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On test: 3T Doric Team seatpost, December 25, 2008
Light but finicky
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3T returned to the forefront of the bicycle componentry world last year with a variety of all-new parts including the carbon fiber Doric Team seatpost. Cyclingnews technical editor James Huang mounts one up and finds it to be a reasonable alternative to the bigger names out there.
3T's Doric Team seatpost trades the top-end Doric LTD model's carbon fiber lower cradle and titanium hardware for aluminium and stainless steel yet our 27.2 x 350mm sample still tips the scales at just 178g – just 20g heavier than the significantly more expensive LTD and nearly 50g lighter than a similarly sized Thomson Elite.
The minimalist two-bolt head provides precise angle adjustment and the 53mm-long lower cradle offers excellent support for lightweight rail materials such as carbon fiber and hollow titanium. However, slacker seat tube angles leave just a handful of threads engaged on the rearmost clamp – especially with taller carbon rails – and the cradle length also significantly limits fore-aft adjustment: even the long rails of a fi'zi:k Arione CX only allows for 20mm of movement and swapping to a Selle Italia Signo drops that figure to a meagre 10mm.
Compounding the issue is the fact that 3T only offers the Doric with a zero-offset head, making the pool of prospective buyers that can make this work with their anatomy decidedly small.
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Saddle installation is also needlessly complicated since the lower cradle and upper rail clamps comprise three separate elements, none of which wants to stay where you need them without the benefit of rails holding it all together. The process is thus an exercise in fine motor movement, delicate balance and anger management but at least you don't have to do it that often.
Lightweight carbon seatpost buyers that are looking for something a little unique – and are willing to deal with the head's limitations – could potentially be well served by the Doric Team but there are definitely better options out there to do the job.
Price: US$140
Weight: 178g (27.2 x 350mm)
Pros: Secure hold, easy and precise angle adjustment, excellent rail support, low-profile head, high quality construction
Cons: Frustratingly complicated saddle installation, limited fore-aft and tilt adjustment range, head looks clunky
Cyclingnews rating: 
More information: www.thenew3t.com
Photography
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Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com
- The 3T Doric Team carbon seatpost is lightweight and easy to adjust but carries with it some distracting quirks.
- The long lower cradle offers excellent rail support but severely limits fore-aft adjustment.
- The separate upper clamps and lower cradle make for frustrating saddle installation.
- The keen styling includes a bold red stripe and printed graduations for quicker height adjustments.
