Carbon seatpost.

Inovache

I have been advised that a carbon seatpost would be a good upgrade on my bike and would go some way to improving ride comfort. I believe this may be debatable.

I have been eyeing up a Campag Chorus carbon post if a good deal comes up on one. Has anyone used one and do you rate them?

For info, my steed is an (alu with carbon front and back end) Condor Squadra (2005), with Campag Centaur groupset, Campag Zonda wheelset and San Marco Zoncolan saddle.

Smokin Joe

I've never found a difference between carbon and ally. Maybe that's just me, but a seatpost is just a stick to keep your saddle in the air.

desweller

Smokin Joe wrote:

I've never found a difference between carbon and ally. Maybe that's just me, but a seatpost is just a stick to keep your saddle in the air.

+1

A seatpost is in compression, I doubt there's much difference in axial compliance between an aluminium 'post and a carbon one.

In bending, as with handlebars, chainstays etc, I can see the argument.

Inovache

Is there any benefit whatsoever then, other than a minor weight saving and bit of bling factor?

crankycrank

Some carbon posts, but not all, are more comfortable but you need to have a good amount of post showing to take advantage of the extra cush. I'm with the alu crowd only because I've seen too many carbon post failures, mostly where the clamp head is bonded to the shaft. All I want in a seatpost is that it's reasonably light, is easy to adjust, doesn't make funny noises and doesn't break.

maddog 2

the Spesh Pave posts are the 'softest' I've used but I agree that you need a fair amount of post showing to feel the differences.

spooky1980

Not all carbon posts are created equal just because they are made of carbon doesnt mean they all soak up the roadbuzz . In my experience you should look at a post with a 27.2mm diameter if possible. You can also get good ti and alu seatposts (but make sure they are a thinnwalled they "give" a bit more).

Inovache

Any recommendations then? I have to say I fancied the Chorus because...well... it's Campag and it looks nice!

Inovache

I've seen the Specialized ones - carbon with Zertz insert. Any good? The Chorus looks nicer though.

RonB

Just changed an FSA carbon post to a thomson alloy one and not noticed any difference at all. They are about the same weight wise, though the thomson was actually 50mm longer.

Smokin Joe

I wonder how many people have blown a small fortune on a carbon post in the search for this legendary comfort it offers, when 15 minutes experimenting with tyre pressures would have made a real difference?

Inovache

Well I need to spend my birthday money on something!

Maybe I'll get a couple of jerseys instead.

blorg

As mentioned, I think 27.2 does feel a touch more bendy and soaks up more. You can use one in a 31.6 frame with a shim. 31.6mm seatposts certainly feel stiffer. Also as mentioned the longer the post the more you will notice any effect.

I have used several of both, have 6 bikes on carbon and 4 on alloy at the moment. Difficult to tell to be honest. Certainly will only make a difference if you are on 700x23, maybe 25, at high pressures.

I wouldn't spend a fortune on one but some bikes came with one and others I picked up cheap second-hand or in the sales.

nicensleazy

Cinelli Ram looks rather nice

Inovache

Cinelli Ram looks rather expensive

Squillinossett

Can say I noticed much difference between a carbon post and alu, and as my thomson post is:

*Lighter
*Stronger
*Cheaper

thanks most carbon jobbies, I am sticking with that!

ride_whenever

I dissagree with the concencus here, went from an alloy post to a carbon one. Much more comfotrable. But it is a 27.2mm post and i have a lot of post showing. It is also a specialized one so apparently quite soft!

I can certainly tell the difference between the two. I'd imagine that the seattube angle also plays an important part in the comfort difference, a carbon post will tend to be more flexible than an alloy one, so the slacker your seattube the larger the proportion of any impact will me translated into flex rather than vertical movement.

invader

one post ! Thompson elite !

Daimler

I have a S-Works Pave - Fact carbon post with Zertz insert.
27.2 350mm
It's on my Tarmac bike with a Toupe saddle.
It's nice but as I'm upgrading for a lighter post it'll be for sale

Comfort may depend on your weight too
I ride the Allez 16 bike for the not so good weather rides and TBH it's equally as comfy with the Rival 143mm saddle as my Tarmac. The heavier frame absorbing the bumps a little more. Then again my Tarmac is very light and stiff. Both are good.

Thats not to say the Zertz post isn't good though...it is.
My advice would be to try it. Buy one and if you don't like it you can sell it again no worries.

ex-pat scot

Inovache wrote:

I've seen the Specialized ones - carbon with Zertz insert. Any good? The Chorus looks nicer though.

I've got a brand new unused Specialized carbon seatpost with insert.
It's come off my (unridden) Tricross - I already have a couple of spare carbon posts and want to use one of them rather than the Specialized one.

PM me if you are interested.

Pics at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14610196@N08/4435921487/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14610196@N08/4435921253/

Going to eBay it at some point soon, so let me know if you are interested.