Originally Posted by
chaadster
Yes, as Gretz gets at, it's not a matter of just picking a seat post design, it's a matter of getting the seat post you need to meet your needs. In addition to his questions, you should let us know where your current post clamps the seat rails and what design the post is. A pic would help too; if you're maxing out available rail with a setback post now, you won't be able to use a straight post without changing seat position. If you're changing anything else about the bike that'll play in, too.
In general, though, a seat post is not what I'd consider a 'mission critical' component. Yes, depending on how much extension you've got and how you ride, one may be able to select a post material for added comfort; I find long extension Ti and carbon fiber more comfy for long rides than aluminum, but short rides on short extension posts doesn't make a difference, and any difference in any case can be muted by saddle selection.
Thanks! No, I'm not just picking a design, quite the reverse, I've been looking into seat posts for a new build and realized that I literally do not know what's behind the engineering/design concept of a set back post and I really like to learn about what interests me.
I am currently riding a Selle Anatomica Titanico saddle on a Campagnolo single bolt fluted seat post. I'm planning to use the Titanico on the new bike. I've borrowed a Paul Tall and Handsome which I have not yet used, but it's design is what led me to find out about seat posts and what I'd want to keep in mind for riding.
So, other than more seat post information in general I'd like to be able to adjust the tilt (?) which is to say I want the saddle nose to point down a bit. I'm riding an early 1980s steel road bike with a 1x9 drive. This is my daily commuter. I ride 50-100 miles each week. Most days I'm riding hard on rough streets and dirt alleys in typically short bursts (15-20 minutes) with longer rides on more agreeable surfaces a couple of days a week. I'm just reading about bike fit so I'm adjusting saddle height and fore and aft position frequently (see photo for current positioning) and I don't have it dialed in. I'm 5'11" and the frame is 55cm, 700c.
I'm looking for durability and more adjustability. And a handsome design wouldn't be too shabby. anything else I can tell you?
thank you all for your replies!