Tips on installing a seatpost?

Question

My frame fits a 26mm seatpost and I bought that size (exactly 26mm). However, I can only get the seatpost in halfway and it seems as if I can't it down any more.

Any tips to get a bit more in? Thanks!

Answer 1

Grease it. Pound it in with a rubber mallet.

If it still doesn't go, it's too long, and you'll need to cut it shorter.

Answer 2

Difficult to say. Is it free until it stops, or does it just get harder and harder?  If the former there may be an unintentional (a bur or bump which can be filed down) or intentional limit to insertion length (e.g. to make the downtube thicker/stronger there may be a lip part way down). If the former you probably don't have the right size (even 0.1 or 0.2 mm difference won't fit). Some grease may help if it's just a bit stiff ... but I suggest shining a flashlight down the tube to see if something is blocking the seatpost (as noted if a flaw it can be filed down).

That all said, some seatposts are very long and not intended to be inserted all the way. It's possible you have a mountain bike post and trying to fit a road frame. You need a shorter post, or to cut off the long one (be careful to file the cut end before inserting)

Answer 3

Take a hacksaw and cut off a bit at the bottom of the seatpost. Just make sure enough of the post enters the tube to keep you safe.

Answer 4

Depending on the type of frame, some times the welding causes a small deformation on the inside of the tube, check for this and file away if there.