Yesterday started off as a regular ride. I was making a pretty good pace, and the weather was pleasant. Then, about five miles out of town, it came out of no where. I’d say it was raining cats and dogs, but I think they would have been eatin by the much bigger animals it was raining. Anyway, I continued my ride. I got out of it for a little while, the sun came back out and I dried off pretty fast. I saw a full, complete, bold colored rainbow. Then it started raining again. I was still riding in the sun, but I was getting poured on, go figure. I rode back into town, where it didn’t seem to have rained. People gave me all sorts of goofy looks, I guess I was the only wet T-shirt contestant around. I got home, and like I have done in rides past. I untightened (I can’t figure out how to spell lossened), and took my seatpost out. I then hung the bike upside down and let the water drain out. Well, I got up this morning, and I went to put my seatpost back in. I stuck it into the right height and proceeded to unloosen (some how tighten just doesn’t look right) the bolt. I had it just about right when suddenly something popped. The bolt refused to tighten anymore. I pulled it out. The bolt was fine, but the threads on the inside of the binder had stripped to do my wet t-shirt contest proud. Now the whole binder has popped off. I guess I need to buy a new one, but here’s my questions.
What size do I buy? I have a regular 27.2 seatpost, but most binders you can buy start at 31.8. Is this the size I need?
Where would you buy one from? My LBS and I currently aren’t on speaking terms.
Do you know where to find a carbon binder? I know I’ve seen them for sale before, but I just can’t seem to find it now.
all I remember is the number on my seatpost binder was WRONG. I got the size written on it, but it was WAY big. So I say just go to -a- shop and match up the old one’s size. carbon binder? you mean the one with the slanty cut?
The binder dimension is the OD of the seat tube. The seatpost diameter is the ID. They have no relationship. Carefully measure the OD and order one from a mail order house or call the local bikeshop and ask if they have one in stock. Poor place for carbon, most are faux carbon, and the rare actual carbon are going to cost you about 20 bucks per gram saved.
I believe you will be need the 31.8. I just replaced mine on my Merlin. Don’t waste your time on the carbon ones. Really just a fake. The Supergo catalogue had one listed for ~ 16g and an aluminum one for 17. But at the store the packaging said 25g.
performance bike has one the Forte for about $5 that weights 22.7 grams( I know I weighed it). You might be able to lighten it up with a T- M4x 10 bolts.
You guy’s seem to have forgotten my vanity. I care nothing about how much weight I save, I just think pimpin a little more carbon would look pretty trick. My only question is, do they hold tight, or do they like to slip? If I can’t find carbon I will go just plain black (anything but that ugly chrome one.)
Well vanity I can understand. I believe campy has a carbon binder. And AX-lightness. Go to this website http://www.b-t-p.de/BTP-English/products/components/components.html, but I warn you this can be a slippery slope. Its now possible to build a reasonably functional bike at less than 10 pounds, just how much money and vanity do ya got?