While suspension seatposts have been in existence for a long time, they have changed to become more reliable and better in recent years. However, before opting for one instead of a rigid one, is a suspension seatpost worth it?
A suspension seatpost is built for comfort, absorbing impacts and large hits from below the ground. It lets you lower body fatigue and pedal through potholes and bumps more comfortably. It’s worth getting a suspension seatpost because it’s considerably more effective than a rigid one.
That’s the gist, but there’s more you need to know about suspension seatposts, and I’ll get into the specifics in this article.
Why Is A Suspension Seatpost Worth It?
You could decide to ride your bike with low-pressure tires for more comfort, but there are compelling reasons to add a suspension seatpost. These are:
1. It Improves Your Comfort
As stated above, suspension seatposts absorb larger hits and damping vibrations you will encounter on the road or your trail. This translates to less strain on your body and, in turn, allows you to ride for longer and remain fresh.
2. It Lowers Or Alleviates Lower Back Pain
Cycling involves hunching your back for a prolonged time, which often causes back pains among many bikers. A suspension seatpost isolates bigger hits and vibrations from the rider’s body, putting less strain on the lower back.
This is why it’s hard to find a person with back injuries riding a bicycle without a suspension seatpost.
3. Let’s You Sit Longer
With a suspension seatpost, you can pedal your bike while seated on trails and terrains you’d normally have to stand to navigate. Unlike a rigid seatpost, you will feel fresher and less tired on this type of seatpost.
4. Increases The Capabilities Of Narrow Tires
Narrower tires do not typically do well on rougher terrains, but the situation changes significantly with a suspension seatpost. You could tackle an off-road with 38mm tires, but remember, it isn’t a perfect situation.
5. More Affordable And Lighter Compared To A Full-Suspension Bike
While a full-suspension bike leads to a comfortable ride, it costs more money. Instead, you can buy a suspension seatpost and enjoy the same comfort levels without the additional price, complexity, and weight.
Since the performance of suspension seatposts don’t depend on weight and height but the rider’s body weight and the size of the seatpost sticking out of the rider’s frame, these seatposts benefit smaller bikers more.
Are Suspension Seatposts Any Good?
Suspension seatposts improve your riding experience, but for that to happen, you’ll need a good quality suspension seatpost. The cheaper alternative does not provide the same comfort level you’d get from a top-notch product, so it would be best to spend more but get an excellent suspension seatpost.
The cheaper alternatives can constantly bob while you are seated, so go for something firm but comfortable instead. The extra comfort you get from a suspension seatpost, especially on rough terrain, makes a huge difference but remember you’ll incur costs of buying and purchasing it.
To make sure you get the best from a suspension seatpost, consider the following during your selection.
1. Price
Suspension seatposts cost a pretty penny, but while you shouldn’t spend everything you have on it, do not go too cheap either.
Find a product that offers a balance between quality and price, like DJC Bike Suspension Seatpost that will cost you about $29.90 to $33.90. It’s lightweight, has a suspension travel of 42mm, and is ideal for riders weighing 110lbs to 220lbs.
2. Weight
Suspension seatposts can increase the bike’s weight significantly, and more travel translates to more weight. Quality engineering goes into manufacturing a lightweight suspension seatpost while keeping the benefits offered by these seatposts.
Ensure you also go for a suspension seatpost that can handle your weight comfortably. Customer reviews and company specs will give you the necessary information to determine if a particular suspension seatpost can accommodate your weight.
3. Usage
The amount of distance you intend to use the seatpost for is also crucial. For that reason, consider the suspension seatpost’s travel and the terrain you’ll be riding on.
4. Frame Fit
Quality suspension seatposts offer multiple size varieties to accommodate different frames. You’ll likely find the perfect fit but if not, consider getting a seatpost shim.
What Is The Best Suspension Seatpost?
Suspension seatposts usually provide 10-50mm of travel through an air spring system, elastomer, or an internal coil. They come in the following categories.
1. Elastomer Suspension Seatposts
These suspension seatposts have a solid rubber to cushion a hinged linkage or other system types. An elastomer pillion and the linkage compress together to dampen hits and bumps during your rides.
The rubber’s flexibility and hardness differ depending on the usage. Hence, dense elastomers take you to more rugged terrains while softer elastomers have added give.
They usually have a hinged linkage system to lower rebounds and provide a stable ride. While the cushion will undergo wear and tear because it comprises exposed rubber, the replacements are usually small enough and cheaper than you can carry a spare wherever you go.
An excellent example of an elastomer suspension seatpost is the Cane Creek Thudbuster ST Suspension Seatpost (View on Amazon) . It is available in diameters 27.2mm, 30.9mm, and 31.6mm with 50mm travel and maximum rider weight of 330 pounds.
2. Air Dropper Suspension Seatposts
These are the newest addition to the suspension seatposts, and it lets you drop the seatpost flexibly. This type of seatpost is suitable for riders with experience biking on gravel roads and would want the option to change the seat height without having to stop along the way to access their multitool.
They often provide less travel compared to elastomer and coil spring suspension seatposts. Due to this, it’s probably not perfect for riders looking for a smoother commuter.
If you are looking for a best-performing model in this category, consider PNW Components Coast Suspension Dropper Post with Air Suspension (View on Amazon) . It gives you 100m or 120m of drop based on diameter and is excellent for providing stability when you are about to stop and smoothing out road bumps.
3. Coil Spring Suspension Seatposts
For a 21st century solution to achieving a smooth ride, invest in a coil spring suspension seatpost. Instead of depending on a rubber lump, they are equipped with a hinged linkage system coupled with a coiled metal spring for a smooth riding experience on the tarmac.
It lets you lower or raise the tension when riding through different terrains. However, you may be tempted to ride under low pressure for a softer ride.
Beware that softer coil lessens the power you can channel to the pedals, especially when climbing. In addition, grease the hinges and keep the system dry to prevent creaks.
The market offers excellent air dropper suspension seatposts like KINEKT 2.1 Aluminum Bike Seatpost (View on Amazon) with Suspension. It’s available in 420mm and 350mm in length and 31.6 mm, 30.9 mm, 27.2 mm, and 25.4 mm in diameter.
FAQs
1. What Is A Suspension Seatpost?
A suspension seatpost resembles a regular bike seatpost but has a unique suspension system located at the top section that attaches the saddle. It is a more affordable alternative than buying a full-suspension bike if you want to add more comfort to your biking.
2. What Is A Suspension Seat Post For?
Suspension seatposts are made to prolong comfort when you are in the saddle, ward off back injuries, and smooth out bumpy and rough terrain. Combining a rigid bike with a suspension seatpost gives you a more affordable, lightweight, and reliable bicycle for bikepacking.
3. What Is The Best Suspension Seatpost?
ShockStop Suspension Seatpost helps you ride more comfortably, faster, and go further on your road bike, e-bike, hybrid bike, and gravel bike. It can dampen vibrations and bumps up to 60%, increases efficiency, lowers fatigue, and 35 suspension travel that you can adjust.
You can install it easily and it doesn’t require any maintenance.
In Conclusion, Is A Suspension Seatpost Worth It?
Considering that most of your body weight lies on the saddle when riding, your comfort will significantly improve with a better seatpost. Your bum, back, and bone will thank you for using a suspension seatpost.
Rogue potholes that show up unexpectedly and rugged trails won’t seem so dreadful when sitting on a suspension seatpost.
