Back pain - Carbon post

secretsam

Hi all, it's me again

Did the Tour de Vale 55 mile a couple of weeks ago in the most awful weather - all in, including unplanned detours (!) it was about 65 miles - back (lower) was a little stiff/sore after.

I've got a long-standing lower back problem since an encounter with a taxi :shock: , but have recently found it much better since cycling more (improved core body strength?) - but the CAAD8 I ride is quite stiff so was wondering if a carbon post would help - and could I swap my oversize post for a slimmer (27.2mm) using a shim???

Thanks in advance.

fossyant

Can't say it would really. If you fancy a lighter post, then why not. Don't bother with shims - get a correct size.

Some folk say they can, but I can't tell the difference.

Monty Dog

I would doubt changing the post would make much difference, particularly as the Caad frame has a non-sloping toptube and therefore relatively little exposed seatpost. However, swapping to a quality 25mm tyre will probably help a lot more in reducing road buzz - particularly as you can run the tyres at slightly lower pressure without increasing the risk of pinch punctures. If this doesn't help then suggest you look at getting a bike fit - many people try and force their bodies into quite aggressive 'racing' positions which puts a lot of pressure on the lumbar region, particularly if they lack flexibility or core strength.

Slack

I've got bikes with carbon and alloy pins. The carbon pin certainly softens some of the bumps outs, but only because it shows quite a bit of post past the frame, so I think it flexes a wee bit.

If you're not going to be showing alot of post, then all a carbon post will do, is probably just reduce road buzz, but not really soften it up.

I don't find the CAAD8 unpleasantly harsh/stiff at all. I thought the CAAD8 was a 27.2 diameter anyway?

Zoomer37

Not cheap, but knowing everything else they build this will be good

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... h-11-44709

cougie

Good answers already - but I'd look at tyre pressure and width first. Then seatpost.

jairaj

Yep you could use a shim and a slimmer post. Just buy the correct size shim and slot it in place nothing extra required.

Be careful when buying seat posts. Just because it may be made from carbon does not mean they are flexible and comfortable (they usually are but not always). also the amount of post you have showing makes a big difference too.

I can highly recommend the Exotic carbon post, light, cheap and I can feel the difference compared to my old post.

secretsam

Right - well, I show very little pin (oo-er) as I've short legs, so sounds like tyres might be the solution - or I could MTFU or improve core strength (or both...). Mind you, clearances on the CAAD are fairly tight...

Thanks all, you've saved me a few bob!

e999sam

If you havn't already a saddle with titanium rails will help.

Bar Shaker

A carbon seat post will likely be stiffer than your ali one.

Carbon can absorb high frequency buzz when in tension, so the down tube and chain stays of a monocoque will make for a ride that reduces muscle fatigue. The material is no better at absorbing bumps or jolts than ali or steel. It will likely be worse as ali and steel bikes are generally less stiff.

A seat post is in compression, is a short member (even if it is set high) and will offer no increase in comfort... other than a possible placebo benefit.

I would also recommend getting a professional bike fit.