ImprezaDrvr

Well, I made the plunge and ordered a Cannondale CAAD7 frameset. I'm even going to try their bottom bracket and hope that other companies start making parts for it. Anyway, what's a new frame without new stuff on it? I'm moving the group from the current bike to the new one, but have new saddle, bars, stem, etc. Here's the question: Does anyone have experience with carbon seatposts? I know that the CAAD7 will be smoother than my CAAD3, but I'm wondering if a carbon post might not be another way to make the ride a little more custom, for lack of a better word. I run about 185 pounds, if that's relevant to anyone suggesting a super light post.

pokey

What an optimist! Why not buy a proper riding frame to start with? Buy the CF post for looks, or weight saving,that way you won't be disapointed.

Xavier

Seatpost? Go with a titanium post. It will be much more comfortable due to its flexy characteristics.

pokey

Maybe, if you have enough of it sticking out of the frame, but that creates other issues.

Cipher

Before going out and buying a new carbon post, review the posts in the link below!


Carbon Posts!

lotek 

Cipher,

You hang out at Serotta?
Anything that BigMac or DBRK (or his current handle)
you can take to the bank.
the only thing I would caution there, its heavily biased
towards anything Serotta (of course I ride one so I'm also
kinda biased!).

Marty

Cipher

Hey Lotek!

Ya, I enjoy reading their threads. (Lots of good info!) All-be-it a little bias toward serotta... I won't hold that against you guys though!

Mike

lotek 

I really get alot out of that site,
and sometimes its absolutely hysterical how the
Serottians (serottaphiles?) get their bowels
in an uproar when someone questions the
shrine of Ben, or Serotta products. The one
exception is when DBRK does, as he seems to be
one of the few who can criticize and not get flamed
all to hell and back.
You read the Calfee forum? I hear its worse than
serottaland.
Thats one of the things I really like about B.F. it
isn't rah rah about any one subject. That said,
it IS a Serotta owners forum.

Marty

Cipher

Hi Marty,

Couldn't agree w/you more... 'You read the Calfee forum? I hear its worse than serottaland'. On occasion I'll browse a little of it, but generally will spend my time with the Ben'ophiles. (More or less a wall fly). And your certainly right about BigMac & DBRK.

lotek 

I pretty much just read, or lurk if you must.
I do occaisionally post but not too often.
I sometimes feel, well, like a redheaded
stepchild since I don't ride a Legend Ti,
CSI, or Ottrott Si (or Hottotrott as the
classicrendezvous listers have recently
called it).
The absolute best advice I ever heard on
Brooks saddles was from DBRK.

marty

ImprezaDrvr

Back to seatposts: Sounds like there aren't many willing to admit that they've ridden on one for a while. I see ti mentioned once or twice, though. Guess I'll try something new and see what happens.

Thanks!

SteveE

Ok, I'll admit it. I have been riding a USE Alien CF seatpost for about 2K miles. It seems okay. I haven't made any adjustments to it since I built the bike back in July. Since it was installed on a new bike, I really don't have anything to compare it to. It looks nice, is lightweight, and hasn't broken yet, so I guess it's alright.

I've heard some criticism regarding the difficulty of making adjustments to the seat and that the bracket can get stuck after it's been setup. There were some reviews on the Cyclingnews website awhile back that you might want to read.

I like my bike's ride but couldn't tell you whether it's the frame, the fork, or the seatpost. I just like to ride, so I guess I'm just not terribly finicky about all that stuff.

Cat2

I have ~ 5K miles on my Alien carbon post. It's fine if you don't need alot of set-back (I don't with my 72^ seat tube) and aren't the type of person who likes to experiment with their seat position. It's a PIA to adjust seat angle once you have it set. Also if you run a seat with oversized rails, like a Fizik Alliante with the carbon rails, it won't fit.

Personally I think the Campy carbon post is the nicest out there. It's a piece of art IMO, even if you run Shimano running gear I'd go with the Campy post. With your Cannondale, you'll probably want the added set back the Campy post provides.

Oh, last thing. Don't expect the post to affect the ride characteristics - it won't. Buy it 'cause it tickles your fancy or you just have to thin out your wallet.

pokey

I got one,syncros.Got it for looks and light weignt.Price was lower than quality Al,so why not? Makes no diff in ride.Others will claim it turns a POS into a magic carpet.Believe what you will.

a2psyklnut

Cannondale is a 27.2 mm post and you will find this to be a very popular size.

As far as titanium, carbon or aluminum, It's really a matter of high light and how much you want to spend.

If you want a great post for a good price that isn't stupid light, you really can't go wrong with a Thomson Elite.

If you decide on Carbon, the Easton is one of the most respected and strongest on the market.

If you want Ti (who doesn't) the markets wide open. There is something about titanium that makes me drool!!!!! I really like the Moots, see below:

VegasCyclist

true enough, the elite is an excellent seat post I've had one for 5 months now, although a bit pricey ($80)

cane

I run a Campy carbon seatpost on my FONDRIEST and I have not had any problems with it.