Re: [CR] seatpost misfit

  The parts look basically correct, but I think they are back to front.  The two upper clampps are different in that one has a wider groove for the saddle rails than the other.  This is to accommodate the narrowing of the rails towards the front of the saddle and enables the saddle to be adjusted slightly more rearwards than would otherwise be possible.  Similarly, the lower "supports" are handed.  You will notice that at one end the inside flange is reduced in height: this end should be at the front, again to accommodate the narrowing of the rails if you want the saddle adjusted right back.  There is often a bit of free play in the parts and quite often the saddle rail width is not exact, so it seems not to fit well until it is all clamped up.  It sometimes needs a bit of juggling and persuasion if the width of the saddle rails is not quite right.  I don't see anything in the photo or your description to say this is not all genuine Campy, but then I don't see anything to absolutely confirm that it is.  Prior to SR, there was a special Brooks saddle with significantly narrower rails and a special Campy seat post to suit, but this is not what you've got.  The "benefit" was that there was more rearward adjustment on the saddle, which you wouldn't need if the frame angles were right.  Obviously the idea didn't catch on, but the parts are sought after by those who like quirky bicycle bits.  It looks like, for the most part, the industry has accepted a standard saddle rail width to enable full interchangeability.

Hugh Thornton
Cheshire, England