Hey I just received a 2011 madone 5 series frame and since the seat mast has a setback and the insert is circular I thought, perfect, I can twist the post around and get a steeper angle like I get on my TT bike (yes I understand these bikes aren’t meant to be ridden steeply). The saddle bracket, however, doesn’t seem to have any play when loose, so obviously I can’t level the saddle in the reverse direction. Is this right or is mine stuck, I don’t want to break it. Shouldn’t there be adjustability even in the standard direction to accommodate slight nose up/down preferences of different people, not everyone prefers a completely level saddle.
the saddle rail clamps may have settled tightly into the mast head, but you can work them free to do what you’re suggesting. with the saddle removed, poke a 6mm hex wrench a little ways into one of the openings on the “cones” and gradually apply some leverage to pry them loose. just make sure you’re prying against the outside of the cone (aluminum) and not edge of the carbon mast head.
Thanks! They did just pop right out with a little leverage.