Formerly known as the Pivot Plus, Tricky Dick is the flagship of the Tamer suspension seatpost line, designed for ultimate comfort and performance in every condition you can throw at it. The pivoting action allows for a very responsive ride, eliminating any stiction. The internal spring delivers constant action and controlled rebound. Tamer’s hollow pin system gives easy access for lubricating the pivots without disassembly of the seatpost.
Length – Standard/MTB: 350mm or 400mm
Suspension Style – Spring with 25mm of preload adjustment
Travel – 65mm
Diameter – Standard/MTB: 25.4, 27.2 and 29.8mm
Maximum Insertion – 83mm from centerline of seat rails to top of seat tube
Warranty – Lifetime
Weight – Standard/MTB: 470g (27.2), 460g (25.4)
Features – Pin Lube System and Internal spring ride control. Available in silver or black for 2003.
Submitted by
Eddie
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007
Strengths: good concept
Weaknesses: engineers did no calcs on what forces the pivot pins must withstand, and forgot to put in a bump stop...first design (Pivot Plus) was REALLY bad! Did they really expect the seat clamp to work?
Bottom Line:
I had the original style Pivot Plus that held up well, except for two design flaws....the pins were hollow, and there's no bump stop to absorb severe shock when bottoming out. My post finally failed when I bottomed out (only an 18" drop). One of the pins sheared, all the others were bent, and the ears of the aluminum block mounted on top of the post bent out. This could have been prevented if the pins were solid, and there was a way to incorporate a bump stop.
The new design improves the seatpost clamping..that's it. It still has the same good ride, but still the same lame quality....like owning a nice sports car that you prey won't break down on you.
I give it a "3" for overall rating because of the improved ride and comfort, but only a "2" for value because it's still a crappily engineered product.
For a discussion on modifications to make this paper mache product hold up, navigate to the "New Products and Innovations" forum, and see the discussion topic "Tamer Pivot Plus / Tricky Dick Engineering Mods".
Similar Products Used: rigid post and my squishy butt
Bike Setup: aluminum hard tail w/ 4" travel fork, light crank arms w/ clipless pedals, light tires
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Submitted by
James Herman
a Weekend Warrior
from Farmington Hills MI USA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 2007
Strengths: Worked pretty good but wore out.
Weaknesses: It broke while on a wet ride and tore my $110.00 goretex rain pants. I had to ride home standing up.
Bottom Line:
I thought Tamer went out of business. But I just saw the Tamer Tricky Dick for sale on Bikeman.com. After the one on my XC bike broke, I noticed that the one on my folder was very loose and ready to break. So I just replaced all three as I didn't want to risk being on a ride and having it ruined when the seatpost broke. I'm just going to stick with a suspension seatpost with a spring inside the tube. Most of those seatposts come with a spring for a 'typical' 150 pound rider. So if you fall well below or above that then you'll need to get the stronger or the weaker spring.
Similar Products Used: I replaced it with a Nashbar generic suspension seatpost on all three of my bikes.
Bike Setup: I have 3 bikes. A full suspension performance XC, a folder and a trek 1000 road bike.
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Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Riverton, Wyoming
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2006
Strengths: Just wanted to update my review from last year. Still using the seatpost, as I have low back problems and I couldn't ride without the comfort of this suspension post. On small bumps, rocks, ruts, etc, it is better than my new 06 Rocky MTn. Element 50 full suspension ride. Of course on the bigger stuff it bottoms out, but it was never meant to replace full suspension. But it gives a great ride for anyone who likes the performance of a hard tail bike, but can't take the harsh ride. I have 2 of these seat posts and the second one is on my road bike. It is absolutely magic for a road bike.
Weaknesses: After 3 years I did wear out a pivot bushing and sent it back to Tamer Industries and they replaced it for $35, with shipping. It does squeak if you don't keep it lubed frequently. No other problems have occured and I still weigh 200lbs. I have the same time on the my road bike post and it has been absolutely perfect with no problems.
Bottom Line:
If you like hardtails but are getting sore butt or back, you owe it to yourself to get one of these !
Bike Setup: Trek 8000 mtn. bike with updated front fork. Centurion Steel road bike
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Submitted by
Jim Peoples
a Weekend Warrior
from Norco, La. (Jefferson)
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2005
Strengths: Softens the blows from roots and rough ground, adjustable preload
Weaknesses: None, until it breaks
Bottom Line:
This thing was great, right up until the time it broke the pluger that connects the pivot levers to the spring actuator leaving me on the ground in severe pain. I'm new to dirt, I'm 59 yrs. old and run out of breath way too fast, so I know I didn't over work this product. I've heard from two bike shops and from internet articles, that this is certainly not the first one that broke. Please, think twice about using this seat post! If you're using it on a mountain bike to take the place of rear suspenion, please be gentle with it, the life you save could be your own!
Bike Setup: Gary Fisher, Cateye computer, Roque lock down grips, seat change
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Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Riverton Wyoming
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005
Strengths: Excellent action and comfort. I have TWO of the seatposts, one on my rode bike and one on my Mt. bike! They are both excellent. The rode bike one makes the tar strips and bumps disapear! The mountain one makes the ride from my lightweight hardtail very manageable! And both of them give me rigid bike performance when I stand to pedal!!! I highly recommend these seatposts to anyone who wants to make their road bikes more enjoyable for long rides and their hard tail Mt. Bikes better without the extra weight and power robbing of the full suspension bike. You owe it to youself to try one! I really like both of mine!!
Weaknesses: None that I've found! I weigh 200lbs and they perform very very well!
Bottom Line:
I would rate these a 5 of 5 for comfort, performance and durability!
Bike Setup: Trek 8000 hard tail and Centurion steel frame road bike, both with the Tamer seat posts!
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Submitted by
Phillip
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairbanks, Alaska
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004
Strengths: Smooths out gravel roads, washboard, roots, rocks - very comfortable. Guess I'm in the honeymoon stage cause I'm still looking for rough stuff to ride through...just to smile as it smooths out the bumps. Lots o gravel roads where I live and now riding then is a real pleasure.
Weaknesses: This product requires maintenance, not necessarily a weekness. I squirt a little Tri-Flo in the bushings after every few rides and am not then bothered by squeeks. Also lub where the activator arm enters the casing. Weight? Who cares. Drink a glass of water before you ride and that will add about 225gm just above the saddle so what's a 100gm or so added to the seatpost. (IMHO)
Bottom Line:
Take the time to properly adjust the seatpost tension and saddle position. The seat post will respond quicker after being lubed. I cut a quarter inch of the allen wrench used to adjust the saddle to make turning the adjusting screw a little easier. Am so impressed with this seatpost I've ordered another for my road bike. They're on sale right now at Nashbar for $70 - 26.8mm only size left (May 17). Can't imagine anyone being dissapointed with this thing - get one, you'll like it.
Bike Setup: A couple Bridgestone MB1's w/ Manitou 3 forks fitted with springs and Tricky Dick seatposts.
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Submitted by
G G
a Weekend Warrior
from Annapolis, MD
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004
Strengths: Works great! I'm 200 lbs. and use the heavy spring cranked pretty good; in this mode big bumps are cushioned but there is no bob when pedaling & climbing.
Weaknesses: Oil often or it creaks; makes it a bit greasey but we play in the dirt anyway. Makes me wonder how long it will last although it's still tight after 18 months. Wish it was lighter but don't know where weight could be removed without compromising strength/durability or cost(Ti or graphite)
Bottom Line:
If this seatpost lasts longer the frame, I might consider another hardtail.
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff, Az.USA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2004
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to my previous review of the Tamer Tricky Dick. Because of my problems with the Tamer I did purchase a Thudbuster. What a mistake! The Tamer out performs the Thudbuster in comfort and shock absorbtion. I test rode the Thudbuster for twenty miles and found it to be rigid compared to the Tricky Dick. (Rode the recomended elastomers for my weight.) The ride was on a moderately rocky fire road and I now have that old hard tail lower back pain again. Had none of this discomfort in 2500 miles of riding the Tamer. In spite of the weaknesses described in my previous review of the Tamer (squeaks, knocks when compressed, gets grease on shorts, and I bent the post and broke the pivot pins) I will stick with it and will be selling the Thudbuster. I would have to say that after riding telescoping posts, the Tricky Dick and now the Thudbuster that the Tamer is likely the most comfortable suspension seat post on the market. I also test rode a 293 Fisher with Fox Float rear suspension and found that it was not as comfortable as my hard tail with the Tricky Dick seat post. Maybe I'm just too hard on my body and my bike and should ride a full suspension with the Tamer Tricky Dick!
Similar Products Used: Thudbuster and a variety of telescoping seat posts.
Bike Setup: 29 inch Fisher
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Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff Az
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2004
Strengths: Soaks up the bumps and saves the lower back. Company backs up product. Has serviced twice at no charge. Great product for wife who does not ride frequently or hard. Works equally well at all temperatures.
Weaknesses: Requires too much maintenance. Needs to be lubed every few rides and starts squeaking part way through rides. Also has developed a knock about 1/4 inch into compression. Pivot pins broke, post bent and had to be rebuilt by tammer after about 2000 miles. Very dirty and grease gets on clothing. Put sock over it keep from ruining work clothes. Use the bike to commute to work as well as trails.
Bottom Line:
very comfortable and far superior to telescoping designs. Trying to decide if I should send it back for the third time to Tammer or just buy a Thudbuster and give the Tammer away. Too noisy, too much lubercating, too dirty, and can't get rid of the knocking. In spite of these issues it is a much better ride than no suspension at all.
Similar Products Used: Conventional telescoping with elastomer.
Bike Setup: 29 inch Fisher with XT drive train and shifters. Avid mech disc brakes
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Submitted by
Jeff Fose
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, California, USA
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2004
Strengths: Smooths out the big bumps. Cheaper then getting a whole new full suspenstion bike, if your current bike is pretty good. Helps in climbs that are full of big rocks by letting you still sit down to apply weight to the rear wheel.
Weaknesses: Small bumps still get through when you tune for the big bumps. Will probably need a shim to fit your bike, but the shim I got from Beyond Bikes from USE was a thermoplastic model that said it had the correct internal and external diameter but it was way way off and unusable even with attempts to sand it down or even carve it down. Your best bet is to bring in your current seatpost to a local bike shop (Beyond is local for me) and have them use a dial caliper to show that the seatpost with the correct shim (get aluminum instead of plastic if you can) will be a match to your current seatpost. If you do then installation will be very easy.
Bottom Line:
Worth the money if you don't want to or can't trade in your current bike for a full suspension just yet. It lets you climb the hills with lots of rocks easier then without it.
Strengths: Very nice feel, easy to install, easy to adjust, Inexpensive
Weaknesses: a little on the noisy side, but I am getting used to it. It doesn't affect the performance though. I JUST CAN'T SNEEK UP ON THE GUY I RISE WITH. MY "Mentor"
Bottom Line:
My back was hurting before the Tricky Dick. Now it doesn't. Which means I can ride longer & better than before. I weigh 215 lbs. & this seat post works for me. I did have to crank it about 8 or 9 turns, as directed, but I love the cushion. No, its not a full suspension ride, but I reccomend it until you make that move.
Similar Products Used: back-breakers, kidney stone passers
Bike Setup: 1995 Fuji cro-moly hardtail, "The Dinosaur"
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Submitted by
James Scherer
a Weekend Warrior
from Rogers, AR, USA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003
Strengths: Can easily adjust rebound play. Lacks Lateral rotation. Smooth action. Have ridden same trails with different suspension posts and this is the smoothest of them all.
Weaknesses: Hard to adjust seat position. If too tightly set can rebound with great force. If too loosely set will sag.
Bottom Line:
If comfort is your desire out of a shock, then this will deliver. It handles any size bump with effortless ease and smooth transition. It is easily adjusted and lacks side sway. It is a parrallelogram design which at first I was cautious about with fears of stance changes during riding as it absorbs the bumps. Haven ridden on it I find that I have more riding stance disturbance with a tradition up/ down post design than with this post's set up.
Similar Products Used: Manitou Answer Suspension post Rock Shox MTB suspension post
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Submitted by
Mariko
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2003
Strengths: Lessens major impacts, but I don't like the "frequency" of the vibration or minor jarring at uneven trails.
Weaknesses: Saddle retaining nut loosens frequently, shifting the saddle position frontwards. See also my "spinal" comments, review, below.
Bottom Line:
Do you also have sharp, sudden back pain after riding a parallogram suspension seatpost?
I have (thankfully mild) sharp pains on bending or moving certain ways after using a parallogram suspension seatpost (e.g. Thudbuster, Tamer Tricky Dick, Moxey). Please post if you, or other cyclists, experienced any pains coincidental to the use of any of these seatposts.
My bicycle rides consist of city paths that are uneven at times. My saddle is a wide, gel with springs.
Although I'm not a doctor, I see that the parallelogram suspension *streches* the spine when it throws the body rearward (away from the handlebar) on dips, then *compresses* the spine on the rebound. This stretching appears to be more severe with the leaning position on mountain bikes. Therefore, I suspect that parallelogram suspension seatposts harm the spine.
Submitted by
jackson
a Weekend Warrior
from santa fe, new mex, usa
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2003
Bottom Line:
This is a very expensive seatpost that needs much maintenance in my humble opinion. This review is my own personal opinion from this consumer's use (test). The main flaw with the Tamer Tricky Dick is that it is "too tricky" to ride safely because the contact patch with the road shifts as the parallelogram suspension moves down/backwards. The backward shift causes a drastic shift in the center of gravity imho. Sold this too-tricky Tricky Dick. I don't want it or the Thudbuster which I assume will have the same tendencies.
Submitted by
Bernhard Resch
a Cross Country Rider
from Reading, PA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003
Strengths: Definately takes out a lot of bumps!
Weaknesses: started squeaking after about 10 hours of riding (spread over a couple days/ diff. conditions) with no maitainance. WD-40 fixed the problem. Could come with an Allen wranch, so I don't have to grind mine down in order to mount my saddle. That probably erases any chance to claim warranty of my craftsman wranch, if need be.
Bottom Line:
When I go over small roots and stones (1-3" high)I don't feel much anymore. Can't take out the big bumps, but that's not what is designed for I would assume. It does what it's supposed to do - saves your butt from getting numb. I have a little bit of side to side play on my top links, which I'm not sure if it was there from the beginning. I'll have to keep an eye on it. I also ride it a little stiffer than the manuel recommends, because I don't like to bottom out. (165 lbs and I need 1 turn more as suggested) Overall I have to say not a bad product for the money and I'll give it 4 out of 5 because of the allen wranch and the squeaking (drives you crazy uphill!!)
remember the oddball theory that Tricky Dick is going to step down to allow the gap toothed sycophant to take over as VP?
Then Syria could kill George, and viola....a way out of t Read More »
Does anyone have the new style (hollow, pressed in pins) Tamer seatpost, and have a good understanding for how the pins are designed/installed?
The reason I ask is I had the ori Read More »
