Suspended Seat Posts Solution To Potholes

Sun., July 11, 1999

Dear Gear Guy: What are the ups and downs of the new bicycle seat post suspensions?

Gil Preston, Butte, Mont.

Gear Guy: I think seat post suspensions are one of the most cost-effective gadgets in the bicycling world.

Rear suspensions on bikes are complex, expensive and obsolete with each new model. Plus, most of them screw up the drivetrain.

Suspended seat posts, on the other hand, are simple, relatively inexpensive, and not a big deal to replace when a new one hits the stands. Plus, they have no impact on your bike’s geometry or on your pedaling. But, they’re an afterthought because bike makers (surprise) would rather push full suspension, and charge an extra $200-$400 for the bike.

I have two suspended posts, one on my hardtail mountain bike, and one on my touring bike. Both are USE posts (the $140 ATB model and the $130 road model). But I’m sure the slightly cheaper RockShox one works well too.

Nashbar makes a post that costs a mere $30 yet was highly rated in a mountain biking magazine review. I won’t contend that a seatpost works quite as well as full suspension in full-on downhill conditions.

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