seized carbon seatpost in Aluminium frame

I did a search and could only find someone pouring coca cola into their frame, any other solutions?

The only solution that worked for me in the end was a hacksaw I’m afraid…

if it were me I’d saw top off post (leave an inch or two outside the frame) and then run a hacksaw blade down the inside of the post and ‘section’ it into about 6 pieces and then get each piece out separatly.

wear a mask – carbon fibre dust isn’t good for you…

hmmm, I was hoping for a less destructive solution!!

I dont really want it out, I just want to raise it up and inch or so, its gradually worked its way down and now wont budge.

strip frame a bit, remove saddle, clamp top of post in a vice and turn frame. Post could shatter though.

If it were me I’d want to get th epost out to make sure it wasn’t damaged already if it’s bonded to the frame.

or frame can break/bend – seen it happen wwaswas…

so theres no kind of grease, cleaner or fizzy drink that I can use?

Well it’s not going to do any real harm compared to chopping it apart but. I’d give it a go with coke first then plusgas or similar but I really wouldn’t get my hopes up…

Check out Sheldon Brown….

Coke won’t have any effect whatsoever.
Best bet is to GT85 the gap between post and frame, leave it for a while then use the saddle as leverage and get someone to hold the frame still. If you don’t want to risk bending the saddle then take it off and bolt a cheapo one in or something you can use as a lever.

Thoroughly clean the frame once it’s out then regrease the post using carbon grease. If you used normal grease when you first installed it, that’ll be the problem – some greases cause carbon to swell. Post may well be wrecked even if you do get it out intact.

Penetrating fluid – like WD-40 or there’s specialist stuff that doesn’t leave a residue. Spray it a couple of times a day over a week or so – worth building up a little bowl of blu-tac around the post so it goes in the gap, not down the tube.

Then put the post into a bench vice and turn the frame for leverage. If that doesn’t work you might have to get a bit more destructive. Lots of WD-40 and plenty of time will free up most things though.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/stuck-seatposts.html

There was a really good artivle on velonews a while ago about this.

I have even looked for it for you.

Try here:

thanks for the tips I will try those at the weekend.

Boiling water poured over the outside of the seat post area, lots of it…
ramp up to boiling point from plain old hot. Penetrating oils cause the fibres to expand…

I’m making this up but, hot water bottle on the seat tube. theory being the aluminum will expand more than the post.

Never tried it, no idea if it works, but is non-invasive.

Or use the whole thing as an excuse for a new bike 😉

I recently had this problem, tried GT85 etc. and running without the clamp tight to try and get movement. Tried some Freeze spray too but in the end got it moving and out after warming the frame with a hot air gun with no damage.

Sorry to hijack this thread. I’m New here.

I have a similar situation… it’s a ridley scandium road frame, but the seatpost is carbon lacquered alloy. It has been there for about 1 year, sitting the shed (due to MTB and cyclocross getting more attention). The thing is definitely well seized. I’ve tried oily sprays, but very little is getting down the tube I reckon. I’m tearing my muscles trying to wrestle the thing out.. I’ve already bent the saddle (an old one… don’t mind).

I am starting to think the hacksaw method is my best option. Patience cutting it is not a problem if I know it will work. Is it safe/possible to do this with the carbon/scandium combination I mention? Or something else?

Many thanks…

have you tried the heating frame method? Really is a very good idea due to the different thermal expansions.

The carbon wrapped post will be a pain to cut through.

Hi Andy,
I’ve been corrected: the seatpost is actually full carbon. I always thought it was carbon lacquered but I am wrong. The bike shop where I bought it told me.
I will try the heating method tonight so… and roll up the sleeves and drink plenty coffee.
Wish me luck.

Pour boiling water over the seat tube. Aluminum will expand quicker than the carbon. A bit of brute force should free it.

Worked for me.