Honestly I have to say I naturally shy away from them because, as pcad mentioned, you feel like you're buying the crap stock components the buyers throw on bikes to squeeze margins - the ones you throw away as soon as you get home.

That was until about 1 1/2 ago. I was having some saddle issues. I needed the tilt to be exactly in between two of the notches on all of the traditional seatposts I had in my shop. Big ride in a day or so, and I needed a solution quick.

Headed to an LBS and they presented me with a few options. I quickly narrowed it down to the Thompson and a Bontrager seatpost. I couldn't get over the clamp design. I fell in love instantly. SHop was a Tri shop and my buddy in there was telling me how they love them because they can reverse the same post, rotate the clamp and viola - Tri -time.

I've always thought they were overpriced, but honestly I think Trek is overpriced in general. I couldn't see spending $90 on a friggin house-brand seatpost.

Then my guy pulled out their all AL one. Sold.

I love that post.

Now....I actually view Ritchey like most of the people on here view Bontrager. Every Ritchey item I have tried has been total crap. I can't stand their seatposts.

Like Bontrager though I will give Ritchey another shot. I just picked up a cyclocross rig that is dripping in Ritchey components. I hope I am pleasently surprised.