3T returned to the forefront of the bicycle componentry world last year with a variety of all-new parts including the carbon fibre Doric seatpost. The Team model trades the top-end Doric LTD’s carbon fibre lower cradle and titanium hardware for aluminium and stainless steel yet our 27.2 x 350mm sample still tipped the scales at just 178g – just 20g heavier than the more expensive LTD and nearly 50g lighter than a 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 fibre 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 significantly limits fore-aft adjustment – even the long rails of a Fizik Arione CX only allow 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, limiting the pool of prospective buyers who can make this work with their anatomy.
Saddle installation is needlessly complicated because the lower cradle and upper rail clamps comprise three separate elements, none of which wants to stay where you need it without the benefit of rails holding it all together. The process is 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 who 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.