How To Stop Your Seat Post From Slipping!

If you have a carbon frame bike that also uses a carbon seatpost you might find you have the problem of your seatpost slipping down over time, which is very annoying and also means your seatpost will get scratched, but also messes up your riding position. So let's have a look at a few ways to fix that issue!
Useful Links:
Everything Cycling. All In One Place 👉 www.globalcyclingnetwork.com
Visit the GCN Shop 👉 gcn.eu/gcnshop
Join the GCN Club 👉 gcnclub.com
GCN Training Plans 👉 gcn.eu/gcntp
Watch more on GCN Tech...
📹 How To Change The Gearing On Your Bike! 👉 • How To Change The Gear...
📹 Watch our Editor’s Choice Playlist 👉 gcntech.co/EditorsChoice
📹 Watch the latest GCN Tech Show 👉 gcntech.co/GCNTechShow
🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
Message in a Bottle - Auxjack
#gcntech #gcn #cycling #roadcycling #roadbike #bike #bikes #bikelife #biketech
📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sprint Cycling Agency
Brought to you by the world’s biggest cycling channel, the Global Cycling Network (GCN), GCN Tech is the only channel you need for all things bike tech - past, present and future.
Simply put, we’re obsessed with tech: we seek out and showcase the best in bikes, components, tech, accessories, upgrades and more from races and events, tech shows and product launches across the globe to bring you the best in road bike technology.
We’ve also got great maintenance videos to help you get the most from your bike; pro-bike tours from all the biggest races; special features and the weekly GCN Tech Show. We also take a deeper look into the future of cycling, apps, smart tech and virtual riding.
Join us on the channel and the GCN App to submit your content, vote on the latest tech and keep abreast of exciting new trends.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Pinarello Bikes: gcn.eu/Pinarello
Topeak Tools: gcn.eu/Topeak
Canyon Bikes: gcn.eu/-Canyon
Pirelli Tyres: gcn.eu/Pirelli
Orbea Bikes: gcn.eu/Orbea
Vision Wheels: gcn.eu/Vision
Wahoo Fitness: gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fitness
Park Tool: gcn.eu/-parktool
Elite Bottles: gcn.eu/EliteBottles
Whoop Fitness: gcn.eu/Whoop
Selle Italia: gcn.eu/SelleItalia
SiS: gcn.eu/ScienceInSport
Zwift: gcn.eu/Zwift
Shimano Wheels: gcn.eu/Shimano
DMT Shoes: gcn.eu/DMT
Silca: gcn.eu/Silca
MET Helmets: gcn.eu/methelmets
Strava: gcn.eu/strava
ShadowStand: gcn.eu/ShadowStand
Watch our sister channels:
Global Cycling Network - / @gcn
GCN Racing - / @gcnracing
Global Triathlon Network - / @gtn
GCN Italia - / @gcnitalia
GCN en Español - / @gcnenespanol
GCN auf Deutsch - / @gcnaufdeutsch
GCN en Français - / @gcnenfrancais
GCN Japan - / @gcnjapan
GCN Training - / @gcntraining
Global Mountain Bike Network - / @gmbn
GMBN Racing - / @gmbnracing
GMBN Tech - / @gmbntech
Electric Mountain Bike Network - / @embn

[@gcntech]

Have you got any tips that we missed? ⚙

[@Matvey.]

I had this problem on my Canyon Endurace. Initially, I used carbon paste, which came with the bike. However, my seat post started creaking, and I quickly realized that the paste was causing it. So, I applied a bit of Solidol grease to the seat post, which solved the issue. Everything was fine for about 1000km, until one day, my seat just slid all the way into the frame. I tried applying less grease, tightening a bit above the recommended torque, but it kept slipping. Then I read on the internet that a regular toothpaste can help with both slipping and creaking, I tried it, and it worked. So I recommend using toothpaste if you don't have a good carbon paste and don't want to spend money on it.

[@lemagnitio72]

​@@Matvey.Same bike, same problem. Thanks for the tip.

[@hugotrudel]

The steps described in this video also helps fix another issue I had with my seat post. When I bought my Cannondale couple of years ago, it started making cracking noise after just a couple of rides (Crack-on-dale as they say, didn't know at the time). After investigation, I realized the cracking of the seat post was caused by me tightening it up too much. I have tried untightening it a little but then my seat post would slip, leading me to tighten it more, which was making it do cracking noise again. In summary, unfixable. Then, I found out about the SAC-2 paste from park tool (and also bought a torque wrench in the meantime). This fixed my cracking noise and/or slipping seat post both at the same time. Thanks for sharing such useful tips. I learn so much by watching!!!

[@stevenss8070]

I have wrapped some cm of electrical tape around the post, just 2mm above the frame. Every time, i remove the seat, i don’t have to measure the correct height at reinstalling. Maybe sometime I need the tape for fixing an issue. It also prevents the post from slipping through in case the clamp is too loose.

[@christocan4710]

@-alex-3724Sorry, but have you got any idea what an integrated seatpost is? It is integrated. It can’t slip.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

If you have a non-round seatpost, wiggle it back from side and back and forth with a bit of force when tightening and do the tightening in multiple steps. This often helps to settle the clamp wedge really flush against the post and avoids loosing tension during the ride. (Looking at you, Cannondale)

[@rangersmith4652]

As usual, a super simple job becomes a faff when you have modern tech. My problem persisted after tightening to spec, and I found that my particular frame (internal clamping mechanism) is prone to the issue. Some riders gave up, but not I. The slipping was almost solved, so I reasoned that a tiny bit more resistance to falling might do it. I located a plastic seatpost reflector mount of the right size (standard on many US-sold bikes) and placed it around the post in contact with the top of the seat tube, snugged it up, and voila! You hardly notice the added "clamp," and the post hasn't slipped since.

[@gcntech]

Great hack! 🙌 Awesome work, it always feels great when you make your own bike fix!

[@svenlima]

Funny. My seatpost started slipping yesterday and now you post this video. Is GCN stalking and controlling me? ;-)

[@gcntech]

Mwa ha ha ha!

[@StayZero556]

I’m whatever’s bigger than a Clydesdale, no carbon frames for me but using carbon paste on my seatposts has been a lifesaver. I use it on my stems and bars, too.

[@nickkambitis5340]

It’s worth putting a strip ( sliver) of black electrical tape vertically on to the seat post, ending where it joins the frame. It’s surprising how many seat tube slips slightly without the rider knowing and only become noticeable when it’s slipped in a lot ! This method allows the rider to instantly see if the tube has slid into the frame because the tape crinkles up as the tube slides as it can’t pass through the bike. If you cut a sliver it’s visually not noticeable, so you can leave it on the seat tube all the time.

[@kokonanana1]

What’s a slither? Do you mean sliver?

[@tomasztomaszewski9275]

No. You should use very thin marker. Tape is a bad idea.

[@nickkambitis5340]

@@kokonanana1 Thanks for pointing out my bad grammar 👏

[@10ktube]

I only put the fiber paste inside the frame, so the post pushes it down and doesn't make a mess. If it's on the post, it sorta squishes out and seems like a waste.

[@mikecyclingsocal912]

Well done, this explains a lot!

[@bubblesezblonde]

Good vid Felix!!!

[@___Bebo___]

I'd just toss the frame if friction grease doesn't sort your problem out. That stuff increases seatpost ID size by one whole size sometimes.

[@user-uy4di6hb8j]

Heb het zelfde meegemaakt met mijn wilier sl klein stukje schuur linnen opgeplakt met goede lijm en blijft nu prima staan. Gr.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Park Tool SAC2... my tube is 10+ years old and still works great... seatpost... handlebars... mounted components... handlebar grips on the flatbar bike.

[@AquidoSquido]

Great everyday tip!

[@MrEaves]

haha lol

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@justsomedude7556]

I had an issue with the seatpost slipping and discovered that right where I needed it to tighten, the post was not 27.2, but was 27.06, however , 5mm either side of it, measured 27.2. After I sat there and thought about it for about 40 mins, it hit me that the post always stopped at the same spot, so I broke out the digital caliper and started measuring and found the narrow spot and got the post warrantied.

[@ThuyPham-jk4im]

You glue the seat post into the frame?

[@tobiaswaldner]

Had the dropping seatpost issue on the latest CANYON ultimate. I was installing it correctly with carbon paste and torque as the manufacturer intended. The issue was the seatpost clamp screw vibrating loose multiple times. Turned it back during 30 days recall period. Can't take a torque wrench with me on my ride because of not knowing when the saddle will drop the next time.

[@kokonanana1]

Locktite the screw!

[@tobiaswaldner]

@kokonanana1 I actually thought about that but want to be able to remove my saddle or adjust the height. Also, after reading online that this is a common problem with the seatpost clamp, I didn't want to void the warranty either in case it wouldn't solve the issue.

[@janeblogs324]

@@tobiaswaldner loctite the clampscrew, not the seat post

[@tobiaswaldner]

@@janeblogs324 Sure the clampscrew... But how many andustments would you be able to make without wearing the threaded bushing in the frame?

[@___Bebo___]

Having screws that vibrate loose is such a joke, especially on an expensive bike. I hate reading stories like this, glad bike industry is struggling selling crap like this. Having China in charge of your bike is always a fail. Just look at the brake calipers they make compared to Shimano. They change the arm adjuster screw to be 2mm in China and then it just vibrates and moves while you ride, smh. Arm adjuster screw is supposed to be 3mm so it can't move.

[@ProfeTa6]

My seatpost kept slipping when I first got my most recent bike. Never happened before in all 5 carbon bikes I owned except this one. Only difference is the frames I had before had metal inserts that I imagine are more flexible than carbon and allow more torque and pressure to be applied. I'm guessing current frames to keep the weight lower have removed all kind of metal inserts/interface surfaces. That said my seatpost is now being slippage free although I don't know why and am scared to even mess with it further.

[@lgbunbury]

Can you use carbon paste on metal seat posts? Mine is slipping…

[@JayKay-dt1ld]

#gcntech What is the benefit in wearing a white jersey, socks and shoes over, for example, a black jersey, socks and shoes in hot sunny weather? White is said to reflect heat, whereas black is said to absorb heat more readily, but is this correct and if so, how much does it affect the rider?

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

I have struggled with this on my Canyon Exceed, which has the integrated seat clamp with the set screw in the carbon frame with only 4Nm of torque, which I dare not “exceed.” I have used carbon paste from Park Tool and it’s never really been great.😐I will probably either add a dropper seatpost, or maybe just add a collar to the seatpost for a little extra reinforcement.

[@gcntech]

If in doubt send it over to your local bike shop 🙌 They will always be there to help you out with those tricky issues!

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Love the fenders!! Err, mudguards!!

[@gcntech]

Mudguards or Fenders... that's one real battle 🥊

[@krzysztofbogdanowicz4543]

I have brand new Trek Emonda ALR5 and seat post is slipping down 1 cm per 20 kms of riding (torque for this part is 6Nm). I used Icetoolz paste to fix a problem. I will check if it works.

[@peters8504]

How often do you have to reapply the fiber paste (assuming all is fine)?

[@drill0702]

I'd do it every 3 months as part of my general maintenance unless I notice a ton of slipping.

[@WoolyChewbakker]

Even Trek have had 4 goes at a clamp for the Domane Gen4 setpoat, and still the seats slips 😢

[@chikiennguyen787]

Hmm, i have the same problem, but with an alloy seatpost! How annoying 🤯

[@fuxthebullshit]

Hey Wendell, you should really read the warning on the back of the tube of fiber grip. Then next time use a vinyl exam glove to apply the paste.

[@SingaporeUntold]

I heard hairspray can be used in a pinch

[@dakalla]

Thats what we did on BMX handlebar grips back in the days.

[@dakalla]

My carbon bikes never slip, but my steel bike with a Thomson seatpost slips. I tried a new saddle clamp, with grease, without, with carbon gripper paste. Nothing helps. Any tipps i could try?

[@s2pacific]

Could be wrong diametre post?

[@janeblogs324]

Sand all the hard anodization off it. Its slipperyer than shimano hubs

[@dakalla]

Haha, a good one. But there is no anodization, its a stainless steel frame. I will ask Standert what to do..@@janeblogs324

[@CarnivoreDMD]

Back in the. 90’s we used climbers hand chalk dry

[@Abe-pd5mb]

#askgcn Hi guys, I have a question about cycling shoes, I always get numb feet after 15- 20 miles and it's so bad that doesn't go away for an hour after finishing my ride . I am wearing size 9.5 for trainers and my cycling shoes are size 10. It seems to fit me perfectly and I can even wiggle my toes. I use Specialized Torch shoes. Is there any solution? (The numbness isn't caused by cold temperatures) Thanks!

[@BigDrawersMcGraw]

I used to get tons of numbness before switching to the green specialized footbeds. Rode a century and couldn't feel my big toes for 2 days. Last century no issues with the same shoes. Only changed footbeds

[@Abe-pd5mb]

@@BigDrawersMcGraw what kind of sole did you get?

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Seat angle looks great to me... just a very slight forward angle.

[@peterthomas8053]

Yes, 'it may not be a fun subject to discuss', but a critical one to get right, which could end up as an expensive mistake if correct torque values are not applied.😭

[@viki6or]

If you don't have cool park tool paste , you can use a bit of spit and sand. Also a nise self threading screw through frame and seat post will fix you slipping issues..👍

[@Saltydog547]

Is it dangerous to do this? will it damage and crack the frame or seatpost in long run?

[@___Bebo___]

@@Saltydog547 It's fine, there are bits of silica in friction grease. Sand is also silica.

[@888jhs]

I had a problem with slippage on my 3T Strada and a mechanic in Livigno glued a small piece of fine sandpaper to the seat post in addition to cleaning the post etc and adding the carbon paste. Problem solved.

[@janeblogs324]

Future problem created, that's an actual hack

[@Dhungerf60]

Alex, I am NOT going to make and use grease that I added sand to.

[@korisniktrenutnonijedostup4309]

You don't need a fiber grip you just need to ride without mad guards and the fiber grid Will appear on your seat post Magically from all that send that will be splashing on your bike . 😂 I'm just saying!!!

[@gcntech]

Alex is a sensible boy he never rides without mudguards in winter 😂

[@samteenoise]

I'm kinda afraid to ask, but why does the seatpost have cables if is not a dropper?

[@coconutman1980]

It’s where the battery is stored for electronic shifting. For some e-bikes, cables also run through the seat tube for saddle mounted rear light.

[@rangersmith4652]

Battery cables for Di2 drive train. Without that extra complexity, you have no bike at all, right?

[@samteenoise]

@@coconutman1980 thanks for the answer!

[@songofyesterday]

That is a lot of tools. Taking that bike to the shop 🙃

[@johngrasso1622]

82.5 cm, must have long legs or tall

[@michaelburns1212]

NEVER lubricate threads of a fastener with grease or the end load will be above spec at the required torque load. Use a thin oil instead.

[@EdMontego]

Yeah, thats True

[@ryancraig2795]

Neither grease, oil, nor anti-seize - usually torque specs are for clean threads, and need to be adjusted if a lubricant is used. But in a case like this I would go with whatever the manufacturer has recommended in their assembly or maintenance guide - their recommended torque spec might be for a lubricated screw.

[@___Bebo___]

There is no such thing as a torque setting for a seatpost collar. You tighten it until you can't move the saddle from left to right and that is your torque setting. For crappy modern carbon seatposts you can guess at this measurement with a 5nm-10nm torque key I guess.

[@janeblogs324]

@@___Bebo___ the torque setting isn't for the collar, its for the carbon crushing

[@___Bebo___]

​@@janeblogs324 Jane don't be dumb and argue just to argue I don't have time for it. 10mm of torque will mess up a retro seatpost binder bolt and a lugged seapost collar also.

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

Clearly not fit for purpose🤨