Hi all, I’ve been having problems with the seatpost slipping on my 90s Apollo Cheetah (Australian brand). No matter how much I tighten the bolts it always seems to come loose and begin to slip, and of late the issue has become worse where the seatpost twists left and right instead of just going down whenever I go over bumps. It seems like the bolt is maxing out at the head before it is sufficiently tight enough, is this a part that is easily replaceable? If you have recommendations on where I can get a replacement part in either Aus or via aliexpress/amazon that would be appreciated. Thanks!
by guypigeotto
15 Comments
It looks like you need a [seatpost binder bolt](https://problemsolversbike.com/products/binder-bolts). They come in various sizes, but any bike shop which sells or works on older steel frames (and many who don’t) will be able to size them for you.
It’s probably also worth checking whether or not you have the correct size of seatpost in there. It could be too small, and that’s your problem.
Seatpost looks way too small for that frame.
Is this original seatpost? Seems like it’s too small and can use a shim.
It’s clearly as closed as it’s going to get. I’d wager that seatpost is too small.
Take an aluminum can, cut it and shim it around your seatpost
It’s not the bolt you need. It’s the post. It’s worn out and too small.
You need a bigger seatpost, homie. That one’s too small for the frame.
You need a seat post binder bolt if you have slots in the hole for your seapost collar/tube – [https://www.jensonusa.com/problem-solvers-seat-binder-bolt-chromoly-19mm?loc=usa&pt_source=googleads&pt_medium=cpc&pt_campaign=&pt_keyword=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23020030719&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzI35s6aikAMVwofuAR0l6wL5EAQYAiABEgLi3PD_BwE](https://www.jensonusa.com/problem-solvers-seat-binder-bolt-chromoly-19mm?loc=usa&pt_source=googleads&pt_medium=cpc&pt_campaign=&pt_keyword=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23020030719&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzI35s6aikAMVwofuAR0l6wL5EAQYAiABEgLi3PD_BwE)
From there, I would get something flat to spread out the Seatpost collar/opening and get a caliper to find out generally what size your Seatpost should be. From there, order the Seatpost binder bolt inspect the hole to find the slotted mark to slide it in.
If you do not have slots you need a Seatpost clamp that is quick release – both of these are really inexpensive and easy to acquire. I’d hurry before prices get out of control.
Shim will work. Toothpaste (yes, I know it sounds funny) may get it to stop slipping as well. Gritty, white toothpaste really can work.
Put an extra washer under the acorn nut. You may then have an extra bit of crush on the seat post.
A bent one
Need new correct sized seatpost
The tube is probably stretched from over tightening the bolt. If you have a vernier, measure the tube diameter below the top tube. Measure the thickness of the seat tube, times that by two. Take the diameter, minus the double thickness, and that should be the seat post size. If the seat post is too small, find a proper one and very carefully install it. If the post is the right size, you need to take a hack saw and cut metal away between the bolt bosses.
The bolt is already bent, it is clearly overtightened
https://preview.redd.it/uqkgfnoow0vf1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23fa0e1da12549e827a5e3ba13717ee4b3df0057