Seatpost Clamp Mods & Final Build Weight – X68 Update
As I mentioned in earlier posts, I’ve been working on modding the seatpost to refine the setup and shave off some extra weight. Here’s the latest:
For the front clamp, I sourced an M5 barrel nut sized 8.5mm x 13.5mm. It’s a bit smaller in diameter than the original (which was around 10mm, but in M6 size). Couldn’t find a 10mm M5 version anywhere, but this one works fine despite the slightly looser fit. The original nut was also longer and had an angled end for aesthetics — not critical functionally, but worth noting.
Everything was cleaned and reassembled using:
• Grease on all threads and contact points.
• Carbon paste on the saddle rail clamping area.
The front yoke came threaded, but since the clamp force is between the bolt head and barrel nut, those threads aren’t ideal. You’d normally want to either drill the yoke to clear the threads or use a bolt with an unthreaded section where it passes through. That said, I made it work for now without issue.
Saddle setup:
• Saddle leveled precisely.
• Rear bolt torqued to 5–5.5 Nm with a touch of blue Loctite for added security.
• Final seatpost weight: 128.4g after all mods.
• 40g shaved off total with the seatpost + saddle changes.
Took the X68 out again for a ride this evening — everything held up perfectly. Clamp still solid post-ride. This style of yoke clamp (similar to Darimo’s design clamp which is torqued to 4nm)and like the rest of the bolts on my bike (stem, top cap, seatpost clamp), I always double-check torque and occasionally use blue Loctite where needed.
Crank bolts also holding firm, no movement or loosening.
With these mods, the bike now sits at 6.45 kg. No further changes planned — happy with the setup as it is.
I’ll be trying the 50/60 XMC wheels once they land. They were originally for the SL8 but I’ll run them on the X68 first. With them lighter cassette , the weight should drop to around 6.35 kg. Will report back after testing.
All well had a ride out again all good no issues so far to report!
