Seatposts

Carbon zadelpen 27,2 mm

A carbon seatpost with matte finish, 27.2 mm diameter, described as lightweight.

What you get

27.2 mm diameter
Carbon, matte finish
Lightweight version

Why a new seatpost?

A seatpost looks like a plain tube, but it does three things. It sets your saddle height, its setback decides how far back your saddle sits, and it absorbs some of the road vibration. If you want a different height or position, or to replace a worn or bent post, that is often all you need.

The most important thing is the diameter. It has to match the outside of the post and the inside of the seat tube. Common sizes are 27.2 mm, 30.9 mm and 31.6 mm, and 25.4 mm, 28.6 mm and 34.9 mm also occur. Measure your old post with a calliper, or read the size engraved on it. A post that is 0.2 mm too thin already slips.

Setback is the distance between the centre of the tube and the centre of the saddle clamp. It usually runs from 0 mm (a straight post) to about 25 mm. More setback puts you further behind the bottom bracket, which suits longer legs or a more relaxed position. It also changes how far you can slide the saddle on the rails.

Aluminium is the usual choice: sturdy, easy to fit and typically 200 to 300 g. Carbon is lighter, often 150 to 250 g, and damps small vibrations a little better. It needs more care: overtightening can damage it, and carbon paste is the best way to get grip. A dropper post is meant for mountain bikers.

How seatposts compare

The material and design decide weight, comfort and upkeep.

Type	Weight	Comfort	Watch for
Aluminium	About 200 to 300 g	Stiff, little damping	Grease against seizing
Carbon	About 150 to 250 g	Damps small vibrations a bit better	Carbon paste, low torque
With setback (up to about 25 mm)	Same as the straight version	Saddle further back	Choose by saddle position
Dropper (telescopic)	About 400 to 600 g	Saddle drops on descents	Insertion length and remote type

Weights are guides and vary by model and length.

Choose it if

Your seat tube takes 27.2 mm and you want to save weight.
You like a matte, understated look.
You know the diameter of your seat tube and want a post in that size.
You want to move your saddle further back or forward than it goes now.

Choose something else if

If your frame uses another diameter it will not fit, and you should not shim it to suit.
You are not sure of the diameter. Measure first, because a wrong size never fits well.
Your frame is carbon and you do not know if a shim is allowed. Ask the manufacturer first.

How to fit a seatpost

Measure the diameter
Measure the old post with a calliper or read the engraved size. Note the length and setback too.
Clean the seat tube
Remove old grease and dirt from the tube. Apply a thin layer of grease to aluminium or steel, or a little carbon paste to carbon.
Slide the post in
Push the post in so far that the minimum insertion mark is not visible. It must stay hidden.
Set the height and direction
Point the saddle straight ahead and choose the height. Tighten the seat clamp.
Tighten with a torque wrench
Use the value printed on the post or the clamp. It usually sits around 5 to 8 Nm, often lower for carbon.

Good to know

Use carbon paste and a torque wrench.
Length and setback are not stated.
Never tighten more than the value on the part. On carbon, the post or frame can crack under too much force.
A post seized in the tube by corrosion is hard to get out. Remove and grease it a few times a year.
A shim to fit a thinner post in a wider tube is possible, but ask first whether your frame allows it.
After a crash, check that the post is not cracked or bent, especially on carbon.

What you get

Why a new seatpost?

How seatposts compare

Choose it if

Choose something else if

How to fit a seatpost

Measure the diameter

Clean the seat tube

Slide the post in

Set the height and direction

Tighten with a torque wrench

Good to know

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