One key component I want to upgrade on my new Secteur Elite is the seatpost. It comes stock with a "carbon wrapped alloy" post. The LBS told me basically it's just a carbon paint job on an aluminum post. Most of my routes include rough asphalt so I'd like to dampen vibrations as much as possible, without dampening my wallet too much. The weight savings is also desired. I also want new clipless pedals and road shoes so I have to go cheap to get them all.

So what would be a decent, entry level CF seatpost that wouldn't be a waste of money? I've seen Nashbar's for $35, as well as some other store brand CF's. I've also perused the BF marketplace. I realize Nashbar's price of $35 is pretty low and I'm likely to get what I pay for but reviewers claim good results from it.

What say you all? Any good CF posts out there for less than $70?

Thanks!

Tim

a carbon seat post won't change the ride at all. i had an old steel deore XT mt seatpost for a while waiting for my fsa sl-k carbon one and couldn't tell the difference.

there is a saying used by engineers and appropriated by cyclists as well and many others: "light, strong , cheap, pick any two."

Last I tried, a Secteur dampens so much the bike feels almost completely dead. (So much for "aluminum is harsh.")

I concur with zzz that a tiny piece of CF isn't going to make a difference, nor will the reduction in weight. Of course, over-torque the seatpost and you're out of luck. So, add into your costs a torque wrench and whatever compound you're supposed to use with the seatpost so it doesn't bond to the frame.

If you want to up the anti-buzz, I say pick up a pair of 28c's and run them around 80-90 psi.

I am a huge fan of carbon, my bike is carbon, the handlebars and even the wheels have carbon spokes; but, the seat post is one place where I prefer aluminum or titanium. A Thomson Masterpiece aluminum seat post is as light as any carbon seat post that I am aware of and more durable. The clear coat on the carbon seat post will scratch really easy.

Even Craig Calfee, the Jedi Master of carbon fiber recommended that I buy a Thompson aluminum seat post.

Thomson post and lower pressure tires.