Campy Record Seatpost:Bad Reviews?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by puma
I've seen reviews on bike roadbikereview.com and have noticed that A LOT of individuals were complaining about the post breaking/cracking/slipping and that the post was for lighter (>160lbs) riders. Yet, there were also those that claimed that these people just didn't know how to install it. Regardless, I'm wondering if I should use it (it came with my bike), or sell the sucker and get something else? I'm 150lbs (the suggested weight bracket) and don't want to believe that campy would put out something so crappy, but I just don't know. Thanks.

Quick,sell it to me. CHEAP!

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by puma
I've seen reviews on bike roadbikereview.com and have noticed that A LOT of individuals were complaining about the post breaking/cracking/slipping and that the post was for lighter (>160lbs) riders...

I was looking at this seatpost to complete the all-Record setup on my new bike, but I'm now leaning toward the comparable FSA item.

As the component makers struggle to shave every last gram from critical parts, there are undoubtedly some compromises in strength. I've read the same reviews that you have and have cautiously concluded that the Record seatpost may not be one that can withstand the rigors of extended use, depending on the weight and position of the rider, stiffness of the frame etc. The weakness seems to be at the point where the carbon meets the metal clamp.

At 150lbs, I wouldn't think you'd be in the 'high risk' category, but if you're going to take it out and beat on it for extended periods, I might opt for something with a better life expectancy.

I work at a shop here in Va. I have seen alot of problems with the Record carbon post delaminating, cracking, and seizing in frames. A buddy of mine had a record post, and it delaminated and seized in his Vortex frame, which he had to send back to Litespeed for repair.

Not all the record posts, mind you, but at least 5, and that is 5 more than I've seen the cinelli, alien, specialized, or time posts have problems.

I am talking of the 03 post, I believe the 04 post is redesigned, but I may very well be incorrect.

FWIW, according to Campy:

"The new (2004) Record seatpost has a carbon-fiber top head clamp and a new groove for the head."

I'm looking at build kit options now also, but I ruled out the Campy carbon post early on in favor of the standard Thomson post due to cost and strength concerns. Also think FSA looks good, about 1/2 price of the Record, and would "go with" the FSA crank I'm using. Believe they make strong stuff.

However, I'm not convinced the seatpost is a good application for carbon fiber, since it is very weak in compression, and seems it could be easily damaged on installation. Campy does have a special band clamp which looks like it would minimize the chances of notch damage. Sometimes the failures are due to damage at installation that nobody notices are mentions. You know, the post is installed to the proper clamp-up initially, but then by the second or third time it slips, we crank down with the big allen key. The carbon bond layup can only handle so much compressive stress, coupled with miles of vibration and bending loads...not a good scenario for best life, IMO.

Thomson's shot-peened AL is listed as 189 gms, or 4 gms heavier than the Record post...if grams are important. I'll go for strength and damage-tolerance on this critical piece, but that's a judgement call. You might want to read their claims at: http://www.lhthomson.com/

The classic durability vs style decision, IMO. Can sure understand why you would want a matching post if you're going all Record. As the old saying goes" we all pays our money and takes our chances!"

Dan

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by puma
I've seen reviews on bike roadbikereview.com and have noticed that A LOT of individuals were complaining about the post breaking/cracking/slipping and that the post was for lighter (>160lbs) riders. Yet, there were also those that claimed that these people just didn't know how to install it. Regardless, I'm wondering if I should use it (it came with my bike), or sell the sucker and get something else? I'm 150lbs (the suggested weight bracket) and don't want to believe that campy would put out something so crappy, but I just don't know. Thanks.

I have the Record 2003 post but I've only put a few miles on it(40-50) so I'll keep you "Posted". BTW I am in the +160lbs bracket for sure.

Thanks a lot for the feedback. I was definitely looking at the Thompson's because I'm neither a carbon freak nor a weight-weenie. And though I am addicted to the prestige/elitism/history of Euro componentry, the Thompson's are just too good to pass up. Now I just have to figure out which one, maybe the new masterpiece, looks pretty slick.

I have a record seatpost and as soon as I get it unfrozen you can have it. I weigh around 170, perhaps that contributed to the problem. No one said anything to me about a weight range when I went with the Record Group.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by larry barr
I have a record seatpost and as soon as I get it unfrozen you can have it. I weigh around 170, perhaps that contributed to the problem. No one said anything to me about a weight range when I went with the Record Group.

Yeah, it seems the seatpost is pretty shady. But, this piece seems to be the blacksheep of the Record family; the actual Record component groupo is great. I don't really even consider the post to be part of the Record group, and I bet most people share my sentiments. For that same reason, I'm not surprised that no one mentions any weight issues with purchasing the group. Thankfully, you can always sell the post to a feather weight, and buy something else.

I have been riding a Record carbon seatpost for the last year and a half. No problems. Hasn't slipped, cracked, delaminated, or frozen. I weigh 170, put on about 2.5k miles a year.

I have a friend whose Record carbon post cracked up near the top close to the clamp.

I think the best way to use a carbon seat post is to turn your seat post binder clamp around 180 degrees and tighten it that way. If you don't have a removable seat post binder clamp I don't think they should be used. Easton has a flat spot running done the back of the seat post to not cause the seat tube slot to damage the the shaft.