Reader question: I use Dynamics grease to grease the carbon seat post and carbon handlebars. It has the property of hardening relatively quickly, so the hardened grease sticks to the carbon parts. I also notice that the carbon surfaces become matt. How can I remove the hard grease from the carbon parts without damaging the structure? How should the matt appearance be interpreted, does the grease attack the surface? Do I need to re-grease when the grease hardens?
H. P. Ettenberger, BIKE test laboratory: We recommend using assembly paste such as that from Dynamics only on components that are mounted and then no longer adjusted (handlebar stem clamp, apply once). In the case of the seat post, which is frequently adjusted, the particles in the paste can work their way into the top layer of paint, resulting in a matt effect or even scratches. Silicone spray is therefore the better choice for the seat post, as it acts as a separating agent between the materials, prevents sticking and still provides sufficient clamping force. Normal grease can stick here.
