Ciocc seatpost bolt over-tightened?

I picked up a very nice 80s Ciocc recently. However, I am not sure the seat post is the correct size. The bolt seems to be pulling it in too tight. Maybe I'm imagining it, see pics, one with 26.8 post fitted, the other with the post removed. In both the centre area where the bolt fits seems pulled very tight, even though I used just 5nm to tighten it. Could it be 27.0?

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Had the same issue with my Concorde, seller said it was 26.8 so I went with it. It’s 27.2.

If the seatpost slips in too easily it’s likely too small. Though may not be the case if your seat tube is already deformed at the top.

I’d have thought it would more likely be 27.2 than 27. Do you have a larger seatpost to try? You may need to very gently pry it open with a screwdriver to get it in the first bit. Not sure that's a recommended approach so don't necessarily listen to my advice.

What’s the tubing? Google it and see what you find. Mine was Columbus Brain which was largely 27.2.

Mine has a similar seatpost binding to yours too. And yes agree it doesn’t look right. I now put an inner tube valve ring between mine when I tighten to avoid over tightening and damaging the frame.

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I don't know what tubing it has, the old Columbus sticker lacks details (I think only the newer Columbus stickers had an actual grade of tubing stated). Originally I had assumed it was 26.8 and therefore Aelle. Now looking at the seat post scenario I'm less sure. NB: The post doesn't slide in very easily.

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I see. To be honest, if it is the wrong size the damage is probably already done anyway. It may also be fine and correct, but it doesn't look right to me. I'd expect that gap to be uniform.

If the seatpost doesn't slip when you ride it (I found out on particularly bumpy ride one day), then you may as well carry on as you are.

Maybe ask in the AQA thread if it's going to nag at you.

Funnily enough, my concorde is one of the higher end earlier ones that I believe was actually made by no other than..... Ciocc.

Doesn't mean anything, just coincidence.

Sorry for bombardment of posts.

Maybe post a pic of the whole frame, see if anyone recognises the model and can confirm the diameter.

Sheldon only has two Ciocc models listed - both 27.2:

Ciöcc Designer 1984 27.2 Columbus SL
Ciöcc Mockba '80 1984 27.2

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/seatpost-sizes.html

That does look like the wrong pist has been used. Now the clamp is warped, it won’t feel too easy to move the post, but I bet below the clamp there’s a sliver of air bewteen post & tube.

Ream it back out for a 27, at a framebuilder you trust to not kill your ciocc.

To add to this, what size is the frame? Some builders have been known to flip the seat tube on larger frames so the BB end is 27.2 and post end is 26.8 etc...

It is a 53/54. I think it is one owner from new, I bought it from a mature gent so surprising for him to have inserted the wrong size post, but you never know.

Actually just found this thread which shows a very similar looking seat post area. Perhaps just a Ciocc thing? https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/259838/#comment12596038

You may of saved my daccordi with this thread. I was sold it with the info it was for 27.0 seat posts but when I recieved it I found the clamp to be the same as yours looks. I even went back and forth with the seller saying it looked like there was a bit of stress on the clamp. He assured me I was an idiot and didnt know enough. I took his word and kind of forgot about it.

I've just gone back and double checked and inside the tube theres a build up of dirt I hadn't seen and now with a good clean it's clearly 27.2.

Thank you! Hopefully no serious damage.

Slot looks uneven and too slim.

I'd put money on the post being too small.

I'm not a fan of binder slots that aren't drilled at the end*. It looks like the slot goes right to the end of the lug so there might not be room to drill it but if you are taking it to a framebuilder anyway might be worth asking their opinion.

*I've made stems and slotted but not drilled them and you have to horse the binder up to get the stem to clamp. Add a drilling at the end of the slot and the stem clamps onto the steerer much more securely with less torque on the binder.

OK, removed the bolt and teased the binding area out a bit using a flimsy plastic wallpaper scraper (I didn't want to use a screwdriver as it seems risky). It certainly looks a bit better now. Would be good to get someone to look at it, any recommendations for somewhere to take it in London? I must admit I'm wary of going to a frame builder as it doesn't seem like it will require anything significant doing. Mainly I think I need to clarify the post size and possibly get it reamed or opened out a little by someone who knows what they are doing.

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Maybe get or borrow a larger old/beater seatpost to see what fits. May not need anything further needed doing to it.

I say beater seatpost as it's likely going to get scratched. Try a 27.2 and 27. Whichever you get your hands on first. Prob got a 27.2 you can try based in E5 but I'm not around much this week or next.

Or ask for an opinion in any LBS. They'll prob have spares lying around too.

A good bike shop will have a reamer.

Thanks greeno, I have various 27.2 posts I could try. 27 I don't have, but the more I research it the more it seems 27 is unlikely.

I thought I'd update as it might be useful to someone in the future who encounters a similar scenario. After leaving it sitting around for a few days with the bolt open I gave the inside a quick clean with wire wool. 27.2 now fits neatly. So I assume it just had the wrong size post fitted previously. Thanks to all for the advice.