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Cane Creek
Thudbuster Suspension Post
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Submitted by
Van-Go
a Weekend Warrior
from Wilmington, NC, US
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Clay / FATS | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$92.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Tough. Easy to adjust. Great support. Allows me to stay in the saddle more and pedal. | | Weaknesses: | Ugly. Occasional super-rebound. There is a part of my local trail that if I'm sitting on the saddle I can get ejected into a standing position with this thing. Otherwise, this is a great product. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Haro Mary SS 29er - full rigid | | Bottom Line: | I got tired of getting beat to death on my fully rigid bike. Spent more time out of the saddle than in it and in each transition I lost a spin. Trying to race a little XC so being able to stay in the seat and pedal is important. First time I used it I shaved almost 2 minutes off my 6 mile time - I was sold. Softens the bumps but you can get ejected on little troughs. BOTTOM LINE: One of the best accesories I have purchased for my bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BearBike
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax, Va. USA
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Wakefield, Fountain Head, C&O | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Evens out most every bump. | | Weaknesses: | Uneven seat to pedal distance. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Bad Boy. Hard tail/front shocks. | | Bottom Line: | After reading the overwhelmingly positive reviews I had to try the Thudbuster. My results, though, are mixed. For single-track riding on a hardtail bike it's the best thing since sliced bread. Great for damping out ruts, roots and smoothing out bumpy descents. After dozens of rides the difference to a rigid post on my middle-age bones is like night and day.
Where this seatpost fails, in my opinion, is on long haul rides. I had ridden the pancake-flat C&O canal from Cumberland to Georgetown last September, 191 miles straight though in just under 20 hours, using a rigid post. In May I went for it again trying to better my time. I was in the same condition with the same set-up on the bike except for the Thudbuster. By mile 125 I had to abandon my attempt due to the most excruciating pain in both knees I've ever experienced. I commute 140 miles a week and have never suffered from any knee pain. Lower back yes, knees never. I can think of no other cause for the pain other than the Thudbuster. I think the varying distance or bounce between the seat and pedals over long distances took a toll on my knees.
It's been nearly six months and I still suffer with occasional pain while riding my other bikes. I would caution anyone thinking about buying the Thudbuster to carefully consider how they intend to use it. Short rides and single-track riders will no doubt love it. Those looking to do big miles should stick with a rigid post.
Ride safe.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Crowmosly
a Weekend Warrior
from Guthrie, Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Back Yard | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Cane Creek | | Strengths: | dampens rough terrain very effectivly | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Stock aluminum post | | Bike Setup: | 2007 Specialized Hardrock haynes hfx9 xc 203mm, cane creek S-8, Cane Creek Thudbuster, Sette Stumpy, sette duo riser bars, DMR v8 pedals, seete lock on grips, race face ride dh Crankset. | | Bottom Line: | This thing works great and would recommend it to anyone who has a hardtail, and rides anything but dirtjumping. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas
a Weekend Warrior
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Great trails in the mountains in Cyprus | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Jensen | | Strengths: | It works and allows me to continue riding. I have been riding for years and continue to enjoy it. Five years ago I took up mountain biking after road biking for 35+ years. I found that in riding my hardtail on rougher trails I could not ride on consecutive days after being beaten up in the saddle. This changed all of that. And that means everything to me! Whether I can ride or not. I am not as young in body as most folks here yet sometimes I forget that. | | Weaknesses: | I do not disagree with some of the weaknesses that folks have listed here. It does add weight and it initially takes a bit of getting use to the swing backwards and the bounce. However, the weight added by this post is a trade-off from the weight of a full suspension bike. And to be realistic I am probably carrying an extra 10000 grams on me and when I get that taken care of I will worry about blaming it on the seat post. It would be nice if there was a lockout for riding fairly level trails. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpjumper that I love. LT Thudbuster Some Upgrades.
Road: Highly customized Waterford & Fabo Alan & early Raleigh.
(worked in a bike shop 35+ years ago and put together some of the first Treks--3rd bike shop to carry Trek) | | Bottom Line: | This is a good seat post. Constructed well and works as advertised. There are trade offs on most setups. With a hardtail setup with a Thudbuster it makes a lot of sense as an alternative to a FS bike. For my riding I like a hard tail over a FS bike. I get a lighter bike and nicer climbing performance. FS bikes have their place too, it is just choosing your type of riding. Where I mountain bike I leave my house at 200 ft. above sea level and within 3 miles hit 3000 ft. My hardtail is nice in this environment and coming back down the Thudbuster has been wonderful. For a hardtail it keeps you riding and enjoying your time on the bike. And that is what it is all about. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ecogeek
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Jensen. | | Strengths: | Works. | | Weaknesses: | HEAVY! Expensive. HEAVY! Mine only came with 2 blue elastomers, no grey, no black in box. Jensen shipped them later. No way this post provides 3" of travel imo. Probably can't use this with your seat-pack and not w some fenders either. HEAVY! | | Similar Products Used: | Kalloy Guizzo 45mm | | Bottom Line: | I have had no issues with this post, but I don't like it enough to feel I did not make a mistake buying it. Well, most of us spend a lot of money making our bikes lighter. I thought I'd try the Thudbuster 3G LT out just to see. They sucked me in. Intrigue got the better of me. I spent the money and made the bike a lot heavier. Doh!
Putting this on your bike wipes out the weight savings of your titanium skewers, saddle, stem, carbon bars... and stacks it all up on the highest point of the bike. The hardest place to throw it around. Handling is affected.
So, there is a paradox with this product: In theory, it could increase your traction when climbing. But to get that *theoretical* advantage, you have to accept the *definite* disadvantage of having a massive lump of metal/rubber on top of your bike to affect your handling and slow you down when you're climbing - and generally.
What do you definitely get in return? A v cool *looking* seatpost. But it only looks cool to those that ride hardtails AND have not used the product. Full suspension riders and serious XC riders that know how much this costs and weighs may chuckle at your expense.
You probably can't use this with your seat-pack and probably not with a fender - my SKS won't fit nicely (in an aerodynamic position) even with the seat v high. This also reduces the amount you can lower your seat by - *esp* if you have your fender on there. If you do, you really can't lower the seat much at all (or fender will rub on back tire) which makes steep descents more dangerous.
The product is well engineered and perhaps, if they made it out of carbon and titanium inc the bolts etc, it would start to make sense. Then, instead of adding several hundred grams over your regular seatpost, you may only add 100 or so. Maybe then any benefit (even if just comfort) would outweight the disadvantage. Obviously, the cost issue would be seriously compounded but the basic problem with the post would be largely negated. The next issue is the direction of travel - which follows an arc. This starts off mainly backwards, the opposite of the theoretical ideal. If you're going to have an arc, it should start downwards and then backwards. Like if you fall off a cliff, you hope you land on the steep and then it smoothly transitions to flat like the landing of a jump - not the other way around.
Then there's the performance and price/performance versus the competition. For example, the Kalloy Guizzo 45mm post which is on my Mrs' commuter bike seems to work just as well as this (similar *vertical* travel), weighs a fair bit less, is a fraction of the price and is less likely to attract thieves. Compelling argument against the Thudbuster imo. It's not a bad product, it's not badly built, it's not ugly, but the logical -ves stack up and if you must have a suspension post, the competition wins, maybe not on overall performance which is similar, but on price/performance the Thudbuster is in real trouble. That's before you reconsider the questionable 3" of travel claimed by the thudbuster. As far as I'm concerned the important measurement is the length of travel achieved perpendicular to the surface you need to absorb a shock from. This is no way 3" under any circs. If you have the right elastomers in it for your weight, the post won't move 3" vertically - unless you want the seat embedded in your heart via the back-door. If you use too soft elastomers (explicitly against the manufacturer's instructs) then the seat will just sag when you get on and you will lose half the possible range anyway and perhaps bottom it out and damage it. So, there's no way to get 3" vertical travel. I also think these posts encourage poor technique on hardtails, like staying in the saddle when you should be standing up. This could damgage wheels, cause snakebites and/or accidents. Likewise, you have to consider that for less than the price of the Thudbuster, which adds several hundred g to your bike, you could get a carbon post, shave some weight and still have enough left over for a new high-end tire etc.
Overall, great idea, but to make any sense once all considerations are taken into account it has to be made of stupidly expensive materials. So, whilst it's fine for flatland fatties, IMO for real trail riders, esp those that climb, it's both bad value (as you can spend that money better) and also doesn't provide any major performance benefit. If you put the money towards your next fork, you might save 1lb!... I guess if you already have everything, the post is a fun experiment in adding weight just to see if you get any benefit. BTW. You can tune the Kalloy post by drilling the stiff elastomer it comes with full of as many holes as you need to soften it up.
Did I cover everything? ;)
If you read this Cane Creek. Make one of these from titanium/composite and also include a remote height adjust and suspension lockout. Make sure it'll work with a fender too. Will cost a lot more I know, but would actually have a lot going for it. I'd probably rate that product (if well implimented) 3 for value, 5 overall (if I could afford it!) | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Splnkr
a Cross Country Rider
from Lamasco, KY, USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Canal Loop, Land Between the Lakes | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | Wood-n-Wave, Grand R | | Strengths: | Vastly improved the ride and feel of my hardtail. Takes the "gotcha" out of all but the hardest hits. Definitely lives up to the hype more than any product I think I've ever bought! | | Weaknesses: | None really. Some interesting bounce when I forget to stand when I should. Instructions are ever so slightly scant on a few issues, but not a major issue. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | 2009 Trek 4300 Disc. Maxxis Crossmark rubber. Specialized BG2 Sport Saddle. Shimano PD-M520 Pedal. Cateye Strada. | | Bottom Line: | This product has changed my mountain biking life (and likely extended the life of my mountain bike!). I had been experiencing a lot of severe neck pain after modest 10 mile trail rides. Even with concentrated off-saddle techniques for most roots and rocks, I was still in pain after riding. My first trip out on the Thudbuster LT and I was sold. Immediately, I could feel a tremendous difference in saddle feel. Sure, I still have to get up over bad stuff, but the pleasure of riding has increased significantly. I just float over stuff now!
The Thudbuster has also increased my ability to climb steep hills. It is as if the back tire has added traction now. Maybe because it is more firmly planted now instead of bouncing and spinning out. Nice.
For my weight, the instructions recommended gray/gray buffers. I rode first in the stock blue/blue and it was fine! I am experimenting down now to compare ride. Today I was in gray/blue and it seems a bit more springy. Overall, though, the ride seemed the same.
Eventually, I will likely end up with a full suspension bike, but the Thudbuster has increased the life span of ownership for my hardtail by years I think. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pstickne
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, WA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | It's all for the ride | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | official thudbuster | | Strengths: | Very configurable with different inserts -- and best of all, it keeps my bum from being sore (I ride hard-pack and gravel trails on relatively thin 700x32 "city" tires and no other suspension system).
Unlike just a bouncy seat (ick) the Thud Buster is a very controlled system. It adsorbs the impact of little bumps and smooths out the ride without residual bouncing. The pedal feedback is solid and the mechanism travels back and down, instead of just down, which seems to only minimally change my pedal length and the act of pedaling itself also provides a counter-force back up.
*If the Thud Buster moves up and down on a flat road, something else is wrong, quite possibly a poor pedal stroke or bad seat adjustment. In this way, the Thud Buster actually provides an active feedback mechanism like the (now defunct) Soft Ride configuration.* | | Weaknesses: | Adds 200-400 grams over a plain vanilla post -- but who's dieting?
Seat mount forces seat back several cm over a "standard" post with the saddle rail holders directly on top. While this works well on my bike, it may lengthen the cockpit too much for some people.
The Thud Buster has a minimum height requirement -- check the Thud Buster site for details. It fits well on my cyclocross frame (I have about an inch to space), but it might not fit some frames/riders.
It doesn't make an uncomfortable saddle feel good -- even if reduces bum-shock. Get a good feeling saddle.
Cost. Actually, not really. Most *new* posts are ridiculously over-priced pieces of metal or plastic epoxy. (If you are looking for a post that isn't a Thud Buster, for the love of sanity, give up the hype and pick up a nice light used post for the cost of a Big Mac.) | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | "Granny Cyclocross" | | Bottom Line: | While this won't make a bad saddle good, it does what it says it does and takes the bite out of small road/trails gremlins.
Only 4 chilis for the value because it is rather pricey. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
groveChuck
a Weekend Warrior
from miami
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Oleta/Markham/Santos, FLA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$133.00 | | Purchased At: | Niagara Cycle | | Strengths: | It works. Absorbs small to medium bumps | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy, but worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | Too many... | | Bike Setup: | '95 Cannondale Killer V900 | | Bottom Line: | I got the LT- Long Travel. Plush. Have a Brooks saddle on it. Comfy. No regrets. Spend more time in the saddle now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Appendage
a Cross Country Rider
from Petaluma, CA
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Tahoe Rim Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | CBO.com, Thudbuster. | | Strengths: | Simple, durable, effective. | | Weaknesses: | None. Seems a bit overpriced, but it's worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | Thud ST, Thud LT, RockShox suspension seatpost, FS bikes | | Bike Setup: | 29er hardtail | | Bottom Line: | A Thudbuster LT/ST comparo:
I've ridden with a Thud LT on my hardtail for many years. I recently added a Thud ST to my new race bike, so I've had a chance to compare the two posts directly. Although the LT and ST operate on the same principle, they have an entirely different feel to them.
The LT is an active system that you can feel working under you. It doesn't just soften the hits, it actually soaks them up. It's a great way to civilize the ride of your hardtail. It'll help you get up rough tecchy sections because you can comfortably keep your butt on the saddle as you pedal. My LT has been a reliable, hassle free component for years.
The ST is as effective as the LT on quick-hit, small bumps. Where I notice the difference is on dips and humps, where the compressive force is more sustained. There, the LT is able takes full advantage of its additional travel.
The LT will bob if you don't have a smooth pedal stroke. Also, after a big hit, the elastomer rebound will pitch you forward. You get used to using your legs as rebound dampers after a while, but if you get caught off-guard by the rebound, it'll definitely get your attention! Neither of these issues is perceptible to any significant degree on the ST.
Having used both, I don't miss the additional travel and motion of the LT, and prefer the ST. But I agree with what Cane Creek says in the product descriptions- if you want maximum bump absorption, get the LT. If you want to save a few grams while softening up those jolts and hits, go with the ST. Either way, it'll be the best money you ever spent on your bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Farmer Ted
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO USA
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Fast and Technical | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Works (mostly) as advertised. Takes the edge off of a hardtail, quality design and construction, made in USA | | Weaknesses: | There is some pedal bob involved and getting the seat setup can take some time | | Similar Products Used: | full suspension bike (?!) | | Bike Setup: | XT Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | This is a review of the LT version....High quality materials and construction are evident. This is a nice product and once set up correctly it works as advertised and takes the 'edge' off of bumps...makes a hardtail climb with more control and keeps you from being shocked out of your seat by rocks and ruts when you are pedaling. I had a hard time setting mine up as there is a certain amount of sag you are going for when you set it up (just like with any suspension item) but there's not much info on how much sag there should be. As the seat sags it moves backwards so you need to set your seat angle and fore-aft position while riding which takes a lot of trial and error. The seat also lowers as it sags which makes setting up the seat hight a bit of trial and error as well. Once that part is figured out you essentially have a short travel full suspension bike when you are sitting and a hardtail when standing. Climbing and cruising are much nicer but remember when you stand up to descend, you have a hardtail again. This isn't as plush as a short travel full suspension XC bike but it really does work as advertised and gives you more control when you need it (and that's what suspension is really about anyway) Regardless of what Cane Creek says, there is pedal bob involved when you are sitting and pedaling...how could there not be if you have a suspension device that is sagged under your weight and you are pedaling? it's nothing major and overall doesn't detract from the product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pedalitup
a Cross Country Rider
from up here
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Strengths: | Thomsonesque materials, finish and design. It works exactly as advertised. Simple, functionally elegant and serviceable. | | Weaknesses: | If it had any I would have returned it. | | Similar Products Used: | Theres nothing similar to this which is also a strength. | | Bike Setup: | 853 steel cyclocross frame skinny tire commuter with carbon cross fork and riser bar. Rear rack with trunk, full fenders and Thudbuster. | | Bottom Line: | I purchased the ST version for my commuter thats used daily on a very bumpy bike path. This post takes the sting out of the nastiest cracks and bumps. I weigh 135 and ride this bike on pavement so I use the grey elastomer which is like riding on a cloud. A huge improvement in comfort.
The Thudbuster ST actually increases cockpit length. Maybe the LT version shortens the cockpit? The ST most definitely clamps my saddle farther back on the rails for the same length cockpit.
I am totally pleased with this product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dontheclysdale
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2009 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$114.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson | | Bike Setup: | Haro Mary SS - Lots of Upgrades
Seatpost - Thudbuster ST | | Bottom Line: | This seatpost is almost as great as 29" wheels. I was looking for something to take a little of the edge off of the trails. When I purchased this post I had a cheap set of wheels that required me to run 35psi in the tires or else risk peeling them off the rim. 35psi + rigid frame/forks + bumpy trails = assault on your rear! I bought the Thudbuster to help with the ride. It performed better than I expected.
I'm a 250lb 6'3 rider. The black bushing works PERFECT for me. I went with the ST because I didn't know how much the LT would sag and bounce with my weight. The 1.3" of ST travel was exactly what I needed. Just enough to take the edge off and not enough travel to keep you bobbing around in the saddle. I have no desire or need for the LT.
The Thudbuster is NOT the same suspension seat post as those cheesy piston seatposts that come on lower end bikes. The Thudbuster works!
Bottom line this is a GREAT add-on for a rigid 29er! Even at full retail price it's a bargain! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ridn29s
a Weekend Warrior
from Brevard, NC
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Black Mtn | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Manufacturer | | Strengths: | Simple design, easily tuned to the rider weight and style. | | Similar Products Used: | NA | | Bike Setup: | Rigid Salsa El Mariachi single speed. | | Bottom Line: | Easy to install, easier to use - just sit down and enjoy! It took an hour of so of riding to begin to get back in my seat and take some of the big hits without using my legs to absorb the shock like I was used to doing. The thudbuster really helps on long slogs where you get to spend more time sitting and that saves your legs for more pedaling. A hardtail is easier to control when you can put some weight on the back tire and keep weight back there over the bumps. Most noticeable on my first ride (a six-hour effort of 20+ miles of technical Pisgah) was better control going downhill and no loss of power or any bob while going uphill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cmuller1
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodstock, GA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Blankets Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | makes riding much more comfortable, all black design matches the rest of my bike, easy to install, no gas or hydraulic fluid to mess with | | Weaknesses: | changes the size of the cockpit a little making it smaller even with the saddle moved all the way back not good for a 6'5" guy, if I put on another 15 lbs and hit the 250 lbs max mark I'm not sure there is elastomers for me | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Dawes 1500 from bikesdirect.com, Crank Bros. Mallet 2, Thudbuster LT 3G, Deore/LX, and WTB Velociraptors | | Bottom Line: | The Thudbuster made riding even more enjoyable than before. If you are worried about weight, then you shouldn't be looking at a seat post suspension product anyway. If you ride for fun and with low pressure in the back tire mainly for the little suspension effect and noticed it also happens to provide more traction as a side benefit, this product is for you. As far as the rebounding out of your seat issue others have mentioned, if you are sitting down in bumps you are getting kicked out of your seat by the bike to begin with. This makes it less harsh and allows you to keep on pedaling. I ride 3 times a week 8-15 miles a day on intermediate trails with a good bit of rocks and roots and at 230 lbs. the Thudbuster literally is saving my butt!! This will not turn your hardtail into a full suspension ride, but if you own a hardtail you didn't want FS to begin with. I recommend getting the Crudbuster cover also. For $15 it will keep dirt out and prolong the life of the post. Enjoy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
art labelle
a Weekend Warrior
from livonia, michigan
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | pontiac lake rec. | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa | | Strengths: | it works saves my back from small bump pounding. I can ride longer.This is a great product to add to any hardtail bike. | | Weaknesses: | the seat moves back in an ark this would be the only weakness. if you are aware of your top tube length this is not a problem just go an inch shorter, or shorten your stem on an existing bike you own. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | GT avalanch 1.0 | | Bottom Line: | this seat post is fantastic it gives me more comfort on the trail, i can ride longer and not have a sore back. every other good seat post cost much more and the thudbuster gives more travel. I would recommend this seat post to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FrenchFit
a Weekend Warrior
from The West Coast
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | ST Model: Smaller, more compatible when you don't have that much exposed post, effective at taking the edge off. I am not trying to emulate full suspension. | | Weaknesses: | ST MODEL: Replacement elastomers tend to be expensive, unless you are a middleweight the variety supplied is fairly useless. Still limits seat drop a little. | | Similar Products Used: | Nashbar, Bontrager, Profile? | | Bike Setup: | Primary use is on a hardtail XC. I bought smallest sized post with a shim so I can swap to my other bikes. | | Bottom Line: | ST MODEL: I use a hard seat on my XC, this takes the edge off. Fairly compact design, and I can swap it over to other bikes. Very nice design, I haven't tried this with my touring bikes but it's so smooth I just might. Bottom line, no comparison to those post-shock systems, this is a smooth deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stu.111
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: November 3, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Excellent suspension post, does exactly whatit promised. Makes riding a hardtail in the bush bearable (normally ride a 6'dually) | | Weaknesses: | FUGLY and a bit heavy | | Bike Setup: | Basically a stock Mongoose Tyax with higher bars and larger angled stem(45 degree) and of course the thud buster | | Bottom Line: | While being butt ugly and a bit heavier then a standard post it works really well. It is essential to have the correct rubbers in for your weight otherwise its to soft but when its set up correctly its brilliant. Next best thing to riding a dually if your lazy and sit down to much | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vic_brodie
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$113.00 | | Purchased At: | www.jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | Works as advertised. Quality construction. Ease of use. | | Weaknesses: | None found so far | | Similar Products Used: | Laid back Ti seatpost | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed Pisgah Ti hardtail with Fox Terralogic fork and tubeless wheels. ST version of Thudbuster. | | Bottom Line: | I mostly use this bike for hilly training rides in the city that are under 2 hours and the combo Terralogic, Thudbuster ST and tubeless tires make for a very efficient/ fast and plush enough ride. Prior to the Thudbuster I generally favoured my full suspension bike, which was really overkill for XC rides within the city limits. The Thudbuster really takes the edge off the bumps and jams and my back is much better off. Highly recommend it - its brought new life to a bike that otherwise was rotting away in the garage. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
stevemtu
a Cross Country Rider
from Houghton UP Michigan
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Churning Rapids | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$135.00 | | Purchased At: | Cane Creek | | Strengths: | performs as advertised. Really makes riding a hardtail fast on single track over long distances possible, even for an old guy. | | Weaknesses: | Really had to tighten down the seat clamp bolts--I broke the plastic washer on the front clamp bolt and replaced it with a metal one. All good now. | | Similar Products Used: | Full suspension bike, soft tail bike | | Bike Setup: | Al hardtail, all xtr with stans wheels, 2008 SID team. I use the blue+black elastomer on the LT thudbuster with three threads showing on the preload. I weigh in at 170 lbs | | Bottom Line: | If you like the snappiness and pedaling efficiency of a hardtail, but the cush of a full suspension, the LT thudbuster is a pretty good compromise. Of course, the back wheel still behaves like a hardtail on square edge hits and bumpy descents, so you still have to pick your lines.
At first you will notice the seat moves back and forth when absorbing multiple big bumps, especially if you like to ride with the seat way back to begin with. After moving my seat forward, I really don't notice this 'seat jack' anymore.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nelson
a Weekend Warrior
from New Bedford, MA
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Virginia | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$135.00 | | Purchased At: | Local MTB Shop | | Strengths: | Very well made - great quality | | Weaknesses: | none! | | Similar Products Used: | USE Sumo seatpost | | Bike Setup: | Soctt Aspect 20, Rock Shox Recon 351 pop-lock, Shimano Deore Discs, Alex rims... etc | | Bottom Line: | If you like hard tails - this is one of the BEST upgrades. I could not believe how much longer i can stay in the saddle! worth every penny! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Road Hand
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Taylor Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | High Quality Materials and Machining | | Weaknesses: | None Yet, I can live with weight penalty | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shock Suspension Post | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Jamis Dakota Elite Hardtail
Full XT Drivetrain, Race Face Cockpit, Zocchi Fork, Formula K18 Discs, Mavic CrossRide Wheels | | Bottom Line: | I rode a 1999 Fisher X-Caliber Hardtail for 8 years with one of the now extinct Rock Shock Elastamer Suspension Posts. The post was trouble free and highly effective at taking the sting out of small hits on the street and trail.
I just built up a 2006 Jamis Dakota Elite frame for daily riding and initially had a Race Face Evolve Seatpost(which had an annoying creaking sound). I was tired of both the creaking sound and the stinging sensation in my butt every time I hit a bump. I found myself wishing that I had kept the Rock Shock post when I sold my old Fish.
After doing a lot of Internet searching, I realized that there are not many quality choices for suspension posts available. The Cane Creek line of Thudbusters interested me because they use the same Elastamer technology as the old Rock Shock posts. The LT model with it's 3 1/2" of travel
seemed like a bit much to me. I have a Santa Cruz Heckler so I was not looking to duplicate a dual suspension feel on a hardtail frame. All I was looking for was a subtle amount of travel. The Cane Creek ST seemed to fit that description so I ordered one from Jenson USA ( a great internet vendor).
When I took the post out of the box two thoughts came to mind: 1. Wow this thing looks really high quality and 2. Wow this thing looks really big. I figured that if the post did the task I was looking for then I could get used to the bulky look.
You get 3 elastamer inserts with the post to match your weight. The blue elastamer comes installed and proved to be just right for my 175lbs. Mounting the seat is easy but you have to keep in mind that the post moves rearward under load. I learned that after my first ride and made the adjustment by moving the seat forward in the clamp. The quality of this post is apparent from every angle. The machine work and finish are on a par with the Thompson post on my Heckler.
The bottom line for me is that this product just plain works. The difference it makes in the ride quality is apparent the minute you hit the first bump. It works without a lot of noticeable movement which is exactly what I was hoping for. I was not trying to turn my hardtail into a pseudo suspension bike. To me, the best components do their job without a lot of flash. The Cane Creek ST seatpost does its work in a subtle way. It does add weight to your bike and it does take some getting used to visually, but its functionality will put those two items out of your mind quickly. In fact, I'm starting to really like the way this post looks on my bike.
If you're looking for a way to get a smoother ride out of your hardtail, this is a good choice. If you're a weight freak then you probably are not reading this review anyway. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.
I will hold back one Chili on the overall rating until I see how this product holds up over a longer period of time.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
boostjuice
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, ACT, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Majura | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Australia, the land | | Strengths: | Comes close to my freeride dualie in terms of ass comfort. Much better than telescopic Suspension seat posts for the following reasons.
-No initial stiction to overcome
-Longer travel
-Tunability to riders weight
-Cant rotate with wear
-Makes no noise when kept lubricated
It's quality CNC machined with quite scratch resistant anodizing. Seems very strongly engineered. | | Weaknesses: | It can launch you out of your seat when going over big bumps. However if this happens you should be standing up anyway! All suspension seatposts have reasonably fast rebound so this is not a downfall compared to other designs. These other idiots need to know when to stand up. It doesnt turn your bike saddle into a sofa.
Like any pivot jointed object, the teflon bearings will wear out with time, however the 'Crudbuster' neoprene bag keeps the dirt out hence extending its life. It also keeps theives eyes averted from its attractive workings. Maybe a cylindrical roller bearing revision would make it bulletproof?
The main weakness is it is quite an obvious object of theft. You really have to purchase a securty bolt for your seat clamp to feel secure about leaving the bike locked up around town. Otherwise some thief would probably come along with an allen key/spanner and steal it.
| | Similar Products Used: | Cheap $hitty telescopic seat (no travel)
solid post + hartail + unmaintained roads = Sore Ass | | Bike Setup: | Avanti Ventura 2002 Hartail | | Bottom Line: | If you get a sore ass like me from a hartail MTB on crappy road surfaces and cross country trails, then one of these combined with a squishy saddle will keep your peach unbruised.
You US guys get them for half the price us Aussies have to pay which makes them good value.
I wouldnt bother with the ST version, even for a road bike. I think the small amount of extra wieght for the longer travel would justify the LT version regardless of the bike and road surface. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wasso67
a Cross Country Rider
from Pueblo, CO
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Strengths: | Attractive, easy to set up, works as advertised. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. | | Bike Setup: | Mooto-X 29er, yada, yada, yada. | | Bottom Line: | I was blown away on the first ride. I got the ST version and put in the blue insert. Totally transformed my hardtail. With the 29er platform you only need a little cush, and this product delivers. Was thinking about trading for a full suspension bike, but no need now. As long as the durability is there I think this is the greatest piece of equipment on my bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zed
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Emma / Barton Creek GB | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$107.00 | | Purchased At: | Performancebike.com | | Strengths: | Quality construction, easy to adjust, love the measurement numbers on the post | | Weaknesses: | None noted | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | GF Cobia 2008, Acid2 pedals, replaced handlebars with carbon riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | Thudbuster is a game changer! I could not believe the difference it makes in technical climbs and overall speed! It's everything it was hyped to be. I price-matched at Performance's website and shipped free to store. I recommend that if you have one nearby. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sbmac
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Island NY
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle planet Syoss | | Strengths: | Solid, well made and designed. Smooth movement, fully adjustable for weight and pre-load | | Weaknesses: | None really...you may need to be creative to fit your seat wedge on, but I was able to do it pretty easily. Not as heavy as I thought it would be. You need 5" minimum clearance under your saddle to the seat clamp for the assembly to fit. If you're on the right frame for your body, it won't be a problem. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Rockhopper Disc with following upgrades: Rockshox Reba Team forks, Specialized Phenom saddle. Mutano raptor tires, Crank Bros 5050xx
pedals, Ritchey carbon riser bars. | | Bottom Line: | Without losing the edginess and weight of a hardtail, this REALLY takes the bite out of small and medium bumps. Anything bigger and you're up off the saddle anyway! I was able to stay in the seat about 50% more on the trail. Not the same as full suspension, but damn close. Barely notice small rootds and stones. It doesn't bob up and down like most suspension seatposts, but rather back and forth to absorb shocks in a very natural arc. up to 3" travel...perfect for my needs. I tried the Thudbuster ST first, but it was not plush enough for hard biking styles. If you're all mountain or XC, this is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
flyfsnbrad
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | flying dog | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | comfort, reliability, simplicity, quality | | Weaknesses: | little extra weight, slight bouncing sensation | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mtn Hammer | | Bottom Line: | I really love this seatpost. It makes climbs over rocky stuff so much more comfortable and helps that back tire stick by keeping some weight on it. There is a slight bounce sensation when going over bigger stuff that lets you know to get out of the seat next time, after all it's still a hardtail. This seatpost transformed my hardtail! A small price to pay for such a HUGE ride improvement. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
smokey422
a Cross Country Rider
from MO
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Landahl, Rock Bridge State Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$49.00 | | Purchased At: | Exchange from Cane C | | Strengths: | Makes hardtails MUCH more tolerable for us old fat guys with bad backs. I think it helps traction by allowing me to remain seated on sections where I would have to stand with a solid post. | | Weaknesses: | I could say weight but I'm the big weight problem on my bike. Makes it a bit harder to attach a seat pack. Occasionally squeaks but a quick shot of spray lube silences it. | | Similar Products Used: | Moxey suspension post (also very good but out of production). | | Bike Setup: | Fisher HT, Thudbuster, Selle Italia saddle, SRAM 9.0 drivetrain, Panaracer XC Pros. | | Bottom Line: | I originally had a Moxey suspension post for this bike and broke it on a loopout. Cane Creek had bought out Moxey and had no parts for it. They offered to exchange my post for $49 (IIRC) and I took the deal. IMHO this is one of the best things you can do for a hardtail bike if you ride rough and technical trails. It doesn't replace full suspension (doesn't work while out of the saddle) but makes the bumps, rocks, roots, ditches, and washboard MUCH more tolerable than with a solid post. You do have to use the correct elastomers (follow the instructions, they work well). I couldn't ride my HT without it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dorandan
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder, CO USA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$149.00 | | Purchased At: | Cane Creek Thudbuste | | Strengths: | Really eats up washboard, small potholes & rocks amazingly well - I found myself not looking out for the small bumps on the dirt road anymore to save my aging posterior which made for a more relaxing ride. Decent softtail performance for the cost of $149 (inc. shipping & cover), and 14 extra ounces. I may be able to reclaim an ounce or three by going to a lighter saddle now that Thudbuster is taking the bumps. Very little pogoing during climbs. | | Weaknesses: | Have to rework my under-saddle bag to attach to the saddle because of the width of the unit and its cover. | | Bike Setup: | 1996 Klein Attitude Aluminum Frame Hardtail with a small frame and extended steering post and seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | If you have an old hardtail you like but are thinking of a softtail for a less punishing ride, you should really try a thudbuster. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Baltazar
a Cross Country Rider
from SAN JOSE, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Montebello | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | PIVOT MOTION | | Weaknesses: | SLIGHTLY HEAVY WEIGHT | | Similar Products Used: | ROCK SHOX TELESCOPIC SUSPENSION POST | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn Moab, XTR Rapid Rise rear derailer, XTR index shifter & remote bar-end shifters, XT front derailer, Cane Creek Cronos wheels, Race Face cranks, Richtey clipless pedals, Rock Shox T2 fork with Englund Air dampers, Schwinn Stingray MTB saddle with TI rails, Kore stem, Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1 & 1.8 tires. | | Bottom Line: | Suspension seat-posts has always been a popular upgrade for riders with hard-tail MTB’s. After trying a couple of telescopic, suspension seat-posts including the Rock Shox post, I finally found a permanent post for my hard-tail which is the Cane Creek Thudbuster. The natural, pivot motion of the post simply made my most rugged trails more bearable and comfortable on trail sections where I would normally stand through. My only concern about the post is the single, slender steel bolt that holds the whole thing together. So far, it is still holding, but I’m going to get a similar style & size brass bolt a precautionary back-up because the replacement bolts from Cane Creek costs about $8 without shipping. Otherwise this is a great, suspension seat-post that easily outperforms any telescopic posts for any hard-tail riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rainman
a Cross Country Rider
from AU
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Local | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | Cane Creek | | Strengths: |
Well made, great design, rebuildable, reliable. | | Weaknesses: |
None. | | Similar Products Used: |
Lots of different types of suspension posts. | | Bike Setup: |
HT MCR Niner. | | Bottom Line: |
I traded in my old Thuddy with the Cane Creek trade deal. They sent me a brand new 2008 model LT Thudbuster for cheap. A great deal, even though it took a while to get to me.
If you ride a hard tail bike and the bumps jolt your spine, the Thuddy is the ducks guts for taking the shocks out of the trails.
I've been using these for a long time, and have never had one break or not work correctly. They are an excellent product.
You can dial in the pre-load and change the elastomers to suit your riding weight and style. I love the way they just disappear on the bike after a couple of rides, the Thuddy just does it's job quietly and efficiently without fuss.
This is one product that I have NO hesitation recommending to any HT rider.
5 x 5 for a great invention.
Rainman.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
fyrfytr310
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton, OH USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Harbin Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Campus Cyclery (Gift | | Strengths: | Ease of installation, simplicity of design and instantaneous results! | | Weaknesses: | Saddle bold was a little tough to get on but it wasn't the worst thing I have ever had to install on a bike. | | Similar Products Used: | N/A | | Bike Setup: | Felt Q-620: Juicy Three's w/8" Front and 6" Rear, X.7's, Dart 3 w/Poploc | | Bottom Line: | Having never even heard of a suspension seat post I was skeptacle of course but after researching the product and reading through a multitude of the review here(I must admit I did not read them all) I decided to go for it. One of the best decisions I have made for my bike to date. Once installed I took my bike to a local single track and rode the heck out of it and really put the post to the test by sitting sections I really should have stood and the feel was penominal. I only got jarred around when I hit something really big but even some of the jumps I could sit just fine. I'm a bigger guy (double black elastomers) and I thought for sure I was going to have a red rump after riding that hard but nope the seat performed beautifully. I recommend this post to anyone even considering the option. Kudos Cane Creek my ride now feels complete... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
webrocker
a Weekend Warrior
from Bend, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Phil's Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | online | | Strengths: | Easy to install immediate results | | Weaknesses: | It was a bit tricky getting my seat into the rails without taking one of the screws all the way off. Then I had to get the screw back in. Overall not bad though. | | Bike Setup: | Very Easy, just get your seat post diameter and your in. | | Bottom Line: | After reading some of the reviews I was wondering??? Then I sat on the thing and I fell in love. I was a bit hesitant after the first test ride on the road, but in the bumps and lava rocks of Bend, it is awesome!! I can't wait to take it for a major ride. It even seems to help with climbing which was such a chore. Thanks!!! I think this product is a must for hardtailer's who won't or can't spend tons on a full suspension model. I was even thinking of putting them on my kids bikes when they get a littler older. Would sure make their hardtail experience that much more enjoyable.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremiah
a Cross Country Rider
from West Richland, WA
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | Better than some suspension seatposts I have tried, you don't have the pogo stick feel. | | Weaknesses: | Like most other suspension seatposts, it doesn't really elminate the bumps just dampens them slightly. | | Similar Products Used: | NitroPro | | Bike Setup: | Litech magnesium frame, Rock Shox Duke SL, Sram XO | | Bottom Line: | Recieved from a friend who bought a full suspension bike and didn't need it anymore. I wanted to try it out to see what the hype was about and must admit it does a decent job, but not as good as the NitroPro that I'm switching back to. I would definitely recommend spending a bit more and getting the NitroPro, as long as you don't keep your seat pushed all the way back on your seatpost. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Coffin, Sr.
a Weekend Warrior
from Manquin, VA.
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Buttermilk in Richmond, VA. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | Does what it is advertised to do. Well made. Saves my back on long rides. | | Weaknesses: | Weight. Although this is really not an issue due to less wear and tear on my body. | | Similar Products Used: | Performance bikes telescoping suspension post. | | Bike Setup: | '05 Specialized Rockhopper Comp. Vuelta starlight wheels. Wellgo clipless pedals. WTB Weirwolf 2.3 tires. Hayes Hydraulic disk brakes. Shimano Deore LX components. Self build bike. | | Bottom Line: | This is well worth the 100 bucks I paid for it. I am 200 pounds, so drop offs hurt, especially at 37 years old. I like my hardtail as it climbs better than an F/S bike, and it is much easier to maintain. In Richmond, VA. not many downhill trails, so I thought it was a waste of money to by an F/S bike. I thught I made a mistake, since my body is not like it used to be, but after I installed the Thudbuster, it helped with my aches and pains. It will not replace the suspension of an F/S bike, but it will improve on a Hardtail bike's overall performance. It will spring forward on hard drops, but I stand in the saddle anyway. What it does do is help with climbing. I can get more torque from the real wheel than I could before. I find myself climbing hills that challenged me before. Buy this post if you want a suspension post. Other posts just move up and down, not giving you a more natural motion. You get what you pay for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thomas Coffin, Sr.
a Weekend Warrior
from Manquin, VA.
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Buttermilk in Richmond, VA. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$110.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | Does what it is advertised to do. Well made. Saves my back on long rides. | | Weaknesses: | Weight. Although this is really not an issue due to less wear and tear on my body. | | Similar Products Used: | Performance bikes telescoping suspension post. | | Bike Setup: | '05 Specialized Rockhopper Comp. Vuelta starlight wheels. Wellgo clipless pedals. WTB Weirwolf 2.3 tires. Hayes Hydraulic disk brakes. Shimano Deore LX components. Self build bike. | | Bottom Line: | This is well worth the 100 bucks I paid for it. I am 200 pounds, so drop offs hurt, especially at 37 years old. I like my hardtail as it climbs better than an F/S bike, and it is much easier to maintain. In Richmond, VA. not many downhill trails, so I thought it was a waste of money to by an F/S bike. I thught I made a mistake, since my body is not like it used to be, but after I installed the Thudbuster, it helped with my aches and pains. It will not replace the suspension of an F/S bike, but it will improve on a Hardtail bike's overall performance. It will spring forward on hard drops, but I stand in the saddle anyway. What it does do is help with climbing. I can get more torque from the real wheel than I could before. I find myself climbing hills that challenged me before. Buy this post if you want a suspension post. Other posts just move up and down, not giving you a more natural motion. You get what you pay for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Charlie Carrington
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO USA
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | White Rim | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$105.00 | | Purchased At: | Tree Fort Bikes | | Strengths: | Well designed, well executed product that does what it says it will do | | Weaknesses: | None worth mentioning. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Old steel Marin hardtail with new Rockshox Dart 3 fork | | Bottom Line: | Adding this seatpost (and the new fork) was like getting a brand new bike for less than $250.
My first ride on this setup was 100 miles on the White Rim trail in Utah's Canyonlands. The difference was amazing. I couldn't believe how fast I could go through the rough stuff. I was grinning instead of grimacing.
The motion feels very natural and plush. You can stay seated for all but the roughest terrain. You ride with far less energy expended.
Bottom line: If you have an old hardtail that you want to keep, do yourself a big favor and get one of these things. You won't regret it. It will make your bike fun to ride again.
(And get a modern fork, too :-) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Horst
a Cross Country Rider
from Peoria, IL, USA
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere in the woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$68.00 | | Purchased At: | E-Bay | | Strengths: | Install and forget it. Its simplicity and effectiveness are awesome. It really makes riding much more enjoyable and 90% of the time you forget its even down there. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Motobecane Fantom Pro 29er | | Bottom Line: | I'm a big boy and had to send off to Thudbuster.com for the purple elastomers (230-250#) which only cost $6 and arrived in a few days. I bought a hardtail bike because I didn't want the bounce inherent with DS bikes but after riding a while began to regret my decision. Then I got a Thudbuster and WOW! This thing is the greatest invention since clipless pedals. It takes all the previously jolting bumps out of my ride. Its almost like your saddle has a big pillow on it. Thanks Thudbuster from the bottom of my bottom! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Round Valley | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$105.00 | | Purchased At: | www.treefortbikes.com | | Strengths: | Quality Build.
Extra bushing to change the stiffness.
| | Weaknesses: | Price, but hey you get what you pay for.
| | Similar Products Used: | Nothing can compare | | Bike Setup: | 2008 Cannondale F3 | | Bottom Line: | This seat post is great, I'm so glad I found a quality built product that works as great.
Highly recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cameron
a Weekend Warrior
from Guthrie, Oklahoma, USA
Date Reviewed: May 11, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Mine | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | www.thudbuster.com | | Strengths: | Works awesome, pretty light | | Weaknesses: | Can't put seat down as low as before. | | Similar Products Used: | The post that came with my Hardrock. | | Bike Setup: | '07 Specialized Hardrock Sport disc, Cane Creek Thudbuster seat post, DMR V8 pedals, Race Face Ride DH X-type Crank, Race Face DH Bottom Bracket. | | Bottom Line: | If you have a hardtail and you ever sit down, you will love this thing. This thing works so well it's crazy, now the only vibration i feel is through the handlebars (I still have the stock forks). I was very surprised at how light this thing is. The only thing I don't like about it is that it raised my seat height about 4 inches, it's not a big deal though. This thing is worth every penny. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from New Braunfels, TX USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Madrone Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$139.00 | | Purchased At: | Thudbuster.com | | Strengths: | This thing rocks. Excellent design, benefit to weight ratio, tunability, durability. | | Weaknesses: | None, only human inability to understand the depth of Thudbuster greatness! | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 07 Felt Nine Pro Hardtail 29er | | Bottom Line: | This post is absolutely awesome. I've just recently gotten into mtb. I was really feeling I had made a mistake not going fs, but am now thrilled with my bike and the tb seatpost. Make no mistake, this post does not turn your ride into a full squish bike, but it takes a large amount of the edge off from bumps and small drops. I was able to stay down on the seat more and was therefore more efficient on my ride. The extra weight is more than made up for by the amount of bone-jarring fatigue you avoid while using the post. I highly recommend!!! If you want to make your ht more plush buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob L
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Swede Ridge | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$104.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint | | Strengths: | Does what it's advertised to do: extends riding time, reduces fatigue, absorbs chatter and moderate hits. | | Weaknesses: | Weight compared to conventional seatpost. | | Similar Products Used: | 0 | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed hard tail, Judy shock, XT w/ Race Face crank, WTB saddle w/ Ti rails. | | Bottom Line: | Couldn't see sense in replacing my Litespeed with anything else because it handles so beautifully. However, the idea of full suspension was appealing. Other suspension posts move in the same plane as the seat tube, yet the action from the rear wheel is more up & forward. Therefore the Thudbuster seemed like a smart solution. At $104 the price was OK too. Now, having used it, I'm happy with it. The added weight is not noticeable, and it provides about the same shock absorption as my front shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ufo
a Cross Country Rider
from Riga
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Strengths: | Keeps your back from road bumps | | Weaknesses: | Swings a little bit on even roads | | Bottom Line: | I had big problems with my back hurting after riding on bumpy roads. This seat post is a solution. I can now ride even without standing up on small and average bumps and by back still feels ok. But I would recommend to buy it only in case if you really need it since it adds a little bit of seat swinging up and down on even roads and also weight. I have use to it and it does not disturb me so much especially since it saves my back on bumpy roads which was my biggest problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Strasburg
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$135.00 | | Purchased At: | Crane Creek | | Strengths: | Heavy Duty
Comfort
Not all that heavy. | | Weaknesses: | Kind of bulky looking but the skin covers it nicely.
Little overpriced, but worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | Full suspension bike | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4500 | | Bottom Line: | I read the reviews and decided to order one of the seat posts. I was not disappointed. In all reality after the first few rides you won’t even know its on the bike. You think you are riding a regular suspension bike. It evens out the small bumps and takes the bigger bumps in stride. The seat post is not all that much heavy than the one I took off. The skin hides everything nicely. I would recommend this to anyone who likes to ride a bit rough. I also noticed that I could keep seating a lot more than normal because I didn’t even notice the majority of the bumps | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from Jacksonville, FL USA
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Hannah Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Simple, Easy to Use and Maintain, Effective | | Weaknesses: | Expensive | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Trek 6000 with Minute 3:00 Fork | | Bottom Line: | As my son says, I am old and fat, 42 and 225 lbs. Thus, when I hit the mud, sand and root crossed trails of Northern Florida, a hardtail bike is appropriately named. I really like the ride and bang for the buck that my Trek 6000 gives me. I have never ridden a FS and was adverse to making the change so I stuck to a hardtail when I purchased my Trek earlier this year. In hindsight, I think I should have made the switch. However, after doing a lot research, I decided the suspension seat post upgrade was the best route and the Thudbuster came out way on top. The Thudbuster is a great product. I ride the same trail all the time. So, when I rode if for the first time with the Thudbuster I could tell the difference immediately. The suspension allowed me to remain seated through almost 95% of the ride. Before, I was off the bike most of the time. I improved my time through the course and increased the comfort dramatically. As an added benefit, the Thudbuster changed the geometry of my Trek by extending the cockpit length, which I like. Some have complained that the Trek geometry has them sitting upright too much. I have never had this problem. However, if you decided to upgrade to a Thudbuster, make sure you take the possible geometry change into consideration. This is the only aspect of the Thudbuster I did not expect. Everything else was pretty much spot on. Great product that works as advertised. Best value is at Pricepoint. I purchased from Performance-a mistake for multiple reasons. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Deme Moore
a Cross Country Rider
from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | Saves your spine and lower backside. Works as advertised without the stiction and fuss. Multi day rides possible on a hardtail without numb bum syndrome. | | Weaknesses: | Complex linkage means you'd better get some sort of cover to keep the crud off. Slight hint of bob if you tune it soft, but nothing you don't see on a FS anyways. Just pedal in the right gear and you're fine. A little on the heavy side but you're still years ahead of an FS is you have a light hardtail. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing suspension post, ride FS also though. | | Bike Setup: | Trek hardtails and FS. | | Bottom Line: | This will not make your hardtail into a full suspension. You still have to get up off the seat for the truly big stuff, you still have the rear get squirrely over the bumps. None of that changes. If you're looking to tame the rear then you get a full suspension. Period.
However if you like hardtails, their low maintenance, simplicity and light weight AND like me are getting a little tired of having to put up with using your spine as a shock absorber then this is the ticket. Chattery roots typical of northeast riding disappear into muted thumps. Even the big stuff you might have missed and stayed in the seat doesn't bother you as much. You get pitched a little sure, but that's still nothing at all compared to getting one in the walnuts by mistake!
For me the real proof of how well it works is that I don't even notice it's there. I tried going back to the solid post just because I initially thought it maybe didn't do that much for the ride. That's when I realized how much damping it offers! The thudbuster immediately feels "normal" and keeps the familiar feel of your hardtail so there's nothing new to learn. It's when you stop using it that you can't believe you actually put up with that level of punishment in the past! And needless to say you never will go back to a solid post.
Don't listen to people comparing the Thud to a titanium or carbon fiber seatpost. I've ridden those and can tell you they're not even in the same league for plush. I haven't tried the telescoping posts but I don't see how anything with less than 3" of travel would be as smooth and controlled as this product. The big travel means you can tune if stiff without the loss of comfort since there's so much travel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | cane creek | | Strengths: | Looks well made, mine came with a free lizard skin cover | | Weaknesses: | Looks a bit ugly | | Similar Products Used: | U.S.E Alien seatpost | | Bike Setup: | N-zone slacker,Bomber fork,Avid discs | | Bottom Line: | I got this because I wanted to make my hardtail more comfortable,I had read the reviews ,made my decision and ordered it, about US$130-150.Out of the box it was fitted with the correct blue springs for my weight, but i found it way too soft just riding up the footpath, so I put in 1 black?(next hardest spring?) and much better.I have used it at Woodhill, Redwoods,Hunua and Whitford, no problems, it has saved me a couple of times on bad landings so I am quite happy with it.Havent noticed any bobbing any worse than a F/S bike, in fact compared to my Epic I feel more comfortable on this ,no it wont help you on really rough trails but for my needs it suits me 95% of the stuff I ride. MBA say it is too top heavyWHAT?, I just think they hate anything to do with hardtails. If you like H/Ts and set it up properly and fiddle a bit with the seat position it will do you well | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from RI
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Big River | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Travel lenth | | Weaknesses: | Weight | | Similar Products Used: | Tamer Pivot Plus XC (PP) | | Bike Setup: | 6061 & 7005 AL Hardtails with 80-100 mm travel | | Bottom Line: | After 1900+ hours on NE rocky, rooty trails, the bottom arm bolt of my ThudBuster (TB) compressed and I returned it to Cane Creek for a rebuild. I then installed a freshly factory rebuilt PP, which, after only 60 hours, the lower arm pivot pin broke in half and popped out and then unit began torquing. I knew I was on borrowed time so I called to check on the TB which I had shipped out a month before. The rep was surprised at the delay and told me that he would ship a new unit along with a Crudbuster (cover) and a rebuild kit at no additional charge. One week later it arrived and I installed the TB. The most important advantages over the PP, which is also an articulating design, are the bevelled arm bolts which prevent pop-outs and torquing, the additional travel, and the secure and accurate double clamp system. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jonny smith
a Cross Country Rider
from new york
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa | | Strengths: | Not too many since it broke. 100 bucks is too much, should cost about 60. | | Weaknesses: | It did break after 15 rides. So you make the decision. | | Bottom Line: | It did break and Cane Creek did not warranty it. It did work for a while but 100 bucks is too much for a product that breaks after about 15 rides. I wish it worked but it didn't so you have to decide if you want to spend 100bucks on it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Eau Claire, WI
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Anyplace off road | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint | | Strengths: | Works well for a suspension seatpost. Inexpensive when compared with some others. | | Weaknesses: | Rebound can be a bit much. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockshox, White Bros AP-1, Nitropro. My wife says, "So you have $500 in seatposts?" | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Homegrown Comp | | Bottom Line: | I'm been looking for a trail-like ride from this bike and the TB LT helps out much better than the other 3. It feels about the same as an 80-90 mm full suspension XC bike. The TB weighs a bit more than the RockShox and the AP-1, less than the Nitropro, and much less than a high end FS bike. If Cane Creek could refine the rebound it would be greater than the others, not just better although I can usually negate the rebound with my legs and feet because I use cleats. It's the cheapest of the 4 I own and works the best. Occasionally I will use the AP-1 and Nitropro just to reassure myself that the TB works the best. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pedals Fastly
a
from Austin, Texas
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Strengths: | It works | | Weaknesses: | A little bouncy if you don't preload it right. A bit expensive. | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Marlin | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this is a great product. I put it up there with clipless pedals and front suspension as far as it's utility.
I ride XC trails that deliver sections of brutal terrain. These rough sections just aren't plentiful enough for me to justify spending $1,500-2,000 on a full suspension. It's really the normal small bumps that vibrate up the back over and over again during a ride that were bothering me.
That's what this product is for--it takes the edge off the normal rocks, roots, and geography you experience on any given trail. It's not going to allow you to stay seated over a 6 inch high bolder or log. But it will make your life so much easier on the rest of the trail.
You notice an immediate difference when you set it up on your bike. I'd say it gives me (190lbs) a good 2 inches of travel. It offers up to 3 inches. I eat up a good inch just by sitting on it though.
It's a product that you quickly become use to and will take for granted. After a couple of rides you won't notice it as much--it becomes a part of your expectations, but when you ride a bike without it, you notice it.
I'd say the weaknesses are these: it's kind of expensive. I had a hard time getting the bolts loose--these things are really stiff (which I guess keeps them from wiggling loose, so perhaps this is a nec. evil), and you'll get a little rebound bounce sometimes. The rebound occurs if you stay seated over large terrain. You get so used to staying seated with this on your bike that you'll find yourself pushing it to the limit--that's when you get rebounded a bit. But, the rebound is no worse (actually better) than riding over big terrain on a hardtail with no seat post suspension.
This bike has saved me a lot of money. This fills in the gap between hardtail and full suspension for this XC rider. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
simon chetwynd
a Cross Country Rider
from Newbury, UK
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$224.00 | | Purchased At: | wiggle.co.uk | | Strengths: | Really well made and easy to adjust by changing the (supplied) elastomer blocks. On gravel tracks it gives just as smooth a ride as a full suspension bike. No stiction at all giving a smooth action with adequate damping.
User servicable (although I haven't had it long enough to test this yet) | | Weaknesses: | Can't use an under seat wedge.
Claims to have 3" travel but the reality is somewhat less than this as the elastomers can't compress that much unless you subject it to a bike breaking hit. | | Similar Products Used: | Full suspension bike | | Bike Setup: | Giant Terrago hardtail | | Bottom Line: | I use it to improve comfort on a 20 mile a day commute down gravel tracks. It really does work superbly well giving a far smoother ride than the stock hardtail and on this relatively gently terrain the ride is just as good as the Giant NRS full suspension bike. Not tried it on serious off-road stuff, that's what the NRS is for, but for what I want, its the business. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bill
a
from broomfield
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | front range | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | jensons | | Strengths: | Update from earlier post | | Weaknesses: | After a rather long and hard ride found 5 out of six bolts that hold the links together with the heads snapped off. The only thing holding the rear link together was the velcro strap on my seat bag. The front was held with the only bolt not broken. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4300 | | Bottom Line: | Replaced bolts with stainless, hope this works. This was a close call and just a heads up if you buy one of these keep an eye on it! Still love the post but Cane Creek should find another vender for thier bolts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from Saunderstown, RI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Similar Products Used: | Tamer, Rock Shox, USE, Moderne | | Bike Setup: | Aluminum hardtails with 80-100 fork travel | | Bottom Line: | Thudbuster LT offer 3" of stictionless travel, has bevelled pivot washers (no torque or pop-outs), double clamp (secure and accurate set-up), supplied elastometers provide for easy adjustment, low maintainance, extremely durable, and a rebuild kit is available. A great enhancement to the hardtail riding experience. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from Saunderstown, RI, USA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Similar Products Used: | Tamer, Rock Shox, USE, Moderne | | Bike Setup: | Aluminum hardtails with 80-100 fork travel | | Bottom Line: | Thudbuster LT offer 3" of stictionless travel, has bevelled pivot washers (no torque or pop-outs), double clamp (secure and accurate set-up), supplied elastometers provide for easy adjustment, low maintainance, extremely durable, and a rebuild kit is available. A great enhancement to the hardtail riding experience. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donnie Anderson
a Weekend Warrior
from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | Very adjustable to riders weight, preload adjustable, solid construction, good manual, price, measurements on post for adjusting height | | Weaknesses: | Crudbuster should be included (I bought it), and the white elastomers are not included for light riders under 120lbs (glad I didn't need them and I'm light at 130lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | non suspension post | | Bike Setup: | Giant hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Well this was a very nice upgrade to my hardtail. It will the gap between now and a few years when I buy a full suspension frame. This post may actually delay my purchase of a new frame saving me even more money.
The seatpost is easily adjustable using the chart provided by CaneCreek. Just match the colored elastomers to your weight...no guessing required. You can also adjust the preload using their guide with no guess work.
The seatpost also has a measurment scale written on the seatpost so you can adjust the height easily. This was nice, I never saw this done before.
The manual is awesome. I describes everything in detail. One of the best manuals I ever read.
Performance is awesome. It actually works. I am jsut bobbing away on this thing. I just tested it in the parking lot at my apartment, but it works great. It actually bobs up and down like a high quality oil filled shock. It won't work off road on the big stuff so you still need to get off the seat.
If your a hardcore rider and truck your bike to the trails to ride only the hardcore trails, you probably want a full suspension. If your an all around rider who commutes, does long distance with a hydration pack, rides the hard packed dirt trails, the dirt roads, etc... and does a bit of off road on the extreme Mtn bike trails then this seat will suit you fine. However it is no replacement for a full suspension reserved for those who ride mainly the rough Mtn Bike specific trails.
At only $100 its a worthy upgrade for anybody who wants to ride a hardtail. Or for those who think they might want a full suspension but know they don't really need it cause honestly they don't ride 100% extreme trails. It's cheap and it works. What more could you ask for.
Only gripes are that it doesn't come with the white elastomers for riders uner 120lbs. Keep this in mind if you are under 120lbs and want to order this. The crudbuster is also an additional purchase. If you order form thudberter.com the crudbuster is included free...otherwise you pay for it. It's a worthy purchase though...I have it and it fits like a glove. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bill
a Weekend Warrior
from broomfield colorado
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | front range | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Jensons | | Strengths: | High quality, eats up the bumps and dips, looks cool! | | Weaknesses: | Full retail is a bit high but who pays that? | | Similar Products Used: | Full suspension bike | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4300 full XT Thudbuster/Liberator saddle | | Bottom Line: | This was the best upgrade I made to my bike! After riding a cheap heavy full suspension bike for years I bought a lighter hardtail. Soon found out on long rides (40-50 mi.) that I was focusing more on missing the bumps and ruts than enjoying the ride. This seatpost made a world of difference. It does exactly what it is supposed to do and like any good component you don't even notice it while you ride. I still stand for the big drops and bumps (for me crowding 50 thats anything over a few inches) but stay planted on all the little stuff. Another nice thing is you don't loose any power to a rear susension while you pump. It takes a little trial and error to tune this post (elastomer combinations, preload and saddle adjustment) but once you have it you can forget it. This post will add a little weight to your bike but in my opinion worth every ounce and penny. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Horacek
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, England
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Helly Hansen V-Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction | | Strengths: | Looks durable, longlasting and a good idea | | Weaknesses: | Sorry, I bought this on the back of over 400 previous reviews. I really didnt get on with this at all. First impressions were that it feels like your a riding on a rear-flat. on descents over roots and small drops (not drops, just rolling over less than a foot in the trail) I found that the saddle tended to 'kick' forward and hit me in the thighs. Due to my riding style I tend to hover my thighs loosely around the sides of the saddle- hit a root and it kicks forward pitching my bodyweight over the front of the bars. Not good.
It feels like it compresses and rebounds slowly on the climbs but the rebound 'kicks' faster when going down.
simple bounce bike on its back wheel watch the slight movement of the saddle forwards and backwards- then repeat with your body. | | Similar Products Used: | Thomson inlines | | Bike Setup: | Was a Evil Sovereign now a 07 Spesh Stumjumper FSR/self build. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this as I was feeling pretty sore after a long ride on my joints on my hardtail however after spending UK£120 I do feel like I have utterly wasted the money. Why does it cost so much when really its two rubberstops in a linkage arrangement?
I found that if you drop the saddle right down or push the saddle right back on its rails then its not a problem for me'. Climbing etc is great/improved though once you get used to it however....descending hmmmmm | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Ooltewah, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Chilhowie | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | East Ridge Bicycles | | Strengths: | Functions as intended. Adjustability via elastomers. No stiction noted. Sexy, stealthy finish....in a plump, big-boned sort of way. Reliable. | | Weaknesses: | Plump....kinda heavy. I don't believe you can get rated travel out of this thing without removing the elastomers and measuring total stroke, which you can never use in the post as the elastomers have to have some room in the quad-contraption. Travel stroke always goes to the rear and down. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Suspension seatpost and Rockshox suspension seatpost. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale F-600 | | Bottom Line: | Review is for teh LT model. Great seatpost, but a little heavy. Agree with other reviewer that the stroke is down and back, which puts you further behind bottom bracket during stroke. I also had to jam my saddle all the way forward in the clamp and still was a couple of mm's behind my usual position. Once you get used to the stroke it though, it is 'butta'. I am planning to buy an ST model for my Cannondale Bad Boy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeffrey wong
a Weekend Warrior
from aberdeen, WA 98520
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | jeffwinnevada@yahoo.com | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | THUDBUSTER.COM | | Strengths: | Quick install, taking less than an hour and few tools. Works like a charm, eats up bumps. I can now sit and pedal through places that rattled the family jewels and made me stand up. Ordered direct, I also received the mud cover free. unlike a recent reviewer, I don't mind that it recovers at the same rate as it compresses. That just makes it ready for the next bump! I didn't notice any irritating pogoing effect. | | Weaknesses: | not much unless you want suspension without weight.
At only 8 oz more than my OEM seatpost, negligible | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Delta V900, ca 1992 | | Bottom Line: | I must have read about 50 reviews on this site. I should have bought this years ago. I had considered a full suspension mtn bike, but then I tend not to sell my old bikes. I've ridden a FS once, and after today's ride on my thudbuster, for the kind of riding I do (double track logging roads with infrequent bumps and rocks exceedong 2") thudbuster made more sense. If you find a FS that weighs only 8 oz more than a hardtail and costs merely $130 more | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
srwings
a
from Sterling, VA
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Plum Grove Cyclery, | | Strengths: | Does what it is supposed to. | | Weaknesses: | Weight. I'm not a weight wienie but the Thudbuster LT 3" is twice as heavy as my OEM Bontrager Select seatpost (308g). The ST 1.3" version is somewhere in between. I would be willing to pay more for a lighter LT version.
Rebound. The Thudbuster rebounds at the same rate that it compresses which means it will bounce you out of the seat. This is not a show-stopper, just something to be aware of. Cane Creek, if you are reading this, it would be nice if there was a way to slow down the rebound rate. | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | 2006 Gary Fisher Paragon 29er. | | Bottom Line: | I purchased the Thudbuster LT based on the recommendation of my LBS. I got it for a two day 190 mile ride of the C&O tow path from Cumberland, MD to Washington D.C. The tow path is mostly hard packed dirt. I haven't had a chance to take the Thudbuster on rocky single track yet but it performed perfectly during my C&O ride as well as during training rides up to 110 miles long. I'm glad I purchased it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Thudbuster.com | | Strengths: | Well built. Adjustable sag. Makes my HT feel like a FS. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy, but you will be faster with it! | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Orbea 29er hardtail | | Bottom Line: | I almost didn't buy it because of the extra weight. I'm SO glad I did. The LT travel is awesome. Makes my HT feel like my old FS when I'm sitting, but I'm so much faster on the HT. This should be standard on every HT for those that ride rocky trails. Try it, you will love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gee Dubya
a Weekend Warrior
from Alexandria, VA, CSA
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Quantico MCB | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$129.00 | | Purchased At: | Jensen.com | | Strengths: | Brilliant quad-moment arm design! Simple, durable, effective. | | Weaknesses: | A bit pricey and requires at least 5 inches between seat mount and bike frame (which is only a problem if you're riding a bike that's too big). | | Similar Products Used: | There are no similar. | | Bike Setup: | '05 Stumpjumper w/ front squishy forx, mumesson voluptuizer, focal rectifier, and valmorphanized with conformal tanks. | | Bottom Line: | For taint's sake, buy it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raul Roman
a Weekend Warrior
from Ocala
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Santos, Ocala FL | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$113.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson | | Strengths: | Makes for a much smoother ride and seems to have no bad side effects. | | Weaknesses: | Not going to turn your Hard Tail into a full suspension bike. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | '07 Yellow Trek 4300, WTB Speed V saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I am very please with this purchase. This review is for the ST model which I picked because I wanted just a little more comfort without any bad side effects. This product exceeded my expectations and I would have to say that I would not do without it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cloggy
a
from Welsh Marches
Date Reviewed: December 25, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | With the cover It's yet to show any wear, however it wouldn't have lasted didly squat without it, so I think it should come as standard. It's more supple and longer travel than tele seatposts. The spring rate/progression/sag is spot on | | Weaknesses: | Heavyish but given the design I don't think it could be any lighter. The clamp positioning is really dumb. Since you run it with some sag it automatically moves backwards as soon as you sit on it so it should come with an inline seatpost, not one with a load of layback
Not much dampng, the elastomers seem to vary in firmness. This was ever the case with any elastomer product. I'm running at least one colour lighter than recomended with the corrct pretension, and I've never bottomed them | | Similar Products Used: | Cheap Taiwanese 1" teleposts [surprisingly effective for the price] USE posts [durable as long as you clean them occasionally and use the correct grease. Since they neglected to tell anyone this when they first came out my first post developed over an 1" of rotational movement] | | Bike Setup: | 2004 MX pros steel geared/singlespeed Dialled Love/Hate hardtail with Phil Wood ebb | | Bottom Line: | I can rotate the singlespeed compatable bottom bracket to counter the extra layback so it's not a problem but my previous slightly small hardtail, admitedly with a 20mm overlength front fork, had a tendancy to lift on climbs which was dealt with using ETA.
As long as you can get a good bikefit I don't think this product has any faults, though it would fit more set ups with an inline clamp. I've got the saddle jammed far forward and the bottom bracket facing backwards at 3 O'clock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Byron Figueras
a Weekend Warrior
from Bronx,NY
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Sprain Ridge,Yonkers,NY | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | EBAY | | Strengths: | I was 265lbs when I bought thudbuster(black elastomers)afraid I'd snap the thru-bolt.I'm 250 now, given this post a beating and still no problems,GREAT PRODUCT for Hard-Tailers like me. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | n/a | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Worth every penny, feels like a dual susp. but with about 3 inches of real feel travel. Easy on the ass and spinal column. Best addition to my hardtail! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethesda
Date Reviewed: October 15, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Gambril at the watershed/ Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$115.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Takes the edge of the ugly stuff and lets me stay in the saddle during more of the climbs. | | Weaknesses: | Nothing really to speak of... | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed Owl Hollow with XT all around. | | Bottom Line: | Sold my Klein Mantra and went back to hardtail but needed something to save my kidneys...the thudbuster has been that little something and has been bullitproof for better than five years now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Diffendoofer
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | JensonUSA | | Strengths: | Plush and well built. | | Weaknesses: | None yet I can tell. | | Similar Products Used: | None. 1st suspension seatpost. | | Bike Setup: | 10 yr old RockHopper A1FS Comp modded to be commuter bike with narrow road tires and Kona Project 2 ridgid fork. | | Bottom Line: | I bought this for my commuter bike because it seemed like a good way to add some comfort to my otherwise super stiff aluminum frame without dropping a decent paycheck for a full suspension rig. I'm 180 lbs and am using the blue bumpers. It sags about 10-15 cm when I put my full weight on it standing still which seems about the right amount to take the edge off the sucky roads around here. I should have bought this long ago. My lower back likes it a lot. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking at suspension seatposts to add comfort to their setup. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Banas
a Weekend Warrior
from Mettet Belgium
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Aachan Germany | | Strengths: | Very easy installation,Elastomer chart is very precise-I sit in most places I would get get out of the saddle before-very well thought out product-no flaws yet- | | Weaknesses: | A bit pricy -and not real great looking-real concerned over long term use and dirt and grit wear-I hope to get at least 2 years use for the price? | | Similar Products Used: | Telscopic suspension seatpost
(which is useless
telescopic seatpost which is no compare to the thudbuster l/t | | Bike Setup: | Viper hardtail with all the advantages of a hardtail! | | Bottom Line: | I really checked out all the options to smooth my hardtail ride over these roots and rocks -I found this to be a very good solution to my sore butt after riding-on top of that the shop where I bought it took the time to explain all aspects of the part and even installed it on a bike in shop for me to really see the effects of the seatpost-very thankful for a great shop owner who listens to the customers concerns!I hope the quality of cane creek will hold out-only time will tell-anxious to get out and ride tommorow knowing my ride will be softer and more enjoyable | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff Jensen
a Weekend Warrior
from Pullman, WA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | B&L Bicycles | | Strengths: | Long travel, easy to swap out elastomers, easy to swap out seats, solid construction | | Weaknesses: | Elastomers are too springy, not soft enough. Doesn't come in silver. | | Similar Products Used: | Moab Power-Post | | Bike Setup: | '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur, 5" Marzocchi MZ-Comp, Thudbuster LT which I sandblasted | | Bottom Line: | I sandblasted mine so it's flat grey. I'm not sure I should have done that, but it looks cool and doesn't seem to affect performance.
The only way I could make it feel as plush as I wanted was to buy the white, softest elastomers they make (rated for people up to 130lbs, I weight 137-146). These felt PERFECT, better than any suspension seatpost I have used, until about 2.5 months later, when riding down a bumpy walking path on my way home from work and they popped itno 3 or 4 pieces. So I had to go back to the greys, which are like a trampoline, not nearly as good, but they do HELP take the bump out of the ride.
This design is a good idea, but not perfected yet. My next bike is goign to be full suspension for sure.
After the first rainstorm i drove these through, now it creaks like no other and I've oiled every joint on the thing, which only slightly decreased the creaking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a
from UK
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | £108 from Wiggle, UK | | Strengths: | Well made, easy to fit, easy to adjust, acceptable weight, cm marked on the stem but mainly, for me, the suspension mechanism does not adversely affect the range of knee movement as much as a pogo stick type seatpost. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Generics | | Bike Setup: | Road riding only. Trek 7300 hybrid, modified crank to cater for my limited knee flexion (full extension but less than 90 degrees bend), Continental Ultra Gator Duraskin 700c x 28 (nearer 25mm), Bionx electric assist motor (fatastic!) | | Bottom Line: | I only ride on roads but bumps jarred my weak knee, made worse by the Gator Duraskins which measure at 25mm wide which reduce the effort required for me to cycle but at a cost of a less comfy ride - the Thudbuster more than compensates, making average road surfaces feel very smooth, and taking the edge off the big bumps. I went for the LT as I wasn't so bothered by the slight weight penalty and it seemed to give more setup options than the ST. I'd not be without it now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Gaithersburg, MD USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Schaffer Farm | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$159.00 | | Purchased At: | All American Bicycles | | Strengths: | Lightweight, elastomer kit provides adjustable compression and rebound damping, small minimum extension, stiction-free travel, quick and easy installation, no uphill bobbing as with full suspension MTBs. | | Weaknesses: | A bit pricey. | | Similar Products Used: | Various FS MTBs such as Trek Fuel 90, Marin East Peak, and Giant NRS. Also tried the LT (long travel) Thudbuster | | Bike Setup: | Trek 3700 with Thudbuster ST and Shimano PD520 clipless pedals) | | Bottom Line: | The Cane Creek Thudbuster ST Suspension Seat Post made a huge improvement. I ride with much younger riders who all have fairy high-end full suspension MTBs. Although their rear suspensions allow them to go much faster downhill my hardtail with its lack of up-hill bobbing allows me make-up time and expend less energy on the up-hill climbs. The Thudbuster gives me the best of both words so to speak. It really takes the edge off XC riding. The ST provides 1.3" of stiction-free movement. I sold one of my hardtails and have a Thudbuster ST (31.6") that I listed in the classifieds section on this site - precbsed@verizon.net | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
max crocodile
a Cross Country Rider
from Philippines
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Switchbacks | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | somewhere in Manila | | Strengths: | The best suspension seatpost ever. Different set ups. From different Elastomers. Good looking designs. GREAT aftersales service from the mother company (My retailer stinks!) The closest thing you can get to a full suspension bike. Did i mention great after sale service? | | Weaknesses: | Expensive, Heavy, Elastomers takes time in changing, Doesnt have the the right size for my Giant XTC. I have to use a shim to fit it in. (Which is very expensive too!) | | Similar Products Used: | Zoom telescopic seatpost and other similar product that has no branding | | Bike Setup: | Cross country 03 Giant XTC SRAM equipped 9.0 to 7.0 Truvatic cranks vectra wheels marzochhi Fork | | Bottom Line: | Great product. Cancelled my plan for a full suspension frame beacuse of this. Strongly recommended for those who wants to stay on their hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maurizio S. L.
a Cross Country Rider
from San Juan - Puerto Rico
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Tecate B.C. Mexico | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$129.00 | | Purchased At: | Thudbuster | | Strengths: | Thudbuster ST
Size. Easy Install. Manufacturing. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Spring Seats. FS. | | Bike Setup: | 7005 DB Miztli (Turbo Mexico) Shimano/Suntour. | | Bottom Line: | Gotta Hardtail? Get a Thudbuster. Any questions? :)
For years I drove cars without A/C. I can't live without it now. I never had a sunroof in my car until college. Again, can't live without it.
It is one of those things you don't use or know about, yet when you try it... you won't be able to live without it. In fact, you'll ask yourself... how could I live without it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensboro, N.C USA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Salem Lake | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint .com | | Strengths: | Very durable, perfomance not effected by dirt and grime, simple construction, easy instalation | | Weaknesses: | None as of yet | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | Rakeigh M80 Sram X.9 rear der., sram x.9 trigger shifters, hayes disk brakes, stainless eggbeaters | | Bottom Line: | Great product for hardtailers, however dont let people fool you into thinking that this product will make your bike like a full suspension bike, i still take some hard hits that only a full suspension could ease, however it is a great thing to have and helps reduce fatigue and sore backs, highly recomend this product over other suspension seatposts because of simple construction, and ease of use, hardtailers if u arn't concerned about a little extra weight this is the post for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Page
a Cross Country Rider
from York, Maine
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Web | | Strengths: | Simple, not heavy. | | Weaknesses: | Not a hi-tech full suspension system, but I don't expect that from this. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Klein Pulse hardtail | | Bottom Line: | My old hardtail was getting unbearable on the root-strewn, rocky trails I ride in New England. I can stay sitting on my bike twice the time now since I added this seatpost, which means less fatigue and longer rides. Worth the small extra weight to carry. I can feel bobbing going down the pavement to the trailhead, but when I hit the woods I glad to have something to ease the bumps. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darius
a Weekend Warrior
from Manila, Philippines
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Poppy's | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Plush | | Weaknesses: | No damping | | Similar Products Used: | Rockshox suspension post circa 1999, Post Moderne | | Bike Setup: | Kona hardtail, SRAM XO, Race Face cranks, Thomson, etc. | | Bottom Line: | This post transformed my unforgiving hardtail into an all-day XC cruiser. It is plusher than any other post I have tried. But it could be better. Some points:
1) Your seat will be a full 1-2 inches farther back than with a straight post. Even adjusting the seat as far forward as possible did not ompletely compensate, given the sag. I am switching to a shorter stem to restore my seated climbing position.
2) Rebound is just as fast as the compression stroke. That means if you are sitting when you hit something big, you will get launched. Some reviewers argue that you should be out of the saddle anyway for such hits. Generally true except for trail riding that includes rolling lumps and bumps rather than outright rocks or anything else with a square edge. Where before you could pedal through these sections seated, now you will want to unweight or suffer the bouncing.
3) The elastomers are softer than you are led to believe by the chart that comes with this post. It recommends two black "firm" bumpers for 220+ riders, but in fact this combination is still too soft. On the other hand, the optional extra firm purple elastomers that I ordered direct from Cane Creek are as hard as rocks. They need to offer elastomers somewhere in between these two levels of firmness.
4) You can preload the post by tightening the main bolt that runs through the elastomers. This helps. But climbing still requires serious concentration. If you are not perfectly smooth, you will bounce all the way up the hill.
5) Mine came with an ill fitting seat clamp that allows the seat a minute amount of wiggle no matter how much torque I put on the two bolts. Since I seem to be the only one with this issue I'll chalk it up to bad luck. Cane Creek has always backed their products with world class customer service.
Most of these are nitpicks, but not the rebound issue. If Cane Creek can find a way to dampen this elastomer system, they will have a real winner and sell ten times as many.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tuck Fexas
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Busharagua
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Classified Means and Methods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$139.00 | | Purchased At: | thudbuster.com | | Strengths: | Works. Free neoprene protector has cool skink. Unit is slimmer than online pictures suggest. Transforms the ride. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. Early days. | | Similar Products Used: | Several spendy dual suspenders belonging to reluctant friends and way too trusting dealers. There was a brief fling with a Fisher 29er, but I was desperate. Thudbuster is my first suspension seatpost, however. | | Bike Setup: | Fisher Tassajara w/ Hayes HFX Hydros(5 chili), Wellgo clip ons (2.5 chili), Ergon (wing thingie) grips (5 chili). | | Bottom Line: | Thudbuster is a 7.5 flamin' chili DEAL. Lowered my S.A.H. index from 5.9 to 3.8 (10 is flaming Republican, 1 is Buddha's serene hiney-ness) on the first test ride. I missed 3 hard to find single track turnoffs...so stoked by how well this product works. An earlier reviewer suggests raising the seat post a bit over normal to account for elastomer compression. I agree, being at the upper end of the blue elastomer weight range. Buy and try a Thudbuster on your own rig on a trail you know well. Within 20 minutes you'll know you did the right thing. Don’t know why, Thudbuster made a man out of my low end Manitou fronties. The rig floated better through the secret nests of baseball sized rocks found on Classified Means and Methods. I'm no racer, but was still able to shoot more aggresive lines. YES YOU WILL ride longer and more comfortably with this seatpost. Next test: How long will Thudbuster last?
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tuck Fexas
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, Busharagua
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Classified Means and Methods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$139.00 | | Purchased At: | thudbuster.com | | Strengths: | Works. Free neoprene protector has cool skink. Unit is slimmer than online pictures suggest. Transforms the ride. | | Weaknesses: | None yet. Early days. | | Similar Products Used: | Several spendy dual suspenders belonging to reluctant friends and way too trusting dealers. There was a brief fling with a Fisher 29er, but I was desperate. Thudbuster is my first suspension seatpost, however. | | Bike Setup: | Fisher Tassajara w/ Hayes HFX Hydros(5 chili), Wellgo clip ons (2.5 chili), Ergon (wing thingie) grips (5 chili). | | Bottom Line: | Thudbuster is a 7.5 flamin' chili DEAL. Lowered my S.A.H. index from 5.9 to 3.8 (10 is flaming Republican, 1 is Buddha's serene hiney-ness) on the first test ride. I missed 3 hard to find single track turnoffs...so stoked by how well this product works. An earlier reviewer suggests raising the seat post a bit over normal to account for elastomer compression. I agree, being at the upper end of the blue elastomer weight range. Buy and try a Thudbuster on your own rig on a trail you know well. Within 20 minutes you'll know you did the right thing. Don’t know why, Thudbuster made a man out of my low end Manitou fronties. The rig floated better through the secret nests of baseball sized rocks found on Classified Means and Methods. I'm no racer, but was still able to shoot more aggresive lines. YES YOU WILL ride longer and more comfortably with this seatpost. Next test: How long will Thudbuster last?
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gautam Bose
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Anne Springs, SC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Though I've only used it for a few weeks, I've been impressed -- it takes the edge off a lot of small bumps that used to reallt irritate/exhaust. For big bumps, of course, you're out of the saddle, anyway.
It isn't a dual-suspension, but seems to provide many of the benefits. | | Weaknesses: | Seat seems very set far back -- other reviewers have noticed this too. Not sure if I can adjust to fix this. Sometimes a bit too bouncy -- would prefer some damping.
Bottom line -- this is good value, if you own a hardtail. If not, you might put the extra money intop buying a dual instead of a hardtail. But it's great value for me, since I already own a Trek 6500. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Trek 6500 stock | | Bottom Line: | By it, if you have a hardtail -- it'll make your life easier and your rides more fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gautam Bose
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Anne Springs, SC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Though I've only used it for a few weeks, I've been impressed -- it takes the edge off a lot of small bumps that used to reallt irritate/exhaust. For big bumps, of course, you're out of the saddle, anyway.
It isn't a dual-suspension, but seems to provide many of the benefits. | | Weaknesses: | Seat seems very set far back -- other reviewers have noticed this too. Not sure if I can adjust to fix this. Sometimes a bit too bouncy -- would prefer some damping.
Bottom line -- this is good value, if you own a hardtail. If not, you might put the extra money intop buying a dual instead of a hardtail. But it's great value for me, since I already own a Trek 6500. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Trek 6500 stock | | Bottom Line: | By it, if you have a hardtail -- it'll make your life easier and your rides more fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gautam Bose
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Anne Springs, SC | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Though I've only used it for a few weeks, I've been impressed -- it takes the edge off a lot of small bumps that used to reallt irritate/exhaust. For big bumps, of course, you're out of the saddle, anyway.
It isn't a dual-suspension, but seems to provide many of the benefits. | | Weaknesses: | Seat seems very set far back -- other reviewers have noticed this too. Not sure if I can adjust to fix this. Sometimes a bit too bouncy -- would prefer some damping.
Bottom line -- this is good value, if you own a hardtail. If not, you might put the extra money intop buying a dual instead of a hardtail. But it's great value for me, since I already own a Trek 6500. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Trek 6500 stock | | Bottom Line: | By it, if you have a hardtail -- it'll make your life easier and your rides more fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | your mom | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$67.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | comfortable, nice range of motion, feels almost like a softail | | Weaknesses: | a little springy with the rebound (they make inserts with different tensions so this may be able to be fixed), heavy (though much lighter than a softtail) | | Similar Products Used: | factory softail shocks on a gary fisher | | Bike Setup: | fetish D&S | | Bottom Line: | If you are looking for a softer ride for your hardtail, this is an excelent option. Very comfortable, you will think you are riding a softail. A little on the heavy side so if you need the lightest setup possible then look elsewhere. For the average rider I would think the weight is more than acceptable. This post can be a little bouncy with the rebound at times but I'll take the added comfort any day. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson | | Strengths: | Allows me to stay in the seat and pedal thru the crud without beating the hell out of my back and butt. | | Weaknesses: | Still waiting. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Cuda Comp, Marzocchi Bomber and the other essentials. | | Bottom Line: | Does exactly what it's supposed to. Take the edge off. I read a bunch of the reviews b4 buying, and except for the occasional breakage story, it seemed pretty solid. But make no mistake, it does not make your bike a full suspension bike, so know when to get out of the sadle, or you may well get catapulted over the bars. So for those of us trying to get a little more out of their hardtail without going full suspension, or who can't afford the new ride for another year or so, this might work out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ernie
a Cross Country Rider
from Valrico, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Moonscape, Alaphia FL | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson | | Strengths: | Very plush. No unwanted play. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy compared to other non sup seatposts | | Similar Products Used: | lots of non sup posts | | Bike Setup: | Dean titainium, SRAM X9, Hope (hubs, stem, skewers), Conti tires, Avid BB7, | | Bottom Line: | This seatpost gives me the comfort of a full suspension with the lightness and climbing ability of a hardtail. It soaks up bumps like nothing. I love this post. It performs better than expected. 3 inches of movement. I love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ernie
a Cross Country Rider
from Valrico, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Moonscape, Alaphia FL | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson | | Strengths: | Very plush. No unwanted play. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy compared to other non sup seatposts | | Similar Products Used: | lots of non sup posts | | Bike Setup: | Dean titainium, SRAM X9, Hope (hubs, stem, skewers), Conti tires, Avid BB7, | | Bottom Line: | This seatpost gives me the comfort of a full suspension with the lightness and climbing ability of a hardtail. It soaks up bumps like nothing. I love this post. It performs better than expected. 3 inches of movement. I love it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Squaw Creek Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | JensonUSA | | Strengths: | Durable, well-made, active travel, retains hard-tail efficiency | | Weaknesses: | Other than a slight weight penalty, none. | | Similar Products Used: | Telescopic suspension post | | Bike Setup: | Quasar Clash hardtail-department store bike | | Bottom Line: | I bought the bike to pull my infant daughter's travel cart and after she outgrew it, I decided to keep the bike for urban riding and running errands. I have a Haro Extreme for off-road riding. After noticing the difference between my hardtail and Haro, i decided to purchase the Thudbuster. Wow, what a difference. This thing really smooths things out. Telescopic posts seem to settle in their travel as you ride and you have to stand up on the pedals to get them to rebound. This thing will preload when you sit but has enough travel and no stiction so it continues to do it's job. It's a great invention. It's not full suspension but it's the next best thing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, Texas USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | memorial | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 105.00 | | Strengths: | Adding to what some many are already saying, I have installed the Short travel( ST) post on my hard tail and I must say that it certainly works great. After 2 hours of hittimg the trails, I am good to go for a few hour. I used to get home a little sore but it has taken the soreness away, not completely but it has decreased it considerably.
Definately two thumps up!
| | Weaknesses: | none so far, I just wished I'd known about it sooner... | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | '06 Scott Reflex 20, upgraded wheel set, tires, cranks, and and now the ST thudbuster. | | Bottom Line: | Save your money on a full suspension and put it somewhere else because this thing is absolutely great!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
slik7c
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, VA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | The suspension really works. There are different stiffness settings that you could easily customize to fit the type of riding. Excellent at what it was designed to do. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy, but then again this product is the best at what it does. | | Similar Products Used: | rockshox suspension seatpost | | Bike Setup: | XC Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | This is a thoroughly well designed seat post that is excellent at what it does. Highly recommended! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Coby Melo
a Weekend Warrior
from San Juan, Philippines
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Tagaytay | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | Cane Creek Website | | Strengths: | 3inches; easy maintenance; More efficient than any full suspension bike | | Weaknesses: | no rebound control; thats it basically | | Similar Products Used: | only non-susp seat posts
| | Bike Setup: | Specialized Stumpjumper M4 Hardtail, Fox Vanilla Fork, SRAM/truvativ drivetrain, SHimano Deore hydros, Raceface cockpit. Thudbuster | | Bottom Line: | On the ascents, it combines the direct power transfer and unbeatable efficiency of a hardtail with the comfort of 3 inches of rear suspension. My buddies on full suspension rigs are amazed. Accdg to them, it feels like a good SPV equipped FS. Only better. It allows seated pedalling over gnarly terrain without grinding your posterior to bits. Ascending has never been more comfortable. No drivetrain woes associated with full suspension designs, and no maintenance. ABSOLUTELY NO BOB.
Best of all, its relatively cheap compared to buying an FS frame.
Descending is another matter though, since the bike is still a hardtail and will bounce around rocky descents. Its not a permit to be lazy in picking the right lines.
After almost 2 years of use, the thudbuster has developed some side to side play (less than 1 mm). It may need new bushings. Its a minor gripe really. The play doesnt affect performance. Regular lubing will prevent creaking.
Overall, its an incredible product that deserves 20 flaming chilis. A must for all hardtails! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn Sliva
a Cross Country Rider
from Cypress, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Hagerman Pass from the West | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$129.00 | | Purchased At: | Cane Creek Web Page | | Strengths: | Well made, very little maintenance, allows you to stay seated for the traction of a Full Suspension Bike. | | Weaknesses: | Hard to change the insert but you don't have to very offten. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stumpjumper Hard Tail | | Bottom Line: | Wow. Better than expected! Why would you need a full suspension bike with the added maintenance. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a Weekend Warrior
from Auckland,New Zealand
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$129.00 | | Purchased At: | www.thudbuster.com | | Strengths: | Suspension firmness can be changed by changing to different urethane elastomers. Preload can be varied also but I haven't played around alot with this setting (just set it at mid point) | | Weaknesses: | Maybe a little bit heavy, but undoubtedly saves your lower back from abosrbing all the shocks a solid seat post would. It pays to check that the arm bolts that hold in the arms have been held in with threadlocker for peace of mind biking, hate for the bolts to work there way loose!! .Mine were not held in with threadlocker, but checked this before I installed. | | Bike Setup: | stock 2005 marin nail trail | | Bottom Line: | I remember the first time I rode my bike after I had just installed the 3G thudbuster LT, it took a little bit getting used to the slight bobbing nature when encountering obstacles and ruts. After the 1st ride I cannot say I noticed the feel of the bobbing any longer. What I have noticed is that I am able to sit on the seat with confidence much more. I am 92kg and have gone with a slightly stiffer setup 1 black 1 purple elastomer. I haven't noticed the setback affecting my position as some other users have commented on, although I will say I have gone from the seat being at the front on the rails on the original solid seatpost now to the rear of the seat rails with the 3G,keeping a very similar 'leg' setup.
Awesome product Ryan, would recommend anyone with a hardtail to install one of these babies, you won't regret it. If only my front fork was half as good as this suspension post...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cookie_Monster
a Cross Country Rider
from T-Dot, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with rocks, grass, and other fun stuff | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$129.00 | | Purchased At: | thudbuster.com | | Strengths: | One piece seatpost
Switchable suspension elastomers
It works! | | Weaknesses: | Obviously heavier than a regular seatpost, but what do you expect for a product like this? | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | '05 Kona Cindercone hardtail stock | | Bottom Line: | First ride impression (Thudbuster ST): This thing works! Smoothens out drain grates, choppy roads, manholes, and makes actual trail riding way more comfortable (170 lbs, blue elastomer). Sit still when climbing otherwise a little bounce becomes apparent. The additional layback of the seat when suspension was working (because of the design) was not apparent to me as some have written in the past. Shipping from SD to Canada was 6 days. Great product - would not ride another hardtail without one. Buy from the website - you get the lizard skin protector for free. Thank Ryan from Thudbuster.com | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marshall
a
from Central Cal.
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$105.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria | | Strengths: | Simple, smooth, and stout. Not to heavy. This is for the ST model. Plushest of all models tried. Not much to go wrong. US company. | | Weaknesses: | A little weight. Elastomer color is what it is. Would perfer all black (for my weight), but not really a weakness as much as a pesonal preference. | | Similar Products Used: | Post modern. USE sumo carbon. | | Bike Setup: | Fisher xc/trail rig. | | Bottom Line: | Well in the last month I have used the post modern (pretty cheap and does nothing positive in my experence) no adjust,heavy and just didnt work. So I dropped some coin and bought the (suposed) cream of the crop, USE carbon sumo, Well it didnt take the little shots well but felt good on the bigger stuff. Carbon post flexed more than it compressed, could be do to my slack seat tube. One again MTB action review was not what I thought.So with only a ride on the Thudbuster ST I am very pleased to say the least. It smooths out all the little hits like butter. Being the 1.3" travel model you still have to get out of the saddle on larger stuff which you should anyway. No more sore but or lower back. It works. Being the lower travel model I didnt notice any change in top tube length because of the design, but because of the design it has no stiction and reacts supurbly. Makes my hardtail much more fun to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sempai
a Cross Country Rider
from mobile, AL, USA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | JensonUSA | | Strengths: | Absorbs bumps without bounce of conventional suspension seatposts
Chageable elastomers for adjustable firmness
Tough | | Weaknesses: | Can get creaky if dirty (suggest getting Crudbuster sleeve)
Unknown elastomer life
No preload adjustment on ST model | | Bike Setup: | Specialized 05 Rockhopper with Deore drivetrain
ARS saddle | | Bottom Line: | The Thudbuster third generation comes in two models: the Long Travel (LT) and Short Travel (ST) models. The main differences are suspension travel, elastomers, and size. The ST uses a single parallelogram elastomer the LT uses two barrel shaped elastomers that can be mixed and matched. The ST has a little over 1' of suspension travel, the LT has about 3'.
This is a rather inexpensive product (if you shop around)--and usually the LT and ST are similarly priced with the issue being the degree of travel and size constraints. I just wanted something to soften up bumps and didn't have too much space on my 21' for the larger LT model.
Having used it, I'm pleased to say that it soaks up tree roots, spaces in concrete sidewalks, pot holes, and a variety of other annoyantes that would jar your back in an ordinary hardtail. I don't have lower back pain after riding, either, a big plus--and there is no bob detectable from my use of the product.
It comes with three elastomers based on weight--resist the urge to use the firmer elastomer if you're inbetween a weight range, get the softer one for better results.
The transparent nature of this seatpost will make you wonder if it's even there, but if you think it's not working put back a rigid seatpost and you'll see the difference. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis Romano
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas, NV, USA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Gooseberry Mesa | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$96.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint | | Strengths: | This review is for the ST model. 1.3 inches of travel. Easy setup. Lateral stiffness. Effectively reduces small bump vibrations. | | Weaknesses: | Forward seat adjustment know is hard to operate. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockshox GPS | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain Stratos Hardtail, Marzocchi EXR Pro, SRAM Rocket shifters, XT deraileurs, SRAM cog and chain, and XT cranks. | | Bottom Line: | I am a heavy rider. I use this bike for my in town training with some dirt road and light trails mixed with many road miles. The seat post works smoothly. Road vibrations are reduced and small bumps are handled easily. I expect light off road use will be no problem. No flex so far. Hard to use a seat bag with.
Bottome line:
Does a good job as intended. I would buy it again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JW
a Weekend Warrior
from Saint Louis
Date Reviewed: January 2, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint | | Strengths: | performance; convenient installation | | Weaknesses: | heavy-ish | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Wahoo, 2005, with upgrades | | Bottom Line: | I've had the Thudbuster for a few months now and am very pleased with it. Really, I can only second what previous reviewers have written: it does a remarkably good job of absorbing the impact from rocks, treeroots, ruts, etc. And I've had success with the trick suggested by other reviewers of gripping the saddle between my knees while going downhill in order to get some shock absorption from the Thudbuster on descents. Should you purchase a Thudbuster, after a few weeks of use switch back to your old seatpost. You'll be impressed with how much difference the Thudbuster makes--and with how quickly you started taking it for granted.
Finally, at $100 the Thudbuster isn't a steal, but the price is quite fair. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from TN
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Any fast rolling single track | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Tough, durable, well made. | | Weaknesses: | none that I've found | | Similar Products Used: | Post Moderne | | Bike Setup: | 03 Specialized Hard Rock Pro (stock mostly) Time Attack pedals | | Bottom Line: | I bought this after I stripped out the Spesh alloy post that came with the Specialized Hard Rock Pro. I didn’t want to spring for the full suspension at the time so I gave this lost a shot. It’s been a real pleasure. I made the mistake of letting my wife ride this bike while we were out on a trip. She’s never wanted to go back to her Jamis. I’d recommend this for anyone who’s looking for a little cushion, but doesn’t want to go the full suspension route. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Norco, La. USA
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Comite Park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$140.00 | | Purchased At: | Cane Creek direct | | Strengths: | Heavy duty parts and pieces, minimum moving parts, very solid | | Weaknesses: | Too much "minimum" distance from seat tube of bike to seat clamp on post | | Similar Products Used: | Tamer XC Pivot | | Bike Setup: | Fisher Marlin basically stock, only 2 months old | | Bottom Line: | The Tamer post broke on my third ride, I'm 59 years old, 230 lbs. and don't catch air or high drops. I'm new to mountain biking and I break too easy in falls so I don't ride hard, this post should never have broken. You don't want to know the pain inflicted when your seat is on the back wheel and you go over a 4" branch on the trail. The Thudbuster is solid, hardly noticeable when riding, it is excellent. Not as movement, therefore possibly less comfortable, than the Tamer but it feels solid and I trust it with my ass. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex G.
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensboro, N.C USA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | owls roost | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | price point .com | | Strengths: | Great construction, takes those all to common hits that hardtailers like myself took until they got this, extremely easy to set up | | Weaknesses: | It can be kind of a pain to switch the elastomers (the plastic cylinders that give the post the travel) not bad as long as you have an extra pair of hands to help | | Similar Products Used: | none i read so many reviews on this product and they were all positive so i went with this one | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Raleigh M80, Hayes disk brakes, shimano LX f/r derailluers, wtb wierwolf tires, alex rims, shimano hubs, cane creek thudbuster 3g | | Bottom Line: | This is a great product for all of those people like myself who can'f afford to go out and buy the $2000 full suspension bike. This product has incredible durability, i have put it through some really rough terrain, including WET RED CLAY and it hasn'f faltered. There is one thing i have to say, a lot of these posts give you the feeling that this post will turn your bike into a full suspension bike, it wont do that but it is as close as you can get with a hardtail. I have been riding it for a while now and i sont notice it anymore but im sure if i went back to a regular post i would miss this post a lot. It takes all of the shots perfect as long as you have the right elastomers in, make sure that when you sit down it doesnt sag a lot because that is just eating up your travel. To give you an idea i weigh 150 pounds and i use two black elastomers that are rated for 180 pounds i think. Bottom line buy this post, all of you hardtailers you wont regret it, it is worth the money to be able to ride a trail consecutivly without experiencing back pain. BUY THIS SEAT POST IT IS WORTH THE MONEY!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bubbalicious
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Chestnut ridge | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | somewhere online | | Strengths: | NO BRAINER... best upgrade you can buy for your hardtail | | Weaknesses: | You'll add a little weight, but its not rotational weight so it is totally negligable. | | Similar Products Used: | there are none | | Bike Setup: | hardtail, disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | you'll be a better, faster rider the first day you have a Thudbuster. really... no brainer. stop reading these posts and buy it. You're wasting your time reading any further. You're still reading. Stop it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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