jimmyj726

Hello all. Just purchased a new Disc Trucker yesterday. Rides like a dream. I have been a long time reader of this forum and it helped me decide on which bike to purchase. However, I have read where the seat post on these bikes can be a problem. Can anyone enlighten me on this. Pix of the new bike.

seeker333

Please elaborate on your seatpost issue, your post is vague.

Is that a ripped tent?

Did you use the bike with the saddle+seatpost removed to support tent, and it cut through when buffeted by wind?

Is it surprising that sharp-edged steel can cut through lightweight fabric?

I'm just guessing here...

jeff400650

I don't know why the tent photo is there, but I just got a new Disc Trucker too, and one of the first things I did was change the seat post. Those cheapo, one bolt posts are hard to micro-adjust for fore and aft and tilt angle, and even when over torqued tight, they will shift and suddenly go nose up if you hit an unexpected bump while seated. I like 2 bolt posts. I need the angle just right.

seeker333

Thomson

jimmyj726

The ripped tent was not supposed to be shown. I attached it mistakenly at first and thought I had edited it out. Sorry for the confusion. I think that Jeff hit on the problem but others have mentioned problems with the teeth wearing down. If this is a problem, then I am looking for replacement suggestions. I take it that is what seeker333 is telling me.
Thanks.

J.C. Koto

Congrats on your new LHT! I hope it gives you many thousands of miles of joy.

I don't know if it's the same Kalloy SP-342 seatpost as used on my 2008 LHT but there are two minor problems with mine:

1. The seatpost diameter thins out slightly near the bend so unless you have 3-4 inches or so of seatpost exposed the clamp will have trouble keeping it properly tightened. I solved this by fabricating a shim out of an aluminum can. You can easily tell if this will be a problem by loosening the seatpost clamp and sliding the seatpost up and down, if it suddenly becomes easier at the point where you need it for proper fit you may need a shim, otherwise you'll probably be fine.

2. The 1-bolt saddle adjustment system is ...ok if you get the position correct right off the bat but it will dig into the seatpost and create a permanent groove that any subsequent adjustments will tend to seek out so if you get a new saddle or something it might settle into the old, non-optimal position. This can be solved by filing off the groove but it's a bit of a PITA.

dim

here's my LHT (as I bought it without any extras) .... not sure if the seatpost is the same as yours, and I have not done many miles on it yet, but so far I've had no problems with the seatpost?

my seat height is a lot lower than in the photo (this was the pic posted by the bike dealer before I got it)

fietsbob

They pick parts based on cost contribution to the selling Price . So still a YGWYPF situation..

You have enough seat post out for a Thudbuster ST suspension seat post. [LT needs about 7"]

They're still Black.. have a 2 bolt saddle tilt adjustment ...

Elastomer selection adjusts the suspension compliance to your weight on the saddle .

you put a B17 on there Not much rearward adjustment on those ,
Thomson is zero setback (the bent one is how they get any setback) that may put the seat too far forward.

jeff400650

I actually got the Forte post from Performance Bike and really like it so far. It is cheap, but has a unique clamp/adjustment system that seems to work very well. I am trying the Selle Anatomica saddle, and after some settling and many adjustments, finding it to be pretty great as well. Eager for a multi-day trip!

jonc123

I agree. The Thomson Setback will put the clamps of the seatpost in the same position as the one you have now. Maybe a mm or 2 difference, but nearly the same. A drop-in replacement more or less. Not cheap.

https://www.bikethomson.com/product/elite-seatpost/

I also like this Surly seatpost clamp; not lightweight:

Small Parts | Parts and Accessories | Surly Bikes

Don't overtighten the seatpost clamp or the clamp on the seatpost; bad things can happen. The Surly clamp uses a larger allen wrench than most clamps and it would be easier to overtighten.

What size is your bike? Looks like a great choice!

jimmyj726

Thanks all for the comments. I decided to go with the Brooks B17 based on all the comments I have read. The seat that came on the bike hurt my butt right away. Knew that wasn't going to work. The bike is a 56cm, 2015 model.

dim

I had the same problem with the standard LHT saddle. I was keen for a Brooks B17 narrow, but someone on this forum suggested a Gilles Berthoud Aravas saddle with titanium rails ....

I done a bit of research and bought one.... a lot more expensive and I received it last week. Fitted it and had a short ride..... pure comfort. Thicker leather, more durable to water/rain and looks very good .... and very well constructed. One difference between this sadlle and a brooks B17 is that you don't have to tilt the nose upwards.... you install it level

I'm doing a 40 mile ride tomorow, and will have a better idea

on my daily commuter, I fitted a Brooks B15 professional a few days ago .... hard as a plank and no comparison so far. I have added the proof hide and I will use it for a few hundred miles, and if I don't get on with it, I will buy another Gilles Berthoud (I cycle lots (150-160 miles a week) and a good saddle is paramount

Benjamino

Congrats on the new bike! They look so different without racks or fenders! You'll be surprised how well they ride with a bit of weight on them. It's a huge upgrade from the Sekine that I converted to 700c, at least as far as loaded riding. I bought mine in December. They had one of the older green frames kicking around with some shop dings so they gave me the frame at cost and took parts off a new LHT for the build, which suits me just fine. I got fitted by the shop and the first thing they swapped out was the saddle as the stock one bowed too much in the middle for my posture.

As for the seat post issue, I haven't had any trouble with the stock one, FWIW. I ride it 6.5 days a week and haven't had any major issues (other than the usual breaking in a new bike stuff), though I am in the habit of avoiding potholes and I never ride off of a curb.

jimmyj726

I was surprised at how well it rode sans fenders and racks. I was very impressed. Can't wait to add racks, haven't decided on fenders yet. I've still got to get water bottle holders. I am going to ride with the original seat post for a while and see how it works.

KC8QVO

Your bike is set up the same way with the spacers on the stem as what I have going on. Lots of room for adjustment and lots of options to mount gear.

I have not had a problem with my seat post. I have lost my feet on the pedals on a hard bump before and landed with my full weight on the seat. No slippage. The seat stays where I have set it up.

fietsbob

Have 2 , shipped ahead, to reassemble , riders to arrive.. and expect others to pay into their gofundme account,

Saying its for some Charity... for them to ride across the US to VA.

Writer who is tasked to write about this sort of thing for the local paper, prefers to hear from
people just doing the trip for it's own reason, to see stuff. The 'ride for charity' thing rather cliche'd by Now.

Never seen so much plastic bubble used inside.. and then the whole box was covered in cling-wrap.

Biketouringhobo

I have a Surly LHT 2008 and i put a Salsa Seatpost on my Bike in 2008

Steve0000

I have a LHT disc model 2012 with B17 saddle. No problems with the seat post. Nor with my partner's LHT of the same age. Around 10000km of riding on mine.

Doug64

We have about the same experience. Our daughters both ride LHTs with the stock seat posts, and we have yet to see any problems. However, they are both lightweights.

I built my LHT from the frame up, and used an Easton, 2-bolt seatpost. It has served me well , and is less expensive than a Thomson.

jimmyj726

Thanks all for the feedback. I took the bike out for its inaugural ride today. Only got in 13 miles but I will build on that. Haven't really ridden in the last 3 years and that was on my old Schwinn MTB that I put road tires on. The Surly fits me much better but my butt still has to get in shape. I am going to stay with the OEM seatpost and just keep an eye on it. Looking forward to working my way up to touring distances. Still have to get touring racks. Took the water bottle holders off my Schwinn and put them on the Disc Trucker. They look good.

Looking forward to learning more from you guys. Thanks again for the feedback.

Squeezebox

i'm very glad you like your Lht. My experience was the opposite. If you want my opinion ask, and I'll let you know.

dim

please do tell

saddlesores

dude, you claim you test drived an LHT for five minutes in a parking lot,
as unladen as an african swallow.

what possible value could that "experience" provide?

me? i sat in a ford pinto on a used car lot once. didn't have
enough cup holders. now i like to hang out on mercury bobcat
owners forums and provide enlightenment.

OP: forget about the seatpost. millions of bikes use single-bolt
style without any problems. just go out and ride the hell out of
that bike.

after all, tre....i mean, surly engineers must know what they're doing!

dwwroadking@flt

I got my Disk Trucker three years ago. added rear rack, Brooks B17, fenders, lights, removed bar end shifters for brifters. For me it is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden. Its a 62 with 700mm tires it looks freakin huge until I'm on it.

jimmyj726

OP: forget about the seatpost. millions of bikes use single-bolt
style without any problems. just go out and ride the hell out of
that bike.

I'm trying to ride the hell out of it if my sore butt will just comply Went out today for a 17 mile ride so I added a little to yesterday's ride and will continue adding mileage daily.

Getting used to the bar end shifters. Only problem I have is I seem to pinch the skin on my fingers when down shifting. Will not take me long to break that habit.