Submitted by
pieroglif
a Weekend Warrior
from Poland
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2012
Strengths: Build quality, simplicity, ease of setup, customer support
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
I won't be original saying this is the best upgrade I made to my bike so far. It changes just about everything on the trail, letting you go for miles without leaving your seat. It cannot be overestimated by someone that tracks their outdoor workout data, since the ride is so smooth now! I suggest buying this post to anyone serious about biking, but I'm warning you - adjustable seat is a one way street, no going back!
Similar Products Used: none, this is my first adjustable post
Bike Setup: Custom 2009 Enduro
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
cruzean
a Weekend Warrior
from Nor cal
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2011
Strengths: Simple, dependable, servicable. Mechanical posts wont leave you stuck on the trail with your seat dropped. It is easy to add more positions to this post. Just stop by any welder/machine shop and they can drill another hole. Mine is a 4 position (up, down, 1 inch down and 2.5 inches down). It clicks into each setting in a positive way. Better than the Command post.
Weaknesses: Wish it had a setback head on it.
Bottom Line:
I had this on my bike for 6 months and really liked it, especially after I added the 1 inch and 2 inch down position. I currently have the Command post (because of the set back) and do not like how it goes past the 1 inch down setting, the lever has a lot of throw and is not real consistent. I did like the KS I900 as you can put it where you want but I find the hydraulic posts to feel a bit spongy and I was always nervous about it loosing pressure while on an Epic. I was also constantly fiddling with the height. I feel with the Mechanical posts you can always just lock it in the up position if need be. If you need a setback post like I do then either the KS I900, the Command post or the new Giant are your options. Otherwise, I would get one of the Gravity droppers for dependability. This is the only post I have not had any problems with.
Similar Products Used: KS I 900(my favorite), Command post (currently), Reverb
Bike Setup: Niner WFO
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Submitted by
docalex
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2011
Strengths: Great in theory, awesome the first month when it worked...but never really worked well. Snags, catches, releases prematurely at critical times, almost dangerous.
Weaknesses: Broke within 30 days. Closed black box design very difficult to self service. Impossible to clean. Cable system is poor design and breaks and frays and cuts rider.
Similar Products Used: Going to try Reverb by Rock Shox
Bike Setup: Trek Fuel 9
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
DNav1
a Cross Country Rider
from Central Coast
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2011
Strengths: simple design- easy to rebuild (if needed, I could seriously rebuild it on the trail) - excellent customer service- improved my riding!- No air, hydro fluids, bushings/ seals to worry about.- Made in USA ?
Weaknesses: heavy, I guess, but so am I
Bottom Line:
This is an older 3" silver classic model, which I fortunately found this on Craigslist for only $100! I got it to hold me over until I purchased a new frame(Nomad) that would accept a 30.9 Joplin, KS or Command post. Since my older Bullit takes a 28.6 post, at the time it was my only option. While waiting for it to arrive, I went on to G.D. website and watched all their maintenance videos, so when I got it, I was able to completely disassemble and rebuild EASILY. I was worried about the reviews that some had broken the post while riding, so I called G.D. and they noted that the broken posts were on the multi-position models, and they also suggested that since I am a Clyde, for me to position the release mechanism to the back of my bike, which after dis-assembly, makes total sense. I was a little bummed that I probably shouldn't get the 2"/ 4" inner post upgrade, but after riding the 3", I realized that I had been lowering my seat way too much, and that in most conditions, 3" was ideal. I am also running a QR collar, so if needed I could to drop it another inch or two. I am very happy with this post, and plan on keeping it for my frame. Happy Trails
Similar Products Used: Breez Hite-rite (oh yeah, I'm Old)
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Bullit Super Heavy Duty all mountain/ trail bike.
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Submitted by
meridius77
a Weekend Warrior
from las vegas, nv usa
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2010
Strengths: Love what it's designed to do, and it does it well. Easy to use on the fly. Everyone needs an adjustable seatpost, but not one that shatters while going through a rockgarden! I wasn't even sitting on the post, it bumped me in the butt and snapped.
Weaknesses: The seatclamp shattered into pieces while going downhill through a rockgarden. I wasn't sitting on the seat, it bounced up and bumped my butt, and it snapped. Did NOT feel good.
Something needs to be done about the strength of this post. I thought they had changed the clamp to increase the strength? Guess I was WRONG. I'm 6'2" 195 (but I wasn't even sitting on it when it snapped?!?),and I do ride hard, but I have never snapped a seat clamp in my life. Rode this post 4 times and it snapped. Just happy my jewels are still here!!!
Bottom Line:
Ride at your own risk I guess... Love the concept and how easy it is to use, but not willing to risk my nuts until this is a stronger post. REALLY would like to find one of these that is worth the money and won't kill me.
Similar Products Used: maverick speedball. Had to go with this because of the 27.2 on my Ellsworth.
Bike Setup: Ellsworth Moment
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Submitted by
Darkstar
a Weekend Warrior
from Oceanside Ca
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2010
Strengths: Does what it is supposed to and well. Companies CS is tip top.
Weaknesses: some slop side to side. Weight. HIgher maintenance than a seatpost.
Bottom Line:
I love this post and will never go back. I wish it was lighter but I will deal with it.
I have been riding this for 7+ years. I have had to sen dit back 2 times for minor service. Each time they got it back to me in 2-3 days.
I first got it with a 4 inch drop. THat was too much. I called them and they offered a slide piece with a 3" and 1 ". Perfect. I use the 1" most of the time but 3" is there in reserve.
My friends have Jolins and Mavericks and they have nothing but problems. They slip up and they slip down. My Gravity dropper has never really had an issue other than a little side to side play. I also like how the cable attaches at the bottom not the top.
I can run my seat a little higher since I can drop it in the technical stuff and I think that makes me a better climber despite the weight. I also have a pedaling geometry similar to my road bike.
Bottom line get one ASAP.
$250 is a lot of coin but for & years of fun it is still agood value. And they only charged like $15 to service it.
Similar Products Used: none but all my friends have Joplins.
Bike Setup: Intense Tracer VP. All XTR with Fox 32 Float 150.
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Submitted by
ricky928
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa, AZ
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2010
Strengths: Drops on a dime and raises just as fast.
Weaknesses: Lever is a little stiff and made out of plastic. Can also be mistaken as the gear shifter at times. Just takes getting used to. Little heavy.
Bottom Line:
Works the way it's supposed to. Rode it for the first time in Sedona and it worked well. Set up was fairly easy, just be careful when installing the lever, it can easily scratch your bars. Wished that the lever was made of more durable material, feels like it can break easily. The 4 inch drop is perfect, it is completely out of your way yet you can still grip the saddle with your inner thighs for more control. Giving it 4 value chilis for being so expensive and 4 overall rating chilis for the weak lever.
Bike Setup: '03 Jamis Dakar XLT 2.0 with XT drivetrain, TALAS fork, XM819 rims, 440/340 hubs, 2bliss tires, mag hydros, Easton carbon bars, and Deus stem.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
vwsyncro
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2010
Strengths: Great product, really improved my down speeds.
Weaknesses: The 10-32 cap screws that secure the seat post to the seat frame rail are not strong enough for heavy riders. I broke one of the bolts on the first big drop. Also the cap screws require a english allan wrench to tighten, your multi tools will not work.
Bottom Line:
Would love to use this product if they made it more ruggide for heavy riders.
Submitted by
Waterat Pat
a Weekend Warrior
from Morgan Hill
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2009
Strengths: Makes riding a blast. Simple mechanical design. Great customer support.
Weaknesses: Weighs about a pound. I had an older inner seatpost that broke about 1 1/2 years ago. Got a new one free as I was told they now made them stronger. No issues since.
Bottom Line:
I can't imagine not using one. Regular maintenance of replacing the plastic shims is required. Not difficult and parts are cheap. You can get everything from the website shims $2 or new inner seatpost for $30. I love products that are built with longevity in mind and are supported by the MFG.
Strengths: Serious fun-factor enhancement. Pretty brainless to install. Obviously built to outlast my mortal ass.
Weaknesses: Weight, cost, no intermediate adjustments.
Bottom Line:
I bought this thing for a trip to Downieville, and despite its absurd weight and bulk I never bothered to take it off again. We get so gram-conscious about our component choices that sometimes we forget what the ride is all about: fun. This seat post is a major fun-factor enhancement.
When you flip the switch and drop it at the top of a nasty downhill, it's impossible not to get that urban low-rider vibe. All your friends go "crap" and wonder whether to dismount and lower their saddles. Then at the bottom you can wait with both feet comfortably on the ground, and when your friends catch up, flip the switch and POP! you're ready to go.
Even if you are super-concerned about speed and efficiency, the efficiency gain from riding a higher saddle makes up for the extra pound of bulk.
The 4" drop is perfect for trials. With the fork lock-out on one side and the seat post switch on the other, you can go from trail to picnic table without stopping.
My only complaint is that 4" is a little too much drop. 2" would be fine for any downhill, and 3" would be more than enough. At 4" down you lose stability from not being able to grasp the saddle with your thighs. I'd like to find a machinist who could add a few intermediate stops.
I can't compare to other adjustable posts, but that choice will probably be dictated by your seat tube size. Happy riding!
Submitted by
Pappy
a Cross Country Rider
from San Clemente
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2009
Strengths: Lowers my seat when I go down steep downhills
Weaknesses: Broke in half-almost ending my chance of having another child.
Ugly.
More difficult to use than the Joplin.
Bottom Line:
Used this for 9 months on my Ellsworth. Had to go with it instead of the Joplin I used on my Santa Cruz because of the asinine 27.2 mm seatpost diameter on the Ellsy. I ride flowing singletrack in SC with quick ups and downs, banked turns, etc. No drops to speak of. I also occassionally take the bike to local OC bike parks or Noble Canyon, etc. I'm 6-4' and 205 pounds, but I usually ride my normal trails with my singlespeed to give you an idea of my style of riding.
This post worked fine until today, when it snapped in two on a G out at full speed. There was no warning, no previous issues, just complete failure at a most inopportune time. Luckily my family jewels remained intact (barely) but I was not amused.
I don't ride anything near extreme enough to cause such a failure. Use at your own risk, but I'll be buying another Joplin.
Similar Products Used: Maverick "Speedball" (Joplin)
Bike Setup: Ellsworth Moment with Fox 36R.
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Submitted by
Gunnar-man
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2009
Strengths: very reliable
Weaknesses: a little bit of play, the "tap" needed to lower or raise the post but nothing major (you just get used to it)
Bottom Line:
I have loved this seatpost since I bought it. So much so, that when I bought my new frame and had to wait for my the new shim due to a different seat tube size from my previous frame, I didn't wnat to ride it. What a dilemma.
Anyways, I rode this post for two years and just broke it today on a small g-out on a local trail in the city. It was a bit of a shock considering I was basically at the bottom of a 10km trail with no seatpost and did not look forward to riding back up with no seat. I was a little pi$$ed that I would have to try to ride back up but not so much that i wouldn't order another one.
Which I did when I got home. I just hope that this one lasts longer than two years because 275USD is a whole lotta coin to spend on a luxury item like an adjustable seatpost.
I am going to give it 4 chilis because it doesn't seem like there have been a large number of us who have broken their posts and honestly, I really think this is a must have product.
Strengths: The simplicity of the design, a remote, a cable, a spring and a seatpost.
Needs almost no maintenance, just lubricate it sometimes.
Weaknesses: None what I can find, only the sharp edges on the remote and the cable-housing at the seatpost
Bottom Line:
After reading a couple of reviews and testing one on a friends bike I was sold. Bought one for my Trek and have just ordered a new for the FR/DH bike.
I like to ride single trails and even here in the flat Netherlands I use the GD on every ride. I live in the east of holland and we haven't got propper DH's and nothing remotely compared to the Alpes but even here on the technical stuff or fast flowing singletracks it makes everything al little bit easier and much more fun.
Now having the seatpost for more dan a year I have never had to do much maintenance at it, and I ride during the hole year in every condition possible and it still works due to the simplicity of the design.
Strengths: Company CS, fast shipping, easy to install and use. Helps on technical stuff a lot!
Weaknesses: not yet
Bottom Line:
You will be using this thing more than you think, very easy to use and very useful.I never use to lower the seat unless it was a very long DH (which I don't have here in Dallas/F. Worth area)this thing helps lowering the center of gravity for the technical stuff and the drops.
Very nice, sturdy
Submitted by
jling360
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: February 9, 2009
Strengths: Works as advertised. Adjustability on the fly. 3 different positions works really well.
Weaknesses: Price.
Bottom Line:
This is probably the best upgrade I have done on my bike. Makes an immediate impact on your ride and gives you the confidence to tackle some technical sections that you might not have tackled before. The only problem I have is that I just bought a Motolite and now have to purchase another GD.
Has anybody used or had any experience with the (new???) FSA Orbit Option Adjustable headsets?
See www . fullspeedahead.com/category_list/55/HEADSETS (sorry can't post links Read More »
I have a 2011 stumpy fsr comp, its a bit twitchy at high speeds, and while attempting more "freeride" style riding ( I emphasize "attempting" :)) I see that I can get the same head Read More »
