Suspension Seatposts

super_claret
super_claret Posts: 102
edited October 2007 in MTB buying advice
Hi All

Are suspension seatposts a substitute for full suspension as far as comfort is concerned.

My local specialised dealer told me that buying a full suspension bike would allow me to ride for longer without fatigue. Would a suspension seatpost serve the same purpose?

Many thanks

Mark

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    i would go to another bike shop as that is bollocks.

    it take more energy to move a fully.

    what are you actually wanting to do? IE what riding where and how often?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • super_claret
    super_claret Posts: 102
    I'm looking to change my bike and can't decide whether FS or HT.

    I will be riding forest trails and cross country but as my fitness increases and the summer returns I want to be able to do the longer routes of say 30 miles up. At the moment, I can manage about 16 miles, including approx 2000ft ascent before i'm knackered!!!

    I currently own a 7 year old Orange Gringo, which is in need of some new bits but I'd like a more modern bike with disc brakes and decent forks etc.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    i would look at a nice hard tail then and go for the lower weight.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • super_claret
    super_claret Posts: 102
    I take it the sus seatposts are not recommended! Would they make a hardtail ride more comfortable?
  • Rockhopper
    Rockhopper Posts: 503
    My reservation with suspension seatposts is that the distance from the seat to the pedals is constantly changing which effects pedalling efficiency.
  • super_claret
    super_claret Posts: 102
    Never thought of it that way but it's a good point and one which I never thought about!
  • S_J_P
    S_J_P Posts: 908
    I recently purchased a suspension seatpost after seeing a positive review in (I think) WMB, it's a cheap Post Moderne Bracer.

    My feeling is that whilst it doesn't give you the traction of a full-sus, nor the absolute comfort, it does take an awful lot of trail buzz away from your bum! It absorbs the bumps of rough ground (like tractor-tyre ridges, harrowed fields, cobbles and the like pretty effectively, making riding seated that much more pleasurable!

    There is an issue with the pedal/seat distance changing, but the modest overall movement (<50mm) is small enough for a mid-position compromise which suits most conditions.

    Overall, it sure does improve comfort, but doesn't offer what a full-sus would, but then again it's a hell of a lot cheaper!
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