Seatpost - does it make any difference?

Nah.

Not really but they look cool and that's about it unless you have the most sensitive a** in the world.
I have one and it looks cool!

Mmm...interesting. I thought it would make at least some difference. Guess I was wrong then.

Oh well...I'll be 200 au$ richer then....

cheers

LeDomestique said:

Mmm...interesting. I thought it would make at least some difference. Guess I was wrong then.

Oh well...I'll be 200 au$ richer then....

cheers

If you really want a new seat post, buy a good quality aluminum one, spend $50 - $70 USD. The carbon post will look nice (if you like carbon), but will make not one wit of difference in comfort. It MIGHT make a miniscule amount of difference in weight, although good quality aluminum posts have equivalent weight for half the cost. I'm speaking from experience w/ aluminum and carbon posts - the carbon post didn't make any difference that I could feel. Now, tires and handlebar tape - those things WILL make a difference!

The right saddle will make the most difference in comfort.

LeDomestique said:

I'm currently riding an Alu frame and while its not uncomfortable by any means, I'm wondering if a full carbon (as opposed to my current carbon wrapped) seatpost will make any difference in the ride.

Any experience in this area?

thanks

What difference do you want? Having asked that, the only difference that you'll get is bling, and greater destroyability in a crash. The latter could be an advantage, as it could spare your frame.

I'm not into bling. I dont race either. Just wondered if a carbon seat post could offer a smoother ride than my current alum one.

I guess I'll try a couple of 25 mm tyres instead of my usual 23 mm.

LeDomestique said:

I'm not into bling. I dont race either. Just wondered if a carbon seat post could offer a smoother ride than my current alum one.

I guess I'll try a couple of 25 mm tyres instead of my usual 23 mm.

the only slight chance you have of the post making any difference is if you have a sloping or compact frame with heaps of post showing

Then how about Titanium seat post?

alpha2k said:

Then how about Titanium seat post?

in terms of weight, strengths or vibration dampening? You're going to pay an arm and a leg for something that ultimately will not make a huge difference over aluminum.

I hear that carbon to some people can make a difference, but I honestly believe that it's their imagination. A good pair of riding shorts will make up the difference, and save you money in the long run.

lbraasch said:

A good pair of riding shorts will make up the difference, and save you money in the long run.

A good pair (or two) of cycling shorts will cost MORE than a Carbon seat post and last much less 😄

LeDomestique said:

A good pair (or two) of cycling shorts will cost MORE than a Carbon seat post and last much less 😄

however, a good pair of riding shorts will actually make a noticable difference.

i used to have a carbon seatpost, one of the ones that come stock on specialized bikes with 'zertz' inserts. then i switched to a thomson seatpost. ironically, the thomson was lighter and the ride didn't feel any better. also i think zertz is just another gimmick by specialized.

lbraasch said:

however, a good pair of riding shorts will actually make a noticable difference.

touché

LeDomestique said:

I'm not into bling. I dont race either. Just wondered if a carbon seat post could offer a smoother ride than my current alum one.

I guess I'll try a couple of 25 mm tyres instead of my usual 23 mm.

If 28's fit, try a good quality of 28's. The comfort factor will be significant, and I really doubt you'd notice the weight or rolling difference. In fact, in some situations, the 28 (or 25 if you go that route) might actually be better for speed because they will be smoother over the bumps and more comfortable to ride quicker. I do notice that rough chip seal does indeed slow me down -both because I tend to slow down because of the discomfort,and I also think it phyisically slows down the wheels. Worth a try anyway. I've used 28s a couple of times and have been very happy with them.