I gave out some misleading information associated with the continuous improvements made to the 2008 Madone's seat cap design. I want to set the record straight.
Visually, the difference is that the newer cap has a painted clamp and the carbon portion of the cap is now 10mm longer. The added length allows for a broader range of height adjustment. The added length applies to both the standard and long caps and to all three seat offset options.
The new black clamp is also positioned at 90 degrees to the cap (not angled like the original) so the clamp is more effective. This 90 degree repositioning decreased the torque required to keep the cap in place. The clamp bolts are now torqued to 5-7 N*m.
The section width of the revised clamp is 15mm narrower on the new clamp so rider's legs have even more room.
These revisions went into place in September of 2007 and were on sale to consumers in October of 2007.
The internal dimensions of the older and newer cap are the same. The caps are interchangeable, the clamps are not. Trek dealers are not exchanging old for new but new caps can be purchased individually.
Hope this info answers any questions you have.
Above is the new clamp design. Below is the old.
Keith
How about a new vs. old picture.
January 14, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Thomas Talbert
Good show re revision to cap and clamp.
The new clamp provides more state-of-art synergy to the new Madone. I look forward to using it on my new 6.9 Project One.
Cheers,
TAT
January 15, 2008 at 07:04 AM
John Hodnett
Do the new seat clamps accept larger rail saddles? For example the new Selle Italia Flite saddles.
Thanks! -- John
January 17, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Justin
Has the choice of seat cap changed with the larger Madone frames? I noticed a new Madone 6.5 Pro at the shop with the taller seat cap on it, and the shop guy said the 58 and 60cm frames are coming with tall caps on now.
January 23, 2008 at 03:40 AM
Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bike Brand Manager
Justin asks about tall caps on larger frame sizes. Yes, the 58cm and larger frames now come with the tall cap as standard equipment.
January 23, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bike Brand Manager
Bontrager has designed an oversized seat rail clamp to accommodate seats with odd sized/carbon rails. This parts kit will be available to dealers on 1 April. Check with your local dealer to make an order.
January 24, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Vince
Scott,
Any update on the availability of the oversize seat rail clamp?
I checked with the local shop and they have not heard anything yet. Thanks in advance,
V
April 01, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Scott Daubert, Trek Road Bikes Brand Manager
V- The seat caps with the oversized rail clamps are in stock. Go to your local Trek dealer and ask them to order part number 406923.
April 09, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Alan Jon
Hello.
Will the oversize seat rails fit a Fizik Arione with 7x9 Carbon Rails.
Many Thanks,
Alan
February 15, 2009 at 03:53 PM