Gravel seatposts

Three distinct types

This is the category where gravel differs most from road cycling. Rigid seatposts are in the minority here: most models either absorb shocks or drop. Choose the type first, then check the diameter.

The suspension seatpost

It offers 20 to 35 mm of travel of vertical travel and transforms comfort on smooth tracks and rough roads, for around 50 grams more. Cane Creek eeSilk uses an elastomer that can be swapped to suit the rider's weight; Redshift ShockStop via a parallelogram linkage, in Pro, Endurance and City versions depending on the level of compliance you want. It offers the best comfort for the money on a gravel bike and needs no special maintenance.

The dropper seatpost

It lets you lower the saddle on the move with a single action, reducing your centre of gravity on a technical descent. Gravel dropper posts deliberately have short travel — 50 to 75 mm — compared with 150 mm or more on MTB models: the aim is to give your hips room to move, not make the saddle disappear. RockShox Reverb AXS XPLR, KS Rage-iS, ENVE G Series.

Note: the remote is not always included

Several dropper posts in this category are sold without their handlebar remote, which must be bought separately — and must match the seatpost. That's the main purchasing pitfall here: a dropper post without a remote is no use. Check the product title, and add the matching remote to the same basket.

The rigid seatpost

It remains the lightest and simplest choice. A few Ritchey and Cane Creek models cover the usual needs, with zero setback or with 25 mm setback, with one or two bolts. With an already flexible handlebar and wide tyres at low pressure, it's often enough.

Dimensions to check

• The diameter : 27.2 mm is the most common diameter in gravel, but 30.9 and 31.6 mm are also available — and shim lets you fit a narrower post in a wider tube, never the other way around.
• The length and minimum insertion mark, which you must observe.
• The internal cable routing for a dropper post: some gravel frames have no provision for it, requiring a wireless remote or external cable routing.
• The saddle clamp, which must fit the cross-section of your saddle rails.

To find out more: How to choose a dropper seatpost

See also: Gravel saddles · Road seatposts · Seatpost clamps and saddle clamps