Specialzed CG-R post; run it backwards?

3 replies · 606 views

SWGraveler
247 posts
#1Feb 4, 2019, 7:03 PM
Hello,

I am pondering something and would appreciate the thoughts of folks here. I run a zero-setback seat post and I am interested in a Specialized CG-R post which is only available with 25mm of set-back. So, I am pondering the idea of running one of these posts turned around. My thinking is that if it is structurally sound to flex when facing the "normal" way, that it should be fine when spun around 180. Would there be any real difference in the loading or capacity if it is spun around? Because it has a barrel clamp, the angle difference should not cause any issues in terms of saddle angle.
I realize that this will have an effect on positioning; I am a retired fitter so I don't need help understanding that aspect of what I am proposing..
0
barturtle
49 posts
#2Feb 5, 2019, 12:21 PM
I don't see anything wrong with this.

As a matter of fact, I think that positioning is likely better, if you think of what happens when you hit rocks, and assume that the elastomer section is where most of the dampening come from: when you hit a bump in the road, say a large rock or other. it tries to stop the wheel before the wheel rolls up and over it. When this happens momentum keeps your body moving forward then the saddle pushes up. So, a seatpost that moves down and forward would be ideal. The CG-R turned around backwards would have such a down and forward flexation happening at the elastomer.

If one watches video of the Kinect seatpost, you'll realize that once the arms rotate past/below horizontal, they are swinging down and forward.
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chas
1,305 posts
#3Feb 7, 2019, 7:25 AM
No, there is no dampening from the elastomer. Maybe it absorbs buzz, but my elastomer does not move at all.
My thoughts are to get a different seat post – but that is because I don’t like the CGR. I put it on an old school frame (horizontal top tube (steel)) and it didn’t fit, because it needs more seat post exposed than a thudbuster, although I couldn’t tell by looking at it. It also had no flex at all. I was shocked.
After several years and using it on different bikes, I’ve realized it works only because of seat post flex. Minimal seat post exposed, no flex. That V doesn’t flex at all for me (I’m 175lbs). Its all in the exposed part of the seat post. Works with a strongly sloping top tube. I’m now using it on an aluminum frame with a sloping top tuble, and it cuts down a little on the harshness and buzz of aluminum.
But I think there are better options out there. I love a thudbuster, and there are similar options. Lately I’ve been using an Ergon/Canyon VCLS (single piece, not he two bladed thing), and that is 10x better than my CGR.
Also, with the CGR, I struggle getting that thing where it won’t slip the seat angle with its single bolt attachment. What the heck. Why have something that is designed for rougher riding with a single bolt??? Similar to you, I run the seat all the way forward to try to get a reasonable setback.

And now the answer you were looking for: No, I don’t see any way it would have a problem structurally running it rotated 180 degrees.

Food for thought.
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SWGraveler
247 posts
#4Feb 7, 2019, 10:51 AM
Thanks for the in-depth replies; I appreciate your embracing a "different" idea. After more research, it seems that folks either really think the CG-R does wonders or they think it does not do much at all.. I found an online review by one of the English sites where they compared 5 rigid suspension posts and the CG-R did not fare well but the VCLS came out a favorite..

I think I may keep looking for options; if I do end up trying this out I will be sure to post my thoughts. I weigh about 180 so your comments about it slipping are a concern for me when I ride the rougher stuff so thanks for sharing that..
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