Member Question: Specialized Allez Elite Road Bike Seat Post Upgrade

author : FitWerx

comments : 0

I have a Specialized Allez Elite road bike with aero bars. It has the stock seatpost. I am interested in changing the seat post to one that is more forward. What would I look for?

Member Question from Lukester1980
I have a Specialized Allez Elite road bike with aero bars. It has the stock seatpost. I am interested in changing the seat post to one that is more "Tri Like", i.e., more forward. What would I look for? I sometimes see seat posts advertised as "27.2 X 350". What does that mean in layman's terms and is that what I am looking for? Thanks!
 

Answer from Dean Phillips

Bike Fitter for Fitwerx

I recommend looking into the Thomson Elite Setback seatpost or the Profile Design Fast Forward post. You’ll want the 27.2mm option which indicates the outer diameter of the seatpost. This is the same diameter seatpost you have on your Specialized Allez Elite road bike, and is the most common round seatpost size in the industry. The 350mm indicates the length of the post. This length should be fine, but you may be able to get away with a shorter post such as a 250mm length depending on how much seatpost you currently have exposed on your bike.

The Thomson Elite Setback seatpost in the forward position will effectively increase your seat tube angle by about 2 degrees compared to a straight seatpost with no setback. As a result, this will allow you to move your saddle forward about 2cm compared to a zero setback post. If you’re currently using a setback seatpost in the rearward position, which many road bikes are spec’d with, then you’ll be able to move your saddle forward about 4cm with the Thomson post.

The Profile Design Fast Forward seatpost comes in carbon and alloy options. Both models will increase your effective seat angle by 4-5 degrees, or move your saddle forward 4-5cm compared to a zero setback post. Again, if your current seatpost has a rearward setback, this option will allow you to move your saddle forward about 6-7cm.

Moving the saddle forward will allow you to ride in a forward aerobar position while maintaining the same powerful open hip angle you have in your road position. I recommend seeking advice from a knowledgeable bike fitter near you to determine which seatpost is best suited for you and what other position changes will be necessary to achieve your best aerobar position.

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date: August 5, 2008