from Rookie’s keyboards
Hello, friends
First, let me apologize for not posting an article for about a week. I had to work away from my hometown and lost my rhythm. But I’m back.
Today, I will tell you a preference of mine that might shock you. I honestly detest quick-release seat post clamps, and always use a binder with a bolt when I can.
Why?
Where do I even begin?
Here are all the pros of bolt-on clamps:
- Less Susceptible to Theft
The main advantage of bolt-on collars is that they deter thieves. Technically, a thief would need just a basic Allen key to untighten the clamp, but this is enough to push away opportunists.
It’s been said that most bike related theft is a crime of opportunity rather than a meticulous plan. Most people would rather steal a quick-release seat post than one that requires tools.
Having said that, a thief specializing in seat posts would carry multiple Allen keys.
Therefore, the most secure way to protect a seat post is to take it with you.
The second most secure method is to lock it to the bike via a chain.
High IQ Tip For Extra Security
If you want to increase the security level of a bolt-on clamp, you can glue a ball bearing into the head of the bolt to prevent the use of a wrench. When you need to lower or replace the seat post, you can dissolve the glue with acetone and remove the ball bearing.
- Clean look
A bolt-on collar is slimmer and simpler and gives the bike a cleaner appearance. Purists appreciate this feature.
- Lighter
Bolt-on clamps do not need a lever and can therefore be lighter.
- Stronger Bite
It’s easier to fully tighten a bolt-on collar because the Allen key gives you lots of leverage. Hence why people who suffer from a slipping seat post often switch to a bolt-on clamp.
- Cheaper
A bolt-on clamp is less sophisticated and many models are cheaper than quick-release versions.
- Dual Clamping
There are also dual bolt-on clamps. One part grabs the seat post while the other squeezes the frame. The purpose of dual clamps is to reduce the clamping force needed to prevent a seat post from slipping. The downside is that they’re heavier and sometimes make annoying creaking.
I don’t know about you, but to me, the points above are good enough.
But to make this piece as complete as possible, I will also include the pros of quick-release seat post clamps:
Efficiency
The major advantage of quick-release seat post clamps is the ability to tighten and untighten the clamp without any tools whenever you want.
This makes them more efficient for riders who frequently change the position of their saddle according to the terrain. The feature is also useful for people who share bikes.
I don’t fall in either of the categories and couldn’t care less about this advantage.
Security
By definition, a quick-release seat post clamp is not secure. Anyone who knows how the mechanism operates can approach your bike and steal the entire seat post.
However, the efficiency offered by the seat post clamps makes it easier for the bike owner to take off the seat when making a stop.
Some cyclists consider this act a sign of defeat, but there is no doubt that it’s the best way to protect your seat post and saddle from theft and beats every lock in terms of security.
It’s also a great way to deter a thief from stealing the entire bicycle as it’s often used as an escape vehicle. Riding with no seat is slow and unpleasant.
Technically, the same can be done with a bold-on clamp, but the process requires the use of a tool and is, therefore, more time-consuming and inconvenient.
Tip: If you plan on removing the seat, mark the seat height with a permanent marker to make the re-installation faster.
Transportation
If you transport your bike in a car, it may not fit unless you lower the seat post. In situations like this, quick-release posts are more convenient since you don’t have to search for tools.
And now the downsides of QR SP clamps:
- Theft
An experienced thief can open a quick-release and grab the seat in a split second.
- Extra Weight
A quick-release collar is heavier than a bolt-on one because it comes with an extra lever for tightening and closing.
Of course, the weight difference is marginal at best, but it would still matter to someone trying to break the record for the lightest bike.
- Wear
Overuse of the quick-release can result in wear and failure to fully secure the seat post. As a result, the seat post will slide down.
Final Assessement
Ultimately, the pros of QR clamps don’t matter in most situations you are going to be in.
First, taking off your seat post with you every time you lock your bike is annoying.
Second, QR seat posts always lose their clamping power over time.
Third, how often do you really change the height of your saddle? And if you are riding an MTB “dynamically”, you probably need a dropper post anyway.
Fourth, how many of you are sharing bikes…and seat posts with other people?
Anyway. This is it for today.
Until next time,
– Rookie
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