Carbon vs Alu Seatpost

[Nic0000]

Okay to summaries...

There is a theoretical difference but you can't feel it. If it offered the travel that would make a difference to my ride, it wouldn't be so much a difference of opinions but rather known fact. Thanks for your input guys

[brussel]

I'm an engineer and I'd argue that it has far more to do with the design of said object rather than material.

 

I have a cheap alu post...it is rigid as all hell.

I also have a KCNC one that is much softer. Not because of the material but the wall thickness is thinner and so it flexes much more. Nothing to do with material but rather the structural design of a seatpost.

 

I'd argue that with carbon frames the ability to tune parts of the bike to flex is what gives carbon it's softer ride rather than the material itself.

 

I ride an alu Bulls 29er and I have ridden the carbon one too...it is softer and I could feel that from the first bump I hit. But again I'd argue its a feature of the ability to put material where you want the frame stiff and to remove it where you want it compliant. Not the material itself.

[javadude]

I still stand by my original opinion that a softer saddle and lower tyre pressure will have a much bigger effect on the same frame than changing a seatpost. But I suspect most bike shops will tell you different.

 

I'm with you on the tyres. I bought 28c gatorskins at a bargain, and running them at 95psi is like riding along on a sofa. I'm probably much slower with them, but you can't have it all.