[CR]Frozen seat post, Julie's Moto Super Mirage

(Example: Framebuilders:Dario Pegoretti)

To: Dale Brown <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
From: "Jon Spangler" <hudsonspangler@earthlink.net>
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:08 -0700
Subject: [CR]Frozen seat post, Julie's Moto Super Mirage

Jon Spangler Writer/Editor Linda Hudson Writing 510-864-0370/FAX 864-2144 MOBILE 510-846-5356 hudsonspangler@earthlink.net Julie,

Patience--and using the correct rust remover--are the two keys to success. Here's what i would try, but others may have better ideas. (When in doubt, call your local shop and ask for help first.)

First, try Liquid Wrench (available at your local hardware store) instead of WD-40. It comes in spray and liquid versions. (Other, stronger rust removing solvents may be available, but I would not want to work with them.)

With the bike upright, remove the seat post bolt completely and drip/ spray generous quantities of the Liquid Wrench around the post from as many angles as possible. Keep the LW off of other parts. Then WAIT at least 30 minutes for the rust to loosen up before you try to remove the seat post again.

If it does not move when you (or a stronger companion) twist it, try more of the LW, and wait an hour or two. Repeat if needed. A few taps on the seat post with a rubber mallet may help loosen things up, but be careful of damaging your saddle and the frame finish.

You can also remove the cranks and bottom bracket and, with the bike upside down, drip or spray lots of the Liquid Wrench down the seat tube (towards the seat post). Wait a couple of hours or overnight before you try removing the post.

Still stuck? Call your local bike shop for help, or take the bike back for a visit. (Prayer may help, too. :-)

best of luck to you,

Jon (who has a "free" Schwinn MTB frame with a still-rusted-solidly-in BB in the garage. Sometimes dynamite or a hacksaw are the only tools that work! :-)

Alameda, California USA

Date: Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:43:37 -0400 From: Julie Cleveland <juliecleveland@mac.com> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Hi, I'm new, need to lower seat post Message-ID: <5BEEB491-1B0F-4C64-9291-4B00929CC394@mac.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Precedence: list Message: 6

I know, I know, it sounds dumb and like I'm a dufus. I (finally) got my nostalgia bike after looking for it for 15 years, mostly on Ebay and the like, a Moto Super Mirage, late 70s (was hard to find the smallest frame they make)-- Anyhow, I got it and it needed a bit of work, so brought it to bike shop and then brought it home (w/out doing any adjustments there) and figured I could make all adjustments myself, like adjusting handlebars and the seat. No prob. The seat post will not go up or down. Help. I lubed it w/WD40, and asked for (male) help (I'm a petite female, only 5'2" with practically no upper arm strength) and he (my bro) could not get the seat post to move either. Help. I can't wait to ride my bike!!! _julie_c