The ultra-light Darimo seatpost originally created for XDS Astana’s X-LAB AD9 WorldTour race bikes.
This is not an aftermarket imitation of the original AD9 seatpost. Darimo first produced its dedicated X-LAB posts for the XDS Astana racing team, bringing its uncompromising approach to carbon construction and weight reduction to the highest level of professional cycling.
Now available for your own X-LAB AD9, it delivers the same frame-specific integration with a published weight benchmark starting from just 118 grams at 350mm.
Developed for WorldTour racing. The AD9 is XDS Astana’s official aero race bike. Darimo was trusted to create an ultra-light seatpost for the team’s race machines before making it available to other AD9 owners.
A serious upgrade for a serious race bike
The X-LAB AD9 was engineered to compete against the fastest aero bikes in the professional peloton. The Darimo seatpost completes that performance-focused build by removing unnecessary weight without replacing the AD9’s dedicated aerodynamic profile with an adaptor or generic post.
Reducing weight at saddle height helps create a lighter, sharper and more complete race build while preserving the clean integration that makes the AD9 distinctive.
Built specifically for the X-LAB AD9
Darimo constructs the post using carefully positioned bidirectional and unidirectional carbon layers. The orientation and number of layers are adapted around the loads experienced by the seatpost, rather than using the same amount of material throughout the entire structure.
The result is an exceptionally light proprietary aero seatpost engineered specifically around the AD9 frame interface.
Straight or 15mm setback
The Darimo AD9 seatpost is available in two fit options:
- Straight: for riders who want to maintain a more forward saddle position.
- 15mm setback: moves the saddle-clamp position further behind the bottom bracket.
If you are replacing the original XDS post, choose the version that best replicates your existing saddle position. Saddle rails still provide some fore-and-aft adjustment, but the seatpost option should suit your underlying bike fit.
Choose the correct length
Available lengths are 250mm, 300mm, 350mm and 400mm. Choosing the appropriate finished length avoids carrying unnecessary carbon while maintaining the required insertion inside the frame.
250mm: 75mm minimum insertion
300mm: 80mm minimum insertion
350mm: 85mm minimum insertion
400mm: 90mm minimum insertion
Do not cut this seatpost. The carbon layup is engineered around its finished length, minimum insertion and clamping zones. Select the correct length when ordering.
Technical specifications
Compatibility: XDS X-LAB AD9
Published weight: From 118g at 350mm
Weight tolerance: ±3%
Fit options: Straight or 15mm setback
Lengths: 250mm, 300mm, 350mm or 400mm
Saddle rails: 7x7mm round or 7x9mm oval
Construction: Bidirectional and unidirectional carbon layup
Hardware: Titanium and aluminium
Standard rider limit: 90kg including riding equipment
Testing: ISO 4210
Use: Road cycling
The 118g figure is a published benchmark for a 350mm AD9 seatpost. Actual weight will vary with length, setback, finish, rider-specific reinforcement and normal production tolerance.
Carbon finishes
Choose from UD, 3K Twill or Forged Carbon, with matte or gloss finishing available. Darimo decal colours can also be selected to complement your AD9 build.
Forged Carbon carries an additional charge.
Frequently asked questions
Was this seatpost developed for XDS Astana?
Yes. Darimo originally created its X-LAB seatposts for the XDS Astana racing team and its WorldTour race bikes before offering them to other X-LAB owners.
Is this made specifically for the X-LAB AD9?
Yes. It uses a dedicated aerodynamic profile developed for the XDS X-LAB AD9. It is not a round post or an adaptor-based conversion.
Should I choose Straight or 15mm setback?
Choose Straight for a more forward saddle position or 15mm setback when your bike fit requires the saddle further behind the bottom bracket. If you are unsure, compare the required saddle position with your current setup before ordering.
How much does the Darimo AD9 seatpost weigh?
The published benchmark starts from 118g at 350mm. Weight varies according to length, setback, carbon finish and any additional reinforcement required.
How much weight will it save?
XDS does not publish a reliable standalone weight for every original AD9 seatpost configuration. The safest comparison is to weigh your existing complete post and compare it with Darimo’s published 118g benchmark.
Which length should I order?
Choose from 250mm, 300mm, 350mm or 400mm. Your required exposed height and minimum frame insertion determine the correct length. The post must not be shortened after production.
Can the seatpost be cut shorter?
No. Darimo engineers the carbon layup around the finished length and its clamping zones. Order the correct length rather than cutting the post.
Does it fit carbon saddle rails?
Yes. The clamp supports standard 7x7mm round rails and 7x9mm oval carbon rails.
What if I weigh more than 90kg?
Darimo can produce a reinforced version for heavier riders. Select or provide your riding weight when ordering so the correct carbon construction can be specified.
Does it fit other X-LAB models?
This product is made specifically for the X-LAB AD9. Other X-LAB frames use different seatpost profiles and require their own dedicated Darimo post.
How long will my order take?
Darimo frame-specific seatposts are generally made to order. Allow approximately four to six weeks for production before dispatch.
Order your Darimo AD9 seatpost today. After ordering, we will confirm your Straight or 15mm setback choice, finished length, carbon finish, saddle-rail size and rider weight before production.