I need to get one of these for my Blur XC with the 4" drop. Can anyone comment on which one is the better quality or which one is better over the other or are they the same? Cost is a "no" issue, just want to get the better lightest one.
From the reading I did, and comparing the specifications and designs, I would personally lean towards the AMP. However, I have not actually gotten a chance to try either one at this point so take this with a grain of salt.
I need to get one of these for my Blur XC with the 4" drop. Can anyone comment on which one is the better quality or which one is better over the other or are they the same? Cost is a "no" issue, just want to get the better lightest one.
Looks like both can drop 1" and full 4".
Thanks for the help!
I dont think you can go wrong either way. The 3 settings is key. I use them all the time. I've been on my amp for 3 months and I love it. My bud rides a regular Gravity Dropper and he loves it. His did just blow up recently but he's a ripper. He's in the process of getting it replaced.
I have both in the same 0-->1"-->4" version. I used the GD for about 3 months and then switched to the AMP for 3 months on the same bike They are very close in how they feel. I thought the GD boot looked goofy and would get a lot of comments, "What's that on your seat post." No one notices the AMP. The cable on the GD sticks out at a 90 degree angle from the seat post, just asking to be damaged (it has bent but it still works). The AMP required grease around the seat post parts in order to change height without sticking. I crashed once with the AMP and broke the handle bar lever. This appears to be an Achilles' heal and is poorly designed compared to the GD, which is more robust. Cost me $20 to replace. Also, the handle bar lever on the AMP kept coming loose, not from the bar, but the actual lever that spins from the piece which remains fixed. Lock-tite on the hex nut fixed that.
Although the AMP has required a bit more maintenance, it's the one I am using because of the lower profile.
They have re-designed the clamp for the handlebar lever. I had the old one, it broke, and they sent me the new stronger one for free. Been using it for 6 months now, it's second nature.
I have no problems with my AMP, and the customer service has been excellent when I needed it. I like the look of it, at the time it was cheaper, and I think it was lighter.
I've gotta throw a vote for gravity dropper. This will be the third season on mine, it's nearly maintenance free- just throw some lube on the moving parts every 4-6 months. I bought mine used and Wayne transferred the warranty to me, how cool is that? When he beefed up the design, I sent mine in and for $15 he overhauled the post and brought it up to spec with new parts. Less than a week door-to-door! Everytime I call, he's answered the phone or gotten back to me within 2hrs.
Another bonus for the gravity dropper, there's only 5 moving parts total! (lever, cable, magnet, pin, post). A great simple durable design and well executed.
I wanted to try the AMP since they have the 5" drop coming. 3 emails, 2 phone calls, got one short reply and no follow up. Money was ready, I would have bought one if they'd only taken the time to just return my call and answer my questions.
I'll also put in another vote for the GD. I've got the standard remote with a 4" drop on my Motolite and it has made drop-ins that used to freak me out, a piece of cake now. I've only had it for 4 months but I will never have another bike without one!
"The secret of joy is the mastery of pain." (Anaïs Nin)
Do you think the 4inch drop is that big of a difference over the 3inch version?
Thanks,
It depends on where you ride but I'd say definitely. Get the 4", 5" would be even better. Two reasons why- both companies offer multiple drop positions. With a 1 or 2" drop to cover pedaly descents and technical stuff, the lower position becomes "just get the saddle out of my way". 4" is mostly out of the way, on true black-diamond steep terrain you might want it even lower.
On a gravity dropper, changing your drop height is done bt ordering a cheap replaceable inner post available through their website. He even takes your old one back as a "core charge" so it's cheap to experiment.
The limiting factor is how much exposed seatpost you have at full pedaling height. Only riders with really long inseams or frames with low standover and short seat tubes will be able to use the 5" drop posts. Get the most amount of drop your frame & inseam can take, definitely with an intermediate 1" or 2" dop.
I've used both and prefer the GD.
Mine had the 1" and 4" drop. I found getting it into the 1" drop was a PITA, probably my own issue. That post broke, so I replaced it with the 4" only drop.
The AMP felt poorly built and required bumping it with my legs/butt more to get it to operate properly. It was so bad I often would just not even try to move the seat. It was an earlier model, so hopefully they have redesigned it. They do have a better lever IMO though. And the GD boot does look lame.
I weigh 220 with gear, and haven't had any problems with the shims sliding in the seat tube.
I'm considering getting one of these... but the thing is, I normally ride with my seat 6" above the seat colar (seat colar to bottom of seat rails) and don't really want it any higher.
I read for the AMP post, the minimum exposed post length (seat colar to rails) is 6"... so that means with the seat extended, I'll be at 9" for the 3" model and that's way too tall.
Can someone measure the length from seat colar to seat rail of the gravitydropper or turbo model with it in the "lowered" position? If it's too much more than 3", I guess I'm out of luck.
Just ordered the GD turbo. Spoke with Kim before ordering and asked some of the same questions. Her and Wayne were both very nice and willing to answer any questions.
With the 4" extended out, the measurment from the top of the seat tube to the seat clamp will be 7 1/2 in (on the turbo model). So with the seatpost down the measurement would only be about 3 1/2 inches from the tube to seat clamp. I was a little confused and thought it was going to be 7 1/2 with the post in the down position which wouldn't work with my stubby little legs.
Hope that helps. If not give GD a call. they were very helpful. I was going to purchase the AMP but had the same issue with little to no response to my emails and phone calls. and the post that I wanted is always unavailable and 4-5 weeks away. GD held my hand through the ordering process to make sure I got the correct measurments and it was at my house within 2 days of my order.
When I bought my GD in Jan this year, I thought the 4" was the model I wanted. Turns out it was a bit too much. They were instrumental in sending me a 3" stem, went through how to change it out and adjust it perfectly over the phone, and the service was excellent. I really think the Bionicon Edison should have it as a factory option on bikes they sell in the California market place.
I don't know how I rode so long with out one... I doubt another bike of mine will ever be ridden without a GD.
I'm considering getting one of these... but the thing is, I normally ride with my seat 6" above the seat colar (seat colar to bottom of seat rails) and don't really want it any higher.
I read for the AMP post, the minimum exposed post length (seat colar to rails) is 6"... so that means with the seat extended, I'll be at 9" for the 3" model and that's way too tall.
Can someone measure the length from seat colar to seat rail of the gravitydropper or turbo model with it in the "lowered" position? If it's too much more than 3", I guess I'm out of luck.
Thanks,
Phil.
I've been corresponding with the guys at Gravity Dropper fast few days. They are really great. So here is what they say, "you need 7 ¼ inches from the top of your seat tube to the bottom of the seat rails in order to run a 4” drop post, you need 6 ¼ inches to run a 3” drop post." They also recommend at least 3" of seat post into the seat tube.
I didn't measure to the bottom of the seat rail so I need to re-measure tonight. See the attached pictures where I measured 6.5" incorrectly. I think I might just make the 4" drop from the looks of it.
Hopefully I'll be able to order the 4" drop Turbo with the 350mm post tomorrow. Can't wait to get home to measure!
I read for the AMP post, the minimum exposed post length (seat colar to rails) is 6"... so that means with the seat extended, I'll be at 9" for the 3" model and that's way too tall.
Phil.
I just realized what you we're saying here. I don't think you have it right. The minimum exposed post length refers to the measurement of the seat post you have now. It needs to measure a minimum of 6.25" from the top of the seat tube to the bottom of the seat rail. If it meets that measurement than you can use the 3" drop post in the extended position. You are not adding 3" to the 6.25". Further more, if you want a 4" drop, then the measurement from top of seat tube to bottom of seat rail needs to be 7.25".
ok, I re-measured last night...looks like I'm stuck with having to get the 3" drop...bummer...I guess 3" is better than 0".
Any body know if the extra 1" will make a big difference? Keep in mind I'm really bad at down hill, think of it this way...when your on the freeway and there's a car in front of you going about 10-15mph slower than traffic holding all lanes up...well, that's me...
ok, I re-measured last night...looks like I'm stuck with having to get the 3" drop...bummer...I guess 3" is better than 0".
Any body know if the extra 1" will make a big difference? Keep in mind I'm really bad at down hill, think of it this way...when your on the freeway and there's a car in front of you going about 10-15mph slower than traffic holding all lanes up...well, that's me...
I have an AMP with the 3 inch drop and I'm glad I didn't wait for the 4 inch. I feel like the 4 inch drop would make the saddle feel nonexistent which doesn't really appeal to me.
I have the 4" drop GD. At first I thought it was too much and really only wanted 2". Now I love the 4" drop and wouldn't want anything else. I suppose if I had gotten the 3" post I'd love it too.
I have had my 1"/4" GD for about 2 weeks now. I use the 1" drop quite a bit, but when it gets real steep (yesterday) the 4" drop was confidence inspiring.... I suspect the 3" would have been just as good.
I don't think that I will notice the difference between 3" and 4". Just having the GD itself is a wonderful thing.
One nice thing about GD is that you can order parts for it from their website.
It really is a shame that the GD Turbo has the cable come straight out. It just looks like a Descender Post with a cable instead of a knob. That alone makes me want to get the AMP instead. Is there any way around this? Can you use a brake noodle or something to route it better and in a clean looking fashion?
It really is a shame that the GD Turbo has the cable come straight out. It just looks like a Descender Post with a cable instead of a knob. That alone makes me want to get the AMP instead. Is there any way around this? Can you use a brake noodle or something to route it better and in a clean looking fashion?
Just get the non-turbo version. It's cheaper and has better cable routing. Even if you get the turbo, you still have to "butt tap" the seat to lower it or raise it from the lowest to middle position. So if you think about it there's not much to be gained with the turbo version.
Just get the non-turbo version. It's cheaper and has better cable routing. Even if you get the turbo, you still have to "butt tap" the seat to lower it or raise it from the lowest to middle position. So if you think about it there's not much to be gained with the turbo version.
I get the down-force being necessary for lowering it, but you need to butt tap it up from the lowest too? That is a let down... is the AMP the same way? Or does it spring up on its own from the lowest setting?
I get the down-force being necessary for lowering it, but you need to butt tap it up from the lowest too? That is a let down... is the AMP the same way? Or does it spring up on its own from the lowest setting?
Neither the turbo or amp would require the butt-tap to get from the lowest to highest position. The non-turbo does. However all these posts will require some butt- touching to get from the lowest to intermediate position. (i.e. -4" drop to -1" drop).
Seriously, it's a non-issue. The but tap requires about the same amount of effort as pushing the lever. Think about how you will be using the post. If you don't want your butt touching the saddle, then why would you raise it? So you're going to but-tap anyways.
Think about it... I think you will see what I mean.
Either way you have to push down on the saddle to lower it. No advantage to turbo or AMP there.
I hear the Gravity Droper is pretty much bullet proof now. AMP had some better reviews when I bought mine last fall. I also got the AMP because it looked cleaner than the GD - my bike is vain! . The AMP appears finely machined much like a Thompson post. It's flexier than a Thompson, I hear the GD is also, but with full suspension it's not an issue at all when riding.
Very easy action lowering and raising to all positions using the remote. A very small bit of fore-aft slop now but zero seat twisting slop. The spring might be ti because the post itself is almost as light as the 31.6 Thomson it replaced. I needed the Cane Creak shim that came with it to fit the 27.2 base. No slipping or noises so far with the shim or post.
About a month ago when I asked, the guy at AMP said I could get a custom 3/4 inch short drop when requested but would have to wait for a batch run. Over the years trying many seat drop heights I got used to dropping 3/4 inch to still pedal well on rough trail. But now I've gotten used to the 1 inch and will stick with it. The 4 inch is awesome for super steep, I can put both feet near flat on the ground seated.
i'm 220 with gear. i have the 4 inch turbo dropper. its awesome. period. zero issues. dude what is that boot you have on your GD i want it. it looks alot nicer than the gay boot it comes with
i'm 220 with gear. i have the 4 inch turbo dropper. its awesome. period. zero issues. dude what is that boot you have on your GD i want it. it looks alot nicer than the gay boot it comes with
I think you are asking about the stock neoprene dust boot on my AMP pictured above. Maybe you could email to the link from AllMountainPost.com and say your have one but it's torn and want to buy a replacement. It's probably not expensive. Although it might not fit over the pin and cable that sticks out more on the GD(?)
i'm 220 with gear. i have the 4 inch turbo dropper. its awesome. period. zero issues. dude what is that boot you have on your GD i want it. it looks alot nicer than the gay boot it comes with
Just use an old tube. Way better than the boot that comes with the post.
I have 410mm long Thomson Elite, that I when I am in XC mode I have to put all they way to the max height line....do any of these manufacturers make a post long enough?
do you zip tie it on the top and bottom so dirt doesnt get in?
That's a good idea. I think I will for the top end anyway.
BTW, to keep related threads together use the "Quote" (and remove the quoted stuff if you don't want it). The forum software usually fails to link the thread as implied it will when using "Quick reply to this message".
I have 410mm long Thomson Elite, that I when I am in XC mode I have to put all they way to the max height line....do any of these manufacturers make a post long enough?
I eliminated the Joplin from the beginning because it only drops 3" and I wanted 4". As it turns out, whether I get the AMP or GD, I'll have to settle for the 3" becuase I do not have enough seat post exposed. I still won't consider the Joplin anyways because it is heavier than the others. I also read that there may be a little side to side play.
I have a GD and I love the thing. I switched frames and had to wait after I ordered a new shim since my seat tube was different on mynew bike and damn, it was hard to ride a regular seatpost/quick release set up again.
I have friends who had the GD and switched to the Speedball and l like the smooth feeling of the Speedball but missed the simple mechanical idea of the GD.
Plus, the customer service at GD has been great to me.
I have 410mm long Thomson Elite, that I when I am in XC mode I have to put all they way to the max height line....do any of these manufacturers make a post long enough?
Joplin R is 382 millimeters. I just ordered one. For me a 3 inch drop is plenty since I like the seat post lower but need to raise it up to a decent height to climb out after a fun downhill run.
If that is a question, the answer is yes on a GD. There is a small amount of fore-aft play between the sliding post and the fixed post. A threaded collar atop the fixed post is used to adjust the amount of play. Too loose and it is sloppy, too tight and the post binds, just right and there is a little play and the post slides freely. I am somewhat anal about loose parts on my bike, especially the seat and seatpost. I thought that I would notice the fore-aft play when riding but I never have. The GD rocks.
"One often finds their destiny on the road taken to avoid it" - Master Ugway
If that is a question, the answer is yes on a GD. There is a small amount of fore-aft play between the sliding post and the fixed post. A threaded collar atop the fixed post is used to adjust the amount of play. Too loose and it is sloppy, too tight and the post binds, just right and there is a little play and the post slides freely. I am somewhat anal about loose parts on my bike, especially the seat and seatpost. I thought that I would notice the fore-aft play when riding but I never have. The GD rocks.
Fixed it...Sounds more like a question now.
Yeah, I'm kinda anal that way to...I'm going to give one of them a try, not sure which one though.
I only ride bikes to fill the time when I'm not skiing.
I have about three rides on the Sette post and although it works OK the problems mentioned by other users, (excess suspension action, initial stiction, and small clunk or "bottom out" when sitting in the lowered position), puts it in a different league than my gravity dropper.
I have a GD and a Maverick Speedball R and vote for the Mav design. I like the infinite adj, easy up and better lever. With the GD I had trouble hitting the 1" and don't like having to tap to come back up. My GD hasn't been trouble free in operation but the Mav isn't perfect either, it sticks when it gets too dirty.
I have the Turbo and I don't need to 'butt tap' to raise the seat up from either the 1 inch or 4 inch position. If that is your experience you should contact them and they will fix. Customer service is fabulous from GD.
I've recently stuck a 4" drop GD turbo on my 5spot. I find that I've actually got less control with it when going down moderate drops. The thing is, I've always been using my thighs to grip the saddle when I'm rearward position. With the GD engaged, there's nothing there for me to hang on to at all. However on extremely steep drops, there is an advantage for it as I can get much further behind my saddle that I ever could on my thompson.
I've recently stuck a 4" drop GD turbo on my 5spot. I find that I've actually got less control with it when going down moderate drops. The thing is, I've always been using my thighs to grip the saddle when I'm rearward position. With the GD engaged, there's nothing there for me to hang on to at all. However on extremely steep drops, there is an advantage for it as I can get much further behind my saddle that I ever could on my thompson.
That was the reason I skipped the 4 inch drop when and went for the 3 inch AMP. At 4 inches I felt like the saddle was nonexistent.
If yours is sticking or popping up slowly, just push the boot down and put a drop of chain lube in the "tracks", and it'll pop up like new. Either that or there's too much tension in the lever...back the adjuster out until there's a tiny bit of slack. The cable stretched a little bit on my first couple rides but I haven't touched it since.
Wayne at GD is a stand-up guy and builds a great product, and I don't think there's any reason to switch if you already have a GD...but I think the AMP is a better design. Plus it looks so clean...you can barely tell it's on there, unlike the box sticking out of a GD or the weird cable routing on a Turbo.
It's too bad they're so behind on orders and shipping...I know they've lost a couple sales due to not having any in stock.
If yours is sticking or popping up slowly, just push the boot down and put a drop of chain lube in the "tracks", and it'll pop up like new. Either that or there's too much tension in the lever...back the adjuster out until there's a tiny bit of slack. The cable stretched a little bit on my first couple rides but I haven't touched it since.
Wayne at GD is a stand-up guy and builds a great product, and I don't think there's any reason to switch if you already have a GD...but I think the AMP is a better design. Plus it looks so clean...you can barely tell it's on there, unlike the box sticking out of a GD or the weird cable routing on a Turbo.
It's too bad they're so behind on orders and shipping...I know they've lost a couple sales due to not having any in stock.
Other than it looking cleaner than the GD, what do you think is better about the AMP design?
Ok, so a month later after I started this thread, I decided on getting the GD Turbo, 275mm, 3" drop with the 30.9mm spacer for my Blur XC. I have to say at first glance, where the cable attaches to the post, looks a little awkward. The piece in front of the post really sticks out. Not sure yet how this is gonna look. The boot seems to be a really good rubber and quality, fits well and not what I expected. I guess I expected a less quality, plastic like boot. I haven't weighed the post with cable to verify yet, but I will this Friday. I also got a alot lighter saddle and am hoping the weight factor is a wash but we'll see. I'll take some pictures of the new saddle and post once I get it set up Friday night and post so everyone can see exactly how this looks. Overall, the feel and quality is really good and there is no cheap feeling, feels like a very high quality part, just a little worried about the weight for now...
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Originally Posted by oscarc
to get from the lowest to intermediate position. (i.e. -4" drop to -1" drop).
So you're going to but-tap anyways.
. The AMP appears finely machined much like a Thompson post. It's flexier than a Thompson, I hear the GD is also, but with full suspension it's not an issue at all when riding.
