I am in need of a new seat post for my triathlon bike which requires a round post at insertion point. I thought that I had read on Slowtwitch that a pure aero seat post is the best option (like those found on the Cervelo, QR Lucero and Kuota bikes and not an option in this case) but, that a hybrid (a round bottom post at insertion point and a “aero” blade up to the seat clamp) is actually a poorer aerodynamic choice than a traditional round seat post if both the round portion and the bladed portion are both exposed to the wind (such as with the USE or Profile aero seat posts). It would seem that it would be difficult to get the sizing just right (or cut your seat post) and there would not be allowances for changing the seat height if you were to hide all exposed round tune within the frame.
Any thoughts on this? Secondly, I was thinking of a carbon seat post and I thought I also read that they were prone to slipping. Is this true? or is carbon the ticket for both weight savings and comfort over long rides or IM distance races.
Also have a look at the Giant seat posts on the TCR. I like mine a lot. They come in several sizes so you might be able to make one work.
Originally Cobb claimed that aero seat post coming out of a round seat tube don’t work. Later he changed his mind. Do they really work? Who cares - they look cool.
I have a giant post for sale. Can’t remember if its a # 2 or 3. Never been used, scratched where it goes from round to tapered. Its 7 7/8 inches from minimum insertion point to the rails. There is only about an inch of adjustability, so length has to be spot on. mtntri1@aol.com if anyone’s interested. $45
I’ve got one of the Giant Aero posts on my QR Tequilo and have been really happy with it. There are great prices on them at Chuck’s Bikes, as someone already mentioned. Mine is the middle sized (#2) and is very comfortable and easy to install. I have heard from several people that the USE Alien is a bit of a pain, and I believe that it weighs more than the Giant (if that is a concern for you).
I am riding a Aegis Trident which has a round (traditional) 27.2 post hole. My question is what is the best seat post to buy? A hybrid aero post like the Profile Razor or USE aero, or stay with the round Eaton or Thompson posts?
My main point was (is) that more than likelly, the entire post will not be completelly aero, since the round bottom part of the post will be exposed to some extent and I though that I had read that this type of set up was actually worse aerodynamically than a regular “non Aero” round post.
I use a Corima carbon seatpost. It ROCKS. It is 100% aero, yet is round at the insertion point so will fit a traditional tube (like my Kestrel 500 sci). I have it turned around to give me a steeper seat angle - it works like a Cervelo, you can switch it around. They come in three sizes, that way only the aero portion is exposed. I LOVE the thing! I even “think” that I get some shock absorb from it because of the angle differs in relation to my virtual seat tube. Very easy one-bolt adjustment for the saddle as well. Not a cheap post, but keep your eye on ebay, which is where I got mine for about half what a new one runs…
I have a Felt B2 that came with an “Aero” seatpost for a 27.2 round tube. Can’t use it because its the wrong length. Its my training bike anyhow. The seatpost is between your legs, if you had not noticed, no drag reduction, I don’t care what any tri mag says. The air there is already way to disturbed. If you want one because it looks cool thats one thing, I personally can think alot better ways to waste $150. An aero helmet or a disc is a much better investment. As for the newer frame mounted aero posts on alot of new bikes, if you travel to races alot like I do and you brake one of those things, you are finished as you cannot replace it quickly. Stick to a standard size that is replaceable. Also many of the aero posts make it hard to hang spare tires and such behind the seat. I actually purchaced a Felt B2, 2004 madel because it uses a 27.2 round post and I use that bike to travel with. My Cervelo P2 is a little better bike, but it uses a 25.3 mm post, which I had to make myself(you have to buy a 25.4mm post and machine it, but thats another story). So I only use it locally. Cannondale and Look make great 27.2mm posts that are stiffer and a much higher quality than Giant. I had one of those things on my TCR road bike and it only lasted about a year.
