Problems fitting a saddle

[JonnyG]

I am trying to fit a new saddle to my Van Nicholas road bike which has a Titanium seat post and an unusual (to me anyway) fitting at the top (see picture)
I have struggled with this for an hour or so and can't get it anywhere near. I can only assume there is some sort of special tool required. I admit I'm not technically minded but have never had trouble fitting a saddle before.
Can anyone help?

 

[simon.r]

Not familiar with it, but it looks as if the top half of the shell may rotate? If it does can you wiggle the saddle rails in? Or is that what you've been trying to do for the last hour?

 

[JonnyG]

It is!! I've used as much force as i dare. I can get one side in but it is so tight I can't force in the other side.
I've tried wedging a screwdriver into the gap and prizing open. This helps but not enough. Surely it can't be this difficult to fit. That's what makes me think I may need a special tool

 

[compo]

Can you not put the saddle over the mount at right angles, then with the mount between the rails turn the saddle through 90 degrees to slot the rails into the mount. I can't see any other way it can go.

Edit: You made your last post at the same time as me and I didn't see it. Sound like you have been trying my way!

 

[simon.r]

Ah! Only thing I can suggest then is to tap the top shell with a rubber mallet and see if that frees it. But, as I said, I've not done it, it just looks as if it ought to move.

Good luck!

 

[PpPete]

my van nic came with a conventional seat post, but looking at your pic... Looks like the two halves of the cyclinder with the tapered ends come out sideways from the rest of the post? If so - check the slots line up with the rails ?
My guess would be ...put the slots on one rail - rest of the seat post over the two halves of the cylinder (hard up against the rail you just fitted). Move the whole thing all the way back on the saddle to where the rails are wider apart so you can put the second rail through the "jaws" - then back forwards again so the 2nd rail goes into it's slot.
Sorry if you've already tried that... just guessing really.

 

[Peteaud]

just did a google seach, its a bugger and you just use brute force.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/categ...product/review-van-nicholas-titanium-11-42835


http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=15320046

 

[simon.r]

"Fitting the saddle requires a bit of brute force, and you need to make sure you fit the top half of the clamp before squeezing the second half into position."

From http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/categ...product/review-van-nicholas-titanium-11-42835

 

[JonnyG]

Thanks guys that's helpful. I'll give that a go. At least I know that I can be a bit more forceful.

PpPete I also live in Chandlers Ford. Are you a member of any club or do you prefer solo riding?

 

[JonnyG]

Job done! Brute force is what's required
Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Peteaud]