Fraunhofer seatpost

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Friday, 01 January 2010 02:00

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Fraunhofer seatpost

Carbon-fibre composite materials or CFRP (carbon-fibre reinforced plastic) have become common on bikes over the last five years, especially on frames. Companies are dabbling in other areas of the bike now, using CFRP largely to improve comfort.

German company Fraunhofer have recently developed a spring-loaded bicycle seatpost made of CFRP. The component was designed at the organisation’s Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) in Pfinztal.

Ze Germans say they have cracked it with a functionally-integrated seatpost made from CFRPs that is light and claimed to be ‘extraordinarily effective’. It won the Eurobike Award this year  - a good indication that this is an idea to be taken seriously! Spring-loaded seatposts are able to absorb shocks from bumps and surface irregularities, making them more comfortable for users, but until now there haven’t been cost-effective solutions.

The component is based on two CFRP profiles that work like laminated springs. For this seatpost, spring rigidity was calibrated to keep the deflection within the 10-15mm range which benefits rider comfort. According to Fraunhofer, “the deflection of the CFRP profiles influences the motion of the seat tip which under ideal conditions actively supports pedaling”. OK, we get the picture...
Although there have been several seatpost shock systems before, it may be that this one will provide top comfort at a rock-bottom price if and when larger scale production commences.