seatpost question

ed said:

Hi all,

I have a bike that I'm fixing up. Rather than spend $20 for a new
seatpost of a not-so-common size (26.4), I found an old detachable
clamp-type "head" (not sure the term) to attach to the post I have.....
is there any reason (saftey is my biggest concern) that I should not
use this clamp-style head and go with a 1 piece unit?

thanx,

me

I assume you would have mentioned it if the post you have is anything
other than the "pipe" type that has the reduced diameter end to accept
the seperate clamp.

There isn't really an agreed upon term for them. "Seatpost clamp" is
probably as close as it gets, although it's ambiguous because all
seatposts have clamps. They're generally fine; it's possible for them
to fit somewhat badly due to imprecision, but as long as nothing can
move when it's all tightened down it should be fine. The way they
physically clamp the rails is kinda kludgy and could probably be an
issue on some saddles with somewhat delicate rails. I had a bike with
one that I rode quite a bit using a saddle with tubular ti and there
weren't any problems, though.