[artem.k]

Are you able to slam your 210 post in your nomad ? Or how much space is there when its at the lowest it will go ?

 

[ClydeRider24]

Currently dealing with this exact issue on my new TB5. It's eating the lower front of my PNW Loam exactly like the OP photos. It also creaks and pops like crazy. Grease/paste fixes it for a ride or two, then it comes back.

SC rep said he hasn't heard of this before, and that I should have a dealer check it out (there's no SC dealer within hours of me). So not much help there.

 

[RMHfpv]

Currently dealing with this exact issue on my new TB5. It's eating the lower front of my PNW Loam exactly like the OP photos. It also creaks and pops like crazy. Grease/paste fixes it for a ride or two, then it comes back.

SC rep said he hasn't heard of this before, and that I should have a dealer check it out (there's no SC dealer within hours of me). So not much help there.

I fixed mine for good. It's been silent for months after hundreds of miles of rough MTBing. Read my post above. a well placed piece of aluminum from a soda can.

 

[ClydeRider24]

I fixed mine for good. It's been silent for months after hundreds of miles of rough MTBing. Read my post above. a well placed piece of aluminum from a soda can.

Yea, I guess I may try to shim it.
Just blows my mind that a brand new SC frame won't work as is. A fix is a fix, but shoving makeshift shims down the seat tube of a new, expensive frame just rubs me the wrong way.

 

[RMHfpv]

I completely agree. I cringed at having to send a piece of diet coke can into my SC frame, but it works REALLY well. If I had to buy another dropper it would be a design that doesn't have a thinner waist/chamfer area on the main tube like OneUp and Bike Yoke droppers do. The new Fox is just a straight tube and I bet it wouldn't have the clicking sound issues.

 

[RMHfpv]

Yea, I guess I may try to shim it.
Just blows my mind that a brand new SC frame won't work as is. A fix is a fix, but shoving makeshift shims down the seat tube of a new, expensive frame just rubs me the wrong way.

I completely agree. I cringed at having to send a piece of diet coke can into my SC frame, but it works REALLY well. If I had to buy another dropper it would be a design that doesn't have a thinner waist/chamfer area on the main tube like OneUp and Bike Yoke droppers do. The new Fox is just a straight tube and I bet it wouldn't have the clicking sound issues.

 

[RMHfpv]

Yea, I guess I may try to shim it.
Just blows my mind that a brand new SC frame won't work as is. A fix is a fix, but shoving makeshift shims down the seat tube of a new, expensive frame just rubs me the wrong way.

I completely agree. I cringed at having to send a piece of diet coke can into my SC frame, but it works REALLY well. If I had to buy another dropper it would be a design that doesn't have a thinner waist/chamfer area on the main tube like OneUp and Bike Yoke droppers do. The new Fox is just a straight tube and I bet it wouldn't have the clicking sound issues.

 

[ClydeRider24]

I completely agree. I cringed at having to send a piece of diet coke can into my SC frame, but it works REALLY well. If I had to buy another dropper it would be a design that doesn't have a thinner waist/chamfer area on the main tube like OneUp and Bike Yoke droppers do. The new Fox is just a straight tube and I bet it wouldn't have the clicking sound issues.

Very possible. However, I think it's as simple as the bore of some SC seat tubes is just too large. Mine is rough and uneven looking when I look into the tube.

This was my first SC, and honestly the fit & finish of my frame leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[Cleared2land]

Five SC's and I have not experienced any issues with dropper or seat tube. Or any frame issues.

 

[ClydeRider24]

Five SC's and I have not experienced any issues with dropper or seat tube. Or any frame issues.

Good for you.
I've owned one and it creaks and pops like crazy.

 

[Mac_89]

Currently dealing with this exact issue on my new TB5. It's eating the lower front of my PNW Loam exactly like the OP photos. It also creaks and pops like crazy. Grease/paste fixes it for a ride or two, then it comes back.

SC rep said he hasn't heard of this before, and that I should have a dealer check it out (there's no SC dealer within hours of me). So not much help there.

I don’t know if it’s much help to you but I did a few things since I posted this thread and haven’t had any creaks since.

I bought a Bike Yoke seat post clamp which (according to them) spreads the clamping force more evenly. I also bought one of their dropper post covers to stop water getting through the slot and washing/wearing the grease away. No idea if the clamp has made a difference but I serviced the post this weekend and the grease I put inside the seat tube was still in really good condition after the winter. I didn’t notice any obvious extra wear on the post either.

I did lose a load more weight though and I’m now down to 82kg (180lbs), which probably just means it’s not flexing as much anymore. I would need to buy a new dropper post to confirm it’s not actually putting any more wear on it, but I’d rather not.

 

[ClydeRider24]

I don’t know if it’s much help to you but I did a few things since I posted this thread and haven’t had any creaks since.

I bought a Bike Yoke seat post clamp which (according to them) spreads the clamping force more evenly. I also bought one of their dropper post covers to stop water getting through the slot and washing/wearing the grease away. No idea if the clamp has made a difference but I serviced the post this weekend and the grease I put inside the seat tube was still in really good condition after the winter. I didn’t notice any obvious extra wear on the post either.

I did lose a load more weight though and I’m now down to 82kg (180lbs), which probably just means it’s not flexing as much anymore. I would need to buy a new dropper post to confirm it’s not actually putting any more wear on it, but I’d rather not.

Good suggestions. I especially like that cover.

 

[Cleared2land]

Helicopter tape on the key hole and grease dropper at the clamp. I have done this successfully for years to keep water out.

 

[Jayem]

I have one bike where PNW and Bikeyoke droppers are just slightly too small for width, despite all the labeled dimensions lining up. Wolftooth is “just right”.

 

[LarryFahn]

Santa Cruz frames (outside of DH stuff) have always been known to be lighter and work better with lighter XC type riders. They are good bikes but may be too light and flexy for a 100kg rider.

I keep saying "Why waste my time?", but I have to chime in.

IDK where you came up with this info from, but it's 100% inaccurate. SC became known for making burly, strong bikes. The Super 8, Bullit, and Heckler are pretty much the beginning of Santa Cruz. That's what made them popular. They were built stronger than other bikes. The "beer can" Super 8 had issues, but SC fixed that. The V10 is obviously a strong bike. The Bullit used to be a bike that was used for freeriding or heavy riders who wanted to race XC. Literally. That's what they sold these bikes for. SC was never notorious for the Super Light.

Their Hightower has been established for trail riding for a while now and the Blur for XC. Yes, the Blur is an awesome bike too. But the statement that SC is known for light XC riding is asinine.

 

[acer66]

Santa Cruz frames (outside of DH stuff) have always been known to be lighter and work better with lighter XC type riders. They are good bikes but may be too light and flexy for a 100kg rider.

I wish, I have a ‘14 Heckler and a chameleon of similar age and in my best days I was 235lbs plus gear and I would have been very happy if there was more flex.

Like myself they also never developed an appetite for droppers.

 

[ClydeRider24]

I pulled my post and re-greased again this weekend. After one ride, the creaking/popping is back. I'm 99% sure the seat tube ID is just too big near the bottom of the post. Really sad/frustrating that this is the case on a new SC frame. I guess I'm going to try some kind of shim or foil tape, and attempt to rig up my $3800 frame so that it doesn't sound like it's coming apart.

Here's a video of the noise after riding this weekend. To create the noise, I'm just pulling/pushing on the saddle. (May need to turn the volume up).
SC Seatpost Noise - YouTube

 

[Cleared2land]

Has this issue been presented to Santa Cruz or who you purchased the bike through?

 

[ClydeRider24]

Has this issue been presented to Santa Cruz or who you purchased the bike through?

I can't speak for others, but I reached out to SC. The rep said he hadn't heard of this issue, and some grease usually fixes seat post noise. Past that, they recommend taking the bike to an authorized SC Dealer (there's not one within 4-5 hours of me).

 

[Mac_89]

Has this issue been presented to Santa Cruz or who you purchased the bike through?

I took mine to a SC dealer for new Invisiframe not long ago and told them about the issue. They couldn't find any evidence of damage to the frame but didn't have an answer for why it was happening either. All I can say is since I lost weight I've had no issues.

I've no plans to sell the bike so next time I need a new dropper I'll keep an eye on it and update the thread after a few months ride time.