Seat-post Suspension

[dogma 60.1]

Hi chaps,

Just looking for some advice on this ( i think relatively new) invention with there being a small setup for suspension in a seat post. i have not seen them being sold yet. a friend of mine cannot afford a soft tail and so is looking for a cheaper alternative. if they are a good option please suggest if you know of places to find these things ?

will appreciate the help

cheers

[ALLMTB]

They are definitely not a new invention, they have been around for yeeeaaarrsss...and I believe their popularity have been on the decline.

As for the 'cheaper option' you refer to, at R2295.00 they are definitely not cheap.

 

Look here:

http://www.buycycle.co.za/components/mtb-en/seatposts-en/cane-creek-en-2-3-4/cane-creek-thudbuster-seatpost-lt.html

[BlinkFan]

Hi chaps,

Just looking for some advice on this ( i think relatively new) invention with there being a small setup for suspension in a seat post. i have not seen them being sold yet. a friend of mine cannot afford a soft tail and so is looking for a cheaper alternative. if they are a good option please suggest if you know of places to find these things ?

will appreciate the help

cheers

 

I think you should be careful of seeing this as an alternative to a dual suspension... "Comfort" is only one of the benefits of dual-suspension.

[MrJacques]

It will add some comfort, but now your seat post is moving up and down while you pedal, which isn't ideal.

 

I'd rather have a look in the classifieds and save up for a proper duallie.

[Super Sywurm]

I have no experience in suspension seat posts, but I will never buy this!!!

Edited March 12, 2014 by Super Sywurm

[Jewbacca]

These things are awesome for adventure racing or for a race like freedom challenge. No jokes.

 

Hard tails are easier to carry resting the top tube on the top of your pack for portages and there is less to go wrong. It also takes pressure off your bum when wearing a 12kg pack for long legs in the saddle. So as a combo package for a very specific type of event these quite honestly are awesome.

 

As an alternative to a dual sus..... NO!

[GoLefty!!]

Cane Creek's Thudbuster as pictured has been around since the late 90's. I have one from 2001. They are a very good product but have not been popular since dual suspension bikes started getting to reasonable weights.

 

The Thudbuster can be set up so that there is almost no movement while pedalling but that takes time and skill.

 

I would recommend the Thudbuster if you have a HT and don't have the cash for a dualie. There's a lot less to go wrong with a Thudbuster but they are pretty heavy but certainly lighter than other suspension seat posts

[rudi-h]

Its a bad idea... It may soften the impact of some big bumps, but bear in mind that your seat to BB distance constantly changes, which will lead to incorrect setup and poor power output. I'm no bike setup expert, but I guess there is also a higher chance of back and knee injuries due to a continuously changing bike setup.

Edited March 12, 2014 by rudi-h

[porqui]

Suspension = increased traction

 

Not just comfort.

[BarHugger]

Have your friend look at the Momsen Soft AL 29er.

 

Almost similar setup on seat post sold as standard.

 

http://www.momsenbikes.com/bikes/29-er/soft-al

[dogma 60.1]

Shot for the help chaps, i definitely agree that saving for the Dual is first prize. But i think he will want to save for a big dog dual sus, so will go with the advice on the thudbuster but tell him to consider both options. Funnily enough he owns a Momsen HT so i'm sure he would be interested in going to look at that model.

 

Thanks again for the help !

[DJR]

The Thudbuster seatpost is good for the stoker on a tandem. It softens the ride for them because sitting right on the back wheel they feel the bumps of the road more than the captain. Also, they cannot look ahead and see what is coming up to be prepared for it. Standing up for bumpy bits is also tricky on a tandem.

 

To soften a hardtail? I don't thinks so. Rather ride more and harden the backside.

Edited March 12, 2014 by DJR

[GoLefty!!]

Its a bad idea... It may soften the impact of some big bumps, but bear in mind that your seat to BB distance constantly changes, which will lead to incorrect setup and poor power output. I'm no bike setup expert, but I guess there is also a higher chance of back and knee injuries due to a continuously changing bike setup.

 

maybe try using one before spreading drivel. I used a Thudbuster for 5 years and never hurt my knees. because of it. You are not bouncing around as you seem to suggest. Like I said, stop talking ***

[MrJacques]

[Sidewinder.]

@OP

A thudbuster is not going to turn a HT into a ST, I suggest your buddy tries getting out of the saddle(aka standing) in the technical stuff and picks better lines. He'll become a better rider and enjoy riding more, and then if he really has that cash burning a hole in his pocket he can drop it on dropper post.

[skidim]

I started using the thudbuster ST on my road bike and the LT on my HT 29'er. On both bikes it made a huge difference by soaking up the road noise and vibrations. After a long distance ride on both bikes I feel much less tired.

Although the TB cannot be compared to a FS mtb, from what I have experienced now it certainly adds a small amount of traction to my HD thus improving performance. The constant pounding on your back due to small never ending obstacles such as roots, grass humps etc is dampened alot. One still have to stand over larger obstacles though.

Edited May 21, 2014 by skidim