Noonievut

On my gravel bike (steel frame, B17 saddle) I'm using an old Giant carbon post that I got with my first road bike back in 2005. Surprisingly it's still ok, but as I build up this bike over time I'm looking to add the ideal parts. Given this bike is mainly on gravel/dirt roads, does a carbon post really help with comfort, or is a Thompson or similar non carbon post same ride quality; I would say the latter would certainly have better durability.

shelbyfv

There is no downside to a Thomson post. Your fat tires will take care of the "comfort." Some situations may need the set back version with the B17 because of the short rails.

Noonievut

The post I have on there now is a little offset, is the Thompson 0 degree? I don't have the height for the set back model. I have the velo orange setback post on another bike and like it, may get another one...

MileHighMark

Tire selection and pressure will make more of a difference in comfort than your seatpost.

I run the 410mm x 31.6mm setback Thomson Elite post on my 29er, and it ticks all the boxes.

Dirt Road

One thing I don't love about the Thomson setback post is that it has the same upper mechanism as the non-setback post. This means that the nose-down adjustment on the setback post, since it is tilted aft, is less than the standard post. I have a new Selle Anatomica saddle that has significant setback of it's own, and the Thomson setback post is almost at the limit of its forward tilt adjustment, according to the little scale, just getting the saddle level. There's a lot of extension showing in the rear bolt, of course, too. This may be a consideration for other users as well.

shelbyfv

OK, sounds like the setback version may have some issues I wasn't familiar with. I've only used the zero degree ones.

wesmamyke

Thomson does make a different set of clamp parts to fix that problem, offset by something like 12degrees. It doesn't come with the post though, you have to order them.

Dirt Road

Wow, thanks! I will check that out. I'm almost at the limit now. (I'm lowering the nose of the saddle as it takes my shape.)

flargle

The Thomson setback post is ugly, to boot. Allow me to recommend the Fizik seatpost.

fietsbob

Like Carbon seat posts?, these look good ERGON BIKE ERGONOMICS

It flexes , to soak up some roughness ..