laid back (or not) seat post?

[Ben98]

So I'm after a new seat post to replace my borrowed one, and I don't know whether or not I would be better off with an inline or laid back post? Can anyone help?
Thanks
Ben

[FLV]

depends on the bikes sizing for you.

whats the borrowed one?
how does that feel in relation to bike you've ridden before?
is it on the KM?

[jameso]

^ Agreed, it can depend on sizing. For most of us on the right-size bike we could use either but one will feel+fit better. As a very general rule and only in my opinions from trial and error, I think you're better off with the saddle a bit further back than further forward on a bike that's going to do long distances. It helps balance your weight so that your core muscles support you more than your hands/arms would do if you're tipped further forward. Bring the bar back/up to account for that if needed. One possible drawback of this is for those with short hamstrings as it can create more tension there due to hip/leg angles, but for most it's not an issue just something to be aware of.
For an MTB that does a lot of techy climbing and descents, particularly with a bigger fork, shifting forwards can be a good thing and you won't be sat down as often anyway. hth somehow.

[Ian]

It would depend what you're trying to achieve/ change from the current post you're using. I'd use a layback post if I needed to adjust/maintain the overall cockpit length, but where reach adjustments at the bars/ stem end are going to negatively influence the handling of the bike.

[Chew]

How far back on the rails is your current saddle?

If it's all the way back look into a layback post, but if it's middling stay with what you've got (this may change the more you ride and fiddle about with things)

[Ben98]

The borrowed post is a cheapy felt laid back one, it feels fine, so I should probably just stick with lay back, I asked just thinking if there was any advantage to an inline post? I certainly prefer the look of an inline post, but that's irelivent

[Bearbonesnorm]

If your position on the bike feels okay and your saddle's not pushed really far forwards then as you say, stick with a layback ... how much layback's another matter!