Pactin

So recently my ebay carbon seatpost developed a crack. I can't say whether it was a manufacturer defect or my weight/riding or a combination, but I have relegated its use to a paperweight. I am now looking for an alloy seatpost with this criteria:

- lightweight but strong alloy
- 27.2mm dia
- at least 250mm length
- *setback
- two bolt clamp
- budget isn't the largest factor, but I'd like to keep it cost effective

I'm eyeing an ebay alloy seatpost but it is a 0 offset post, and at my current setback and saddle, it might not fit/would be at the very front edge of the rails. Would this be a problem, or is it just a aesthetic faux-pas?

The other option would be a (new) Thomson Elite, which looks awesome and has Thomson's backing, but I'm a bit wary of its track record.

Any better options out there?

T Stew

Thomson Elite was going to be my suggestion, though I was not aware of any bad track record?

Edited: For the record I meant Thomson Masterpiece, I forgot they were different (Masterpiece is more $$ and lighter). I have two of them currently, use the setback one reversed to set forward to convert road to more of a tri bike. Looks a little goofy but does it's job fine holding my @ss up and in more forward position.

nemeseri

Did you always use a torque wrench to tighten the seatpost clamp?

Anyway. I can full-heartedly recommend any ritchey seatpost. The Ritchey WCS Alloy Link matches every of your requirements. If you want to go cheaper, you can go with the comp series.

Doge

KCNC or Thompson
I did not think Ritchey made alloy posts. Ritchey makes great stuff. I have their carbon stuff.

link0

Thomson all the way. Best looking seatpost IMO.

Elvo

Kcnc SC Pro Lite Seatpost - Fair Wheel Bikes

Extralite UltraPost Seatpost - Fair Wheel Bikes

Pactin

There are a few instances of the elite posts cracking at the head/clamping area. They seem to be around 2009-2010, but I'm unaware of any revisions they've made, if any, to remedy the cracks.

Yes and no, which I do take responsibility for if that is what caused it. I used a 5nm ritchey torqkey to tighten the clamp bolt, but never went to target torque. I tightened it just enough to keep the post from slipping.

The Ritchey WCS will be my fallback. Just have to check with Ritchey if it is safe to cut some post from the bottom.
That KCNC would fit the bill perfectly if they had them in stock.

frankenmike 

You're wary of a Thomson's track record, but you're eyeing an ebay post? Does not compute. There is no better post than a Thomson, sorry. Equals perhaps, but not better.

dvdslw

I've been eyeing the Fizik Cyrano R3 post to match the rest of my Fizik cockpit. They list it as 190g for the 27.2x330 (215g for the 31.6) post which is as light as their carbon offerings other than the new 00 model at 175g. I also like the fact that it accepts both round and oval saddle rails plus its only $100. You could drop the weight even more by trimming some excess off the bottom if you only need a 250mm length. https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/u.../rp-prod113647

redfooj

It's a post. It stays in the seat tube and grabs the saddle.

I have a Thomson Elite on my bike and I don't get the hoopla.

rpenmanparker 

Thomson Masterpiece bought new off ebay or Amazon is not too expensive for the quality post it is. Only 20 mm setback if I remember correctly, but I can live with that. Phenomenally good post.

Sy Reene

I have the R1 post.. works great and found a bit of dampening vs my prior alloy seatpost. You sure about the weights? Wiggle shows the R1 31.6x330 at 190g and R3 at 215g. I'd assume that if, as you say, the R3 is 190g for 27.2, then the R1 would likewise proportionately drop in weight. Advantage of R1 is you can get it in 270mm which I did (having a horiz top tube).

Then again.. I went to the Fizik website, and this shows R3/R1 weights at 240/230g respectively... so who knows. ? Products

To OP's query.. I ran an Easton EA70 alloy seatpost for about 10 years. They still make these and most reviews are positive. Can find these in the mid $50 range

stevoo

Moots makes a lovely titanium alloy post.

noodle soup

I have 3 Thomson seatposts purchased between 2008 & 2010. no issues with any of them over a combined 75k miles of use with 3 wrecks that required extended hospital stays.

frankenmike 

No hoopla, just a beautifully crafted piece of equipment that works flawlessly. The hole in the middle is oval to reduce weight while retaining strength, and the retention and adjustment mechanism is more user friendly than many other posts. If you've never had to deal with a kludgy post that was heavy and hard to adjust, I can certainly understand why you wouldn't be too impressed with the Thomson.

fietsbob

Thomson for set back the post is intentionally Bent. the straight ones are zero set back Type

American classic seat posts, only in 27.2 and only in Black has more setback.

AC|SEATPOST


I have several of their Prior versions , they're heavier.. I got them on close out.

set back is about the center of gravity of you , your ass, on the bike .

back, takes weight off your hands , unless your femur is short.. & so forth

TimothyH

Check Bicycle Recyclery.
I got a brand new Thompson Masterpiece for $69. It is the kind of place that you have to check daily. If something comes up that you want, jump on it.

Wileyrat

Competitivecyclist.com has Zipp Service Course seatposts on sale, and they fit you requirements.

redfooj

That's the thing : there isn't any "work" that the post is responsible for. Like a stem. Saddles are pretty much set it and forget it. If anything changes its the height. I've owned as many bikes as I've had fingers and many more Posts than that. If it looks the way I like, fits weight and price parameter, then it suffices. In this respect, I don't see at all how my Thomson is any more special than my campy, deda, nitto, Easton, whatever....


What's funny is what I've read was supposedly so great about Thomson in the past was how stiff it is. And now the prevailing wisdom is that stiffness is undesired in a post. Lol.

noodle soup

Some love SRAM, others say it's a steaming pile of ****.

I have no complaints with Thomson posts.

DXchulo

I've had a few Thomson posts in the past and never had any problems. Maybe not the best bang for the buck, but I wouldn't worry about their track record.

Campag4life

Thomson posts are fine...have owned a handful...for both on and off road bikes.
But will share my opinion. A good carbon 2 bolt post is better on two levels:
1. Weight
2. friendlier flex
3. carbon available in more offsets...Thomson limited to 16mm in their 'bent' offset model.

Carbon is the way to go if you want a combo of the above. No more Thomson seat posts for me....or Thomson stems for that matter. Thomson makes excellent quality parts....also supply to aircraft industry....but better designs out there.

Fiery

I tend play with seat angle and setback as much as I do with height. For me, a good clamping system is among the top priorities, above weight and looks. A lot of good-looking light seat posts have barely acceptable clamping systems in my opinion.

CliffordK

These aren't particularly light, but I have a few 27.2 post pumps (and doppelganger pumps) for sale. $40 each + shipping. NEW.



Anyway, it gets the pump out of your way, but you will need to be able to access the seatpost if you have a flat.

Billy1111

I had an issue with a thomson masterpiece, they sent new clamps and worked fine every since...customer service was great