My post is a bit stiff...

[jimmy156]

Bought a new bike which has an aluminium frame (gravel bike) and a carbon seat post. I have used the supplied assembly paste and attempted to insert the post into the frame, but it’s pretty stiff. To the point where it takes a small amount of push, and a bit of wiggle to get It to move. I got it just past the “max” mark and then stopped because I’m fairly sure it will be scratching the post and I don’t know where it will need to be adjusted to to be a good fit.

Is this “normal” or should it slide in without problem? The clamp was fully loosened but still in place.