Best Seat clamp

2. Saddle clamp with hexagon socket screw: These saddle clamps function similarly to the “old” saddle clamps with clamping bolts. However, a much smaller hexagon socket screw is used here, which presses the clamping ring tighter around the seat tube with each revolution. By using this type of bolt, the saddle height can also be adjusted using a small Allen key or multi-tool for bicycles. These saddle clamps are used for almost all types of bicycles. However, these are standard especially on racing bikes, where it is particularly important that the saddle is firmly seated at high speeds and loads.

3. Quick-release clamp: With the quick-release clamp (also: eccentric clamp), the clamping pressure is also generated by a screw. However, the screw is equipped with a lever and often also a spring mechanism. This allows the saddle clamping to be adjusted manually without any tools. However, depending on the material and manual force used to tighten the clamp, the seat tube may sink in over time. Saddle clamps with quick-releases are used particularly frequently on mountain bikes, as the seat height must be adjusted for optimum riding comfort, depending on the terrain requirements, even during a tour.

Anyone who wants to replace a defective saddle clamp should therefore know how the bicycle is used. While the quick release is the product of choice for mountain bikes, everyday bikes and children’s bicycles, all others use saddle clamps with hexagon socket screws for a better clamping effect. Clamps with clamping bolts should always be replaced because they are easier to handle.

Which saddle clamp is the right one? Just as there are different saddle tube diameters, there are also saddle clamps of different sizes so that the clamps cannot be used universally. When buying the saddle clamp, you have to pay attention to the diameter of the saddle clamp. This value is usually given in relation to the outer diameter of the seat tube. The most common saddle clamps are those with diameters of 31.8, 34.9 and 36 millimetres. Intermediate sizes are available in increments of 2 millimetres. Before buying, measuring the old seat clamp or seat tube is immensely important. Some saddle clamps even have a large-area double clamp with two Allen screws. These promise extra strong hold and also protect the material of the frame at the clamping point.

What better way is aluminium or carbon? saddle clamps today are made of either carbon or aluminium. While aluminium saddle clamps are the all-purpose weapon for all types of bicycles, carbon saddle clamps are used exclusively for very high-quality racing bikes, triathlon bikes and mountain bikes. Carbon models are somewhat lighter than aluminium models, but due to the more expensive production they are also more expensive. Aluminium, on the other hand, is somewhat more robust and forgives too high a torque during assembly rather than carbon. For most cyclists, an aluminium saddle clamp is therefore the best choice. Only those who want to save the last gram of weight or want to replace the saddle clamp on their carbon frame will use the carbon clamp.