What's the benefit of a carbon seatpost ?

[Seight_Returns]

Snapped a saddle rail on my hardtail MTB on the way to work this morning. On closer examination this seems to have been prompted by a crack in the seatpost clamp - so I need a new saddle and seatpost.

Currently browsing CRC/Wiggle/Wheelies and wondering whether a cheap carbon post would offer any benefit over a ~£30 alloy post like the one that just broke. Not bothered about saving a few grams but if it smoothed the ride out a bit that might be worthwhile.

Bike is a Giant XTC2 that I run on semi-slicks for commuting and fast-ish rides along the riverside path at weekends.

Worth it ?

[Jimbo.]

No difference at all with "cheap" cabon affairs, and little more with the pricier ones. Most of it is fashion and marketing bks

Save yer' pennies.

[mk1fan]

I like my carbon seat posts - Superstar one and a Carbon Cycles one - but in reality a Brand X black alloy item would work just as well on my commuter.

That said, I'd love to try a Ti one.

[untakenname]

The Ergon CF3 is meant to make a lot of difference allowing you to put full power down over cobblestones but it costs £200 so is pretty pricey.

http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/product/cf3procarb...

[Gren]

Can be lighter, can damp better. At that price though I wouldn't bother it may be neither. Paid that for a second hand Thomson Elite. Great post and pretty light anyway.

[Vladimir]

As the shock absorption qualities of carbon don't work in compression, I stick to a Thomson Elite. But I do have Carbon bars (Easton EC90SL) which take the buzz out of a trail.
My seat rails are carbon too (Spesh Phenom Pro).

[Dr Imran T]

I have a Ritchey wcs full carbon seat post, and it looks nice but made no difference in ride comfort.

[JayHeal]

Better looks and bragging rights are about it.