Fizik ICS and UMS Mount Fitment
KB-00001 2019-01-19
Issue:
The Universal Mount System (UMS) is too tight/loose in the Fizik ICS slot
Information:
The Fizik ICS slot is a standard slot across Fizik saddles. Unfortunately, they are not always manufactured exactly the same. The UMS mounts are designed to fit tightly in the ICS slot. However, on some saddles it is so tight it might seem impossible to insert. In other cases, it may be loose. This article will describe how to adjust the UMS mount to overcome these situations.
Background:
Carbon Fizik saddles, that is Fizik saddles with a carbon support structure, are known to have a slightly smaller in height ICS slot with zero 'give' relative to the non-carbon variety. This can cause the UMS mount to get extremely tight. In other cases, it may actually be loose, although that is much more rare.
This type of carbon ICS slot is known to be very tight more often than not.
The non-carbon ICS is generally safe with a good fit out of the box.
How to fix an overly tight fit
The UMS mounts have two small wedges (nubs) on top of each arm. Using a nail file or sandpaper, sand a small amount of the nubs away. Test the fit, and if necessary, sand some more away until it fits tightly, but not so much you fear breaking the mount, or is overly difficult to insert and remove.
A nail file will work best, and is easier and faster.
When using sandpaper, place the sandpaper flat on a fixed surface, flip the UMS over and sand it by holding the sandpaper in place.
Go slow, and check the fitment often. It won't take much to get a good fit. Note that filing these nubs down does NOT void your warranty.
If you have filed the nubs off completely, and it is still too tight, contact us for an RMA.
How to fix an overly loose fit
If your saddle is very loose, as in the mount just flops around, your ICS is broken or worn to the point that it can't be used with the UMS. Contact us for an RMA in that case.
Both the clip-on and secure mount are designed to deal with slightly loose mounts, but this will only solve the front-to-back looseness, not the up-and-down looseness in a worn ICS. You can fix a worn ICS with a little bit of electrical tape.
To start, take a 3/4" strip of electrical tape and cut it in half (more or less).
Wrap the tape as close to the edge of the slot as possible by slipping the tape through the slot, and tacking it down from the rear.
Next, wrap it over the top, and trim it off at the rear.
Repeat this process on the other side.
Test the fit. If it is still loose, apply one more strip in the same way. If that doesn't cure the problem, your ICS is too worn. You can keep applying tape, but anything other than a light will probably bounce too much for it to be usable. You can contact us for an RMA if you fall into this unfortunate situation.
Last Updated Jan 19, 2019
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