zero offset seatpost - advantages?

wim · Oct 19, 2008

Cheers! said:
The bolts are meant to be parallel (evenly spaced apart from the seatpost tube). The only support the rails see are the cup shaped peice that rotates/rests against the seatpost's tube.

Thanks, appreciate the answer. In defense of the design I have to say that a certain type of cyclocross remount is particularly hard on saddle rails. I know this for sure . . .

tidi · Oct 27, 2008

C-40 said:
There is no advantage to a zero setback seatpost for a road bike. Fewer people all the time take any stock in the idea that femur length and the resulting knee over pedal measurements are relevant to producing the proper rider position. It's better to have the rider properly balanced over the saddle and ignore KOP. Achieving a good weight balance nearly always requires a setback seatpost, to move the saddle back and reduce weight on the riders hands.

I found that moving my saddle back not only improves comfort, but also allows me to tolerate more saddle to handlebar drop. I've increased the drop on my bike from 9.5cm to 11.5cm with the saddle about 2cm further back. Depending on the saddle, I need a 25-35mm setback to get the position I want. Even then, the saddle will be most of the way back.

Using a zero setback post instead of the more common 20-25mm moves the clamp forward about as much as a 2 degree increase in the seat tube angle. I've used one once, but it was on a older LOOK frame with a slack 72.5 degree STA. It positioned the seat rail clamp in the same location as a newer frame with and 74.5 degree STA and 25mm setback post.

Zero offset posts are really best suited to MTBs that have slack STAs.

g'day C-40, i really enjoy reading your posts. just in regards to you mentioning your increase in saddle to bar drop, did this help you get a better sprint with the lower handlebar position? the reason i ask is that i have a good reach but i struggle to be able to transfer the power as i feel i'm not getting enough pull on the bars to execute a powerful sprint. regards

Peanya · Oct 27, 2008

C-40 said:
Achieving a good weight balance nearly always requires a setback seatpost, to move the saddle back and reduce weight on the riders hands.

I found that moving my saddle back not only improves comfort, but also allows me to tolerate more saddle to handlebar drop.

I'll chime in here, in agreement of the above mentioned. Zero setback means you will put a LOT more weight on your hands. Not a big deal if you're sprinting all the time, or in very short races. Want real proof? That's super easy - stand up, now bend over without moving your butt back at all. You can't do it. A more rearward position allows you to bend over more while being comfortable. This also helps you reduce the drag. You might need to bring down the seat tube a tiny bit more than if it was further up though.

zero offset seatpost - advantages?

wim

tidi

Peanya

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