transfers to seat post. If it fails, allow everything to cool down then repeat. Steel, aluminium and Ti frames are OK for this method but dont know if this is safe for carbon.

 

[ohnovino]

I'd imagine if you can encourage some WD40 down the side of the tube that should free it up.

 

[mattsccm]

I'd be very surprised if it was that stuck. Are we talking a carbon frame or something. I use hairspray as grip glue and that can be easily removed. Water works. Jst fix the bike firmly and twist the saddle.

 

[sabian92]

It's not a carbon frame, it's alu I think. I'll try the hot water trick tonight. How should I fix it so it doesn't move?

 

[NormanD]

Hold the bike between your legs (like sheep shearing) or place the bike in an open doorway, so the bike is supported by the door frame either side and add pressure to it with your body (not too much / add towels to protect the bike frame) while working to release the saddle.

 

[Paul.G.]

Did you manage to get it free?