Carbon Pastes

Friction Pastes, (also known as Carbon Pastes) work by increasing the friction between two surfaces, for example: a seat post and a seat tube. This increase in friction reduces the amount of clamping force that needs to be applied by a seat post clamp for example, reducing the risk of crushing delicate components.

If you've ever tightened a seat post clamp to the maximum torque value only for the seat post to continue slipping you'll understand why you need Friction Paste. Unlike old steel bikes, you can't just crank down on bolt anymore without causing expensive damage. Components are designed to be as light as possible and if you are unlucky enough to damage a carbon seat post, or worse, a frame, the repair or replacement cost isn't cheap.

The majority of Friction Pastes on the market increase the friction through the use of small sand-like Silica particles which they mix through a tacky substrate. The substrate sticks onto the component you are trying to hold, and the Silica particles increase the friction - much like trying to rub two pieces of sand paper together. The only issue with this concept is that the extremely hard and sharp Silica particles love to scratch delicate finishes and paint - not something you want on your expensive Carbon Seat Post. That's why we love Motorex Carbon Paste so much - it uses a proprietary chemical composition to increase the coefficient of friction without the need for any particles.

Yes!

Not many people are aware of this, but dropper posts are actually very sensitive to torque due to the tight tolerance bushings and sleeves inside, which will bind up if too much external pressure is applied from a seat post clamp. Using Carbon Paste is a great way to reduce the amount of clamping force.

Yes!

Carbon Paste is a great way to reduce clamping forces on Carbon Handlebars. While an obvious place to use it is the stem clamping area, we also recommend using it where the Shifters clamp on if you're using drop bars.

Yes!

All the Friction Pastes we sell are safe for use on aluminium, which is essential if when you're fitting a carbon seat post into an aluminium frame, or fitting a dropper post into a carbon frame.

We don't recommend using friction paste on Aluminium to Aluminium interfaces if possible though as it isn't as thick as grease and tends to cause creaking. If you experiencing slipping you can definitely give it a go, we just wouldn't recommend it if you're not having any issues.

Many Carbon Pastes use extremely hard and sharp Silica particles which love to scratch delicate finishes and paint - not something you want on your expensive Carbon Seat Post.

That's why we love Motorex Carbon Paste so much - it uses a proprietary chemical composition to increase the coefficient of friction without the need for any particles.