Extra long seatpost - a good idea?

[MattDB]

So my search for a cheap MTB continues and I came across the Calibre two two in GoOutdoors. Lovely looking bike and great write up.

My problem is the biggest frame they do is a 20 inch and I'm 6'6''. I've been riding a 22 inch hybrid and a slightly bigger road bike. The two two with the seatpost out to full extension actually didn't feel too bad. The problem was that the only 20 inch frame they had in had the pedal threads stripped so I couldn't really get the feel of it.

I'm reasonably confident that the bike would fit but if it didn't it would only be very slightly out (an inch or so). The offer on these bikes ends very soon and although I don't want to risk buying one that doesn't fit well I wondered if a longer seatpost would be an option? Are these used routinely or would people advise against them?

I've heard that some frames don't take a longer seatpost but I'm not sure how to go about finding this out.

Any advice much appreciated.

 

[mjr]

It's alloy and comes with 350mm seatpost. I'd switch the post for a sturdy 400mm one without worrying about that, unless I was heavy or planning to be really tough on the bike. I would be worried that the reach (saddle to handlebars) wouldn't be correct for a taller rider, though. I think MTB and hybrid frames used to be reckoned as 2" smaller than road frames for the same rider, but that might have changed now.

 

[raleighnut]

The problem will come on an aluminium frame from the degree of insertion into the frame causing stress on the weld, I got around this by having an engineer turn a 600mm piece of ally tubing to the correct diameter then removing the microadjust from an old seatpost on a lathe so that it matched the internal dimension of the tube. It was then pressed into the tube and welded giving a 650mm long seatpost which at full insertion into the frame put the saddle at the right height for me (plan was if it was too long I could have cut it down)
Before anyone says why didn't you get a bigger frame the bike is a Saracen Blitz (jump bike) and they only come in one size and Maz got it for me as a pressie after her son nicked one of mine and the insurance wouldn't pay up cos he'd nicked a spare key and got in that way (so no 'burglary')
Funny thing is a couple of years later I saw my first 'Brommie' and the seatpost from that would have done the job but 10yrs after I had mine made it's still going strong.

 

[Pale Rider]

Extra large - and small - bikes are not popular because most people take a medium.

Take advantage of this by looking out for something on clearance in close to the right size.

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m1b0s155p0/Mountain-Bikes/Front-Suspension-29ers

 

[Drago]

Frames don't like have longer exposed seat post, although also increasing the length concealed in the frame mitigates that... slightly. The risk Ian th dream failing where the cross bar meets the seat tube, and overseen the odd one like this over the years.

What's your inside leg? I'm 34.5" and don't the typical 20" frame tickedy boo on an MY B.

 

[MattDB]

Frames don't like have longer exposed seat post, although also increasing the length concealed in the frame mitigates that... slightly. The risk Ian th dream failing where the cross bar meets the seat tube, and overseen the odd one like this over the years.

What's your inside leg? I'm 34.5" and don't the typical 20" frame tickedy boo on an MY B.

I think auto correct jumped in! - is that you ride a 20 inch framed MTB with a 34.5 inch inside leg? What type of riding do you do and is that with the seat post out to just about max?

That's probably similar to mine, think I'm 35 but seek out 36 jeans.

 

[Milkfloat]

I have an extra long seatpost on my pub MTB. I also needed a longer and higher stem. For subsequent bikes I just bought the correct size frame. Personally, there are so many bikes out there that are cheap enough and actually fit, I would get one of those.

For example - this in XL at under £300

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/285057/products/2015-giant-talon-27-5-4-hardtail-mountain-bike.aspx

 

[MattDB]

I have an extra long seatpost on my pub MTB. I also needed a longer and higher stem. For subsequent bikes I just bought the correct size frame. Personally, there are so many bikes out there that are cheap enough and actually fit, I would get one of those.

For example - this in XL at under £300

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/285057/products/2015-giant-talon-27-5-4-hardtail-mountain-bike.aspx

Thanks - I've been umming and ahhhing over this one for a while - looks nice just once you've looked at a much higher specced one I feel less love for it if that makes sense?

 

[Milkfloat]

Thanks - I've been umming and ahhhing over this one for a while - looks nice just once you've looked at a much higher specced one I feel less love for it if that makes sense?

It makes total sense, it is always good to get as much spec for your money as possible, but don't overlook a good frame as that is harder to replace, most of all bike fit is crucial. There is no point in having a good spec bargain if it causes you pain.

 

[MattDB]

I know you speak sense - I've just been looking at Giant's technical info for the Talon series and there's only an inch difference between L (20ins) and XL (21ins) which surprised me.

 

[Drago]

I think auto correct jumped in! - is that you ride a 20 inch framed MTB with a 34.5 inch inside leg? What type of riding do you do and is that with the seat post out to just about max?

That's probably similar to mine, think I'm 35 but seek out 36 jeans.

Yup, close to min insertion.

 

[MattDB]

QUOTE="Drago, post: 4048502, member: 22751"]Yup, close to min insertion.[/QUOTE]
So does your setup end up like this:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2hkfzcqXvzxeW12bTRRblM3Wk5tZWhGOGJoR2VUZHZlUU9B/view?usp=sharing
if that image doesn't appear

 

[AndyRM]

I'm not as tall as you, but I do have weird proportions - 6'2" with a 35" inseam.

The set up you've pictured is similar to my own MTB and I was fortunate that mine came with a lengthy seat post. I only use that bike when I'm out on easy paths/routes. Anything strenuous would give me the fear (which is probably irrational, but I'm more at home on the road).

 

[MattDB]

I have an extra long seatpost on my pub MTB. I also needed a longer and higher stem. For subsequent bikes I just bought the correct size frame. Personally, there are so many bikes out there that are cheap enough and actually fit, I would get one of those.

For example - this in XL at under £300

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/285057/products/2015-giant-talon-27-5-4-hardtail-mountain-bike.aspx

got it

 

[Milkfloat]

got it

Great, enjoy it!