Cutting carbon seat post

[Geelwortel]

Hi All

 

I bought a "new" tri bike and the carbon fibre aero shaped seat post is +- 1 - 1.5cm to long. I wan't to cut it off. What would be the best tools for the job?

[The Saint]

Bicycle Mechanic

[EigerSA]

Tape it up first where you going to cut to prevent splintering and delamination. I use a hacksaw with a very fine blade and go slowly... works for me.

[Geelwortel]

Do I need to seal the end after I'm done?

[Mudsimus]

I suggest taking this job to someone that knows what they are doing. You really dont want to make a mess of it...

[The Saint]

I've said it before and I'll say it again

 

Bicycle Mechanic

[Speed Devil]

Before you go cutting the seatpost, first get a proper bike setup done and then cut the seatpost. You don't want to end up up being 1cm too short.

[Geelwortel]

Thanks guys. I'm getting scared now and I know that these things are expensive to replace. I'll take it to my nearest Tri shop for a propper fitment session and then they can cut it for me.

 

Thanks again for your replies.

[Eldron]

Hi All

 

I bought a "new" tri bike and the carbon fibre aero shaped seat post is +- 1 - 1.5cm to long. I wan't to cut it off. What would be the best tools for the job?

 

Unless te seat pillar won't go in far enough then leave it well alone.

 

15mm of carbon probably weighs 5g and the longer pillar will be more structurally sound...

 

Failing that get the finest hacksaw blade you can find, tape up the line you want to cut, sand the rough edges afterwards with fine grit sandpaper (1200 grit) and use carbon grease if the frame is also carbon.

[EigerSA]

No you don't need to seal it, you could add a dab of epoxy if it would make you feel better. And honestly, cutting into it is no big deal at all, pretty much like cutting into fiberglass, plastic... just tape the cut up first, then work slowly...

 

I do agree with Speed Devil though, before cutting just make sure you not going to need that 1cm!

 

[Geodude]

Link below explains how to cut Carbon bars.

 

http://www.eastonbike.com/downloadable_files_unprotected/r&d_files/R&D-05-Carbon.pdf

 

[Eldron]

Link below explains how to cut Carbon bars.

http://www.eastonbike.com/downloadable_files_unprotected/r&d_files/R&D-05-Carbon.pdf

 

Excellent article - it states no grease in the seat post. The grease I was referring to is carbon grease (ok grease is a poor term) it's actually a paste that increases friction making tightening the smooth carbon on carbon easier.

 

I've also heard pipe cutters work really well as they give you an absolutely perpindicular cut and you don't have to clamp the bars. It won't work on aero stuff though of course...