Suspension seat posts

[Neilsmith]

Sitting at home unable to ride with a back problem as yet diagnosed. I have considered that my recent purchase of a hardtail Mtb may have at least partially exacerbated the problem, so I have looked at suspension seat posts for when I am back on the bike

Has anybody here had any experience of them? I have done my own research and the Suntour SP12 seems to have some of the best reviews ahead of some much more expensive makes. What I am looking for is anybody who has had first hand knowledge and give some advice.

 

[Pale Rider]

Suspension seat posts are more aimed at trekking bikes - use on road and reasonably well made cycle paths and tracks.

Many people use their mtb for that. including me.

A suspension post won't work quite so well if you are what I call a proper mountain biker.

The post you have chosen is a good one.

The parellogram action moves vertically up and down, ordinary spring posts move at the angle of the seat tube which tends to push you backwards on the up stroke.

Matching your weight to the post spec is important, too stiff a spring and it will never compress, too weak and the post will spend most of its time fully compressed.

 

[Neilsmith]

Thanks for that, I was looking at reducing the impact on my back which several reviewers who had back problems said they helped with.
Some people recommended staying on the pedals, which I do a lot, but when tiredness starts to take effect, a lot of my rides are over 20 miles with around 4000ft of climbing, it's nice to rest the legs from time to time.

 

[Pale Rider]

Thanks for that, I was looking at reducing the impact on my back which several reviewers who had back problems said they helped with.
Some people recommended staying on the pedals, which I do a lot, but when tiredness starts to take effect, a lot of my rides are over 20 miles with around 4000ft of climbing, it's nice to rest the legs from time to time.

The Suntour should be worth a try, particularly for about forty quid.

You may be aware the Cane Creek Thudbuster is reckoned to be the gold standard of sus seat posts.

But the arrival on the market of the Suntour post makes the Thudbuster look well over priced at £100 or more.

 

[Neilsmith]

The Suntour should be worth a try, particularly for about forty quid.

You may be aware the Cane Creek Thudbuster is reckoned to be the gold standard of sus seat posts.

But the arrival on the market of the Suntour post makes the Thudbuster look well over priced at £100 or more.

Yeah I looked at both and found the Thudbuster first. My gut feeling was it would be better, possibly due to my own prejudice that Suntour forks weren't the best, but reading reviews there were people who had used both and preferred the Suntour, and people who said they swapped the Thudbuster for a Suntour and it was a much better ride.

 

[Pale Rider]

Yeah I looked at both and found the Thudbuster first. My gut feeling was it would be better, possibly due to my own prejudice that Suntour forks weren't the best, but reading reviews there were people who had used both and preferred the Suntour, and people who said they swapped the Thudbuster for a Suntour and it was a much better ride.

I agree.

There are parallels with Japanese motor bikes and electricals.

Take an existing design, refine it, make it as least as good if not better, and sell it for half the price.

 

[JamesDawson]

I used to have a use xcr alien back in the day which was ok, enabled a little extra rear tyre grip when sitting down.. I bought another (can't remember who made it, was someone like Kalloy) but it might be worth making sure that if it uses elastomers then you can buy spares or different types to suit your weight.. too soft or too hard and and the post won't do much for you..

 

[Neilsmith]

I used to have a use xcr alien back in the day which was ok, enabled a little extra rear tyre grip when sitting down.. I bought another (can't remember who made it, was someone like Kalloy) but it might be worth making sure that if it uses elastomers then you can buy spares or different types to suit your weight.. too soft or too hard and and the post won't do much for you..

Thanks for that I will check that out when I am ready to buy