Operation Manual

92 93
PART II
Periodic Seat Post Inspection
Frequent seat post checks are necessary to identify the
problems that can lead to an accident. Regularly or
in conjunction with your regular bike maintenance
routine, do the following:
1. Remove the seat binder from the frame seat post.
Clean the binder, the seat post, and inside the seat
tube. Use a clean dry towel. Do not use solvents.
2 Carefully inspect the seat post for damage (e.g.,
cracks, scratches, scrapes, gouges, splintering).
If the seat post is damaged in any way, (cracks,
scratches, scrapes, gouges, splintering), do not ride
it; discard it. Replace it with a new one.
3. Always properly torque saddle to seat post clamp
bolts. Too much torque may break the bolts.
Too little torque will result in movement which
leads to fatigue and bolt breakage.
WARNING
To avoid seat post or frame damage:
1. FOLLOW THE SEAT POST
MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS If
you do not have the manufacturer’s instructions for
your seat post, obtain and read them before using
the seat post.
2. INSPECT AFTER ANY CRASH, FALL,
OR IMPACT - Remove and inspect the seat
post for damage (eg., cracks, scratches, scrapes,
gouges, splintering). If you nd damage, replace
it with a new one. STOP RIDING A DAMAGED
SEAT POST IMMEDIATELY GO TO
PART II, Section D. Inspect For Safety. Read
“Understanding Composites” for information on
carbon ber
3. NEVER FORCE A SEAT POST INTO
THE SEAT TUBE. The seat post should always
be a slide t. If the seat post is dicult to install,
there is a serious problem. Do not shorten or cut
a seat post. Ask your Authorized GT Dealer for
help in properly tting and adjusting your seat
post.
4. KEEP THE SEAT POST’S “MINIMUM
INSERT” BELOW THE TOP OF THE SEAT
TUBE.
5. USE A TORQUE WRENCH TO
TIGHTEN SEAT POST BINDER AND ALL
SADDLE MOUNTING FASTENERS.
6. NEVER USE LIGHT OR SPRAY OILS
TO LUBRICATE A SEAT POST OR INSIDE
THE SEAT TUBE. Never use solvents, or
chemical spray cleaners to clean the inside of the
seat tube. Wipe out the seat tube with a clean dry
towel only. Light oils (WD40 and oils typically used
in honing) and solvents, and including chemical
cleaners can attack and weaken composite bonds
holding the frame together leading to breakage.
Follow the seat post and frame manufacturer
instructions. See also page 74.
YOU CAN BE SEVERELY INJURED,
PARALYZED OR KILLED IF YOUR
IGNORE THESE WARNINGS.