Suspension Seatpost - suggestions?

Hi Jim,

I myself use a hard tail both for commuting to work and mad weekend blasts, cleaning up quite a few softtails along the way I must add. Over a year ago I invested in a U.S.E. XCR suspension post. I can't believe I lived without it. On bumpy trails I still feel the bumps, however the sharp edge is taken out, allowing me to stay in the saddle. It is no substitute for a ST, but for your riding I would fully recommend one. they are light, strong, aerodynamic, fully adjustable, fully rebuildable/replaceable, and do not suffer from 'bob'.
Points to consider, look for fully replacable internals, such as springs and elastomer. Another thing that most suffer from is twist. ie. as the post wears it will allow the seat to twist, perhaps then producting an annoying creak, and even more annoying saddle twist as you pedal. this is the reason other than weight and amount of travel, that I chose the U.S.E. It uses special (replacable) keys that prevent twist. But at $200 for a post, you probably would be looking for a decent rockshox post.
Whatever you do get one that you can adjut the slack from as it wears.
Remember to set your preload correctly and you should enjoy happy days. Preload determines the amount the post actually compresses when you sit on it. This should be arond 10% of total travel. (apologies if you already knew this).

For U.S.E. posts in Aus. http://www.bicycleexoticadirect.com.au/home.htm

I would also recommend one of the better Rockshox posts, prolly a little cheaper.

I have not used a Cane Creek Thudbuster, they look interesting
but not that light, which would steer me away. Perhaps weight is not a consideration for yourself.

Hope this is of some assistance.

As for finding a distributor, call your LBS, they will most likely have an account with the importer. Otherwise purchase over the net from the States. Parts take about two weeks.

Scott.

Thank you for such an informative post.

I have been looking for a Zero-offset suspension seatpost in Aus (One-X Racing, Specialised) however, I now have a better alternative in USE.

cheers
George

$hit, just had another huge reply, clicked to another page to get a url and lost it all.
Anyway, the short and sweet:
As far as comfort goes on a bike, setup is essential. Stem length and angle, bar width and rise, seat fore/aft and angle all have correct settings for each person and more generally limits which will mean that if you are at one extreme you either have to change the frame or another component to get the settings in the mid range of the stroke if you know what I mean. Not at the max of either end... this is a topic and science in itself, so back to the post.
If buying USE, take note of the instructions given. If in doubt call them at Bicycle exotica. (the importer and only place in Aus you can get these posts). You might need to call about the shims for the down tube.

Also worth a look for those into worthy upgrading check out these replacement fork seals;
http://www.enduroforkseals.com/index.html
I've fitted them to all my mates bikes. I stumbled on these as my original Rock Shox became damaged and started scratching my stanchions. Not good. So when doing a regular fork rebuild I put these puppies in and no more oil outside fork, no more dust inside. Perfect.

Of course we all know about Stans No tubes allowing tubeless results from non tubeless system, ie run lower preassure, giving better contact patch for off road with added shock absorbency. so I need not preach to the converted. Call your LBS for those who want to purchase. Not sure who the distributor is. Great weight saving in the right area too for energy conservation, ie the wheels. Probably the best reason to get the kit! Remember kids, the lighter the wheels, the easier it is to get it spinning and the less energy you use. Simple.

...also worth a look are these:
http://www.total-air.com/
Not tried em myself, seems like a good cheaper option to buying new forks.

While we're on the topic of suspension and rider comfort (which interestingly is not the purpose of suspension), a good saddle will do wonders for your comfort. I use a WTB with the Love Channel, check 'em out, all of these type of seats anyway. Not necessarily WTB, they have a section cut out specifically for male and female bits, plus can allow for the different hip widths of both. Basically go to a good shop and try em out for size. A little tough as you can't sit on one pedalling for hours, but you will know pretty well which feels better.
Sorry to bore those that already know all this.
Happy trails,
Scott.

Thanks Scott for all the suspension seatpost info.
Have been able to track down a RockShox post locally so will try that out next week. I hadn't thought of the post twisting sideways with wear so know now to check for this feature.

Jim