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Crank Brothers
Joplin Variable Seatpost
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Submitted by
suvlako
a Downhiller
from Tucson, Az
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Molino basin, Milagrosa | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay used | | Strengths: | Sexy and matches the CB iodine wheels I have. Allows me to instantly change seat heights for varying terrain. I am faster as a result, and am more effecient after a long descent. | | Weaknesses: | A little play in seat post it self. Have to reach a little to shift(may need some tweeking on the bars) | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 07 Specialized enduro s works. CB Iodine wheels, SL carbon bars, WTB pure v saddle | | Bottom Line: | Good post so far. I have heard horror stories on both Specialized and CB posts, so I am hoping I don't have the same experiences.This is a GREAT tool and I highly recommend one if you are a downhiller in "Sheeps" clothing. I am not much for climbing and live for the descent and this post allows me to not have to hop off the bike everytime there is a sweet downhill section. It does weigh a bit more than my Thompson and will undoubtedly add about a pound to your bike. All in all I am holding my breath to not have problems but even if I do, this thing has made my rides exponentially more fun! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RaymondAvalon
a Weekend Warrior
from Stoke On Trent, UK
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Swinley | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Purchased At: | Wiggle | | Strengths: | *Crank Bros. quality right from packaging to product
*Easy to use
*Reliable
*Works every time!
*Excellent technical and warranty support from UK Distributor (2PURE) | | Weaknesses: | *Cost (But you get what you pay for!)
*Weight (Especially those who believe bikes are supermodels)
*Standard Saddle Rail Clamps if you're heavy like me
*Can be challenging to adjust the saddle at first, but don't use Copperslip on it! | | Similar Products Used: | Only rigid seatposts | | Bike Setup: | Felt Compulsion 2SE "Mint Sauce" edition All Mountain
Joplin Seatpost with remote
DMR V8 pedals
Avid Code 5 203F 185R brakes | | Bottom Line: | What a lovely piece of equipment. As a 200LBS+ weekend warrior who loves tearing down hair raising descents and cranking up thigh burning hills this product is a Godsend
No more fiddling with seatclamps before pointing the bike down hills or climbing.
I thought the 3" limit would be an issue, but it's perfect for me, my bike and my riding style.
I made the mistake on not buying the remote version and upgraded to the remote option after 3 months, this just makes the Joplin perfect
What I do love about the Joplin Remote Kit is that the activation lever is brilliant. Being designed to work like a joystick you can pull it or push it backwards, forwards, up or down to activate it. So, no issues at all, reach for the lever and seat will drop or rise every time.
The lever sits snug to the bars and also has a cable tensioner on it to take up the slack that all cables tend to suffer from in the long term
Should the cable ever need replacing, no issue as it can be replaced with over the shelf parts too.
As I am heavy, I did damage the alloy saddle rail clamps while partaking in an event in summer, I came down from a 4 foot drop off with my feet off the pedals and the saddle took all of my weight on touchdown
The result was a wobbly saddle for the rest of the event.
I contacted 2Pure (the UK Crank Bros. Distributor) and spoke to them about the issue. I sent the seatpost back to them with a covering letter.
Two weeks later it was returned with new upgraded rail clamps and a covering letter informing me that they'd upgraded one of the internal components and given the product a service.. all this for free.
A great product covered by an equally great UK distributor.
Bottom line? Best upgrade I ever bought.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lawson
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol , UK
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Glyncorrwg, Wales | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans Cycles | | Strengths: | Well made
Good Looking
Excellent hydraulic action
Matches my Hope Gunsmoke components
2Pure are excellent distributors with super support! | | Weaknesses: | My original maverick speedball broke but this seems far superior!
Weaknesses - well its heavier than my rigid post but then it would be wouldnt it? | | Similar Products Used: | Gravity droppper - this thing is fugly! | | Bike Setup: | 2009 Trek Fuel EX8
Hope Pro disc brakes
Hope Hoops SP3 wheelset
Crank brothers Joplin R and Eggbeater 4Ti's
Easton MonkeyLite SL bars
Hope Stem
XTR components
Tune Speed needle saddle
25.5 lbs ! | | Bottom Line: | Great product that makes my local trails a whole lot easier.
Just simply saves time as there is no more stopping to adjust my saddle and stopping my rhythym.
It looks cool as an added bonus!
2Pure the UK distributors are also fab! They offer excellent back up and restored my faith in this product after my speedball broke - no one in the UK fixes these.
I also got a deal when i saw it for 150 pounds in my local shop. It had a remote kit taped to the top which i didnt need so asked for the amount to be subtracted from the price so i walked out with the joplin for 120 pounds!!
DEAL!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Repack Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfax, CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Tamarancho | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Schwag from Gary Fis | | Strengths: | It does what it is supposed to do, change the saddle height easily. | | Weaknesses: | I'm reasonably big, about 195#. After a year I started getting knee pain, and I found out that my SP had developed almost an inch of travel, but so slowly that I didn't feel it coming on, so I was sitting too low.
I dropped it off at the LBS for repair, and had to put on a rigid post while it's being taken care of. Knee pain went away, but I get very uncomfortable looking down a steep drop with my saddle too high. | | Similar Products Used: | I have a Gravity Dropper on my other bike, and it works well because it locks solidly in place, but it only stops at the extremes. The CB is lighter and stops anywhere, but doesn't have as much travel and obviously doesn't stay at the top of the travel as well. | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Hifi 29er. | | Bottom Line: | I like it when it works. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
muddywings
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Palmer Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | can't remember | | Strengths: | ease of use | | Weaknesses: | clamp | | Similar Products Used: | thompson seat post (keep it as a backup) | | Bike Setup: | Intense 5.5 | | Bottom Line: | When the GD first came out I almost bought one but I liked the Maverick's infinite travel. I hesitated just enough till the remote version came out then pulled the trigger.
I use this non-stop and it is the best bang for your buck out there (yes, it was pricy for me too).
There is a little play in the seat but I have never noticed it while riding (although it did get me nervous when I first installed it).
Other posts may have more travel but I'm only 5'6 so it works great. If you are taller, maybe you need more.
I have never serviced it, sent it back or done any maintanence on it other than replace the cable after 2.5-3 years of use. When the cable did finally go, I just pushed the lever to extend it fully and I was riding a standard seatpost for that day and then I really noticed how much I use it!
I think the remote is still the most functional design out there even considering the new models from other companies.
The clamp is not as good a Thompson but again, no issues with it. (I'm 150-160 lbs with gear)
I am very happy with it. I hope the Crank Bros version is holding up but I can't comment on that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Naz
a Cross Country Rider
from Montana
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Sweet Shona...oh...sorry...its TRAIL! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$224.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | easy to use and install. | | Weaknesses: | slightly limited travel on the post, but it really hasnt been an issue yet | | Similar Products Used: | only rigid seatposts | | Bike Setup: | SC Blur with a bunch of fancy high end stuff from about two years back | | Bottom Line: | Holy Canoli. I shift the seatpost almost as much as the rear deraileur. Most time, the slightest changes in trail pitch fell better, ride bettr with a change in saddle height. Now, I can dial in that portion of my bike that I only dialed at the top of teh downhill and the bottom of the uphill. Imagine setting seatpost height at will anytime during the ride. WOW. Dig it. This thing is the cats meow. You dont know how much it will change your riding until you try it. I cannot, nay I will not, nay I cannot go back to ye ol seatpost now. Gods be hailed! Expensive but worth every penny. NOTE - get the handlebar cable version or you will soon be sorry you did not. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B1173
a Weekend Warrior
from Chattanooga, TN
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Racoon, Everything | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | The ability to lower and raise a seat post is one of the better up grades for a bike, especially when you ride extreme up and downhill within a given trail. | | Weaknesses: | Seat Clamp has failed on me twice, I haven't even ridden a trail yet... | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2009 specialized comp disk 29er | | Bottom Line: | 200 to 300 dollars for a seat post is expensive. 200 to 300 dollars is a lot for me period. I find it extremely disappointing that I should have to worry about the safety of my future offspring due to something as simple as a seat clamp! Lets face it, although the adjustable seat post may be a fairly new concept, the seat post clamp is not.
That being said, I contacted crankbrothers and their customer service was great. Friendly, and the guy said I would receive a part within a week to fix the problem. However, I keep going back to the price, when I pay that much money for a seat post, I expect the kinks to be worked out before hand. I don't know, maybe I'm asking too much. I'm gonna stop soon because I know this is turning into a rant but it just pisses me off when I work hard for something and I end up with a half-assed product. Hopefully, the rest of the seat post will prove to be of higher quality than the clamp.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kmsauder
a Cross Country Rider
from Aspen, CO
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Hazard/porcupine rim, Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$215.00 | | Strengths: | The benifit out weighs the cost. | | Weaknesses: | Does not retract far enough down. Needs to have another 2 inches of travel. | | Bottom Line: | Make that downhill faster. this is the best edition to my nomad ever. You have to get it with the handel bar mounted trigger. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wavemanz
a Weekend Warrior
from Tahoe Donner, CA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Hole in the ground | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | web | | Strengths: | Hi
This is the best single part I've ever added to my bikes.
TIP: If you buy the remote go to your local hardware store buy a .19 cent small nylon cable guide and mount it in between the seat post bolt. This helps the cable arch VERY CLEAN when the seat drops. I use this 100 times per ride, get the remote its slick, OLD MOTOX ENDURO trick: Keep the remote shifter as well as your brake and shift levers a TINY bit lose. This way when you fall things rotate and dont break. I've never broken my remote or levers and they never rotate during a ride only when you crash.
I've ridden mnt bikes for 15 years and used to race motocross. If you have a 4.5-6" travel bike the Joplin R is unreal. I've been using mine for a year and about 80 rides and she rocks. I have a bit of side to side play but I cant tell when riding and it probably helps in turns. I'm six foot and 200 lbs and the terrain in Tahoe is rugged. It's been the best product that I've bought. | | Weaknesses: | None !! | | Similar Products Used: | Thompson post are the best for normal posts. | | Bike Setup: | 09 XL Santa Cruz Blur LT 2. 5.7 F/R travel. 36mm Fox Float Fox RP 23 Mavic 819 UST Contenetal Mountain Kings 2.4 F 2.2R Race Face Carbon bar, XTR shifters and F/R der Joplin R | | Bottom Line: | The R version may save you from breaking a collar bone ETC. If you ride technical terrain with the boys and sometimes push a bit the 3" of drop will save you. It's saved me from going over the bars probably 20 out of 80 rides. It also saves energy when you climb vs having a fixed seat thats a bit low in climbs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alexbn921
a Cross Country Rider
from CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$230.00 | | Purchased At: | jenson.com | | Strengths: | Raise, lower on the fly. Awesome for XC rolling hills. Just push the lever and your seat is in the perfect position.
| | Weaknesses: | Seat wobble. Weight. | | Similar Products Used: | Easton carbon post | | Bike Setup: | Large Santa Cruz Blur best of everything. | | Bottom Line: | Another great product from Crank Brothers. Their is a little play in the seat 10mm. This is notable, but not a problem. If you pick up the bike by the seat it will move up to the end of its travel. It is heaver then my carbon post that broke 10 miles from home.
This is the NUMBER ONE UPGRADE I will do on every bike I ever own. DO IT!
It makes me and everyone else that has this seat post a better rider!!
The remote model is easy to mount and is the best of the two versions. Easy to work on and seems very strong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mountain_bomber156
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Are you kidding? | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$260.00 | | Purchased At: | Universal Cycles | | Strengths: | The fact that you can tune the from-the-saddle feel of your bike in a fraction of a second | | Weaknesses: | If you accidentally raise the seat by lifing and pulling, it FUBARs the post | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Intense Tracer VP, 36 TALAS RC2, Stroker Grams, CB Joplin R, DHX Air | | Bottom Line: | It's a nice piece of tech to have on your bike, but the lifting issue causes air to get in it, making it, to put it gently, not work. I had to "bleed" it twice, and after it didn't work i sent it back to CB. They fixed it, and i never did that again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geof
a Cross Country Rider
from Wellington, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in Makara Peak Park, Wellington | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | On Yer Bike, Welling | | Strengths: | Ability to adjust seat height on the fly to any position within a 75mm range, so your seat is always at the optimum height for the piece of trail you're on. | | Weaknesses: | A little side to side play is apparently a weakness, but I've never noticed when riding and so do not think it is an issue at all. Some reviewers complain about the clamp breaking, but that has never happened to me (though the clamp I have may not be the Crank Bros one - I didn't bother to ask the LBS (who installed it for me)). Apparently it is susceptible to the rain and mud, but again I've not had any issues (probably because I've got a lizard skin over the sliding bit to keep mud out). I also have not had any issues with the handlebar lever snapping off in a crash, with additional clutter on the bars, or anything else I've read in other reviews. The only problem I've had is snapping the cable, for the usual reasons you snap cables (muck between cable and casing). Not a problem to fix - though a good reminder to take your old seatpost with you when you go away with your bike. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | 2008 XL Stumpjumper FSR Comp (Fox Triad Shock, Fox Float 120 Forks, and other equipment standard on this model). | | Bottom Line: | Once you've ridden with a variable height seat post you won't want to go back. They'll be standard equipment on all trail (and all mountain) bikes in a year or two. It's not the raising and lowering at the start and end of the big climbs where it's great, because you can always do that with your quick release clamp without losing too much time. It's the undulating tracks where it is brilliant, where you are regularly adjusting the height to the optimum position (anywhere within the 75mm range, rather than just right up or right down). It has made a huge difference to my riding, and (apart from one bust cable, and a bit of friendly ribbing from mates for unnecessary bling) it has given me no grief. If you're a real weight weenie who rides a hard tail with V-brakes you may not want the extra few grams (though you may also be surprised how little extra weight it really adds and how much faster you could go without your seat in the way on the downhills). And if you only ever ride downhill or jumps then it's a bit of kit you won't really have a use for. But if you want to ride both with and against gravity to maximum effect and can spare the dollars it's fantastic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
grahamt
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Croesus Knob | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | E-Bay | | Strengths: | Adjustability
Weight comparable to other adjustable posts
| | Weaknesses: | Seat Clamp
Handlebar Clamp
Seat Clearance - hits actuating lever | | Similar Products Used: | Q-Shifter | | Bike Setup: | Blur LT2 | | Bottom Line: | Used for 6 months, and generally happy with it however does have a few minor issues.
Ability to adjust the seat on the fly is great - it becomes second nature and I find myself automatically adjusting up and down to suit the trail. I ride lots of undulating trails with steep technical downhills and peddly sections and short pinch climbs. I can drop the seat for the downhills and raise it again to save energy and be seated for the climbs. I consider that the minor additional weight is easily countered by the energy and efficiency saved by being able to raise the seat for the climbs instead of trying to climb with the seat down and my knees around my ears!
Have had some minor issues as follows:
Seat Clamp - difficult to get tight, even with greasing as per instructions. I have now bent mine due to coming down heavily on a missed landing (only small 2' drop) and am left with a wait for new clamps.
Handlebar Clamp - won't tighten on my easton monkeylite bars. Had to pack the bars with tape to stop it slipping. Would also be good to have a clamp with more adjustability to enable fitting further inboard on OS 31.8mm bars.
Seat Clearance - My Fizik Gobi Seat touches the top of the actuator lever when I am seated during climbs - this is due to the seat flexing. This causes the lever to move and activate the post, resulting in it slipping down. I have had to change seats to cure this.
Overall a good product which I will continue to use, however does have some issues that could be improved. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jez
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$230.00 | | Purchased At: | Universal Cycles | | Strengths: | Great idea, beautifully made.
3" is enough heigh adjustment (for all but the most silly riders' expectations...) Works as advertised. | | Weaknesses: | None - yet, but I've read a few.
Some side-to-side play and limited post diameters.
Remote version cable routing, and the cable can get into the rear wheel under full compression if only a little too long. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Giant Trance 0 (2008) Reba Race, X.0, Juicy Carbons, RaceFace Deus XC, Mavic CrossMax SL | | Bottom Line: | Expensive, but works perfectly (I've had no reliability issues or faults).
I ran the remote lever but converted to the under-seat standard lever (I've had no clearance issues with my seat, Giant Carbon/Selle Italia SLR Gel Flow).
I found I preferred less clutter on the bars, without the extra cable routing on the frame. I also prefer that the cable doesn't drop down into the rear wheel when saddle dropped/full compression of rear suspension (the only 'design' fault with the remote system).
I love being able to drop the saddle, and personally don't have issue moving my hand off the bars to the saddle to flip the lever, though I'm sure some riders wouldn't feel confident one-handing it.
You can live without it, of course, but I'm really quite impressed with it.
I'll drop a chili (down to 3) based on the cost, as it's non-essential. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
nowshon
a Weekend Warrior
from orange county, ca
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | santiago oaks | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$240.00 | | Purchased At: | EBay | | Strengths: | Light for this category, nice appearance and finish, works perfect when new or freshly rebuilt. Flexible remote positioning options. Experimenting with GD rubber boot to extend service interval. | | Weaknesses: | Needs to be factory serviced every 3-9 months depending on usage and riding environment. Remote mounting clamp diameter was too small for Easton XC carbon bars. Develops side to side play immediately. | | Similar Products Used: | Gravity Dropper, Specialized Command Post | | Bike Setup: | SC Heckler | | Bottom Line: | After trying three different adjustable posts, I've settled on living with the Joplin. The Gravity Dropper was great, but I needed a 30.9 post because the GD would slip down when I used a seatpost shim. To live in harmony with the Joplin, one must be preapred to have it serviced 1-4 times per year depending on how much and where you ride. Here in the dry clime of SoCal, it lasted about 8 months before failing. And with Crank Bros. located nearby, service turnaround is great - about 5 days. I did try something new when I got my rebuilt post back - I installed a Gravity Dropper rubber boot (the 3" size) and it fits perfectly and doesn't interfere with post operation at all. I'm hoping this extends the service interval by keeping more crap away from the seals. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rainman
a Cross Country Rider
from AU
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Local | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Remote works very well.
Easy to use, adjustable on-the-fly height.
Well finished, good looking. | | Weaknesses: | A little side to side play in the shaft evident, but not felt when riding.
Saddle clamps still not re-designed from original Maverick Speedball. | | Similar Products Used: | Maverick Speedball. | | Bike Setup: | Ibis Mojo. | | Bottom Line: | This test/review is a continuation from the original Maverick Speedball review I did. Virtually the same product, just a new name and manufacturer, Crank Bros.
The Joplin works exactly the same as the original Speedball. It makes steep downhills and technical riding where you want the saddle right out of the way easy. Just press the remote lever, your weight on the saddle depresses the sliding shaft, and you are able to get right over the rear wheel for those steep sections. The Joplin makes it easy to adjust your saddle height to any position from full up to full down and anywhere in between.
The action is smooth as long as you keep up the maintenance and give the sliding part of the seat post a squirt of teflon every now and again to keep it smooth and clean.
I've had no problems so far with the Joplin, it is totally reliable. It has a little side to side play between the shaft and the fixed part of the post, but this is not detectable when riding the bike. Setup is easy, and the remote lever works just about anywhere on the handlebar.
However, the clamps that hold the saddle rails could be beefier, imo. I tightened mine down hard, but was afraid I would break them...nevertheless, you need to tighten them down hard to stop them coming loose and allowing the saddle to move. This is my only real complaint with the Joplin, but I have to say that once I really leaned on the clamp bolts, the saddle hasn't moved since.
Overall, i'm happy with the product, it does what it's supposed to do, and does it well. Once you have used an adjustable post, you will wonder how you ever got on without one on your bike, especially on steep techy downhills.
I'll continue this test and report again after one year of use. For now, I give the Joplin high marks. It's a neat product.
Rainman.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Crash Bang
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Afan | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction Cycle | | Strengths: | The principle is excellent | | Weaknesses: | Generally un-reliable, 3" of travel adjustment is not enough, the seatpost clamp is poor and keeps coming loose no matter what, the post quickly develops lots of side to side play, if used in wet of muddy conditions the post continiously jams and does not function correctly | | Similar Products Used: | KS Cobra i900r (Fezzari Remote) | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Heckler, Fox 36, X0, Middleburn, Hope, DT Swiss, Chris King | | Bottom Line: | This product is under engineered and of poor quality, it has many many short comings, the principle of the post is excellent and it has potential to improve your riding if it only operated correctly! - Dont waste your money on a Joplin.
Buy a Kind Shock Cobra (Fezzari) it offers 5" ajustable travel, no side to side play and it doesnt jam down! This is everything the Joplin should have been! - In the UK this is the same price as a Joplin so it is not a budget option, but is a quality item that will improve your riding and enjoyment. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
smmcpherron
a Cross Country Rider
from Sandy, utah, USA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Several Wasatch trails linked together | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Nice Looking | | Weaknesses: | Un-reliable. Plus it is heavier than others products. It does not stay down and raises when you need it down. In just 2 weeks of use, it became so gritty it is hard to get it to drop. The clamps are weak and broke on a friends bike and he got punched in the gut when the saddle fell off. He is much lighter than I am and now I worry about going for a ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Gravity Dropper, which I have had for 3 years and have never had one problem. | | Bike Setup: | Titus with Fox Suspension. | | Bottom Line: | As much as I loved it at 1st, I would suggest until they fix their problems to stay away. It needs stronger clamps, better seals, and afew other tweaks. Normally I love Crank Bors products, but, they bought this product. Perhaps they should start over and design their own. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
santacruzchick
a Racer
from Grand Junction, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Grassroots Cycles, G | | Strengths: | Ease of operation, not a maintenance nightmare! | | Weaknesses: | 3" of adjustability just isn't enough, for anyone over 5' 7" the difference between the optimal climbing seat height and low enough to have it out of your way for descending is more than 3". I really wish Crank Bros would come out with a 4 or 5 inch model. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Santacruz Blur LT | | Bottom Line: | Anyone who thinks that a remote adjustable seat post is either to heavy or too expensive hasn't thought about how much energy you save (and how much faster you'll be!) by being able to raise the seatpost to optimal climbing height whenever you need to power up a small hill, then drop it out of your way and charge downhill without having the height of your seat limiting how far behind your bike you can get. Also, if you do n't have a remote adjustable seatpost and you do really relish those fast, charging downhills, chances are you are riding around with your seat too low for good climbing, which, if you do it enough, will start to hurt your knees. Just think about how expensive those knees are to replace or repair before you wince at the paltry price tag of this seatpost!
Buy it! Everyone I ride with who has one now simply can't imagine riding a bike without one, and that includes some real weight weenies and cheapskates! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FreddyG
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Wasatch Crest Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Strengths: | Ability to adjust height on the fly. | | Weaknesses: | The seat clamp bent and the saddel came off completely causing a serious OMG moment. The saddle adjustment was initially smooth, but become gritty very quickly. The Saddle won't stay up a times. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz LT Blur | | Bottom Line: | Bugs needs to be worked out of this product. I don't trust the seatpost clamp and I feel it is dangerous. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
goldsbar
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Near instant up and down, very easy to use with remote on handlebars. Lot's of adjustability w/in the 3" range. Ability to rail turns like never before. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing major - more clutter with the remote, weight. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Enduro SL (6" travel bike) | | Bottom Line: | I never thought of buying one of these things in my 15 years of XC/Trail mtbing until I tool the Enduro SL up to Whiteface for some downhill action. For those that haven't been, the upper part of Little Whiteface has some pretty rocky, extreme terrain that's nothing like your typical "technical" trail riding. I was lowering my seatpost just to survive (walked a lot).
Back home in NJ I started to wonder how much of a difference it would make to have a seatpost that can easily be lowered on the fly. I'm not going to get off the bike to lower the seatpost for every 15 second descent.
Answer - the difference is huge, even on hardpack dirt trails. I'm fairly amazed at how much better I can rail corners with this thing. Plus, if you start to slide out, it's much more controlable. Loose, rocky descents are much more secure.
The specific post is great because you get a lot of flexibility regarding how low you want to go (3" is a lot more than I want most of the time). Drop and rise are near instant. The remote on the handlebar is easy to access - expect to spend a ride getting used to it. Despite what others have said, I found the clamp easier than most to setup. Can't comment on durability as I've only had 6 or 7 hours on the post. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dorse
a Weekend Warrior
from Abbotsford
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | A-line | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | Universal Cycle | | Strengths: | Its a good (no great) idea. The up down action works quite well. | | Weaknesses: | clamp is garbage I have gone through 3 haven't even bothered to call crank bros the last time. Only three inches. Even at min insertion the post is not tall enough. | | Similar Products Used: | I bought a gravity dropper 2 months ago. | | Bike Setup: | Nomad / Heckler | | Bottom Line: | Save your money until crank bros improve the clamp. That seat CLAMP broke three times and ruined three days riding.I'm not going to put my three hundred $ mistake on a bike till crank bros improve the clamp.
Crank Brothers have been good and sent replacement clamps fast, and three times. They say they know about the clamp problem and are working to fix the problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tatu Salokoski
a Downhiller
from Finland
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Local | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$296.00 | | Purchased At: | crc | | Strengths: | Quick to lower before hitting steep technical sections. Looks really good. Easy to service. | | Weaknesses: | Small play but not noticeable when riding. Sucks up all the dirt when riding in muddy and rainy weather, but its easy to clean afterwards. Weight! | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Bionicon Edison ltd. | | Bottom Line: | Makes me ride much faster without having to stop before technical downhill sections. No need for remote controlled unit because the lever under the seat is quick to operate. Its a bit heavy and moves the bikes center of gravity, you will notice it during first rides. Sucks all the dirt and water inside and needs to opened and cleaned+lubed reqularly during the rainy season. fortunately its easy to do, just open the nut in the bottom of seattube and pull it apart. That small play isnt an issue while riding, my a** isnt so sensitive to notice it. The small "glide block", just needs to be slightly smaller than the groove in outer seatpost tube. Would recommend this to all 5+ travel bikes, if you have an ultra light XC race bike you probably want to avoid this because of the weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Iwan
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Tokai / Harkerville | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle Factory Store | | Strengths: | Light
Stiff | | Weaknesses: | Still proofing it's reliability | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Rev, Fox Talas | | Bike Setup: | Ibis Mojo SL | | Bottom Line: | Good value for money in SA ( cheaper than Fox, slightly more expensive than RS). Plush, controlled, ease of set-up | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
devo5
a Racer
from petaluma CA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bici Sport | | Strengths: | Smooth function and strong. Simple clamp, just lightly hit the saddle after tightening part way, should center clamp on rails of saddle. Aesthetics
| | Weaknesses: | Side to side play is inexcusable and if the post is lowered the post will extend with a little bit of force.
A pain to put in a bike stand.
The remote lever is extremely weak, i broke mine on the third ride while climbing, I bumped a tree and the clamp snapped...poor durability.
| | Similar Products Used: | Gravity dropper aka ball killer | | Bike Setup: | '08 Trek Fuel EX-9
| | Bottom Line: | Kind of a waste of money, especially if you only occasionally see drops and jumps. Otherwise a high saddle is faster and a better contact point.
Don't get it and if you must get the lever not remote version. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ozzybmx
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Fox Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$165.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | It does exactly what it says !!!! | | Weaknesses: | NONE , the 1mm wiggle is to be expected , a pneumatic seat post that weighs 461g . It has to have a tiny bit of play to be able to move .... this is then exaggerated at the tip of your seat (the play you see) | | Similar Products Used: | errrr.... stiff non moving models. | | Bike Setup: | 08 enduro | | Bottom Line: | These are $399 in Australia.
I paid $165us , including exchange rate and postage it has cost me $230au.....
Knowing what i know now after using it , i would have paid DOUBLE NO WORRYS !
I probably adjusted my post on average 6 times a ride , and many times while in the seat i thought that it would be better up a bit or down a bit..... no probs now.
BEST ADDITION TO YOUR BIKE EVER !
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtb4fun
a Cross Country Rider
from Aspen, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | All Single Track | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Colorado Cyclist | | Strengths: | Clean design. Seat post allows me to descend at ridiculous speed. | | Weaknesses: | Post rattles on rocky downhills, 10mm play is needs to be addressed, Post does not lock in down position. | | Bike Setup: | '08 Heckler | | Bottom Line: | Despite all of the weaknesses listed above, this is the one component that will increase the fun factor on any trail. I hope Crank Bros. will refine this design. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
photodog
a Racer
from SLO, CA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | my yard | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Strengths: | Allows me to ride faster; I don't have to stop to raise and lower my seat | | Weaknesses: | It broke after 2 months. The wiggle took some getting used to. Very expensive. | | Similar Products Used: | In about '92 I put some weird spring on my seatpost... | | Bike Setup: | Nomad, float 36 | | Bottom Line: | I post an earlier review, not sure what happened to it?
I really love this post, definitely allows me to be more comfortable and makes it so I don't have to stop to raise and lower the saddle. The wiggle is no big deal, it takes about 2 minutes of riding to get used to and you are standing anytime things get tech so it doesn't affect performance. 3 inches is a good amount of drop for most situations but not enough for serious jumps or features. It's perfectly fine for what you find on any XC trail, just not for the gaps and drops.
Mine stopped locking out after 2 months, I returned it with no hassle and CB got me a new one in about 2 weeks. New one has been going strong for 2 months so I'm happy. Heck, even if I have to replace it every 2 months I'd still use it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
frank_strupeck
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$155.00 | | Purchased At: | E-bay | | Strengths: | This seat post allows you to take advantage of your predetermined saddle height while climbing and allows you to lower the saddle height 3” on the descent. Lowering the saddle height gives you more clearance and a lower center of gravity on the DH. In my opinion, the weight penalty is negligible for the added speed/fun you gain on the downhill. | | Weaknesses: | The lever on the "remote" version has about 1/4" of clearance from my saddle (WTB - Silverado). Once I sit on the saddle, it flexes downward and contacts the lever. I can feel the saddle bottom out on the lever and I am pretty sure that eventually the lever and/or saddle will become damaged. | | Similar Products Used: | I've had the Maverick (non-remote) version on my Giant for over a year. | | Bike Setup: | Crank Bros Joplin R - Soul Cycles Dillinger & WTB Silverado Saddle
Maverick Speedball (non-remote) - Giant Reign & WTB Saddle | | Bottom Line: | I contacted Crank Brothers about this (in my opinion) design flaw. The good Brothers suggested I buy a different saddle, but were unable to give me a list of compatible saddles.
I still love this product, but it needs some design work. If it didn't contact the saddle I would have given it "4 Flamin' Chilis". | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chrisbennet
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashua, NH, USA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Wrench Science | | Strengths: | It just *works*. I flick of the finger and it's down for some technical terrain, another flick and it's all the way up for the flatter stuff. | | Weaknesses: | I wouldn't mind a little more range. I'm guessing it has about 2" of travel. | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Ibis Mojo with DT Swiss rear shock, Fox 32 R float front shock, Mavic Crossmax wheels, Shimano XT components and brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Probably not the ticket for the someone who wants to brag about how light their bike is but I'll never go back to a stock post. Imagine using an office chair that doesn't adjust? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
uphillwish
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, California
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | El Corte De Madera Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | ModernBike.com | | Strengths: | Remote adjusting of seatpost height | | Weaknesses: | After 1 or 2 easy XC rides, it wiggles left and right about 6mm at saddle tip. | | Similar Products Used: | Thomson seatpoet | | Bike Setup: | Ibis Mojo Carbon | | Bottom Line: | There is a major design error, in my opinion. When trail becomes challenging and fun, who needs a wiggling saddle. It gives me unstable feeling when in dicey situation. Crankbrother said all Joplin seatposts will do the same wiggling. It cost a fortune to have solid frame without flex. Sorry but I don't need an expensive wiggling saddle. Not even for $1. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flapper
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$235.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Never have to get of the bike for going up or down. It is very well made | | Weaknesses: | The only problems I can see with it is I have the romote version and it is just one more thing on your bars but this isn't really a weakness and only two sizes available. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Blur LT2 | | Bottom Line: | I spent alot of money on a new bike and the thing I am most impressed with is the seat post. I will never buy a bike that this seat post or one like it won't fit. If you like riding and not fiddling with you seat post buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fishxpig
a Weekend Warrior
from Mesa, Arizona
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | e-bay | | Strengths: | Solid design and nice finish work. Seems to be very well made. Adds versatility to your ride in every way. | | Weaknesses: | When the seat is in a dropped position and you lift the bike by the seat it top out the post. Not necessarily a weakness, just something you have to get used to. | | Similar Products Used: | Mostly Bontrager posts. | | Bike Setup: | Fisher Sugar. | | Bottom Line: | Great application of form and function. Looks great and works even better. I've got the remote version because I like the idea of being able to keep my hands on the bar and adjust the seat height instantly. I put it full extension for climbing, lower it half an inch or so for flats and drop it completely for technical terrain/going down. It's amazing how much more confidence and control you have with the seat out of the way. I used to hesitate stopping and adjusting seat height, but you can do it instantly even in the smallest increments to adjust to the terrain.I'm sure in time I'll get over the initial over-fascination with it and give the lever a rest, but I would recommend this product highly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kiwijames
a Racer
from Lafayette, CA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in Joaquin Miller Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Online @ Modern bike | | Strengths: | Meets my expectations for quality, ease of set-up. Quality build, looks good, the orange ano looks red on a red accented frame. Lever is very easy to access and adjust on the fly. Not spring loaded, so your underside is protected from a getting a punch when raising the saddle. | | Weaknesses: | 30.9 or 31.6 sizes..have to use shims otherwise. Some frame makers say the the use of shims voids their warranty. | | Similar Products Used: | Never had a telescoping/adjust on the fly post. Always some stock or aftermarket solid..Race face, Bontrager, U.S.E. | | Bike Setup: | Spark 20, XT, Juicy 7, F100RL, DT SWiss Nude TC, Dt Swiss X455 with 240s, Panaracer XC Fire 127tpi, Joplin Lever w/U.S.E 31.6-34.9 shim, Selle Italia SLR XP Kevlar | | Bottom Line: | I've read the pros and cons of the lever vs remote. Already have too much on the bar with a rear shock tracloc, so the lever was my no brainer. I have to adjust my package out of the way when going for a descent anyhow, so a toggle of the underseat lever is easy on the fly at the same time. Anyone with inhibitions should just lower it in anticipation or opt for the remote. The ever so slight movement/rotation in the post is not noticeable while riding, so don't freak when it moves when you twist it by hand. 75mm is a big range depending on your bike and what the terrain is. Nice if they had mm measurement marking in the slider you could code/color with a sharpee so you know where to adjust to. I had to use a shim to have this on my Scott...and am glad I got it. Weight weenies will balk at the grams...take a big dump before you ride and you'll have it covered easily. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
hurtinunit
a Cross Country Rider
from East Rockies, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Jasper Trails - All from the Townsite | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | Online - Speedgoat | | Strengths: | -Works very well
-I have the seat post lever which is fewer lines and fewer distraction on the handlebars.
-Very easy to reach down and activate the lever (THATS WHAT SHE SAID)even in technical situations
-Anodized orange looks bling
-Riding buddies are jealous | | Weaknesses: | -Saddle rail clamps may actually warp your saddle because of the 150 lb torque required to tighten. My WTB saddle is saying WTF?
-Obviously it is heavier than your standard weight weenie post
-Set back post and variable height on the fly and make horizontal saddle position hard to figure out
-Can't grip bike by seatpost as the hydraulics top out
-May need to go through the "Trouble shooting guide" when trying to figure out how the thing works | | Similar Products Used: | -None | | Bike Setup: | -08 Santa Cruz Nomad | | Bottom Line: | -If your wallet allows, buy it
-Slight saddle play side to side isnt noticiable at all when riding
-I wont go back to regular seatposts!!!!
Question for Admins....
The "What type of cyclist" category is a bit weak dont you think? How about the guy who rides a Nomad who believe or not rides XC and Downhill? Go figure! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
swisgar swiggle
a Cross Country Rider
from mordhaus, netherlands
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | ebays | | Bottom Line: | To anyone having seat clamp issues: grease under the orange four arm clamp thingie to help them seat on the clamp cups. If they are dry, you might have a problem with post loosening. Torque the bolt to 150 inch lbs (go to a shop and use their torque wrench to get a feel for this!). Problem solved.
Alternative usage tip!!! After installing this post you can usually move your saddle a cm or two forward, enabling a more forward seat position for climbing. This is possible because you can lower your seat a inch or so for fast moderatly bumpy descents. This gives a more planted front tire for steep climbs.
ALSO!! on super steep technical rocky sections --Lower--
your saddle 1/2- 1 inches! This will lower your center of gravity, allowing you to motor up the rocks no problem. I am hearing some grumblings of disbelief and complaints about pedal stroke efficiency. Yes you lose a fraction of efficiency in the pedal stroke, but this is more than compensated for in the gains in traction and having to stand and pedal with your chest lying over the handle bars. I feel this additional alt. usage is almost as important as the benefit of dropping the post for downhill!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gavin
a Cross Country Rider
from Alamo, CA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Boy Scout | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Dropping the seat on the fly keeps the flow going and allows me to tackle descents with aplomb. | | Weaknesses: | Weight, if you are a weight weenie; lame orange-colored clamp and cap. | | Similar Products Used: | Regular seat post, that vise-grips into the down tube. | | Bike Setup: | Ibis Mojo carbon; XTR wheels & drivetrain; Magura Marta SL's; Easton bits. | | Bottom Line: | A friend has one on his Maverick and swears by it; but he is more DH-oriented than I, so I thought the added weight (close to 1 lb.) and adjustability was unnecessary. This past winter I experimented with lowering my standard seatpost prior to descending and was pleasantly surprised at the increased control and ability to grove through corners with a lowered center of gravity. But getting off the bike and adjusting the carbon on carbon set up was a pain, which led me to keep my post well-lubricated to avoid sticking (probably a good thing any how).
I finally caved and bought the Joplin, nee Speedball, w/o remote on eBay at a discount (not much more than the msrp on an high-end carbon post), yet it was still costly. That was a good move. Adjusting on the fly is critical in the varied terrain I ride, and on short (6 mile) spins in the evening, that means a savings of minutes. I found that as little as 0.5" in downward adjustment enabled me to attack moderate, flowing, downhill singletrack like never before. On severe steeps, a drop of 1.5 to 2.5" was a blessing (I don't even use the full 3" of travel!).
I found the post easy to install -- both onto the bike and the seat onto the post -- so I can't speak to others' mechanical issues. My only gripe thus far is the orange bits on the post -- why orange? I know, fashion sense and color schemes are low on the MTB-radar; but looking stealth suits me. Nothing matte black spray paint and a Sharpie counldn't handle.
At the end of the day, the Joplin is worth it and I will never go back when riding a 5-6" full-suspension AM bike. Hardtails are a different story. The ease of use and increased control outweigh the weight and cost issues. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Timothy
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: April 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Freiburg/Basel | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | Speedgoat | | Strengths: | Looks great, surprisingly useful: no more compromise setting for saddle height! | | Weaknesses: | luxury item; remote lever is a bit basic, and seat clamp has to be set carefully -- not as idiot proof as some other manufacturers. | | Similar Products Used: | there is nothing else like it | | Bike Setup: | Trance X2 | | Bottom Line: | Originally purchased as pure self-indulgence: it was simply the most useless sounding piece of bike bling I could find -- wouldn't you want to tell all your friends that your bike has a remote-control seatpost?.
Of course I could see the point of it -- there have been lots of times when I went down a steep slope with my saddle too high simply because I hadn't the patience to stop and adjust it, and almost came to grief as a result, but this did look like high tech overkill.
However, once I'd actually installed it and could adjust at will, I found I was flipping that remote lever all the time. I now have my saddle all the way up for full leg stretch on the flat and smooth.
I drop it down an inch or two when I'm in stop and go mode, and want to slip off and on more easily.
When I do hit a steep downhill, I go to the lowest setting, which didn't look like all that much in the photo, but is actually a very sizeable drop -- more than my last bike allowed for a solid seatpost adjustment.
In terms of stress testing, I haven't pushed it to its limit yet -- hitting it hard on a big drop, but I'm over 200 lbs and I've had no problems with rigidity so far. Anyway, with dual suspension, I don't expect this to be taking too much of the shock.
While most people will think of this as the final touch to an ambitious component upgrade program, if you ride through a mix of flat/steep terrain and are frequently finding yourself at irritatingly sub-optimal saddle height, move it to the front of your list.
Seems a bit expensive but, as with all things Crank Brothers, design and finish make it a minor work of art.
One minor issue was that, straight out of the box, it refused to lock properly, but after I'd cycled the piston up/down 75+ times, it eventually caught and has worked perfectly ever since. The instructions say you may need to cycle it a dozen times to clear air bubbles, but this was a bit extreme (I only kept at it because I'd bought it mail order and would be writing off $80 shipping, brokerage, and customs charges to send it back.)
Another reviewer got very frustrated with the seat clamp, and having used several other posts before this, I can see why: if you assume the mechanism to be as simple as others, it's easy to tighten it to a "false lock" position where a sharp jolt will knock the saddle loose, but if you check how the clamp has seated itself on the rails and bearings, and wiggle it a bit before final tightening, it holds fast. But this isn't just CB getting too artsy for their own good -- once you get the hang of it, this is a lot easier to fine tune than other designs.
To summarize -- if you like things straight and simple, avoid this; but if you get off on imaginative solutions to subtle problems, the Joplin remote delivers on its promises.
(And yes, the extra $20 for the remote as opposed to the lever is worth it -- you don't have to take your hand off the bars at that tricky "oh my god this is a bit steeper than it looked" moment, and it doesn't look like you're playing with yourself each time you adjust the height.)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cheese Soda
a
from CA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Just the right amount of adjustability, and pretty natural to adjust after an hour or two of riding. | | Weaknesses: | Had a *slight* side to side wiggle, but wasn't enough to notice while riding, just if you played with it while off the bike. | | Bottom Line: | I spent an entire day over one of these (lever model, not remote) doing 20 minute ascents up fire roads with the post fully extended, followed by long, technical, jump covered descents with the post all the way dropped... and never did i have to stop to adjust anything. With something around 8 inches of adjustability, it was just right to max out either direction, and not have to futz with anything. The height mechanism seemed very solid, and never slipped, or moved accidentally. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Dorsey
a Weekend Warrior
from Pacific North West
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | A-line / Whistler | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | Universal Cycle | | Strengths: | It's a great concept to be able to lower and raise your seat remotely | | Weaknesses: | same as above.Plus the seat clamp is not up to the task. I have ridden it 5 times and every time the seat would pitch nose up or down today it went up and down and then my seat fell off. The clamp is in pieces and It will need to be replaced. Most seat posts I have seen that us the same screw to attach the seat and hold the seat level have serrations on the clamp and on the seat post this post has none only a smooth anodized surface. | | Similar Products Used: | http://www.frappr.com/?a=myphotos&id=4989596
checkout the photos | | Bike Setup: | same as below | | Bottom Line: | I'll give Crank Bros. a call in the morning.and start a RMO. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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