Specialized CG-R Carbon Seatpost

If you want a smoother ride without the expense of buying a new bike, the Specialized S-Works CG-R carbon seatpost could be a really good option. It might look odd, but it provides a lot more flex than a regular seatpost and contributes to a more comfortable ride on poorly surfaced roads.

• Pros: Provides additional comfort
• Cons: Doesn't look too hot

A common sight on the Specialized Roubaix, a bike which was developed to tame the cobbled classics and rough roads, the CG-R seatpost is also available to buy separately. With a 27.2mm diameter, it'll fit most modern road, gravel and cyclo-cross bikes, and is an easy way to smooth your ride.

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The funky Cobra snake-shaped head is engineered to provide deflection through the unique shape and the carbon fibre layup. When the wheel hits a bump in the road the post flexes, allowing the saddle to move back. The range of movement is up to 18mm according to Specialized, though how much it flexes will likely come down to rider weight and how hard you're hitting the cobbles.

There's a Zertz elastomer bumper wedged into the top of the post, which is intended to damp the flex of the carbon post, but it's debatable how much it impacts the overall performance; it's not tuneable in any way to suit different road conditions and rider weights.

Fitting it to a bike was easy. It's a single-bolt saddle clamp, with a choice of cradles for round alloy and oval carbon saddle rails. There's plenty of angle adjustment to get the saddle in the perfect position.

The post is available in two lengths, 400mm and 350mm, which should be adequate for all.

Out on the road and the difference to a regular seatpost is noticeable straight away. You can even see the seatpost flexing when you look between your legs, though the range of movement is small enough that it's not like you're riding a bucking bronco when you hit a particularly bad patch of tarmac.

It really does help to deliver a smoother ride on those roads where the top layer of tarmac has been peeled away, and when you hit the edge of a hole or crack. It doesn't filter out everything – it's not like riding a full suspension mountain bike – but it's enough to remove the harshness.

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I can't confirm that you get the 18mm claimed vertical compliance, but I'm a light rider (64kg at the time of writing this) so that could influence how much the post flexes. Bigger cyclists will probably get more movement out of the CG-R. (There's no rider weight limit to worry about.) Also, the amount of setback seems to make a difference too; I set my saddle up somewhere in the middle of the rails.

Cheaper than buying a new bike, the CG-R seatpost might cost more than a regular seatpost – though it's £95 less than the Enve Carbon seatpost I've also reviewed – and is a really easy choice to make if you crave a bit more comfort.

Verdict

Unique looking carbon seatpost provides a smoother ride, though its looks won't be for everyone