The suspension seatpost is a component that divides cyclists and mechanics. The "true" road biker, who even wears Lycra to a funeral, despises such conveniences. They stigmatize the weight, reduced stiffness, and high comfort, which is for the weak. On the other hand, rickety seatposts and saddles that fall out are definitely an unpleasant sight. And something in me cringes when I see this feature on a (formerly lightweight) racing bike.
The fact is, it's a good idea. The cheapest, shoddy models (mainly Zoom) are responsible for their bad reputation. They sit up under practically any load, barely absorb any bumps, and they also quickly take up a lot of slack. It's pointless. Therefore, I'll briefly present three models I know well, ranging from "man, I wouldn't pay that much for a bike" to a perfectly reasonable compromise at a double-digit price. However, the market is much broader, so I invite you to share your impressions in the comments.
Cane Creek Thudbuster LT G4, the top suspension seatpost
A pantograph design using an elastomer, like in antediluvian shock absorbers. Surprisingly, it works brilliantly. 90mm of travel and excellent geometry make it an increasingly popular choice for gravel bikes, including ours . In the latest models, the elastomer (aka the rubber piece) can be replaced without tools, completely changing the seatpost's characteristics or adapting it to the user's weight. The build quality (and design, by the way) are top-notch. The only downside is the price—over 800-1000 PLN depending on the store. But we assure you, it's worth it.
Sr Suntour NCX - great comfort, problem with play
This is a much cheaper option – it costs around 300 PLN. This suspension seatpost uses a traditional spring placed inside the housing, but the pantograph provides good damping of bumps and vibrations. It has two major drawbacks worth mentioning. First, it weighs around 800 grams, which is a lot. Worse still, with intensive use, the bushings in which the seatpost axles move wear out quite quickly, causing the whole thing to become slightly loose. The good news is that parts are readily available, and the Polish distributor almost always replaces them under warranty. It's just a bit of a waste of time. Despite all this, it's certainly the best price-to-performance ratio I've ever encountered.
Satori Elegance LTOS - cheap and good suspension seatpost
It costs only slightly more than the cheapest models on the market – around 60-70 PLN. And the quality of performance and build is significantly better. There's no play, and the 40mm of travel is fully utilized – a great choice for recreational or trekking bikes. Of course, it doesn't offer the same comfort as the suspension seatposts mentioned earlier, but it also has its advantages. It's lighter and easier to service.
A suspension seatpost can dramatically change the riding experience at any level. If you're considering one, feel free to email or call us—we guarantee we'll find something suitable!
Main photo by: Glory Cycles
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