How to Use Seat Posts

While road bikers can usually expect a smooth surface upon which to ride, mountain bike riders thrill at the prospect of difficult terrain. Similarly, competitive road bikers’ quest to lighten their ride leads them to demand different gear than casual riders. Both types of specialized cycling may benefit from custom seat posts, the part that attaches a bicycle’s seat to its frame. Whether installing a lightweight, carbon-fiber seat post or one with a suspension system, using an aftermarket seat post may help improve your performance.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Slotted screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Loosen the bolt that clamps the seat post into the bicycle frame using an adjustable wrench. Depending upon your bike’s hardware, you may also need to use a Phillips or slotted screwdriver.

    • 2

      Place one foot on a pedal and pull the seat post from the frame while leaving the seat, which is usually known as a saddle, attached to the seat post.

    • 3

      Turn the seat and seat post assembly upside down to access the hardware that attaches the seat to the seat post. Using an adjustable wrench or screwdriver as necessary, loosen the clamp that holds the saddle to the seat post.

    • 4

      Affix the saddle to the custom seat post using hardware and clamp mechanisms provided with it and appropriate tools.

    • 5

      Place the custom seat post back into the frame, and tighten the clamp just enough to hold the seat post into place without any weight upon it.

    • 6

      Rotate a pedal until it is in the 6 o’clock position in the crank, closest to the ground. Lightly sit on the saddle and place your foot on the pedal. If your foot reaches the pedal without swiveling your hips or bending your knee, the seat post is in the correct position. Otherwise, adjust the seat post’s height until your leg is fully extended when pedals sit at their lowest position.

    • 7

      Tighten the clamp that holds the seat post to the bicycle frame using appropriate hardware.