Cane Creek Thudbuster ST G4 clamps are poorly designed

[mata2maui]

Recent Amazon purchase but having issues with the clamping mechanism in terms of securing the saddle. You have to severely over-torque the clamp bolt (25Nm instead of the 16Nm recommended) or the rails will work loose. Problem is this Thudbuster clamps to the rails horizontally as opposed to vertically, as a result, the rails can work themselves upward while you ride. IOW, they don't clamp down on the rails they pinch them. The over-torque 25 Nm is the level that holds the rails securely, but I don't want to snap the small clamp bolt while riding it so I am trying to come up with a fix that will secure the seat at the 16Nm recommended.

 

[mata2maui]

Ok, applied black duct tape to the rails at the clamp points, wrapped tightly to a 3-4mm thickness. Now the clamps work better at the recommended torque. Should a $179 suspension seat post need duct tape to work properly??

 

[2wheels4fun]

I agree, mine broke (clamp bolt) when I installed a new seat just recently.
I bought a new Brooks b67 and installed it on my stock non suspension seatpost and it works better (more adjustable and secure) than the thudbuster st I have. The thudbuster keeps my seat too far back from the bars.
The Brooks b67 is the most comfortable seat I have had, no need for a suspension seatpost with a weak clamp design.
I bought a new clamp kit from Cane Creek $36.00, maybe my wife will like it over her springer seat post.

 

[mschwett]

frustrating. the side clamp is a pretty common design, usually designed for rails that have a rough/matt finish. never had a problem with the more common specialized version when properly torqued. are the rails on your seat totally smooth? you could also try some assembly paste.

 

[2wheels4fun]

The Brooks saddle rails widen towards the rear of the seat. I can’t really adjust the seat as far forward as I need to.
I had a Fizik argo 3 that worked ok with the thudbuster, but after a couple years of riding on it it started to hurt my sit bones.
I really like my Brooks spring seat, can do 40 mile rides without my butt hurting.

 

[mata2maui]

The Brooks saddle rails widen towards the rear of the seat. I can’t really adjust the seat as far forward as I need to.
I had a Fizik argo 3 that worked ok with the thudbuster, but after a couple years of riding on it it started to hurt my sit bones.
I really like my Brooks spring seat, can do 40 mile rides without my butt hurting.

I am ordering the B67! Had a chance to try a friends Brooks Flyer and liked it, but the width of the B67 will suit me better I think.

 

[DiggyGun]

Yes, they are awful clamps. I just couldn’t get my saddle to stay in the correct position. The nose of the saddle just kept on getting higher.

In the end, changed to a Cane Creek eeSilk+, which has a much improved saddle clamp.

DG…