The seat post is a bicycle part that acts as a connecting link between the frame and the saddle of the two-wheeled vehicle. Depending on the design, the element can be fixed with a bolt or eccentric clamp. The upper part of the seatpost contains a lock, which serves as a means for fixing the saddle guide.
Materials of manufacture
The seat post can be made of the following materials:
- aluminum alloys - are currently actively used for the production of a wide variety of models of pins, from the lowest level products to the top products;
- steel is the easiest option that can be seen on cheap bicycles;
- carbon fiber - a durable and lightweight material that is used in the manufacture of seatposts for modern road and cross-country bikes ;
- titanium is an effective solution for the production of structures that are installed on high-level bikes (due to the high cost it often becomes the choice of professional athletes);
- scandium is a non-widespread, but at the same time high-strength and lightweight material from which the seatposts of the highest class are made.
Hard pin
Typical for most bikes. It is presented in the form of a thin-walled pipe with a lock connection in the upper part. Such a seatpost post is characterized by low weight, budget cost, durability and reliability. The main disadvantage is limited functionality.
Integrated pin
It is a construction seamlessly connected to the frame of the bicycle. Most often, carbon is used as the material of manufacture.
Often, the integrated seatpost is cast once, especially in accordance with the parameters of the body of the owner of a two-wheeled vehicle. Therefore, this design does not allow you to adjust the height of the landing.
The technology, specific in nature, is designed primarily to lighten the bike. During operation, functionality and convenience are somewhat affected.
Auto Height Pin
This solution makes it possible to change the landing directly during the movement of the bike. Adjustment is carried out using a special shifter or lever located on the
steering column of the bicycle.The adjustable seatpost pin is useful primarily for owners of bikes for the downhill, who need a quick change of saddle position in extreme, high-speed off-road driving.
Seatpost with shock absorber
It is based on the use of a mechanism that provides mitigation of bumps when a cyclist performs jumping tricks and overcoming difficult terrain sections. The seatpost with shock absorber allows extreme sportsmen to experience more comfortable conditions when moving.
According to the design can be lever or telescopic. The main production material is lightweight aluminum alloys.
Types of locks
The lock is an element of the seatpost, which serves to connect the upper base of the structure with the saddle, adjust its longitudinal displacement and tilt. It can be presented in the form of a separate part, which is suitable for installation on various types of pins or make up a single unit with the seatpost.
According to the design features, the locks are divided into the following types:
- Single bolt - provide the possibility of a fairly rough adjustment of the saddle position.
- Double-bolt - allow you to fine tune the tilt and shift of the platform for landing a cyclist.
- Locks of original design - patented, complex products of individual manufacturers. Differ in specific assembly and functionality.
Service
It would seem that the seat post is a fairly straightforward design. However, the component, as well as the rest of the bicycle parts, need care and timely maintenance.
Lubricating the seat post is recommended at least once during the off-season. At first, the holding eccentric is loosened or the bolted joint is opened. The bicycle seatpost is released from the frame opening. Subsequently, the old grease is removed and a new one is applied. Before performing the procedure, the surfaces are first cleaned of accumulated contaminants.
Finally, the pin is inserted back into the bicycle frame. The position of the seat is adjusted, an eccentric or bolt mount is securely fixed.
Finally
There are several bicycle accessories that you should not save on. These include steering columns, brake systems, fasteners. The seatpost, which plays the role of a vital part, is no exception. The latter should be selected depending on the type and purpose of the bike, riding style, needs, goals and objectives of the bike owner. Unexpected component failure can cause serious consequences in the form of injury or the creation of a potentially dangerous situation on the road.