Our first stop at Thomson’s NAHBS booth yielded the dropper seatpost updates. On a subsequent walk by, they mentioned their setback seatposts will get a second design option this summer.
Their original set back post, shown here, uses a bent tube to achieve the offset. But, they admit that it’s not the best aesthetic choice for all bikes. So they’re developing a second 25mm offset post that’ll use a straight post and revised head to get the saddle further back. Look for it a bit later this year.
I’ve got Thomson set-back posts on two of my bikes and I am not bothered by the looks. Thomson designed it that way so the post and lower saddle clamp could be cast/forged in one piece leaving no joint to separate and it works. Their only disadvantage, other than aesthetics, is that you need a minimum of 80-90 mm of seatpost exposed so that the “kink” is above the seatpost clamp. For some rider on some frames this can eliminate it’s use.
I agree with a few others that the original setback was distinctive and looked good, but it is a look that grows on you – or doesn’t. Clearly, more commenters here weren’t sold on the look.
The best part about it was that you knew it was a Thomson from 50 yds away. That speaks quality, durability and function, no matter what the appearance.
I believe I’ve had 4 over the years and currently have it on two bikes (MTB’s). One of them has a damaged clamp where I was trying to rescue it from a steel frame. I got some liquid nitrogen (work) and froze the whole area and then popped it up with some wood and a rubber mallet. Lesser posts would have been unrecognizeable after all of that. It’s gone 2 more seasons…and still looking good. Which, apparently, is a matter of opinion. 😉
@All
For many the original Setback just wasn’t enough or wasn’t aesthetically pleasing. So the new version will have the setback and look people wanted. Combined with a one piece head clamp, and made in the USA, it should work for many people out there.
We will continue to make the original model and the straight also.
As for the setback on the dropper, that’s more complicated due to the cartridge inside the tube. We have been working on ideas to incorporate more than the 5mm setback the post currently has but nothing is concrete as of now.
We’ll let you know when we have something though.
I’m guessing it’ll look a lot like http://www.paulcomp.com/seatpost.html, but as one piece instead of a screwed and bonded head.
@thomson. any thought on offering a 5/6º bicycle stem? (kind of splitting hairs here)
i run into a lot of riders that run a different brand stem to get that smaller angle. or they go zero and add spacers. others will just go with a different brand for both the seatpost and stem, to keep a matching/clean look to their new build.
Any idea of when the new seatpost will be shown?
Eurobike in Germany will happen soon (end of august), then Interbike in USA in early september is probably a good chance to see a final product launched on home turf?
Any other important dates are Taipei show in march, or Sea Otter in april…
(damn, I need a 30.9 seatback for my Pegoretti 😛 )
I found this on MTBR:
Ozzy43
“I emailed Thomson and asked about the new post. They said it would be available in May 2015”
http://forums.mtbr.com/general-discussion/new-thomson-set-back-seat-post-release-date-924539.html
