carbon seatposts

caherconree
caherconree Posts: 22
edited October 2007 in Road beginners
HI,
saw some carbon seat posts in Halfords the other day and other than shaving a few grams off my bike weight is there any other benefits from using one?
Thanks

Comments

  • Ste_S
    Ste_S Posts: 1,173
    I wouldn't bother. The difference between carbon and aluminuim seatposts weight wise is very minimal, there isn't a difference in comfort (in my experience, and I have a lot of seat post showing), and carbon seat posts are prone to shattering if the seat clamp is over tightened.
  • Pagem
    Pagem Posts: 244
    in addition, if you use a workstand for repair/cleaning then clamping a carbon seat post is a big 'no-no'.

    this can be a hassle on bikes where it is awkward to clamp elsewhere due to cable routing and bottle cages.
    Only the meek get pinched. The bold survive.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Firstly, there are carbon posts and there are those that look like carbon posts - those in Halfords are likely to be an aluminium post with a cosmetic layer of carbon. If you stick to a reputable make like Deda, Easton, FSA etc you know you're going to get a reputable product with some form of credibility. As for carbon posts 'shattering' I think we'll call that an urban myth along with carbon forks breaking too - I've been using them for 7 years and never experienced a problem. For those that break them due to over-tightening, they shouldn't be entrusted with an allen-key.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Ste_S
    Ste_S Posts: 1,173
    I've heard enough stories first hand of carbon posts shattering, and second hand via the web to convince me that it isn't an urban myth.
  • Pagem
    Pagem Posts: 244
    Monty Dog wrote:
    Firstly, there are carbon posts and there are those that look like carbon posts - those in Halfords are likely to be an aluminium post with a cosmetic layer of carbon. If you stick to a reputable make like Deda, Easton, FSA etc you know you're going to get a reputable product with some form of credibility. As for carbon posts 'shattering' I think we'll call that an urban myth along with carbon forks breaking too - I've been using them for 7 years and never experienced a problem. For those that break them due to over-tightening, they shouldn't be entrusted with an allen-key.

    i think it is rare for carbon fibre components to fail. however, unlike other materials, when cf fails it does so on a fairly catastrophic level.
    Only the meek get pinched. The bold survive.
  • blackhands
    blackhands Posts: 950
    Ste_S wrote:
    I've heard enough stories first hand of carbon posts shattering, and second hand via the web to convince me that it isn't an urban myth.

    Most problems are caused by not using a "carbon specific" clamp.
  • Ste_S
    Ste_S Posts: 1,173
    Is there such a thing ? I know Campag supply one with their posts, but have not seen anything badged as Carbon specific.
  • caherconree
    caherconree Posts: 22
    So for a road bike carbon posts offer little bump absorption?
  • ricadus
    ricadus Posts: 2,379
    Pagem wrote:
    i think it is rare for carbon fibre components to fail. however, unlike other materials, when cf fails it does so on a fairly catastrophic level.

    As would aluminium, since its lack of flex is what makes it useful.
    Tour de France
  • Ste_S
    Ste_S Posts: 1,173
    caherconree wrote:
    So for a road bike carbon posts offer little bump absorption?

    Didn't notice the difference when I swopped from Alu to CF
  • bahzob
    bahzob Posts: 2,195
    FYI. I started the following thread
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=14621757#14621757

    over in the Gear section as I am not sure if carbon is really as fragile as implied here.

    My specific experience on carbon seat posts is that mine has served me well over the miles (including supporting my luggage in a saddle bag on a 6 week tour).
    Martin S. Newbury RC
  • Smokin Joe
    Smokin Joe Posts: 2,706
    Monty Dog wrote:
    Firstly, there are carbon posts and there are those that look like carbon posts - those in Halfords are likely to be an aluminium post with a cosmetic layer of carbon. If you stick to a reputable make like Deda, Easton, FSA etc you know you're going to get a reputable product with some form of credibility. As for carbon posts 'shattering' I think we'll call that an urban myth along with carbon forks breaking too - I've been using them for 7 years and never experienced a problem. For those that break them due to over-tightening, they shouldn't be entrusted with an allen-key.
    :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:
  • penugent
    penugent Posts: 913
    caherconree wrote:
    So for a road bike carbon posts offer little bump absorption?

    I've had a carbon post for a couple of years. I think a bit of road buzz was smoothed away, but 'bumps' still feel like bumps - if you know what I mean.
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Carbon posts don't shatter, and they don't break IF FITTED PROPERLY. And they don't slip IF FITTED PROPERLY.

    The difference in alu and carbon ride quality is quite considerable, the carbon is much more absorbing. I've never had one break in over five years have to say.
  • Ste_S
    Ste_S Posts: 1,173
    giant mancp wrote:
    Carbon posts don't shatter, and they don't break IF FITTED PROPERLY. And they don't slip IF FITTED PROPERLY.

    The difference in alu and carbon ride quality is quite considerable, the carbon is much more absorbing. I've never had one break in over five years have to say.

    In my experience there isn't a real difference.
  • el_presidente
    el_presidente Posts: 1,963
    they look about 10 times as cool

    and for that reason I'm in
    <a>road</a>
  • caherconree
    caherconree Posts: 22
    ok thanks for the advice everyone - I'll probably stick with the alum one that it came with.

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