SAVAGEP
new member
Reged: 11/13/04
Posts: 7
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There seems to be a constant issue with (especially CF, particularly the %@$# Alien ) seatposts in Calfee frames.
I was plagued with this - the first few rides on my Dragongly I was stopping every 10 miles to raise the seat and tighten even more.
Finally I cleaned out the seat tube with a cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol. Until the cloth came out clean. Then I cleaned it some more. Cleaned off the post also.
Since then, if I ever have to remove the post I repeat the procedure.
No more slipping. My conjecture is that the carbon dust was acting as a lubricant.
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spted
new member
Reged: 11/03/04
Posts: 11
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When I first took delivery of my Dragonfly last June we had trouble with the seatpost before I even left the shop. After fiddling with it with the mechanic for a while, the owner passed by and asked what was up. He went to the back room and came back with a tube of toothpaste (Gleem I think it was, and paste, not gel). We swirled a little bit of that on the seatpost/seat tube contact area and it hasn't been a problem since.
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skuke
captain
   
Reged: 12/22/03
Posts: 323
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Per Craig Calfee: Do not grease the seatpost! Regardless of the seatpost material.
-------------------- Skuke
95 Carbonframes Tetra Pro
92 Bridgestone MB-1
90 Moser 51.151
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vaxn8r
contributor
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 222
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I tried every trick in the book with 2 different but brand new Deda Blacksticks. The distributor kindly sent me a second post when the first would not work. After about 1,000 attempts and many, many wrecked rides I bought a Thompson Masterpiece and haven't had another issue.
The ONLY reson for the DEDA....killer look. Oh well
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homsie
new member
Reged: 12/31/03
Posts: 23
Loc: San Ramon, CA
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My LBS recommended using linseed oil on my Easton CT-2 carbon post and my Tetra. Hasn't slipped since. I think that on the old calfee forum page, Stella chimed in and agreed with the linseed oil recomendation.
James
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rnhood
friend
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 42
Loc: NC
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I also have the Thompson post in my Tetra and have never had a problem with slipping. I weigh 200lbs.
That toothpaste is an interesting idea though.
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Montaque
new member
Reged: 09/14/04
Posts: 24
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Here is food for thought:
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/inflin.shtm
Linseed oil is mildew food... Many vegetable oils are food products for humans... all vegetable oils are food products for mildew! Linseed oil is not completely denatured, so it can encourage rather than discourage mildew growth
lets see, Mildew in the seat tube.....hummmmmm
Toothpaste is a VERY MILD abrasive which can help resist seatpost slipping -
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
   
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 720
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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Rosin works very nicely to prevent slipping. As will sugar or salt in an emergency, to get you home.
-------------------- Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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homsie
new member
Reged: 12/31/03
Posts: 23
Loc: San Ramon, CA
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Interesting...mildew, huh? Well, I guess that it's been a while since I actually pulled the seatpost, but I've never heard of it being a problem. Would this generally be a problem in damp/humid climates?
James
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Montaque
new member
Reged: 09/14/04
Posts: 24
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http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/hesguide/housing/gh5928.htm
"Mildew can be found on many different surfaces. It is a thin, black, or sometimes white, growth produced by mold. Molds are simple plants belonging to the group known as fungi. Though molds are always present in the air, those that cause mildew need moisture and certain temperatures to grow. They commonly develop in humid summer weather, especially in closed houses" -
"Molds that cause mildew flourish wherever it is damp, warm, poorly lighted and/or where air is not circulated — in cellars, crawl spaces of houses without basements and clothing closets"
"Molds feed on the oil"
Hummmm bicycle seat tube, which actually allows for moisture and air migration which is generally not circulated, summer heat and Linseed oil, a FOOD for MILDEW - hummm what do you think of the probability for growth?
Linseed oil is not GENERALLY used in any METAL or MECHANICAL applications other than as an additive in certain paint in which it is considered toxic.
Additionally, sometime Linseed oil has a “hardener” added which should be quite entertaining when attempting to remove that seatpost covered with hard Linseed oil and mildew.
Reports of MILDEW in seat tubes are GENERALLY not seen because the probability that Linseed oil is not used for bicycle applications is extremely high…….
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Siriusguy
new member
Reged: 03/28/04
Posts: 11
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To what extent does a carbon fiber seatpost in general soften out road bumps and vibration, compared to alloy? I'm for now riding an aluminum frame bike, and won't for now be upgrading to a completely carbon fiber frame. In terms of comfort over rural roads, would something like the Specialized Pave be helpful compared to my current metal post, or would this likely be just a waste of money?
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Lon
sage
   
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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I feel it does having had aluminum on a bike and replacing it. Others feel just the opposite. We are both right I'm sure. It is up to personal preference and what you "feel" in that "vital" area. Some people love that Mavic K's and others think they are too stiff. Again it is personal preference.
Selcof makes a nice post.
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