When you want to buy a new seatpost, there are many factors to consider. However, how do you know how to gauge the post’s diameter?
A good post can increase your bike’s aesthetics. One of the most crucial bicycle components is the seatpost. Installing the wrong size can harm your frame. It won’t be stick at the same height and also can give you back pain.
Fortunately, we have a step-by-step instruction that will show you how to measure your seatpost so that it fits on your bike, so you don’t need to worry about this.
It’s critical to comprehend two concepts:
1.The frame tube that holds the seatpost is referred to as the “seat tube.”
2.The saddle’s mounting post is referred to as a “seatpost.”
Determining the Seatpost Diameter
Calipers are the fastest and most precise approach (Vernier, or digital). You must have 0.1 mm of accuracy in your measurements. Make numerous measurements, then average them.
Ideal Seat Post Diameter
To determine the seat post size, you can look at your current or old saddle post. This is the quickest way to determine how wide your dropper should be. The diameter of the current seatpost can be checked by measuring it with a digital caliper and metric calipers.
Dimensions of a Typical Seatpost (in mm)
| 21.15 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| 22 | 25.4 | 26.2 | 27.2 | 28.6 | 29.2 | 30.2 | 31.2 |
| 22.2 | 25.5 | 26.4 | 27.4 | 28.8 | 29.4 | 30.4 | 31.4 |
| 22.4 | 25.8 | 26.5 | 27.7 | 29.6 | 30.8 | 31.5 | |
| 23.8 | 26.6 | 27.8 | 29.8 | 30.9 | 31.6 | ||
| 24 | 26.8 | 31.8 | |||||
| 32 | |||||||
| 34.9 |
Although not always, seatpost diameters are often a multiple of 0.2mm. The next larger size will likely fit if you measure something that is close to a figure that is not a multiple of 0.2. For instance, if your seatpost is 25.5mm broad and the following size is 27mm, it will probably fit.
The post that slides in freely and without being pressured (other than by hand) is the proper post. If the seatpost slides in with play before the pinch bolt is tightened, it is probably too narrow.
| 25 | 26.8 | 27 | 28.6 | 30.9 | 31.6 | 34.9 |
| 25.4 | 27.2 | 31.8 |
The most common seatpost dimensions used on contemporary bicycles are listed in this table.
The Correct Method for Measuring Seat Tube Diameter
Measure the inner diameter of the space where the seat post will be installed. A Vernier caliper provides incredibly accurate measurements of both internal and external components. Digital readouts for calipers may provide button-based conversion between metric and inch measurements. The seatpost is supported by a component called the seat tube.
Routing Internally or Externally
Whether the seatpost’s cables are routed internally or externally is a question of preference. I advise choosing a seat post with the wire running to the shaft, rather than the head. This lessens its susceptibility to harm and improves its visual appeal. The most common kind of mountain bike wiring is internal cabling.
Measurement of the Dropper
The length of the dropper is always measured with the post fully extended. A restriction of 100 to 150 mm is provided with the great majority of bikes. This suggests that you have total control over the position of your bike seat and can lower it for more comfort.
Highest Extension
Determine how high you want your seat to be when it is fully extended before you can accurately measure the seat post. Measure the distance from the collar to the seat rail’s center to do this. A post shouldn’t be too long because doing so could decrease cycling efficiency and power transmission.
Insertion Minimum
How deep can you insert your seatpost into the frame before it becomes too tight? If you think there is no more room, measure from the saddle collar’s peak down. Understanding how deep it runs will prevent you from concentrating on extension numbers that could mislead you and make it challenging to lower your post.
Total Length
The length of the seatpost that is most frequently used is between 75 and 400 millimetres. A brief post could not be ergonomically sound and uncomfortable. The majority of mountain bikes have longer seatposts, which are safer and enable you to adjust them for uphill and downhill surfaces.
Measuring Rod
You can use a rod to measure the size of your seat post. The rod is inserted into the tube after being adjusted for diameter. Since the rods come in various sizes, you can stop when you find one that is appropriate. The reading that is right is located at the tube’s end.
Suggestions
Before tightening the clamp, if a seatpost rocks or wobbles left to right, it is generally too narrow. Avoid punching it in. It’s probably too wide if it can’t be slid in by hand. It is really impossible to move or remove it afterwards if you force it in. Some frames may even be harmed.
FAQs
What is the typical diameter of a seatpost?
The typical range of seatpost sizes is 22 to 35 mm in steps of 0.2 mm. The size 27.2 mm is the most typical.
Are seat posts on bicycles universal?
Yes, the majority of contemporary bike seats are interchangeable with various seat posts and are universal.
A seatpost shim is what?
The 27.2mm diameter ShockStop Seatpost OR Dual-Position Seatpost may be fitted into your larger seat tube without difficulty using a seatpost shim.
Conclusion
One of the most frequently forgotten bike parts is the seat post. The wrong size might cause back pain in addition to causing damage to the frame even can break it.