You have a nice carbon frame cycle, but suddenly, the seat post broke. Or maybe you are not enjoying the carbon seat post because you are very comfortable with the aluminum one.
You are wondering whether you can use an aluminum seatpost in carbon frame?
Yes, of course, you can use aluminum seatpost in carbon frames. Aluminum seatpost has great reliability, and it’s strong. Besides, it can be ridden with tough mountains. The price is also cheap. But galvanic corrosion by carbon fiber is one of the main problems. It can be reduced by carbon paste.
That was just a short story of what’s coming next. So stick with us to know more.
Can You Use Aluminum Seatpost in Carbon Frame?
Yes, you can use an aluminum seatpost in a carbon frame. It will give you many advantages. But you have to be careful about galvanic corrosion.
Afraid of hearing that term? Fear not! We will explain it below.
Carbon fiber works like an electricity conductor. As a result, galvanic corrosion seems to be a serious possibility whenever aluminum and carbon are combined.
As a result, many carbon frames have a specific aluminum sleeve in the seat tube. This activity aims to harmonize the seat post and framework material.
You should check whether your bike’s carbon frame has an aluminum sleeve. It will give you extra benefits from corrosion.
If the carbon structure lacks that sleeve, the simplest way to avoid corrosion is to get a carbon seat post. Therefore, the components of the seat post and the frame coincide. Or you can also use carbon grease.
Can I Install an Aluminum Seatpost in a Carbon Frame by Myself?
Yes. And if you can. You should think about installing an aluminum seatpost to the carbon frame yourself.
Here’s someone who installed an aluminum seatpost in an old French bike.
However, it is critical to ensure that perhaps the size is just not excessively large.And keep this in mind. For instance, fitting an aluminum seatpost on a carbon frame can still save you money.
You may also be thinking about aluminum seatpost in steel frames. Well, that is also another option you can do if you have a steel frame.
Because it is less expensive than installing a carbon frame or other options. You will also be benefited from the qualities of aluminum.
You can, nevertheless, hire somebody to attach the aluminum seatpost if you prefer. But then that would require small money.
And if you’re feeling brave, simply begin doing that immediately. So, if you’re prepared, go to the following section.
How to Install Aluminum Seatpost in a Carbon Frame by Myself?
Installing the Aluminum seatpost is very easy. But what are the procedures for installing aluminum seatpost in carbon frames?
To install an aluminum seatpost in a carbon frame, first, measure the diameter of the seatpost. Then, loosen the bolt and apply grease. Afterward, input the tube correctly. In the last step, you need to tighten the bolt so that it doesn’t wobble.
Seems to be easy. But, there is more to it. So, let’s follow these steps to do the process.
Measure the Diameter of the Seatpost:
We may have overlooked all the nooks and crannies of a seatpost which is critical. It is really important to know the diameter. It will not go in if the diameter is wider than the actual frame.
On the contrary, if the diameter is loose, it will not be comfortable. The seat will not stay in your convenient location. Use a caliper to measure the inside and outside diameter of the tube.
Now according to the perfect measurement, choose the perfect aluminum seat post. Some of the best aluminum seatpost are listed below.
- One of the most reliable seatpost is UPANBIKE Bike Seat Post Aluminum Alloy. You can check the price on Amazon.
- A premium seat post for yourself is FOMTOR Bicycle Seatpost. You can check for availability on Amazon.
- As a cheap yet reliable option, you can seek ZUKKA Bike Seatpost. You can check the price on Amazon.
Loosen the Bolt:
Open the seat post quick release lever or loosen the bolt down on the seat post collar. Then take it out of the seat post carefully.
Apply the Grease:
Grease is important for the seat post. Apply a small amount of carbon assembly paste around the bottom part of the seatpost. It will help the bike to avoid galvanic corrosion with the carbon frame.
Input it Properly:
Input the tube in the frame properly. Make sure you put the minimum “Insert Line” in the frame. Otherwise, the seat post will not stand on the frame.
Tight the Bolt:
If you have a quick release lever, close it towards the frame. It could have shown some resistance. But if the measurement is right, it would not be so tough.
Tight it with an Allen wrench if you have a seat post collar with a hex bolt. Then you have to do that until it reaches your hand palm.
Be careful with carbon seatpost torque. Use a torque wrench to do much tighter. Make sure the Newton Meter is with the seat post collar.
Check it Properly:
Check seatpost tightness by grasping the saddle and moving it from side to side. There should be no movement.
Give a ride to your favorite cycle and double-check again.
Advantages of Using Aluminum Seatpost in Carbon Frame
We will not go and compare carbon seatpost and aluminum. But there are certain advantages and disadvantages of using an aluminum seatpost in a carbon frame. Let’s go with benefits at first!
Low Price:
The biggest advantage of using alloy seatpost in carbon frames is pricing. Like, who does not want to save some extra cash?
You can easily get alloy seat posts starting at 8 or 9 dollars. And higher the price goes up, you will get much better quality.
On the contrary, the carbon seat post frame is much higher. The starting price is 30 dollars.
That means you can save more than 20 dollars on a single-seat post. And then you can invest that money in other parts of the cycle.
Strong Reliability:
Both aluminum and carbon fiber each have their breaking points. Aluminum is well-known for its toughness. It can withstand harder riding conditions, frictions, and vibrations.
However, in regards to durability, aluminum outperforms carbon fiber.
The issue with carbon fiber is that it straightens out breakouts. Aluminum sustains significant damage and can fracture, yet it can flex in rare instances. So there is still some chance.
The same cannot be said for the carbon fiber seatpost. So it’s best not to expect carbon Seatpost to outlast aluminum Seatpost.
Disadvantages of Using Aluminum Seatpost in Carbon Frame
There are some crucial points to think about upgrading it. You may have to look at it.
Extra Weight:
The carbon seat posts are intended to substitute aluminum or titanium chassis to reduce weight on the bicycle.
The mass of a carbon seat post may vary from 120 to 280g. Rides are smoother and more pleasant with carbon seat posts. But you can find lightweight aluminum seatpost on the market.
Reduce Damping Effect:
It has been discovered that a carbon seat post requires less effort to flex than a standard bike frame. A very well carbon seat post stretches 100 times more than a steel frame.
An elastic seat post reduces the frequency of road vibrations and assists with big effects in rough terrain such as gravel roads.
On the contrary, aluminum is a rigid substance that cannot withstand roughness. Rather, it transmits the resistance to the rider’s lower and upper bodies. Hence, carbon seatpost in carbon frames are great options.
Last Suggestion
So what are you thinking you would choose? The aluminum seat post is great, But keep in mind the galvanic corrosion with the carbon frame.
But then again, if your pocket is almost empty and you need to save some extra cash, go with an aluminum frame. It will almost give you the same performance as a carbon frame.
And if you are very comfortable with the aluminum seat post, there is no reason to change it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a torque wrench required while working on carbon frames?
On carbon frameworks, using a torque wrench is considerably more necessary. because carbon does not bend very much before breaking. A torque wrench is ideal for carbon frames since it allows you to establish the right torque without risk of damage.
Is it more pleasant to ride with a carbon seatpost?
A taller cyclist will experience a more pleasant ride with a fixed spring rate. A lighter rider will experience more vibration and heavy impacts. Carbon seatposts also perform significantly more efficiently with more visible seatposts. It gives taller riders a greater performance.
Will a carbon seatpost be used in an aluminum frame?
Yes, of course, you can use it. But keep in mind galvanic corrosion. If not shielded, carbon will galvanically erode with metal. Use CF assembling paste to prevent post slippage at low torques and to safeguard the carbon or metal interface.
Conclusion
So, what do you think after reading this article? Did we miss anything? Do let us know in the comment section.
We hope you get a clear idea about the aluminum seatpost in the carbon frame.
Always be careful when riding. Be hydrated and be safe. Best of Luck!
