With the exclusive mechanical 3-position locking height adjustment and on-the-fly adjustment via a handlebar mounted lever, your always in command with ever-changing terrain conditions.
>I am really liking the Specialized Command Post adjustable seatpost, which uses a mechanical system with an adjustable air spring, and has three locking positions, and a simple one bolt saddle clamp that is easily to install and tune the saddle’s position. Continue reading →
Submitted by
Pike14
a Racer
from Port Jefferson, NY
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2012
Strengths: So far the Blacklight has been smooth and reliable. The black stanchion and red anodized parts add some flare to a pretty simple piece of equipment. Also, the handlebar mounted lever seems strong and sturdy, and can be mounted on either the right or left side of your cockpit.
Weaknesses: So far the only thing that I've experienced is that the bar mounted lever can be hard to push at times. I've gotten used to it, and I'm sure that some cable adjustment as well as some lube in the cable housing could remedy the problem.
Bottom Line:
For the time I've had it, the Blacklight has been a game changer. Before installing it, I had considered selling the bike. Saddle height plays such a major role in pedal efficiency that if it is compromised in only the slightest way, it can make your bike feel sluggish and "mushy". I had thought I could compromise by setting my standard seat post and saddle in and "in-between, not too high, not too low" position...the GOLDILOCKS position if you will... By allowing the saddle to be at the correct height for any and all situations you'll encounter on the trail, you are truly getting the most from your bike. The Blacklight Command Post saved my bike's life!
As far as reliability, only time will tell. I have, however, been running the original Specialized Command Post on my 2011 Enduro, only having to replace the cable as it had grown worn-normal maintenance. With proper care and upkeep, I have no doubt that the Blacklight will be just fine. I will, though, update this review with any developments, both negative and positive.
Similar Products Used: Original Specialized Command Post
Bike Setup: My Blacklight Command Post is on my 2012 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR: Stumpy FSR frame (140mm rear wheel travel), Fox Talas 36 Fork (120-150mm travel), Sram X9 Drivetrain, Sram X7 Shifters, Mavic Crossmax SX Wheels, Schwalbe Rocket Rons Tires, Sunline V1 50mm Stem and 745 Bars, Avid Elixer 7 Brakes, AND of course the Specialized Blacklight Command Post.
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Submitted by
jacu
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission Viejo, CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2012
Strengths: It looks good.
Weaknesses: This Shock does not perform as it should. It sticks and does not hit the height adjustments. On ride number 10 the shock completley stuck in the down position and I had to take it back to the dealer to have them send it out.
Bottom Line:
Not a reliable shock. I expierienced problems after 3 rides. Turnaround time to repair or fix is two weeks out.
Bike Setup: The Blacklight came standard on the Stumpjumper Expert Evo 29er
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Submitted by
bdunk
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2011
Strengths: Three fixed positions
Weaknesses: Unreliable
Bottom Line:
When operable, the Command Post is fun, but not $300 worth of fun. While I've enjoyed being able to drop my seat on the fly to take on a steep downhill, the problems I have had with my command post (inoperable once, no rebound another time, seat clamp allows the seat to tilt easliy)have eclipsed the fun.
Bike Setup: 2010 Stumpjumper FSR comp, Mavic Crossmax ST, 2011 Command Seat post
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Submitted by
sillymonkey
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2011
Strengths: Best of both worlds. Seat is at correct height for efficient pedaling, but can be lowered to tackle technical sections without disrupting flow of the ride.
Weaknesses: Cable attaches to a small anchor bolt.
Nonstandard cable.
Bottom Line:
Purchased one of the early versions of the seat post back in 2009 that leaked air. Sent it back to Specialized and they fixed it by putting in some upgraded seals/parts. After about another year the seat would not stay locked up. LBS sent it back to Specialized and they sent me a new replacement. Thumbs up to my LBS Dukes & Specialized!
Great product and it is worth the ~0.5 lb weight penalty over a conventional seat post. Mostly use the middle position but sometimes drop it down all the way if riding something technical where I may have to bail out and not worry about getting caught on my seatpost.
The product can be improved if the anchor bolt holding the cable was larger to allow for more clamping area. Also it cannot be replaced with a standard shifter cable. I believe that Specialized may have started using a standard shifter cable in the more recent versions of the Command Post.
There is a tiny bit of lateral play in the seatpost but it does not bother me.
Submitted by
afjoey
a Weekend Warrior
from CO, NM, AZ, UT
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2011
Strengths: It straight up works! Nice to have the schrader to adjust return pressure.
Weaknesses: Flimsy handlebar lever. Easy to replace tho, had an old rockshox lockout lever that works just fine.
Bottom Line:
For a no-worry, set-it-up and ride product, the command post is it! Riding a joplin was an effort in extreme paranoia: When is it going to give out? You never notice the CP. In 1 year of all-mountain riding in the best chunk New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah have to offer, the CP has had no issues apart from a broken engagement lever, which can happen to any part if its hit just right. An adjustable height post is worth dealing with some issues, but the CP doesn't have any significant ones. Get it and ride!
Favorite Trail: Rio en Medio, Amasa back-jackson loop
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At: The Kickstand, Abq
Similar Products Used: crank bros joplin
Bike Setup: Pivot Mach 5.7, Fox TALAS 160, CC angleset -0.5 deg, Crank Bros Iodine wheels, XT drivetrain, XTR Trail brakes
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Submitted by
Johnelwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2011
Strengths: Simple, durable, reliable.
Weaknesses: Not as many options as the newer models (i.e. even the 2011 Specialized Command Post).
Bottom Line:
This post works and has been very dependable and reliable. It worked pretty flawlessly / reliably for over a year until it started getting less reliable. Finally took it in and had it serviced, wound up getting it rebuilt by Specialized. Just got it back and installed it myself and it works better than I remember it when it was new. Very happy with the post and with Specialized--great products, great customer service. My bike and other Specialized products have worked very well and have been very reliable.
Similar Products Used: None--I can't compare to the other posts out there. My buddy has a KS post without the remote.
Bike Setup: 2010 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 29er Expert
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Submitted by
mr.John
a Weekend Warrior
from miami, fl,dade
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2011
Strengths: Great for long downhill sections and hard hitting drops. The drop mech has worked great and smoothly every time.
Weaknesses: Seat clamp does not keep the seat in place when going over small steep bump/ditches while on the saddle. First the post squeaks in protest of you not getting out of the saddle, it then allows the nose angle to point up (with painful results)
Bottom Line:
specialized's single bolt seat clamp design is a looser. I have never had a problem with any other type of seat post letting the saddle move all over the place. I made sure that the proper bolt torque was used as well as aligning the arrows. The whole point of the rear brain suspension setup on this bike is to peddle while on the saddle and hitting bumps. Also if the seat could drop out of the way as quickly as it returns to full height would be a welcomed improvement.
Similar Products Used: uno, thomson,ascent. all were standard seat posts.
Bike Setup: 2011 specialized stumpjumper 29er expert
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Submitted by
bikeguy27
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2011
Strengths: I like the mechanical action of the seat post.
Weaknesses: Can't get saddle rail clamp tight enough,
On rough terrain when seated seat tilts up,
I weigh 230lb. but still...
Bottom Line:
Would give 4 or 5 stars but seat clamp mech. needs to be redesigned. Thinking about going back to standard post. I end up having to fix saddle angle 2 or 3 times per ride. Would not recommend to heavy riders.
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Bristol , CT
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2011
Strengths: Review is for the 2011 75mm Specialized BlackLite seatpost. Yeah, it works well. Push lever, sit down and it drops. No wiggle or rattle. Haven't had a lot of time on it yet.
Weaknesses: Just the extra weight increase over a stock seatpost.
Bottom Line:
I really wanted a dropping seatpost for a few of the bigger square edge rollers that I encounter from time to time. I was tired of having my shorts hang up on the saddle and having to ride with the saddle in my stomach on a few of these steep sections. With this seatpost, just push the lever and it drops.
The 75mm is perfect for my short inseam and the amount of seatpost insertion into the frame. I could not use the 100mm version because of this . I don't use the middle setting at all. Only fully extended when riding normally, or fully dropped when steep descending.
Hopefully this does not develop play or noise. So far it's every bit as rigid as the stock seatpost that came witht the bike. Lucky for me my frame came with the cable guides already in place under the toptube for a droppong post cable, and the Specialized seatpost QR collar also has a clearance cutout for the cable. Very nice touches.
Similar Products Used: First time using a dropping post.
Bike Setup: 2011 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite
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Submitted by
kuksul08
a Weekend Warrior
from SLO, CA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2011
Strengths: Good quality, light weight, looks nice, very solid
Weaknesses: The lever sucks, price
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome seatpost if you ride on trails with a lot of ups and downs, not so beneficial on mountain trails with mostly up and then mostly down, but it's still nice to have. The lever needs to be redesigned, but the post itself is great. It's very light considering all the added mechanism it has inside. Not sure if it's worth $300 by itself, but it came on the Enduro expert which is awesome.
Bike Setup: 2009 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR; Mavic Crosstrail; Fox Float RP23; Koobi Si Classic saddle.
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Submitted by
The Bear 28
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2011
Strengths: bought this on staff discount when i used to work in a shop that is a specialized dealer. price is in GBP.
when it works it is fast at dropping and returning.
Weaknesses: rode this only twice before on the second ride it would not return to full height! then after replacing air it worked for a few hours on next ride, then would not drop down! thought cable tension as possible source of problem; no!
I had to push post down hard to continue riding half way around trail. post kept firing back up into balls!
I returned it to Specialized UK supplier.
The supplier stated that i had damaged the internals through mis-use i.e landing on it too hard; i only used this on xc trails twice with no drop offs! they would not warranty it although i had it only for 6 months. they would fix it for £55 though!
Bottom Line:
i would not recommend this product and as i former retailer of specialized goods that is saying something!
ultimately my shop/ fomer employer paid for the £55 servicing after i kicked up a fuss. although this should have been covered by the 2 year warranty specialized supposedly give!
it seems to be working now but still leaks air and needs to be topped up prior to riding.
at £250 RRP this is not cheap i would have expected better performance and i dont seem to be alone ; do not buy this post. i have had to previously return other customers command posts too, so i can only conclude there have been problems with lots of them.
get a gravity dropper instead / rock shox sealed hydraulic unit possible a better option. wish i had!
Favorite Trail: Matador / Make or Brake @ Innerleithen
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$146.00
Purchased At: my old work: EBC
Similar Products Used: regular seat posts thomson / specialized etc
Bike Setup: put it in the hole (seat post that is), mount remote on left hand bar next to shifter.
i used this on my 6 inch AM bike.
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Submitted by
mag0121
a Weekend Warrior
from Encinitas
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2010
Strengths: Been putting it through the ringer - totally stoked. Once it's set up correctly, works like a charm. As most say with dropper posts, once you get used to it, it's hard to imagine going without. Have experienced none of the problems I read about. Three settings very functional; nice positive click when it hits the middle setting. Looks good. Internals don't seem to muck up despite muddy runs.
Weaknesses: Getting it set up can be a pain. Cable crimp at the seat is really narrow; cable fray makes me wonder how long before it pops. Gotta be sure cable length and tension is correct or seat will drop on you unexpectedly. Watch the rebound from fully depressed -- you take it in the boys just once, then never again. Wish it was easier to find the Specialized seat clamp with cable guide (stock on newer builds); would also be nice to find colored levers.
Bottom Line:
If you're debating, go for it. You won't be disappointed.
Submitted by
Hill-Pumper
a Cross Country Rider
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2010
Strengths: Adds a lot of versatility to the bike. The adjustments click into the right spots once it is set up and has been flawless since it has broken in.
Weaknesses: Price, and it did take a while to brake in. On occasion I still have to grab the front of the seat and pull up to get full extension on the post. Also, you really need to tighten the seat or the nose will come down on harder impacts. One other weakness is that only available for one size of seat post.
Bottom Line:
Good product, I bought mine after the first ones had the air leaking issues. Mine to date has not lost any air pressure. The three positions really works well, I don't see any need for any more positions. This product has really helped my riding when going on steep descents. My 29er felt tall until I was able to drop the seat out of the way. Now all I do is push the button on the handle bar and bounce on the seat to drop the seat out of the way. I would have a hard time owning another bike without one.
Bike Setup: 2010 Specialized Stumpjumer Comp 29, mostly original.
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Submitted by
junghuneee
a Weekend Warrior
from Langley
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2010
Strengths: none
Weaknesses: it leaks air incredibly fast, start losing air from the 1st drop, won't fully extend after the 2nd-3rd drop, and then won't even pop up at all after the 5th-6th drop
supposedly manufacture defect, but still disappointed from the day 1. will have to go through warranty claim which takes a long time
Bottom Line:
just picked up my bike from LBS today, noticed the air-leaking issue right away. so brought it back to the shop to get replaced, coz it's obviously a defective product, but it will take another month to order one in.
the seatpost came with my bike, and this feature was one of the reasons i chose this bike over other bikes.
very disappointing from the first day.
Does anyone know what the max effective length is on the various sizes of the Blacklite Command Posts? The tech documents don't specify.
Are the markings on the lower part in c Read More »
Last ride my command post felt sticky, was returning too slow. The stanchion felt dry/dirty so I cleaned it and applied a little bit of teflon lube.
Now it operates perfectly sm Read More »
The remote thumb lever finally broke off of my Command Post (Second Generation, not BlackLight). The thing was made from Liquid Injected Metal (Cast) and was not very strong at al Read More »
Another "vs." thread for you guys.
I just received a 4R for Christmas, but reading some of the reviews has me a bit concerned. Mostly the air pocket thing when lifting the bi Read More »
I've got a 08 command post that just never was really working from the start. It takes an extreme amount of effort to get the seat post to go down and doesn't really go up to top Read More »
