Criteria for choosing seatpost and stem?

bigpikle
bigpikle Posts: 1,690
edited March 2011 in Road buying advice
Just building up my new bike, and after wrestling with groupset for an eternity, I now have the challenge of picking seatpost, stem and bars.

Handlebars is probably more clear-cut, as reach, drop and bend type probably drive the decision, but what about choosing the seatpost and stem?

Other than the obvious size (and setback or not) question (before it gets pointed out), how do you decide which to go for?
    aesthetics? weight? price? brand? what about alu vs carbon vs carbon wrap for stems? what your LBS stocks?
Is there I'm interested to know if there's more objectivity here than I'm missing, as so far it seems to be aesthetics and weight that are calling to me....
Your Past is Not Your Potential...

Comments

  • 58585
    58585 Posts: 207
    Make sure you like the clamping arrangement for the seatpost, and that it suits the rails on your saddle. Once you have tried a few designs you'll probably find one you like and stick with it.
  • Berk Bonebonce
    Berk Bonebonce Posts: 1,245
    An in-line seatpost might get you in the right position in the case of a full-on time trial context, but you cannot conceivably use an in-line seatpost for general road riding.
  • bigpikle
    bigpikle Posts: 1,690
    Berk Bonebonce wrote:
    An in-line seatpost might get you in the right position in the case of a full-on time trial context, but you cannot conceivably use an in-line seatpost for general road riding.

    I dont see why not - I guess it all depends on frame size/geometry etc?

    My CX bike has an in-line post and is perfectly comfortable for both racing and eating the miles. I did 1000 miles on it from Xmas to March with no issues and the previous owner commuted on her for plenty of miles as well....

    Sounds like there isnt any really objective criteria? Just size, budget and then get what you like... :roll:
    Your Past is Not Your Potential...
  • hopper1
    hopper1 Posts: 4,389
    Dude...

    1. aesthetics?
    2. weight?
    4. price?
    3. brand? Matches the post.
    what about alu vs carbon vs carbon wrap for stems? Good Carbon + High Dollar, Good alloy is light and reasonably priced, Carbon wrap often heavier.
    what your LBS stocks? If you're lucky, they have what you want.
    Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!
  • bigpikle
    bigpikle Posts: 1,690
    just wanted to check I'm not missing the bleeding obvious, and it looks like I'm not....

    Have found some rather nice BBB stuff, so matching bits and light and carbon :D
    Your Past is Not Your Potential...
  • wildmoustache
    wildmoustache Posts: 4,010
    Berk Bonebonce wrote:
    An in-line seatpost might get you in the right position in the case of a full-on time trial context, but you cannot conceivably use an in-line seatpost for general road riding.

    lol - i'm sure this is tongue in cheek :wink:

    in my last sportif i cam 4th of 500 plus ... and i ride an in-line post exclusively ... next time i'll have to remember that i must stop using it as i batter the field.
  • hopper1
    hopper1 Posts: 4,389
    wildmoustache wrote:
    Berk Bonebonce wrote:
    An in-line seatpost might get you in the right position in the case of a full-on time trial context, but you cannot conceivably use an in-line seatpost for general road riding.

    lol - i'm sure this is tongue in cheek :wink:

    in my last sportif i cam 4th of 500 plus ... and i ride an in-line post exclusively ... next time i'll have to remember that i must stop using it as i batter the field.

    Errmm.... It's not a race!!!

    Perhaps you should get a race licence, then try to batter the field, when all the others are expecting it. :wink:

    I don't advocate the mandatory use of lay back seat posts, either. :roll:
    Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    There's a simple answer to using inline posts - get a frame that fits!
    Unless you've got a really short femur, then your knee is going to be way forward of the pedal spindle.

    In terms of the OP, whatever you get, it should be for the position you need on the bike - anything from the reputable brands e.g. Deda, Ritchey, FSA, Pro, 3T etc is going to work reliably and a matching set looks better aesthetically.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • balthazar
    balthazar Posts: 1,565
    Durability is always first in my consideration of any bike component. Seatpost failure is fairly common, especially in lightweight or peculiar clamp designs. For instance:

    http://pardo.net/bike/pic/fail-001/FAIL-131.html

    from a collection here:

    http://pardo.net/bike/pic/fail-001/000.html

    Durability! It's the most important characteristic, yet it doesn't even make your list.

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