Suspension Seatpost Suggestions

[sbermhb]

I recently started riding a Redline Monocog Flight 29er singlespeed and love it with one exception. I do a lot of riding at places that are pretty rooty and I've noticed that my lower back is sore, like it never was when I was riding my full squish. Age sucks! Anyway, I'm thinking about trying out a suspension seatpost. There are three that seem to get the most talk: the Thudbuster, the NitroPro and the USE Shockpost (carbon). I hate the way the Thudbuster looks and I hear that it does kickback. The NitroPro and Shockpost are supposed to have a more natural return and look the most normal. The NitroPro seems to be the heaviest of the bunch. I'm not looking to get a full suspension feeling, but I do want to absorb some of the edge and take some pressure off the lower back. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!

[sbermhb]

Bump

[socal_jack]

Have an LT Thudbuster that I occasionally put on my rigid depending on the ride/trail, works great if you have the correct elastomer setup(may have to mix and match). I'm up near the spec'd weight limit and never had any kickback issue. Get the dustcover and keep it clean/lubed every now and then.

[enfig]

Thudbuster ST , it's not as ugly looking as the other one and supposedly "works in the direct path of the natural travel of the rear wheel". I have a Nitro Pro and I'm not so happy with it, It's heavy it's not so responsive (even after changing to a a softer spring). I have to lubricate it every ride because it creeks like a pig, etc. I have to keep on adjusting the "adjustment thumb screw" to reduce the play, etc.
I wish I have gotten the Thudbuster instead...

[teamdicky]

When I use one, I go with the Thudbuster ST. It works well, and take the edge of small hits.

No kickback that has ever bothered me, and tunable with different elastomers.

The look of the ST is an acquired taste for sure.

[Crockpot2001]

I've used several telescoping type posts over the years and all of them caused some knee pain at some point. I'm not predisposed to knee issues either. The TB might fix that for me.

[Dictatorsaurus]

I wanted to make the transition FS to HT easier so I picked up the cheapo Setter Ryde. It helped alot. I used it for a few weeks then switched to a regular solid post.

[pimpbot]

I recently started riding a Redline Monocog Flight 29er singlespeed and love it with one exception. I do a lot of riding at places that are pretty rooty and I've noticed that my lower back is sore, like it never was when I was riding my full squish. Age sucks! Anyway, I'm thinking about trying out a suspension seatpost. There are three that seem to get the most talk: the Thudbuster, the NitroPro and the USE Shockpost (carbon). I hate the way the Thudbuster looks and I hear that it does kickback. The NitroPro and Shockpost are supposed to have a more natural return and look the most normal. The NitroPro seems to be the heaviest of the bunch. I'm not looking to get a full suspension feeling, but I do want to absorb some of the edge and take some pressure off the lower back. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!

I say Thudbuster or don't bother... especially on a singlespeed.

I ran a Rockshox suspension post for a while, as well as other telescoping style posts. The main problem with them is that your saddle height changes in relation to the pedals. This puts tons of pressure on your knees (as well as doing so right at the exact moment when you are likely to be pushing over the rocks with pedal strokes). I got super sore knees with my suspension posts. Best thing I ever did was to chuck that POS.

I tried a Thudbuster post, and it didn't make my knees hurt, but it kept trying to shoot me over the bars when I hit bumps.

I say learn to unweight the saddle more over bumps, or find a saddle with more shell flex that fits your posterior better.

If you're having lower back issues, I would look at your cockpit length and saddle position and angle. See if you can try out different length stems and slide your saddle fore and aft in the rails a bit.

For me, the perfect saddle angle is as far nose-up as I can stand without wedding tackle bits going to sleep.... pretty much dead level.

[TiGeo]

I rode a USE for quite a long time; worked great for me and was very lightweight. I had to rebuild a few times as the telescoping ones can develop side-to-side movement/slop. I liked it for taking the sting off the stiff hardtail I used to ride. On my current ride, its not necessary.

[Steve_N]

I used a Thudbuster LT on my rigid Soma after trying a carbon post (RF Next) and it certainly takes the sting out of the trail. I wouldn't hesitate to use one again if the situation warranted. I didn't have any issues with kickback but I'm the sort of guy who hovers over the saddle on downhills. As for looks, well it doesn't really rank in that department but as far as functionality goes it's right up there.

[Jinxy]

Instead of a seatpost, you could work on your abdominal and core trunk muscles. It might take a few months but if your strengthen your abs/core group, you'll strengthen your back and likely improve your riding posture. Most important - you'll feel better in all physical activity. A trainer or physical therapist can help get you started.

[2xPneu]

I have an almost new Thudbuster ST with 3 of the blue (med) elastomers instead of one that worked and 2 that were too hard or too soft. I want to sell it so if the med elastomer works for your weight pm me if you want it.

[aabbas]

I ran a Rockshox suspension post for a while... Best thing I ever did was to chuck that POS.

Hmm, clearly Rockshox posts aren't for everyone, but I _love_ mine. It works great, and it doesn't call attention to itself, especially since I replaced the goofy corrugated dust boot with a cut section of inner tube. I got mine on eBay last year.

Alex

[nitrousjunky]

Definitely the ST Thudbuster. I've owned the LT and the ST version. Hated the LT and loved the ST.

The LT was like riding on a diving board. The ST takes the edge off without you noticing that it's moving at all.

[Mojo Man]

Went throught the same delema when building up my second bike. That being a SS 29 HT. Since my primary race bike is a full squish and having a sensitive back, I knew I wanted a susension post to take the edge off. Initially I bought a LT TB but couldnt get over the looks and weight. After more research, and if weight isn't a problem, the Nitro Pro seemed to have the best reviews. But for me, again too heavey. I went with the Carbon USC, nice looks, decent reviews and the litest of the bunch.

Since ridng a SS HT requires a differant style and conditioning, you shouldn't be seated that much to warrant a long travel cushy post. Better conditioning so you can stand more is the key.

I guess thats one of the reasons I'm hooked on a SS, at least I think I am after my maiden ride yesterday. Surprisingly my lap times were only a few seconds slower than my small wheeled carbon full squish race bike. or maybe my Garmin is lying to me. either way, I'm sold on the big wheels, and love blowing by geared riders 1/2 my age

Mojo

[kayakertrav]

thudbuster,how much? -Travis

[2xPneu]

thudbuster,how much? -Travis

Right now $100 even...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...STRK:MESELX:IT