Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category

We have been getting lots of questions about correct seatpost collar size. Most of the questions have been along the lines of “my bike uses a 27.2 post, what size collar should I get.”

The answer is it could be 28.6, 29.8 or 31.8. It could even be a proprietary size we don’t make. Same is true for 31.6 posts, it can be 34.9 or 36.4 or, you get the point.

If the collar you are replacing does not have the size stamped or printed on it your best bet is to have the seat tube measured with calipers. Another great reason to visit your local bike shop!!

Because the occasional bug in our teeth just adds a few grams of protein to our daily nutritional intake

Because we don’t need to pay for fancy spa mud treatments, as some fire road riding after a rain does it all

Because long hours in the saddle allow for a little cowboy swagger

Because helmet hair beats out bed head any day

Because speeding down the road near thirty miles per hour makes us feel like we could race a gazelle across the Serengeti

Because all those hours on the road or trail ensure our asses look great in spandex

Because three + hours of pedaling ensures we deserve a beer or two…

Why do you ride?

Given some of the recent discussions about steerer tube failures and stem compatibility we thought we would clarify what we see as proper stem installation. These are changes that will be incorporated in our instructions soon.

First, the steerer tube should go all the way through the stem such that it requires a 5mm spacer between the top cap and stem. The steerer tube must be cut square and you need to be sure that after the stem cap is tightened to preload the stem that it is not touching the steerer tube. It is very important to follow the fork/bike manufacturers guidelines about maximum spacers under the stem, 30mm is a practical maximum.

Second, the star nut on a metal steerer, or compression plug on a carbon steerer must be in the steerer tube where the stem is clamping. Do not clamp an unsupported portion of steerer tube.

As parts get lighter it is key to use a torque wrench for tightening fasteners.

If you have questions about this do feel free to email or call.

Our instructions for both our stems and seatposts call for grease, not anti-seize, only on the threads of the bolts. Greasing under the heads of the bolt is not needed and can greatly change the amount of force generated by the bolt at our recommended torque, this can lead to premature failure of your components. With all Thomson products please take special care to grease only the threads of the bolt and use a torque wrench. Doing these things prolongs component life and gives you a better margin of safety while riding.