Ergon post for CX, or just save up for a carbon frame?

[dhalbrook]

Cross season has begun in Oregon. I've done three races so far and I feel like I'm getting beat to hell on every single one, though some are worse than others. Just a note: this is my first time racing CX in about 20 years.

I'm currently racing a Giant TCX. Great frame in many ways, but aluminum isn't known for its damping abilities. I'm wondering, has anyone tried the Ergon seatpost? http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=59653&category=5163

My thinking is that it might take enough of an edge off. However, my other thought is that maybe I should just save my money for an inexpensive carbon frame like this: http://sellwoodcycle.com/collections/new-frames/products/2013-kona-major-jake-frameset

Those of you who made the switch from an aluminum cross frame to carbon.. did it make a huge difference in ride quality?

[batman1425]

Proper technique will do a lot more for improving bump performance than the post or frame swap.

In the bumpy sections, try to float over the saddle by pushing a bigger gear. The extra resistance will allow you to lift off the saddle slightly, or at the least reduce pressure on the saddle. Some folks set their saddle height on their cross bikes a few mm lower to accommodate for this lift. Also try to let the bike flow under you as you hit the bumps. Keep your arms bent, and upper body loose to absorb the impacts. You may also try lowering tire pressure a bit.

[dhalbrook]

Thanks. I'll try working on that.

Tire pressure is about as low as I can go (30 psi on a tubeless setup) but I might try higher volume tires.

[krhea]

I agree with the technique comment, Also, I'd save my money on the post and new and buy some wheels. They'll make the biggest difference in both ride quality and performance for cross.

Keep this in mind as well, our ground has been rock hard throughout the summer so it's unusually rough right now. With rain forecast for the next 3 or 4 days the courses will loosen up/soften up a bit for next weekend at Barlow and hopefully for the remainder of the season. At that point you'll really want a wheel set that'll allow you to drop pressure to tailor the tires for course conditions.

See ya in the "scrum"...

KRhea

[eddief]

a couple of women I was riding with had the Ergon post on their touring bikes. I had never seen one before seeing theirs. One of the women was complaining about creaking and my first bet was the post. So we removed it, greased the post (we did not have carbon prep), sprayed silicone in between the leaf springs, greased the saddle rails, tightened screws on the saddle, and the creak went away.

Anyway, at first the post seemed way over-engineered and then I did some googling to better understand the design. I have no idea if it is effective, but the design principles make sense to me. And it is really nice to look at. Would love to try one on my road bike.

Review:

http://gravelgrindernews.com/ergon-cf-3-pro-carbon-seat-post-mid-term/

http://gravelgrindernews.com/ergon-cf-3-pro-carbon-seat-post-first-impressions/

[dhalbrook]

Sounds good. Yes, I've been running Alpha 340s with Vittoria XGs using a Stan's tubeless setup. Not an ideal combo for ride quality but they've been bombproof so far.

It seems that so many folks are dumping their 10 speed rim brake tubulars that it might be worth taking advantage of that. However, I don't relish the idea of gluing tires to rims...

Looking forward to the cooler weather and mud. Both Het Meer and Zaaldercross were way too hot!

[Cornfed]

The Niner RDO post also has some dampening properties, but as a big guy, I tend to shy away from carbon posts. Seen too many catastrophic failures. I have a Thudbuster ST on my gravel bike and I love it, although you pay a weight penalty.

Here's the post I'm thinking about for my next gravel bike: http://www.cirruscycles.com/collections/all

[gavingould]

i've gone from an alu frame with CF seatstays and alu seatpost... to a full carbon frame with alu post... now on an alu bike with seatmast. the only carbon bits are rims and handlebars.

in all honesty, it's no more or less bumpy or punishing to the lower back, in my experience. wheels, tire pressure, technique and core/lower back strength are the keys to not feeling like you've taken a beating with a pillowcase full of doorknobs.

[xjoex]

I don't think a seat post would help much in a race. Try a higher volume tire and lower pressure for a much better increase in comfort and control.

For racing I like the Clement Cross Crusade PDX.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcymiIj1ErI/UEgZwPCZIFI/AAAAAAAAGlE/SYWPZrRhEtI/s800/IMG_9254.jpg

-Joe

[dhalbrook]

I have a set of Crusade PDXs but I haven't used them yet. I've heard they're a mixed bag to set up tubeless, and if I run them with tubes I'd be running higher pressures than I do now which would offset the higher volume. Ultimately going tubular might be my best bet.