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Remote seat posts
I'm tossing up the idea of investing in a remote seat post. I've read plenty of mags with reviews although I'd like some first hand wisdom from the real world.
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Remote seat posts are amazing. One of the best $ per fun investments you can make for the bike I reckon.
I have the old Gravitydropper 3 inch movement, basic mechanical system (no hydraulics). Works great and reliable but I've found you do need to regularly grease the post.
One thing to consider is the amount of travel on the post. Don't assume more is better because it is good to still be able to pedal when it's down. The fully adjustable ones are no doubt good for that but I like the simplicity of just slamming mine down and not thinking about getting the right amount of drop each time.
Whatever type you get I'm sure it will increase your fun on the bike by loads.
Edit: Dirtworks were discounting the Joplin 4's not so long ago - I think $300 including remote lever which would be a great buy ...
I've have a Gravity Dropper and KS900i. Used to have a Crank Brothers too on an old bike. All of them make a great difference to me personally and I wouldn't go back to a fixed post if possible. Of course many people still use a fixed post and there is nothing wrong with them, maybe I'm lazy and just like the ability to adjust my seat on the fly rather than stopping.
There are two main types, - oil / air and spring. Each have their own benefits. Oil / air (Crank Bros Joplin, KS900i, Reverb etc) can usually be set at any height however they require a bit more maintenance (recommend using a chain stay neoprene protector on the exposed part of the seat post shaft to reduce mud etc in the seals). The spring ones like Gravity Dropper work off a magnet and and cable. The cable will stretch over time but that is a simple adjustment. The way they are designed though there is a smaller upper shaft that connects to the saddle and depending on your weight these can fail and snap (happened to me once). GD have great customer service though and it was replaced straight away and the new ones are stronger.
All have a tiny amount of play in them but don't be concerned about that, it is normal. Be sure to also check your seat post diameter. They don't come in all sizes but the range is getting better.
Oh, and go for a remote version, grabbing the saddle lever version while riding is not recommended as you are usually at speed when you want to drop the post.
I am also thinking abou this upgrade however i donn't have the cash for a reverb or joplin etc so are there any thoughts on this?
http://www.torpedo7.com.au/products/R7POAN0MS/ti...
also on the topic of upgrades, i am currently trying to make my bike more all mountain suitable, i am going to be getting a new handlebar/stem combination from crc does anyone have any suggestions (up to about $200)
Cheers,
Will
Hi Willy
Have used this post twice since I bought it. Great idea and works well. Only issue I have had is the seat clamp has slipped slightly. Have tightened it up and i hope that fixes it. Other then this it is such a great addition to the bike and sooooo much cheaper then the others. Would love it to be remote. Might try and rig it up one day....
What a relief.....................thanks again
I knew I could rely on you guys...
Here is a good analogy from a mate who drag races, he once asked an experienced racer how much fater his car could go, and the fella said "how much money do you want to spend ?" this line works in our sport too.
Thanx for your experiences. Now to track one down.
For an extra $40 you can get a Joplin or similar on eBay with remote. Plenty of listings - might be worth checking out first
Go for it, i just got it on my new wheels and it is the best thing out.
Nice and easy when hitting a rocky down hill, not having to stop to adjust.
i got the specialized command post. worth every cent!
Can't say enough good things about it - Jensons had a special on a while ago.
Absolutely brilliant, and really easy to fit.
I have a Reverb from Jenson , it's awesome. Allows me to run the seat MUCH higher (efficient/healthier) than I normally would in 80% of conditions. That's what I've found has stood out as the main advantage. A friend got one and agrees.
You know you can drop it when you need to without mucking_about/stopping.
Fitted a RockShox Reverb last night for the Red Hill ride today and it was awesome.
I picked up a Rockshox Reverb for $320 at my LBS yesterday. Just finished putting it on my bike. Being a regular returning customer to the same LBS has its benifets.
Went for a group ride at Mt York recently. At the top of Coxs rd. Everyone was off the bike dropping thier seatpost. "is it really that bad" i asked. "you wont need it until you get to the bottom" was the responce.
These are the best and yet cheaper than the others - check the reviews
KS i900
They are branded Cobra in the US but are the same.
I've had two on different bikes for 2 years now with absolutely no problem, just work perfectly.
And oh yeah, telescopic seatposts are great, get one.
Giant have got one as well. Not sure if they are out yet in Australia though, or who would stock them? They are supposed to be cheaper than the other big brands with a retail price of $250 I think?
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-in/partsaccesso...
The Giant brand seatpost dropper comes default with the 2012 Reign 1
By chance i also saw one today and i thought the handle bar attachment looked very unusual and out of place.
I'm tossing up between the joplin and the reverb has anyone had any problems with either? With one would you go?
I've read enough negative reviews throughout Oz, UK & US forums / media to steer well clear of the Joplin. Its not nicknamed the Sloplin for nothing!
Have heard mostly good review on the RockShox.
Take a look at the new KS post. The cable is now at the bottom.
Just make sure that when you have the seat post installed and fully extended it is not too high. I have short legs and as the posts are getting more and more travel, I had about 2mm to spare so I basically have the whole post inserted.
where???
@mikethebike, my bike is currently in the shop but when I get it back I'll take a photo and post it up
Are different length, the 3 inch travel post is shorter overall, not just the bit that goes up and down.
I have long legs and need the 5 inch travel post to get full height and still have sufficient insertion.
The companies supply the spec's in the product descriptions.
have just shown examples at Interbike-not too far away from release me thinks!
The KS looks great in the photo with the cable at the bottom. I notice with the Reverb that I am concerned sometimes where the slack in the cable has 'gone' when I drop it all the way. Which is rare, as it's (almost?) more travel than I need. If the new KS unit does away with the cable having 'slack' to deal with the up and done, that would be pretty handy. It's a feature the Gravity Dropper has (which the Reverb does not), but I didn't like the way the GD looked. The KS ones I investigated before getting the Reverb looked pretty impressive.
I read somewhere that the new KS pictured isn't out till next year.
If you get the Reverb and you shorten the hose, in the video it says you can push it on once cut but I found this impossible and couldn't get it on the whole way so it leaked. I cut some more off and with the remote off the bar the barb is threaded so you can just screw it onto the hose which worked a treat. The only real bizarre thing is I didn't have to bleed it after cutting the hose. They mention in the video you don't always have to bleed it which defies logic
I have a Crank Brothers Joplin 4R which is now 11 months old.
It does have a slight sideways wobble if you pick the bike up by the saddle, but nothing I've ever noticed while riding. Also, it likes to be cleaned regularly, but so does the rest of my bike.
I love it a lot. I would definitely get another.
For the future: I also *really* like the look of the KS Lev dropper seatpost but they aren't available yet.
Did you see that KS post above?
They're an awsome bit of gear and I would bet right now cheaper than Fox when they do come out.
Where would i get one from?
Doesn't look available until Jan 2012
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/KS-Lev-Dropper-Post...
Here's a thread on seat posts
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?2...
Now that Giant is getting into controls:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-in/partsaccesso...
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/controls/seatpost-adjust...
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Giant-Contact-Switc...
I'll be interested to see the details on these, looks like they'll be coming in around $250
Can anyone recommend where to buy a kind shock seat post from at a reasonable price?
I just picked up a 2012 Reverb from a LBS (in Sydney) for $10 cheaper than CRC etc. before you add shipping. Despite what the threads on the forums say, the Reverb is worth every cent. Easy to install (I'm no bike mechanic, but with GOOD cable cutters you're sorted), easy to bleed (something i was terrified of doing of before the Reverb), plenty of online vids to show you how to install/bleed/replace hose etc. Just too easy - REALLY!
The adjustable post IS the next disc brake ... After riding one - couldn't go back.
Just get a Reverb - if it takes a few more weeks of saving then rest assured it will be worth the wait.
(Disclaimer: I'm just stoked - not employed by any shop/distributer/manufactirer)
This is a link to rotoburn - nerf herder (Al) is the distributor for KS posts (pushie enterprises)
The Lev (with the fixed cable) first batch due in Oz after Easter
PM him - tell him Bloot sent you for a good deal ha ha
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?2...
I have never heard a bad thing about the KS posts
Have a read through the adjustable post thread (same as Brians)
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?2...
I was holding out for the KS Lev
But a Specialized command post for $210 delivered from Trailfix in Victoria came up (on the thread above)
Picked up the last one a few weeks ago
The cable moves, but it slips between my seat collar, and my bike has cable guides for a remote post
A bit of frame tape and you're away
Brilliant bit of kit, but a bit of a brick compared to my Thomson
But you don't have a seat dropper if you're a weight weenie
Looks like mothy is happy with his new Reverb. I have only heard good things about them.
I have owned a Kindshock seat post for over two years now and it is working as good as the day I purchased it.
I havent needed to service it or do anything at all.
Before owning the Kindshock I had a CrankBros post and it was the worst dropper post I have used!
I highly recomend the Kindshock.
Sorry
Sorry double post.
Iv'e had three Joplins (still own 2). One was under-seat lever operation and the two I still own are remote. I lobe them. In saying that, I've used the RS Reverb, boy is there a difference. The hydro remote is gun! No dicking around with minutely adjusting the joystick to get that fine line between easy lever operation and the seat dropping when ever it wants.
I want to get a Reverb after using it, it's head and shoulders above the Joplin. Though, I'm waiting for the Fox post to come out before I make the leap.
The Joplin is a good buy as a second hand unit, as they can be bought real cheap. In saying that, if you're buying new, get a Reverb.
I'm running a KS Supernatural remote - Al from Pushie hooked me up.
Price through Pushie is competitive with overseas prices and offers local warranty.
The wait was worth it, now we just need some good riding weather to test it out properly!