Mountain Biking - Kalin v. Thomson Seatpost

I just bought a Specialized Rockhopper 05'

I was thinking of getting a thomson setback seatpost for more reach. I was wondering about the seatpost that came on the bike. Is the Kalin seatpost that came with the bike anygood? Is Kalin a good name?

I have searched and Thomson seems to be the way to go. Is it worth the upgrade?

Thanks from a newbie...

The stock post holds the seat up, and thats about it. Its heavy, not very adjustable and not particularly nice to look at. A Thompson setback positions the clamp in EXACTLY the same position as your stock post, it gives you no additional setback. A standard Thompson post has a zero offset clamp so it does give you more setback than that. Its the only seatpost I would buy.

Go with the thomson.

The stock post holds the seat up, and thats about it. Its heavy, not very adjustable and not particularly nice to look at. A Thompson setback positions the clamp in EXACTLY the same position as your stock post, it gives you no additional setback. A standard Thompson post has a zero offset clamp so it does give you more setback than that. Its the only seatpost I would buy.

Maybe I missed something???

The setback is not setback further then the stock seatpost? The standard one does give you more setback? How does this make sense. I posted pictures of the two... please explain.

No, the setback gives you the exact setback you have with the stock Kalin post, since the Kalin has an offset clamp. The standard Thompson post has a 0 offset clamp giving you less setback than your standard Kalin.

A standard Thompson post has a zero offset clamp so it does give you more setback than that. .
I'm going to let seely sweat on this one

Thomson. No other choice.

I'm going to let seely sweat on this one

Huh? I think I worded that poorly if thats what you mean...

Huh? I think I worded that poorly if thats what you mean...
Rather.... :p

So a setback isn't really a setback? I'm really confused...

So in the picture below... how is the setback thomson post (Left) not further back then the kalin post (Right)???

I definitely wouldn't upgrade just to have a Thompson unless your current seatpost is inadequate. Seatposts really don't do much so unless it's not holding your saddle well enough or (like you indicated) the position is off, there's not much reason to upgrade a seatpost.

That being said...I have a Thompson post on my bike. I only got it because I got a killer deal on it (well below retail) and they're a local company. After it arrived, I was in awe. I didn't think there was a way to make a seatpost sexy but Thompson did it. It's one of the prettiest parts on my bike :)

Let me try to explain.

Your seatpost clamp is offset. Meaning that the clamp mechanism is behind the seatpost. Typical of a single bolt clamp.

With a straight Thomson, the clamp mechanism is inline with the post because it's a double bolt clamp. It grabs the seat rails above the post and there is a bolt in front and behind the post.

If you like your seat position with your offset post, then buy Thomson lay-back post which has a bend in the top 4 inches of the post. This put the seat in the same relative position as your existing post.

Last thing. Yes they are expensive, but worth every penny!