Question about seat post offset

[pokey]

I have been biking for a few years now and have noticed lately that I always feel like my top tube should be longer. I have an 18" Trek 4900. I am about 5'10" with 32 inseam. I currently have my seat all the way back in the mount but find I still feel very "forward" on my bike when descending, and I also feel a bit scrunched on the bike. I thought about a longer stem, but although that would help the "scrunchy" feel and lower my center of gravity to help the tippy-top feeling, it seems like a seat post with an offset would be better. I haven't ever seen anyone use one on anything other than a road bike, though.
I have thought about buying to a Gary Fisher bike, but can't justify the cost at this time. Suggestions, thoughts ?

[bigwheel]

I'm not an expert on this, but I have seen several people's mountain bikes with offset seat posts.

[Wolfchimp]

Larry- I ride my Klein with a Thomson setback seatpost and a 90mm stem. I like sitting back on my rear wheel a little more. I have never had a problem. I know for sure that FSA and Thomson make setback seatposts. Good luck!

[Paul Swenson]

Your best bet would be to get a new bike with a longer top tube, but if you don't have the $$$ for a new bike Thompson makes a set back seat post. Here's a link where you can buy one. Better yet, visit your LBS and they'll make sure you get the right size:


http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=Seatpost+Elite+SB&vendorCode=THOMSON&major=2&minor=19

[TML]

Larry,

Setback posts are used on Mtb's as well. There are a number of options out threre that will cover the range of setback. Everything from 0-2 inches. Your current post, most likely has a slight offset. Somewhrere in the 0.75 inch range. Race Face makes a 1" called the XY. I'd highly recommend it if that is all you need. Otherwise there are other options with 1.5 - 2" offsets. Thomson and FSA come to mind as well as the ever spendy Moots ($$$$).

Good luck with it. They're all up there in the 80 - 100 dollar price range, so it's not cheap but you should find something to work.

Don't know how long your stem is now but you may also want to lengthen that just a hair. Not too much but a little may help you.

[LightWeight]

The Thomson setback post only gives you 16mm (about 5/8"). If you need more setback, you'd be a lot better off going with this (http://aebike.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=30&SKU=ST0710) FSA, or a Salsa Shaft (http://aebike.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=30&SKU=ST8552). No doubt the Thomson is nice, but from a purely functional aspect, there are better options.

[TML]

There's also this one by Titec

El Norte (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=4849&category=766)

http://www.universalcycles.com/images//products/medium/4849.jpg
at universal cycles

[bigwheel]

Since you have a hardtail, you might also considger getting a Thudbuster. That will give you the offset, plus give you some suspension.

[soupboy]

...despite its pronounced "kink" and high price the Thomson setback delivers relatively little setback.

I run the aforementioned RaceFace XY (no longer made) and it has significantly more offset. I've also owned the Salsa Shaft which is a nice, durable post with plenty of offset. I also have a Turdbuster which delivers as Bob notes. I have no experience with FSA.

Sean

The Thomson setback post only gives you 16mm (about 5/8"). If you need more setback, you'd be a lot better off going with this (http://aebike.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=30&SKU=ST0710) FSA, or a Salsa Shaft (http://aebike.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=30&SKU=ST8552). No doubt the Thomson is nice, but from a purely functional aspect, there are better options.