Ask a Pro Cyclist: Seatposts

Could you explain seatposts? I am confused why there are off set and straight ones. Is there an advantage to one or the other?
-Dan, Los Angeles

Hi Dan from the City of Angels,
There are a few different basic types of seatposts. The selection just allows you to place your saddle where you need it.
Generally, larger frames come with more setback seatposts (sometimes the setback is in the bolt area at the top, and others, like Thomson, have a bend in the tube, but the result is the same). Try whatever you have on your bike now. If you find your saddle pushed all the way back on the rails, a setback post might put you in a better position.
I recommend every serious cyclist spend the time and money to get a proper bike fit, not from a shop, but from a professional bike fitter, like Wobble-Naught. They'll make sure you have the right seat height, fore/aft, angles, stem, and everything else to maximize power and efficiency, and prevent injury.
-Phil