First Time for Everything

[Mart]

Broke a saddle rail yesterday, puzzled as to why (Brooks Cambium C17/Thompson post)
Broke at the back where the seatpost clamps. been on there for about a year without being adjusted
I did wonder if it was just too much for it with a seatpack hanging off the back

Anyone else had any issues with saddles and bikepacking?

[ScotRoutes]

If you search for Cambium on here...

[redefined_cycles]

My copy of San Marco Aspide Superleggera carbon did similar... braided carbon rails and only a measly 120g (should be illegal running 17L loaded saddlepack with such a saddle). Didn't brake as such but where the rails enter the rear end of the saddle it well... broke!

Will try and send a pic later. But a Brooks at their weights surely they shouldn't be braking... right

[psling]

It's surprising (or maybe not!) how many bike components have an advised maximum weight limit and I guess with regard to saddles then the weight of kit hanging off it should be considered along with the rider weight (talking generally, not Cambium specific). There will always be a margin but equally, there will always be a fail point over time.
Also, if something metal is clamped in a particular place and never moved/released/adjusted then stress can cause a weak spot over time and certain metals will eventually fail (I have had this happen with a ti handlebar at the stem clamp).

[Lazarus]

assume they have to have a maximum weight, no way i can ever get near these limits, but the down side is always always having to own air forks and shocks.

Never broke any beefy component [ seat. crank pedals bars* even] but i have done frames and wheels.

How many bikepackers have broken seats and what types may be a better question [ with their weight] as I dont know anyone who has ever broken a seat rail

* i have bent a set of bars a long time ago and memory suggests a tree was involved in this but i cannot recall it fully.

[Mart]

First time for me ever, 85kg rider and maybe 5kg max of seatpack (estimate as never weighed it)
so 90kg total weight.

[Moder-dye]

Had a rail snap once (can't remember the saddle), but there wasn't any thing other than me and a normal road saddle bag and I was road riding. A guy helped me bodge it with a headless nail and gaffa tape to get me to the nearest bike shop before closing as I was away from home.

I have the c17 all weather and its been fine (so far) on two 'gravel' packing trips, both 4 days with a full saddle bag.

[jameso]

This is why I don't use Ti railed saddles anymore, I've had 2 shear/break at the edge of the clamp. Not sure what grade Ti was used but I went back to good ol' crmo. I guess the Brooks is steel/crmo though?

[redefined_cycles]

This is why I don't use Ti railed saddles anymore, I've had 2 shear/break at the edge of the clamp. Not sure what grade Ti was used but I went back to good ol' crmo. I guess the Brooks is steel/crmo though?

Can you remember what make saddles they were... I had been planning on getting a ti railed by Selle Italy or San Marco

[jameso]

Both were made by Velo, I know that - as far as I'm aware San Marco don't (didn't) get their saddles made there. Not sure about Selle Italia, I don't think so though.

[Richard G]

I've bent two... I assume in crashes rather than being a lardarse.

Never snapped any though.