Originally Posted by
ridethecliche
I weigh 145ish and I was wondering whether I should try to raise the post above the notch by a little bit and what kind of risks I'd be taking if I did this. I don't want to damage the post or the frame. The post will be maybe half an inch over the level.
The minimum insertion mark does not mean it is going to break if you have less than than in the seat tube, it means the maker is not responsibe for any problems. I have ridden bikes with the seat post about 1/2 inch beyond the mark, no problem. But like the manufactures, I am not responsible for any problems you have if you try it
IIRC, the minimum insertion point is 2-1/2 inches into the seat tube, and it is a arbitrary rather than engineered figure, but I personally would not go less than 2 inchs. If you are a very strong rider you might even want to make your own insertion minimum 3 inchs or so.