The Ergon CF3 seatpost has been available as a stock component on Canyon bikes for many years – badged the Canyon VCLS (Vertical Comfort Lateral Stiffness) seatpost.
Ergon recently renamed it the CF Allroad Pro Carbon Seatpost and has made it available for aftermarket purchase.
Rebranded and included in Ergon’s ‘Allroad’ collection, this leaf-spring-inspired seatpost takes the edge off rough gravel roads, but comes with a few quirks.
Ergon’s seatpost isn’t new: it won a Eurobike innovation award in 2012, and its development stretches all the way back to 2006. It is, however, a product thats time has come.
As more cyclists are drawn to gravel riding, more are looking for ways to improve comfort during endurance rides and races.
The CF Allroad Pro Carbon Seatpost concept is simple: two carbon halves form a 27.2mm seatpost and flex to absorb potholes and road chatter.
According to Ergon, it provides up to 20mm of rearward deflection, but the exact amount will vary depending on the weight of the rider and the force of the impacts encountered.
It’s worth noting that the CF Allroad seatpost has a rider weight limit of 220lb/100kg.
Ergon CF Allroad Pro Carbon Seatpost installation and fit adjustments
Seatpost installation is straightforward, but takes some trial and error to get right.
A single 5mm Allen bolt secures the two halves together, and in addition to securing both sides of the seatpost, this bolt is responsible for saddle tilt adjustments.
So, you should expect to spend a few more minutes getting your preferred saddle angle right before hitting the road.
Depending on your weight, you may also find you need to raise your seatpost a little higher to account for any sag.
Ergon CF Allroad Pro Carbon Seatpost performance
Once underway on my favourite gravel test loops, it was hard to detect any movement from this seatpost – there’s no bobbing sensation to distract from the ride. It wasn't until I reached down and placed a finger against the side of the seatpost that I detected its subtle flex.
The CF Allroad Pro feels less like competing suspension seatposts offered by Redshift and Cane Creek and more like you’re running a higher-volume rear tyre. Less chatter and vibration makes its way from the road to the rider, with minimal movement to distract you from the task at hand.
Its simple, unobtrusive performance impressed me enough that I mounted the CF Allroad Pro Seatpost to my Unbound race bike.
I also ran a suspension fork for this year’s event, and having a bit of front and rear compliance kept me fresh and comfortable, and allowed me to pedal through rough terrain.
I’m not sure the Fox 32 Taper-Cast fork was worth the additional weight for this particular race, but the CF Allroad Pro was worth every gram.
Ergon CF Allroad Pro Carbon Seatpost issues
The CF Allroad Pro is adept at absorbing vibrations and keeping its rider comfortable, but it’s not without its shortcomings.
In addition to requiring a few more minutes to install and make fit adjustments, owners need to remove the post and clean between the leaf springs several times a season, especially if riding in wet and muddy conditions.
Shimano Di2 riders should also be aware that the two-piece design means their Di2 battery won’t tuck neatly inside the seatpost, and will have to be mounted below it.
Unlike the Redshift ShockStop seatpost and the Cane Creek eeSilk, the CF All Road Pro post lacks the ability to tune the post to suit the rider’s body weight and has a lower weight limit of 100kg.
Ergon’s one-size-fits-most approach is simpler, with fewer moving parts, and is significantly lighter than its rivals.
Our setback version of the CF Allroad Pro seatpost (you can also opt for a straight version) tipped the scales at 238g.
This is approximately 57g lighter than the carbon-tubed eeSilk, 107g lighter than the eeSilk alloy post and a whopping 309g lighter than the 350mm-long version of the ShockStop model.
While entirely subjective, I think Ergon’s design is also more aesthetically pleasing.
Ergon CF Allroad Pro Carbon Seatpost bottom line
Ergon’s CF Allroad Pro Seatpost is not without its quirks, but it wholly delivers on its promise of providing comfort over the long haul.
It outperforms its competitors in terms of simplicity and weight, and is an excellent choice for gravel riders seeking a bit of extra compliance.
Product
| Brand | ergon |
| Price | 250.00 EUR,230.00 GBP,300.00 USD |
| Weight | 238.0000, GRAM (as tested (setback version)) - |
Features
| br_material | carbon |
| br_seatpostDiameter | 27_2mm |
| br_length | 345mm |
| Features | 20mm of rearward deflection Available in straight and layback versions Flip-head available for 7x7 round and 7x9 ovalized carbon rails 220lb / 100kg rider weight limit |
