On Sep 15, 9:46*pm, DaveC wrote:
For a plain aluminum post, what to look for? I mean, there don't seem to be
many features (elastomer types aside): tilt, height, fore/aft...?

Are posts similar to stems in that I'll have to go through several until I
find a riding position that requires a particular seat position? Or will any
post give me enough adjustment to achieve my correct riding position?

To be used on a light-use mtb (absolutely no jumping or such) supporting a
Specialized Sonoma Sport saddle.

I'm looking at a 27.0 mm Kalloy Laprade, for no particular reason:

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/SE407A01-
Kalloy+Laprade+Seatpost.aspx

mtbr.com's list of reviewed posts seems to show that the more people that
review it the lower the score (with the exception of a few higher-priced
models):

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/controls/Seatpost/PLS_141_911crx.aspx

Suggestions, recommendations, opinions, experiences, or pointers to reviews
are welcome.

(Are seatposts the unsung heros of the bike? Offering support, rain & shine?
Always the butt of jokes?)

Thanks.

mtbr.com is near useless. Sometimes it lets you know
if something is a lemon; although sometimes poor reviews
just mean that the product was attractive to inarticulate
kids who break lightweight parts while casing jumps.

For light duty riding, most seatposts will work unless
you are significantly heavier than average, or you have
unusual setback requirements. Some posts are easier
to adjust saddle tilt independent of setback or clamp
tightness.

Stems have to fit the rider for both height and reach
(torso and arm length), which is why you can go through
so many while fitting. Seatposts mostly adjust for
leg length, have two degrees of freedom (height, setback)
vs the one degree for a given stem, and for whatever
reason, the range of setback accomodates many people,
while fit is more demanding of just the right stem.

As for what to look for in a seatpost, you have to take
it out and turn it over: the most likely thing to find is
the rider's stash, but occasionally proof of ownership
or an emergency dollar or two (but the handlebars are
a better place for that).

Ben