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I have a carbon frame MTB (XTC composite) and am finding it a bit of a pain in the arse when I want to lower the seatpost for technical downhill sections as the seatpost clamp has 2 bolts to undo.
Do I have any other options?
I was reading the post on "gravity dropper" seatposts which may be an option, but I am a bit of a weight weenie, so was wondering if a quick release is really not recommended for a carbon frame? I was told that the seatpost clamp needs the two bolts (on opposite sides) so that even force is applied from either direction so I am not sure changing to a single bolt design is even an option?
I even have a really narrow saddle in the hope I can shift over the back of the saddle easier, but it still doesnt give you the confidence/manoevreability of having the saddle lower.
The bigger problem is more likely to be that you physically won't be able to fit a QR post on there, either because it's a custom diameter, or because it requires a really deep seatclamp.
If you can get one, it'll be fine.
My current seatpost is a 30.9mm, not sure what diam the clamp is tho.
You think I could just modify my current clamp with a quick release bolt/lever?
"was told that the seatpost clamp needs the two bolts (on opposite sides) so that even force is applied from either direction so I am not sure changing to a single bolt design is even an option?"
I think that's your answer...
look at the Pure/Specialized/crank bros adjustable posts would be my advice
Does the seat tube have a plain top (to take a seat clamp collar, like the Salsa or Hope) or has it got the lugs to take the bolt moulded in?
If it's plain, get a good seat clamp, like a Salsa, but you may have to experiment to find the right size. You may also need some carbon assembly paste which stops the post slipping down and means you don't have to do it up mega tight.
If you have lugs you may be able to find a QR bolt that is long enough to go through and take a couple of good sized washers. As long as it is not too tight a fit and is well lubed there shouldn't be any imbalance in tension from one side to the other. 2 bolts sounds illogical.
Failing that, learn to ride with your saddle permanently dropped.
Think it has a plain top, dont think there are any lugs. The frame also tapers in at the clamp position so I dont think the clamp would slip down.
Not sure how you ride with saddle permanently dropped, it makes the uphill slogs torture!!
My main worry is overtightening with a QR and cracking the frame, but I imagine it would have to be pretty tight to do that much damage?
You'd have to try pretty hard to do that, it'd be easier to overtighten an allen bolt clamp!
I replaced a 2-bolt Specialized clamp on a carbon Epic with a single bolt Hope one as it looked a lot tidier, it was absolutely fine!
It's definitely not going to be smaller than 34.9, and maybe bigger, the Trek OCLV frames are nearly 40mm.
It's not the clamp that slips down, it's the post. A friend has a Scott carbon Genius and the dealer stupidly greased the post. That is very bad for the carbon fibre (it degenerates) and meant that the post constantly slipped. Using the assembly paste stopped the slipping.
You shouldn't crack the frame if you get a good quality clamp of the right size. But go to a decent bike shop to try a few out and get their advice.
I wasn't being entirely serious about the low saddle, but if you've ever seen Walleater (off this forum) ride, it looks like he's on a BMX, but he can get up and down some pretty big mountains like that.
Wouldn't it be a bit of an odd mix to get an adjustable travel seatpost on a carbon XTC. On that kind of bike are you not supposed to ride with the saddle up your arse all the time anyway? 😉
I dont get it.
Don't get what?
I did think the same I must admit, you have quite a racey bike, and you're looking to put the post up and down, generally with that style of bike you set the saddle height and you ride!
I, for one, have never ever tried descending with the saddle down, I ought to sometime when I'm not using an expensive carbon post!