Whether you’re riding the wide-open farm lanes of the Midwest, the mining roads of the Rockies, or the steep kickers throughout the East, gravel riding offers a fun and challenging way to get out and explore on the bike. But no matter where you ride, a comfortable, reliable bike setup is essential so you can focus on the fun and the adventure ahead. 

PRO’s lineup of gravel seatposts are purpose-built to maximize performance while keeping you comfortable for more fun on the bike. No matter where you ride or what type of terrain you prefer, there's something from PRO that is just right for you. Consider the following to pick the best PRO seatpost for your next adventure.

Find The Right Seatpost Diameter

Start by selecting the correct seatpost diameter for your bike. If the post is too large, it won't fit in your frame. If it's too small, you won't be able to tighten things down enough, and your post will slip into the wrong position or rattle around in the frame, which can cause serious damage to your frame. 

To determine the right size seatpost diameter, check your frame manufacturer's website for the seat tube diameter. This measurement reflects the inside of the bike's seat tube, which is the outside diameter of the seatpost. If this information is not available online, use a set of calipers (or head to your local bike shop) and measure.

Standard seat tube sizing for road and gravel bikes is 27.2 mm, with oversize measurements often running 30.9 mm or 31.6 mm. 

Determine Your Saddle Height

Knowing your optimal saddle height determines the required seatpost length. On smaller frames, seatposts can be cut shorter to avoid contact with water bottle bolts or to accommodate any bends in the frame. For riders with extra-long inseams, especially on compact frames where the top tube slopes downward, be sure to opt for a longer seatpost.

Keep in mind that a seatpost also has a minimum insertion depth, which isn’t merely a suggestion. Engineers have determined this length to protect the frame, preserve the integrity of the seatpost itself, and ensure that it doesn’t break unexpectedly, causing injury. 

Common lengths for road and gravel seatposts range from 320 mm to 440 mm.

Carbon or Aluminum

Aluminum posts like PRO's Discover Seatpost are strong and reliable options for more budget-conscious riders. They can take a bit of a beating and are more likely to endure a crash or two. 

Carbon is every bit as strong as aluminum when loaded in normal riding scenarios. The Dyneema layup of the PRO Discover Carbon Seatpost can also dampen vibrations out on the road and mild trails. 

Carbon is the lightest weight option, an undeniable advantage for racers, though care must be given when installing and tightening the seat clamp bolt with carbon components. Be sure to check the torque specification and use a torque wrench. If you don’t have one, take it to a local shop for help dialing in the bolt tightness.

To Drop or Not to Drop?

Dropper posts have made their way from the MTB realm to gravel bikes, thanks in part to PRO’s Discover Dropper, a 27.2-mm seatpost with 70 mm of vertical movement.

A dropper allows riders to adjust saddle height on the fly using a handlebar-mounted lever. This allows for optimal saddle height during road miles and climbs. Then at the push of a button, the hydraulically actuated dropper mechanism lowers the seat for more confidence and comfort on descents. These are a must-have for those who enjoy "under biking," aka taking drop bar bikes on trails and descents where no one thought they'd ever go.

Shimano Di2 Integration

While a seatpost is not an electrical component, it is a stealth place to hold the battery that controls the Shimano Di2 shifting parts. Some seatposts, like the PRO Vibe, come with integrated battery and c-clip notches molded into the opening. They're perfectly sized to secure the Di2 battery that powers front and rear derailleurs using the shims, clips, and spacers that come packed with Shimano batteries.

If you don’t have a Di2 ready seatpost, PRO makes a rubber Di2 Battery Holder that turns any post, of any diameter, into a stealth Di2 battery holder.

When it's time to upgrade your bike to a gravel-specific seatpost, be sure to check with your local shop to help identify the correct diameter size and length of seatpost needed for your bike. Then, check out PRO's lineup of gravel posts. No matter what type of gravel you ride or what your proffered terrain may be, PRO's gravel seatposts will help you get out there and adventure with confidence.