Canyon VCLS / Ergon CF3 seat post from third parties (eBay)
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Canyon VCLS / Ergon CF3 seat post from third parties (eBay)
I know that buying carbon parts on eBay from Chinese sellers has been discussed to death, but this is a bit of a special case because it's about a suspension seat post that is meant to flex, so there are more safety concerns than usual.
Since a genuine Canyon VCLS / Ergon CF3 seatpost costs 8/10 times more than this, which however looks IDENTICAL, I was wondering if this European company (Canyon, Ergon same thing) outsources them from China to resell here (at a huge profit obviously).
Particularly this one here, from Hong Kong (so not 'quite' Chinese), and also has a brand name (3TS, never heard of it anyway), and plenty of sales apparently.
Also considering that 'genuine' Canyon VCLS / Ergon CF3 seat posts are obviously enormously overpriced, would you take the risk?
Since a genuine Canyon VCLS / Ergon CF3 seatpost costs 8/10 times more than this, which however looks IDENTICAL, I was wondering if this European company (Canyon, Ergon same thing) outsources them from China to resell here (at a huge profit obviously).
Particularly this one here, from Hong Kong (so not 'quite' Chinese), and also has a brand name (3TS, never heard of it anyway), and plenty of sales apparently.
Also considering that 'genuine' Canyon VCLS / Ergon CF3 seat posts are obviously enormously overpriced, would you take the risk?
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Thank you for posting this. I'd never have found these if not. I came here looking for info on ergon availability. I will gladly be guinea pig for this at that price. Even the height adjustment markings look like they're same factory run as the ergons. You going to try one, too? Every other "cheap damn Chinese junk" parts I've bought have been top notch.
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I bit the bullet and just ordered the original seat post from Ergon. Outrageously expensive but I am 50+ and cannot afford a fall or a broken stump of carbon fiber up my bum! Where I live the roads are made of roughly compressed chips (plus potholes, patches etc.) and I ride in normal clothes, so I really need it (had a Thudbuster with the old bike).
I inquired with the eBay sellers and their seat posts do not even come with the special carbon grease/paste which is required with carbon seat posts (which you can buy separately of course, but makes me think they're not really like the genuine ones).
Another reason is delivery time, I just got a mouse pad from China and it took exactly a month. The Ergon will be here in two days.
However, I am 80% sure the Chinese would probably be the same as Ergons so I feel ripped off already! I think you're right to go ahead with the Chinese.
I inquired with the eBay sellers and their seat posts do not even come with the special carbon grease/paste which is required with carbon seat posts (which you can buy separately of course, but makes me think they're not really like the genuine ones).
Another reason is delivery time, I just got a mouse pad from China and it took exactly a month. The Ergon will be here in two days.
However, I am 80% sure the Chinese would probably be the same as Ergons so I feel ripped off already! I think you're right to go ahead with the Chinese.
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I am just posting this to say that I have received the genuine Ergon seatpost and I am absolutely ecstatic. From the presentation (packaged like a jewel!) to how it indeed works and smooths the ride (without apparently moving parts such as elastomers or springs) it is indeed a little masterpiece of technology and modern engineering.
Most of you won't need this seat post (unless you live in crappy roads places such as the West of Ireland, where I am) and given the price it is certainly not for everyone. I would be really curious to see the Chinese version, I would be immediately able to tell if it's the same thing or not. Surely it does not look like a Made in China product to me (but my MacBook doesn't either....).
Most of you won't need this seat post (unless you live in crappy roads places such as the West of Ireland, where I am) and given the price it is certainly not for everyone. I would be really curious to see the Chinese version, I would be immediately able to tell if it's the same thing or not. Surely it does not look like a Made in China product to me (but my MacBook doesn't either....).
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I picked up a CF3 from one of the big German o;line shops for a decent price a while back ($180 I think). I went through the same decision process of deciding between the knock-off and real CF3 and ultimately decided it was worth the extra money to get the real deal.
The CF3 is great. Partnered with a Ti frame and tubeless 28’s my bike feels like it floats over crappy roads.
The CF3 is great. Partnered with a Ti frame and tubeless 28’s my bike feels like it floats over crappy roads.
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I think it is wrong to assume that because a company is having parts made in China that they are totally ripping off their customers. They very well could be but not necessarily.
Many companies that manufacture in China have a large support staff based there to assure parts are made correctly and work conditions are maintained. Manufacturing engineers, QA people, HR and other staff may be on site at all times. Manufacturing equipment and/or processes may all be developed and maintained by the outsourcing company.
These are significant expenses but they provide assurance to the manufacturer that the parts they receive will meet their standards. Not saying that all companies do this but larger companies or companies that want to maintain a reputation for quality tend to do that.
If you buy a part on ebay, you really have no idea where it came from, how it was made, what materials it was made from, or what kind of testing / inspection it received. Sometimes you get a good part and sometimes you don't.
Many companies that manufacture in China have a large support staff based there to assure parts are made correctly and work conditions are maintained. Manufacturing engineers, QA people, HR and other staff may be on site at all times. Manufacturing equipment and/or processes may all be developed and maintained by the outsourcing company.
These are significant expenses but they provide assurance to the manufacturer that the parts they receive will meet their standards. Not saying that all companies do this but larger companies or companies that want to maintain a reputation for quality tend to do that.
If you buy a part on ebay, you really have no idea where it came from, how it was made, what materials it was made from, or what kind of testing / inspection it received. Sometimes you get a good part and sometimes you don't.