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Any concern with a seatpost + shim?

1457 Views 3 Replies 3 Participants Last post by SpinWheelz, Jul 13, 2004

SpinWheelz

Discussion Starter · Jul 13, 2004

I'm after a great deal on a seatpost. Problem is, it doesn't come in the size that I need, which is a 31.6mm. The seatpost is only in 27.2mm size. However, the retailer also sells a seatpost shim that supposedly adapts a 27.2mm post to fit 31.6mm. Any concern about using a shim with a seatpost? If I need to raise or lower the seatpost depending on my situation, will the shim present any problems, convenience-wise or otherwise?

Thanks a mil!

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bluronthetrails

· #2 · Jul 13, 2004

yes and no

SpinWheelz said:
I'm after a great deal on a seatpost. Problem is, it doesn't come in the size that I need, which is a 31.6mm. The seatpost is only in 27.2mm size. However, the retailer also sells a seatpost shim that supposedly adapts a 27.2mm post to fit 31.6mm. Any concern about using a shim with a seatpost? If I need to raise or lower the seatpost depending on my situation, will the shim present any problems, convenience-wise or otherwise?

Thanks a mil!

Using shims means you need to re-adjust the seatpost every couple weeks (3-4) if you are a frequent rider...I had the same problem as you, however it wasn't so pronounced I only had about 2 mms of difference...I chopped up some old shade slats and used 6" lengths about 10 total surrounding the seatpost...If I ever had to adjust the seat, I had to hold the shim(s) tightly aorund the post so none slipped down into the seat-tube...other than that, I can't recall anything that went necessarily wrong with the shims. HOWEVER, the specific shim design you spoke of...I'd be careful, you need to have a rigid steel shim for that kind of situation, if its plastic or anything, stay away, becasue one hard sitting and you're headed down...this can be disastrous...I had it happen to me when I was 'testing' my shims...

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TNC

· #3 · Jul 13, 2004

I haven't bought anything but 27.2 in years.

SpinWheelz said:
I'm after a great deal on a seatpost. Problem is, it doesn't come in the size that I need, which is a 31.6mm. The seatpost is only in 27.2mm size. However, the retailer also sells a seatpost shim that supposedly adapts a 27.2mm post to fit 31.6mm. Any concern about using a shim with a seatpost? If I need to raise or lower the seatpost depending on my situation, will the shim present any problems, convenience-wise or otherwise?

Thanks a mil!

I have a couple of Bullits and 2 different types of FSRs--larger seatpost sizes. I've used shims in them for years. In fact I noticed movement of my 27.2 posts in older bikes that had 27.2 seat tubes on some occassions. In the years I've been using shims, I've never had a post slide. I'm of the opinion that a good aftermarket shim properly installed actually improves seatpost grip in most cases. At worst I don't think they have any less gripping integrity than a seatpost fitted to the right size seat tube. I only use shims that are "exact" size tolerances (no tapers) and that are aluminum alloy--Cane Creek, Problem Solvers, etc.

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SpinWheelz

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 13, 2004

Thanks, fellas. I was concerned that there'd be a strength issue with using a shim. Glad to know that they seem to work fairly well.

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