Road Cycling - Carbon Seatpost - Thoughts/Help

I am considering a change to a carbon seatpost and need your help on two questions (currently have a Thompson Elite). One; (more interested in ride quality vs. weight savings) do they improve the ride over Alu. Two;any suggestions for a great carbon post in the $150 or below range - quality/saddle clamp. Thanks

The seat post you have is very nice and very light. Carbon is going to have a little give and flex and be a little more comfortable, especially if you have a compact frame, and therefore a longer effective seat post.

I use the Specialized Pave' http://www.specialized.com/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=5093&JServSessionIdroot=y4or01j955.j27001

Its got some vibration dampning insert, which is probably marketing fluff, but its got a great clamp which is truly micro, micro adjustable. You need an open end 8mm and an allen key to do it. Turning a threaded inset in front sets the angle up and down, and the rear clamps it, It's a great design, has a fair amount flex over rough roads. Plus it appears to be rather beefy, which is always a plus on things that can really F you up if they fail.

Go for titanium instead. Pretty much all of the advantage without the durability issues...

i have a campy record seatpost ... it came with my bike :)

it feels more comfortable than my prior bikes seatposts (non carbon)

i looked up the price for the 04 version...$150!!! that is a lot of money .... if i was comfortable on my current post i probably wouldn't upgrade for that price ....

however, if my riding was limited by jolting ... i might do it

I'd say save your money & keep the Thompson (a great seatpost). I installed the Specialized Carbon post on my scandium tribike last year. Heavier than the Thompson (but just as well built) & I didn't notice any difference in ride quality.

If you do a search the forums,you'll have more info on this then you need.

Thanks for the input. I'll give the fourms a try.