Road Cycling - Need suggestions on Carbon Post

i'm looking for a 27.2mm carbon seatpost. i've thought about the specialized seatpost with zertz insert, but haven't seem too much of reviews on them. any other brands you guys would recommend that would be softer on the arse? i have the milano seat now, and that's very comfy, but the suspension seatpost keeps bottoming out. any suggestions?

I don't know that it softens the ride any, but I do love my Corima.

carbon fibre seatposts don't soften the ride

they're really only used for bling bling factor and saved weight..

humm.. bling bling factor and saving weight.. well.. those are definitely the two factors i would consider...

but not for making your ride a gentler ride...

(which was your original intent?)

but not for making your ride a gentler ride...

(which was your original intent?)

humm.. true that... comfort ride is a must as well..

Sorry I'm a noob. But I was always under the impression that carbon fibre wasn't as rigid and flexed more than steel or alloy, thus taking some of the shock and vibration out of the ride. Is this not the case?

Sorry I'm a noob. But I was always under the impression that carbon fibre wasn't as rigid and flexed more than steel or alloy, thus taking some of the shock and vibration out of the ride. Is this not the case?

no necessarily - carbon composite is unique in that it can be designed and custom taylored to specs... in other words - it is a lot more flexible in utility than traditional alloys...

rigidity and stiffness is also a huge function of diameter of tubing.. (which is why alum frames are often reputed to be stiffer than steel even tho steel as a material is stiffer than alum) - oversized tubing.

A carbon fibre seatpost might be just as stiff or even stiffer than a similar weight alloy seatpost (because they can use a thicker diameter wall than a lightweight seatpost).

A carbon fibre seatpost might be just as stiff or even stiffer than a similar weight alloy seatpost (because they can use a thicker diameter wall than a lightweight seatpost).

So you are talking about the thickness of the tubing for the seatpost?

In reality though, why would anyone want to make such a rigid carbon fibre post if a lighter one can be strong enough while offering some flex?

So you are talking about the thickness of the tubing for the seatpost?

In reality though, why would anyone want to make such a rigid carbon fibre post if a lighter one can be strong enough while offering some flex?

different needs for different sized riders... someone like Magnus would flex ultralight equipment to the point of near breaking... :|

humm.. bling bling factor and saving weight.. well.. those are definitely the two factors i would consider...
I put the Specialized Carbon post with Zertz inserts on my Tri Bike & it came stock on my Roubaix. Didn't notice a difference on my Tribike & a Thompson post is lighter. My 2 cents is stick with a Thompson & forget Carbon for the seatpost.

Carbon does help absorb vibration though the materials damping properties. Flex is an entirely different thing. I think it's fair to say that "some" carbon parts provide a noticable amount of vibration damping and others don't. As far as seat posts go, if there is a lot sticking out, such as on a compact frame, you might notice the difference. I tried a Campy on my frame and couldn't tell the difference between the aluminum one it replaced.

Ed

Look at your seat as a way to soften the ride. Ask your LBS if you could sample a few seats, telling them what you are looking for. The post change by itself will give no discernable results. Monkey butt is a part of riding!

Look at your seat as a way to soften the ride. Ask your LBS if you could sample a few seats, telling them what you are looking for. The post change by itself will give no discernable results. Monkey butt is a part of riding!

I've recently switched to a Bontrager 27.2 400mm Race X Lite and love it. I feel I can tell a big difference in ride quality, and I needed the 400mm length to get my seat height corrected.

Granted it could be that the carbon "tube" cost me $100 and that makes me "think" I can tell a big difference, but either way it works! ;)

A friend of mine had a carbon post until it broke mid-ride. He now has a Thomson on my recomendation. I've had a Thomson for five years and love it!

A friend of mine had a carbon post until it broke mid-ride. He now has a Thomson on my recomendation. I've had a Thomson for five years and love it!

do you have a link for the thomson?

i think in my case it should work.. since my seatpost is showing 7-8 inches exposed. either way, i am sure it will be much better then my current suspension seat post... i hate it when it bottoms out.. but i do love my saddle though.. specialized milano... feels comfy!~

http://www.lhthomson.com/seatpost.asp

I had one of the Bontrager carbon posts (made by Titec). Snapped it in two, almost neutering myself in the process. Of course, I was on the mountain bike on a rough trail, but it convinced me that carbon might not be the optimum choice for a seatpost. I bought a Thomson too, and never had to fuss with it again. Thomson stuff is a bit pricey, and not the lightest, but if you're looking to cut weight, a nice lightweight wheelset is a darn good place to start.

The Easton EC70 is pretty nice.

carbon fibre seatposts don't soften the ride

they're really only used for bling bling factor and saved weight..

I'd have to humbly dissagree with that statement. Carbon dampens vibrations much better than alluminum. I can really tell the difference between my USE Alien and my Thompson Elite. BTW in most cases alluminum seat posts and frames are lighter than carbon.

cool.. thanks for the thomson link... i'll have to check that out.

i'll have to stay away from Bontrager carbon posts (made by Titec).. don't wanna neuter myself or get injured in any way before my wedding (Nov.29th YEAH~)