I have a Lynskey gravel bike I bought new back in June. Sometime in July it started making a loud cracking noise. I’m no stranger to finding and tracking noises on bikes, but this one was a goose chase. Finally narrowed it down to saddle/seat post then finally to the shim that inserts into the Ti seat tube. Lynskey bonds these inserts with 2-part epoxy.
I reached out to Lynskey, they sent me a replacement shim and 3M 110 2-part epoxy. I removed the original shim, cleaned thoroughly, then replaced the original. No problems for a few months, but then the issue surfaced again. So, I removed, cleaned, and installed the NEW shim they sent me. Had to hammer it in the last 1/2 inch or so, so I knew it was snug.
Almost immediately, the sound got worse. Every time I shift in the saddle, increase power or move side to side as I shift, it’s “crack! Crack! Crack!” I’ve reached out to Lynskey (again) to try to find a solution, but this has been a multi-month ordeal with over 50 emails exchanged. I’m tired of dealing with it and would like a permanent solution, even if that means using a looser shim and grease.
I feel like I’ve exhausted the options at this point.
by seabiscuit1024
3 Comments
It’s hard to tell, but it almost looks like the seat tube is flared out at the top. That would be an issue if it is.
Other than tha, have you used assembly compound on the seatpost itself when installing?
My experience is cracking/ snaping is caused by dirt in a gap somewhere. The tube / shim/ post combo has twice as much area to get crud into.
Do you absolutely have to run the shim? Is the seat tube a weird size, or can you find a post to fit directly in?
Edit: are you absolutely sure it is the post and not the saddle that is making the noise?
I have the GR300. I didn’t opt for a Ti seatpost. I also don’t have a shim(?).
Likewise, Is it possible that another seatpost material comes in a diameter that will straight up fit more snug?
It’s an honest question. I have not heard of this issue before, on this bike.
Last… Some other suspects: saddle rail assembly, and seatpost binder/clamp.
Can you not run it without the shim and get a new seatpost?