Do I strip a new Giant Anthem or not and paste for the seat post

[orsum]

I am waiting for a new 2012 Anthem frame to arrive.

 

What I would like to discuss is the quality of the bearings used on the suspension from the factory and what make of bearing do they normally used?

 

My reason is I would like to strip it down and fit new bearings etc should I feel it necessary.

 

However I do not wish to strip the suspension if what is installed by the factory is equal to or better than what I can get.

 

The other thing I would like to discuss is the paste I see people say is necessary for a carbon fibre seat post when fitting it to an aluminium frame. (Corrosion between the two)

 

Cathodic reaction between the two?

 

I can honestly say I have never considered that before. Brass and al, copper and al and several other things react but never thought about carbon fibre until now.

 

Is it necessary???

 

orsum

 

http://www.bikeforum...-a-Carbon-frame

Ideally, you would have a carbon seat post, to prevent galvanic corrosion. In your situation, the aluminium will corrode because it is the anode with a potential of -1.67, and the carbon the cathode with a potential of +0.81. A difference in potential of 2.48 volts. Where as titanium and carbon both have + potential, and the resulting difference is only 0.755 volts, which is negligible. (Remember kids, that even though both carbon and titanium are both + charges, it’s the difference in potential that creates a charge.

 

To reduce or prevent the effects of galvanic corrosion, you can simply get the aluminium seat post anodized, which would give it a non-conductive coat to it. Or a very fine rubber wrap would do just as well.

 

Don't be fooled by the black colour, or that carbon isn't a metal. Carbon is highly conductive.

Edited September 10, 2013 by orsum

[gummibear]

Carbon paste is used for friction.so that your post doesn't slip down.

Just take the post out every few months clean it and put some more paste on.no need to worry then.

 

These also help to prevent sweat or rain from getting into your seat tube.

 

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Fizik-Seatpost-Rings-Various-Colours-Sizes-/00/s/NDY2WDUwMA==/$(KGrHqN,!nsF!IcwwiwzBQF70)UtH!~~60_12.JPG

[droo]

http://www.bikemag.c...rt-of-assembly/

 

This vid should answer these questions and a few more.

 

As for carbon paste - it's for grip as well as its anti-seize properties, but as Gummi says its best to pull your seatpost out every month or so and clean it off. I've seen too many seatposts stuck in frames, and it's a completely preventable occurrence.

Edited September 10, 2013 by droo

[Brighter-Lights]

Anthem bearings are very good (as good as Enduro's). Just pop the seals out and completely fill them with Castrol WB grease.

[orsum]

Thanks

 

orsum