[frames to panes]

Been using the pole for about a week i suppose and love it but couldn't get on with the clamps that well, i found them too stiff - loosen them off and they don't grip the pole. So, over the weekend i was fiddling about and squirted a small amount of silicone spray onto the plastic inserts that the cams run on. Then i lubricated the metal rod bit that sits in the lever with a tiny drop of wd40 and hey presto! the clamps are great, easy to use to the extent that i forget all about them now. The perfect package.

[[GQC] Tim]

Sounds good, I'm gonna try that asap.

Thanks

[macmac]

Did the same with a drop of 3 in1 oil, beautiful   I think they would come good anyway with a bit of wear but hey, why not speed the process up a little.

Tony

[Alex Gardiner]

A little wear does loosen them up, but as you say why not help it along. Following this suggestion, I have done the same with some ptfe lubricating spray (not dry spray) on one of my clamps that was a little stiff and it has made it glide open very easily. (Just a note of caution - make sure it doesn't go on the pole sections itself).

I think that I will add this tip to the Service Guide for the pole. A little of this every couple of months would certainly help prolong ease of use through-out the life of the clamp.

Thanks Guys for the input, that's why I like this Forum. 

[Pj]

any news Alex?

[Alex Gardiner]

any news Alex?

On it's way PJ.  Hopefully with you tomorrow.

[Pj]

Thanks Alex.

[macmac]

Been using it all day & it really does make a world of difference to the opperation of the clamps.

Tony

[pingu]

So would any further poles be treated this way rather than the customer having to do these 'fixes'?

Dave.

[Alex Gardiner]

So would any further poles be treated this way rather than the customer having to do these 'fixes'?

Dave.

Many users have not had a problem with stiff clamps. It seems that only some poles have been affected by this and although easily rectified by adding lubrication or natural 'running in', the tolerances on the latest poles have been adjusted slightly so that the clamps are not as stiff initially to operate.  All clamps going out now are fully thread-locked by us (as they should have been originally from the factory) as standard.

As part of routine maintenance, it will be a good idea every couple of months or so to apply a little lubrication.

[frames to panes]

Dave, it's not a fault, it's just where they are brand new and being different they take a little getting used to. Mine just felt stiffer than i liked - just not used to them, so a spot of lubrication eased the action a little. They are a good design because when released there is very little friction on the pole so should prolong any wear on the pole sections.

[frames to panes]

If you ride a decent bicycle you'll know what they work like. They are very similar to the seat tube quick release on bikes. If youve used them you'll remember how the last couple of mm stiffen up - similar thing only no where near as tight.

[pingu]

I'm am only suggesting that a lot of complaint/issues since the release of the pole has been directly at the clamp mechanism which seems to have been resolved with a little of this and a little of that...

As someone who was on the first list to rx a pole (have had to put it on hold as I am also awaitng the extension..expensive shipping 2 loads of gear to Holland....) if issues have been highlighted would the fixes be applied...nothing more, I am not slagging it off...I am getting very impatient to get my hands on my full order...

ooppps now as I have had my head in my bottom...I have missed Alex's POST....SORRY you answered the question...

Dave.

[macmac]

I'll add a bit more if it helps anyone-

When i first opened my sl-x & gave it a quick go outside the house i was (initially) a bit dissapointed with the opperation characteristics of the clamps. One week later (& with a drop of lube) my oppinion has completely changed & i now view these clamps as better than the facelift ones ( & they take some beating ) !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tony