We designed the Command Post BlackLite to have three consistent—and most importantly—repeatable saddle height positions. This is crucial for riders and racers who demand the ability to quickly toggle between optimum climbing and descending body positions.
The Command Post BlackLite (CP) is a mechanical 3-position locking height-adjustable seatpost, that comes in 75, 100 and 125mm ranges, and has a handlebar mounted remote, and single bolt keyed saddle clamp system. It’s available in 30.9mm and 31.6mm diameters, 75, 100 and 125mm travel options, and 330, 380 and 405mm lengths, respectively. The three height settings are the Power position or full extension, Cruiser, which is 35mm below Power, and the Descender, which is the lowest travel position, or 75, 100, 125mm below Power. Continue reading →
Strengths: Price- over other options with these features.
Weaknesses: Seat clamp bolt had to be retightened. Not a real issue, but keep an eye on it. Also , for new users, it will hammer you in the pills if you're not expecting, or covering for it. Needs slight pressure to activate teh mechanism which I believe, is a good thing.
Bottom Line:
Works exactly how I thought it would. I was not expecting a seat post to add as much as it did to my riding. The ability to hit a switch and transition from descent to climb without stopping, is much greater than I thought it would be. Along with gear changes, I now add the seat post adjustment and BANG, all are there, on time. I'd hapily recommend this to anyone in the market for a seat post. I'm also buying one for my Santa Cruz VP Free. I'm 53 and Yes, I do pedal that 40 lb. thing uphill. And I spend time fiddling with the seat post moving it up and down to transition to the downhill. Not any more!
Strengths: Mechanical/cable operated, wiggle free, 2-position drop, consistent operation,dependable,fails in up position[not tested] Low cost
Weaknesses: none unless you want more than 3 positions
Bottom Line:
I am new to dropper posts so keep that in mind, I am more of a XC rider but in riding Moab and Fruita trails there is plenty of chances to get in trouble. I have watched the local shop riders who ride trails that are diff. to walk down let alone ride and have seen several post failures. Many have switched to the latest Blacklite and have very few failures. I have been using mine for 8 months and 0 issues so far. At first I would check for saddle wiggle as that concerned me but not any more . Its over a 100$ less than others and has been trouble free for me. My big surprise was the improvement in cornering and sometimes climbing. So far a great addition to the bike.
Strengths: It works. One of the cheaper posts as of this writing
Weaknesses: None that I found.
Bottom Line:
I just wanted to chime in and say I've used this for 7 months now and it's been flawless, and has not even needed to have air put into it yet. Just oil it every now and again and it's fine. Around 30 degrees F it is slow to raise/ will not raise at all, but Specialized mentions that this will happen in the instruction manual- I simply pull it up again with my thighs.
I realize this is not a super awesome review but it seems like with dropper posts most people just chime in when theirs breaks.
Weaknesses: After 4 months it would not hold air any longer. Took 6 weeks to get it back from shop with lots of excuses why Specialized took so long to get them the right parts. Had it back for 2 rides and it shot right out the top. Total failure! 3 more weeks later and still no seat post back in my hands.
Bottom Line:
While it worked for the first 4 months it was great. After that its as bad as it gets. Very poor srevice by the LBS and Specialized has left a bad taste for me. Wish I had my money back. 4 months of use for the money does'nt work for me.
Strengths: Works exactly as it should. Three settings is plenty. Responsive and raises/drops easily and immediately with a push of the button. Relatively lightweight and inexpensive.
Weaknesses: Seat clamp must be overtorqued to prevent fore-aft rotation of the seat when you land on it hard. That's the only thing preventing this dropper post from being perfect in my book.
Bottom Line:
I've used this dropper post heavily for 3 months now and love it. I have 20psi in it (less than recommended minimum) and it works perfectly and has never failed to reach the top promptly, but not so promptly as to cause concern to a male. It is easily adjustable during any riding condition. No wobble, no problems with operation (except for minor issues with the seat clamp, see below), no issues with the cable actuation, which works just fine.
I've tried an infitely adjustable hydraulic post, and although some of those are neat the three settings on this one make it something you don't have to think about during the ride, when you really shouldn't be thinking about it. As MTBR says, everyone should try this, even the weight weenies. They are perfect for those who just want to have fun.
The weight penalty is really quite modest -- only about 300g over a top end lightweight post like the Thomson Elite or various carbon posts. It would be nice to see weight-obsessed XC riders and racers try this and see if the increased versatility and ability to go downhill without being impaled on the seat is worth the small weight increase.
The only issue that prevents this model from being perfect to me is the seat clamp. I had some issues with it, not serious. The instructions advise you to grease the seat clamp upon installation, so I did. I also followed the Specialized torque specs in tightening the seat clamp. I am 225lbs with kit. A few rides later, I slammed down hard on the front of the saddle due to an unexpected bump and the saddle rotated downward with a loud "creak." On a later ride, it rotated backward with another creak when I went over a sudden drop and hit the saddle hard. This was easily fixed when I wiped off all grease and tightened the bolt to a greater torque, and since then it hasn't moved without my consent. (I assume this isn't compromising my seat rails, but I don't have much choice in using this post.) I like the simple design of the seat clamp but I should not have to over-torque the clamp. Specialized should reconsider the instructions, eliminate the advice to use grease, and consider adding a small tube of carbon friction paste or something similar to the package.
But that is really a small gripe about a terrific product, because it has worked for me just fine but for those two occasions. I would definitely buy it again over all the other dropper posts out there.
Strengths: Light weight, TIght (no wobbles). Hasslefree 3 height positions. Looks good. The simplicity of internal mechanisms makes servicing and maintenance simple. Adjustment for "trigger play" allows for a "safe zone" to prevent accidental activations.
Weaknesses: Speed of operation changes in mid use..causing the need to run higher pressures for faster return to extended position. Cable runs can be troublesome. My cable runs [to avoid interference with frame and cranks] have been down the downtube, and up the seattube, making for a very long run. Longer runs stiffen trigger operations. No option to retrofit a lever-operated trigger on the post itself.
Bottom Line:
For Trail, Heavyduty XC, and AM riding, this dropper post is versatile, as a weight-savings dropper, it's super light. The seat-clamp is very smooth and infinitely adjustable...a pleasure to adjust. Even in moderate crashes and spills, the post has held up well. I use this post alternately on 2 bikes...a full sus carbon bike (my go anywhere bike), and a fully rigid aluminum-frame SS. Use of this post has increased my confidence in many technical riding situations...on skinnies, steep rollers, big-peaked logpiles, and swooping downhills. After years of getting off the bike and making seat adjustments mid-ride, there's finally relief that doesn't add much bulk and/or clunkyness to the ride. I'll stick with this post as long as Specialized and my LBS support it.
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Submitted by
JUAN TIRADO
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2012
Strengths: looks nice
Weaknesses: A lot. Poor materials, specially in level. Doesn't works as it should.
Bottom Line:
I have a 2012 Stumpjumper S-works and the seatpost came with it. I loved it at first. After a few rides, I had to pull up the seat whith my legs, because it doesn't come up by itself (I checked the preassure and it was ok). The level is very hard to push, so if you are riding a fast singletrack you just dont use it. And after a month with it, the level pin broke. Adjustables seatpost are great idea. But if you are planning to buy this one. Think it twice. I love Specialiced, but this product is just not good.
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Submitted by
Steven
a All Mountain Rider
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2012
Strengths: mechanical, 5" drop, cable quick release, little side to side play, predetermined heights
Weaknesses: single bolt holding seat in place, button a bit hard to press
Bottom Line:
i have had this post for 3 months now(~50-75 hrs of ride time). about every five rides i put lithium grease on the sanction and have had no issues. had to replace the cable once due to poor routing but the procedure was quick and easy. occasionally if i hit the back of the seat really hard the seat will lean backward a few degrees. hopefully specialized will incorporate a two bolt design and a cable mount on the bottom part of the post so the cable doesn't move when the seat actuates on there next iteration. i like the predetermined heights as there is never any question where my seat is.this is the best dropper post imho with the reverb being a close second.
Strengths: Works perfectly every time.
Adjustable air pressure to slow down the rebound to protect the "Nuggets", lol
Weaknesses: Weight, but then this is a common issue with all the adjustable seat post.
External cable issue is really the only concern I have. When in it's lowest position, the cable can inter fear at times with pedaling, rare but typical with ALL these types of seat post that the cable is attached to the sat clamp area and not at the bottom of the seat post.
Other than that, It works as exactly and precisely as advertised...
Bottom Line:
Have it on my Stumpy fsr 29er and its a blast to use. Almost going to put it on my XC bikes, Not !!, too heavy but if they become lighter, for sure.
Have been riding on the Command Post Blacklite for 3 months now.
My ride weight, geared up, is around 220, so I'm not light.
I lube the shaft (TWSS) about once every 1-2 weeks with some Slick Honey.
That is the only maintenance I've done to this point.
Easy to remove cable is nice too.
Post came with frame. At recommended presure for my weight, the seat wouldn't return to up position. I messed with different presures on a few rides and finally got it to work. Worked for three rides. Then stuck in the up position no matter how hard I bounced on it. At bike shop brilliant mechanic played with it, sang a song to it, hit it with a hammer, said a prayer and got it to work for a few rides. Been going back and forth with these two issues for the past three weeks........ and that's the good part. Most annoying of all is no matter how hard I crank down the seat bolt (recommended 120psi), the nose of the seat suddenly tilts up if my ass hits the seat when descending. I've had to stop on about 10 different occassions to adjust my seat back to level. I'm going back to the old Joplin from my other bike even though it has some side to side play. At least I can get through a ride with it.
Bike Setup: Specialized Camber 29er carbon with mix of xx and xo components. American classic AM wheels.
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Submitted by
TONY ROYDHOUSE
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2012
Strengths: 3 pre set positions, cable allows quick removal
Weaknesses: Side to side play
Bottom Line:
My first Specialized Command Post Blacklite was replaced by Specialized UK for excessive play, it’s failed after just 5 rides, my replacement Blacklite did not return to the power position out of the box, so I cycled it 20 – 30 to free it up and it instantly had side to side play. Three Specialized representatives have advised some play to be expected and that it will get worse as the unit wears, but none of them would give me an engineering answer to acceptable design tolerances. See my video of both new Blacklites here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgzJ_FRdgQg
Strengths: Smooth, reliable shifting into each of the 3 preset positions. No detectable movement once locked into position.
Weaknesses: The lever itself could be a little more durable
Bottom Line:
Great game-changing device used quite often on every ride. I really like the 3 preset positions as you know exactly where you will end up. Have not noticed any side-to-side movement whatsoever. Smooth shifting, low maintenance (dust off internal post after each ride). My only complaint is with the small lever itself. It operates the shock just fine, but pivot bolt unscrewed on the trail within 2 months. I should've detected this earlier and tightened it up, but I was having too much fun to really notice. Specialized replaced for free. Love this new toy!
Bike Setup: 2012 Stumpy Comp FSR 29'er, Blacklight Command Post, WTB Rocket-V, Kona Wah Wahs, ODI Rogues
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Submitted by
ronabrandt
a All Mountain Rider
from Bellingham, WA
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2012
Strengths: The biggest strength this post has is it is mechanical, which means reliability. There are some complaints out there but all products can fail, from my experience there is not a more reliable, easy to service for on the market. Something I overlooked when I picked out the Black Lite is the quick release cable, this has proven to be very handy for when the bike hits the repair stand.
Weaknesses: The price is high but on par with other adjustable seatposts on the market. The overall length of the post limits the drop length that you can use on some frames but that is to be expected. The only thing I would like to see is maybe some different lever options, but thats being picky.
Bottom Line:
Once I had put an adjustable seatpost on my bike I remember thinking I could never go back to riding with out one. My first posts from another brand had its fair share of issues, at one point I thought I was ready to swear them off until something with known reliability was available. I serviced the post one last time then promptly sold it. It took me two weeks of riding with out one until I caved and ordered my Black Lite.
After almost a year on this post I have come to this conclusion; If you are looking for a adjustable post that is reliable, with no side to side play, at a respectable weight and looks great. Look no further. I have put this post through quit a bit of abuse riding it all summer and then through the wet winter throughout Northwestern Washington and British Colombia. The only time I ever had an issue with it was because I over tightened my seat post clamp. Once I realized my silly mistake it was back to normal with a little help from my 5mm hex.
Like all parts on our bikes with seals they do need servicing from time to time. If you are comfortable doing a rear shock air sleeve service you can service this post with a couple tools. All the parts that wear can be replaced as well. If something does happend to go wrong with your command post while riding it also can be locked in the up position so you dont have to pedal bmx style back to car.... unless you want to of course. No judging here.
The 3 positions can be a turnoff to some. It took me a ride or two to figure out were exactly the middle setting was in the travel, but now I can find it going up or down with out even thinking about it. In the end I think I like this is better as I always know were my seat is going to be when I sit down. I would recommend this post to anybody I know looking for one.
