Where to find low older seatposts?
 

My seatpost's diameter is 26.4 or 26.8 (I can use both diameter posts in my bike).

I can't seem to find a lot of seatposts that fit my bike.

In the Digave videos, I notice a lot of riders are riding shorter frames with more seatpost showing.

Thus, I assume track bikes utilize a longer seatpost.

Where do you all shop for seatposts? My LBS has a limited selection, qbike doesen't have many and I couldn't find more than one that fit my bike at Nashbar.

Do most people with vintage bikes end up just using a shim?

If your LBS orders from Quality Bike Products (QBP), they should have access to a wide range of seatposts in 26.4, 26.6, or 26.8 diameters that they can order in for you. For example, www.aebike.com is basically an online version of the QBP catalog.

Here's a Kalloy Uno in 26.6:
http://aebike.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=30&SKU=ST6230

For something a little nicer, the Salsa Shaft in 26.8:
http://aebike.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=30&SKU=ST8561

Just look around, I'm sure you'll be able to find something. As for your frame fitting either 26.4 or 26.8... that doesn't sound good. You should have it precisely measured and get the post that fits *exactly*. 26.6, perhaps?

Theres a guy on ebay who sells Kalloy posts in every diameter increment you would ever want for pretty cheap - generally 320-350mm posts, I think, too. chasertech should be the name, its an ebay store. i just search by "26.8" or whatever in Cycling, that always brings up a bunch.

A few options in those sizes here
http://www.loosescrews.com/index.cgi...id=69744513271

I imagine some folks will scoff at this suggestion or tell me I'm crazy for it, but I have, on accasion, satisfied my obscure seatpost needs in the plumbing section of Home Depot.

Thomson stuff comes in every size imaginable, so does Kalloy. Thomson= $80 or so, Kalloy=$20 or so.

If you want a shorter seatpost why don't you just hack off what you don't need.

Depends on much of a weight queen you are, but your LBS should have something that does the job. Who cares if it weighs a bit more?

ICycles has a couple of options for you:

Richey Logic, Shimano, Kore and Kalloy Uno all in 26.8mm

https://secure7.nexternal.com/shared...&CategoryID=34

What is that about assumption being the 'mother of all cock-ups'?

I just sold a 'lovely' gardin track frame (ovalised matrix tubing) that used a short 26.4 post. The diameter seatpost is related to the tubing the bike is made from (someone correct me if I am wrong).

Messengers ride smaller frames for sharper handling, hence needing a longer seat post to get the desired riding position. Tested in windtunnels... or on gale force days into headwinds. ;)

unless you’re riding a frame that is too big or too small, the amount of seatpost exposed has to do with the geometry of the frame. mainly the top tube. traditionally road and track frames have top tubes that are horizontal to the ground, with “normal” length seatposts. there’s a trend towards “compact” geometry which puts the top tube at an angle rising towards the head tube. the seat posts on these frames are longer than “normal” to compensate for the shorter seat tubes. In my case 50mm longer. these frames are a little lighter and provide more stand-over height. personally, I dig compact frames and it’s what I ride. here’s a pic:

http://images.popdan.com/ride.jpg

Wow, thanks everyone for the input.

I was chastized by a rude Supergo operator: "You can't just use a 26.4mm seat post! You will destroy your seat tube!" So, the bike came with a 26.8 and I'll use a 26.8 from now on.

Thanks for the links. I found I couldn't find any seatposts for less than around $14 and they usually were the Kalley brand.

the Kalloy posts can be had for $10 on ebay at any given time, but then there's $6-7 for shipping.