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PacMan · 09-27-2007, 02:21 PM

I am thinking about getting an adjustable height seatpost. I have no experience with them and was wondering if anyone here has used them?? What did you like, what did you hate and was it worth it??

allison · 09-27-2007, 02:23 PM

I want one of the new Crankbro's goodies when they come out. They bought out the Maverick license or however it works...

granny ring · 09-27-2007, 02:29 PM

I have the Speedball and love it. It is easy to adjust and you can set it anywhere you want in the travel range. It is smooth and damped like a good shock when it moves up and down. The lever under the seat is easy to locate and use. They offer a cable now so you can adjust it from the bar but I don't have it. There is a slight bit of side to side rotational movement but it doesn't bother me.
A friend has the gravity dropper and it appears to have a more mechanical movement to it.
It also depends on your frame since they only come in certain diameters.

I can't imagine riding without one now. I have a loaner bike from the path since my fork blew up and I feel a bit lost without it.

denmother · 09-27-2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacMan

I am thinking about getting an adjustable height seatpost. I have no experience with them and was wondering if anyone here has used them?? What did you like, what did you hate and was it worth it??

Gravity Dropper!!! I have been using it for several years. I have the handlebar mounted version. I just upgraded mine from the 3" to the 4" with a 1"/3" feature. I had one on my 5 Spot (yes I used to be a Homer) and now I have one on my Shova ST. It's expensive but worth every penny!!! Roger has one too on his Intense 6.6.

It's very important to be able to drop the seat on the fly while pedaling. Reaching down and flipping a lever when going fast or on steep terrain might get a little hairy. Ask Lee how he likes (NOT) his.

SSinGA · 09-27-2007, 02:35 PM

One other contender as well - the AMP. It has 3 position settings, less bulky looking and slightly lighter than the GD.
http://precisioncyclingcomponents.com/

Limited sizes on the Speedball and the cable routing bothers me. My GD has been reliable for the last year.

jcampbell · 09-27-2007, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSinGA

One other contender as well - the AMP. It has 3 position settings, less bulky looking and slightly lighter than the GD.
http://precisioncyclingcomponents.com/

Limited sizes on the Speedball and the cable routing bothers me. My GD has been reliable for the last year.

I like the way this one sounds. Anyone know how much they are before I bother them with and order? Site says they have a 5 inch drop coming soon.

autoduel · 09-27-2007, 03:17 PM

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]"With just above the weight of a regular seat post, even cross country riders will want one."[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]What regular post weighs "just below" 471 gms?[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]Titanium Hite-Rite FTW!

[/FONT]

2wheel_lee · 09-27-2007, 03:22 PM

As Denmother mentioned, I have the Speedball. There are two points that I don't like about it.

1. Not having a lever can be difficult. Granted, they are available with the lever for the bars now. While doing a ride on my 6.6, I unexpectedly entered a steep rock garden, which gave me no time to put the seat down. Granted, considering how suddenly and unexpectedly I entered the rock garden, I don't know if I would have been able to pull a lever on the bars and push the seat down, but at least I have a better chance of doing that than letting go of the bars and grabbing the lever under the seat.

2. The lever allows you to lower the seat. However, although the seat won't stay up until you raise it with the lever, I find myself clamping my legs onto the seat, lifting it. As soon as I let go of it, it goes back down. Those who rely on clamping onto their seats in techy section (especially moto guys/gals) may not be comfortable with this.

Would I buy it again? Tough call. I would want to use a Gravity Dropper to test it out, first. I'm not sure I really want another lever on the bars, though.

denmother · 09-27-2007, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSinGA

One other contender as well - the AMP. It has 3 position settings, less bulky looking and slightly lighter than the GD.
http://precisioncyclingcomponents.com/

Don't you find it odd that there are no prices listed? Has anyone tried contacting them? I tried doing a search to find reviews, but I couldn't find anything. Anybody done any research?

Marshall Willanholly · 09-27-2007, 03:34 PM

I think the AMP posts are around the same price as the Gravity Dropper.

However, I'm not going to settle for just 2 or 3 settings on my adjustable post:

BrewMaster · 09-27-2007, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marshall Willanholly

I think the AMP posts are around the same price as the Gravity Dropper.

However, I'm not going to settle for just 2 or 3 settings on my adjustable post:

Dude, if that seatpost comes up too quickly, you could end up speared liked a kebab.

CalEpic · 09-27-2007, 04:37 PM

Be prepared for people to make fun of you but it's worth it.

I have the 4" Gravity Dropper with the handlebar remote and it's great. Personally I can't see a use for an intermediate setting. Either it's up for climbing or normal riding or down for the gnar. For trails with lots of ups and downs they're worth their weight in gold. (and that's a lot because these bad boys aint light)

C

sdyeti · 09-27-2007, 06:37 PM

I have the Gravity Dropper (3") on the Yeti, and I'm really liking it so far. On the fly adjustment with the lever is awesome.

Two issues I ran into:

#1. if you wanted the Speed Ball for the Yeti, my understanding was the Speed Ball does not fit a 27.2 seat post hole (or whatever it's called)!

#2. I am 5'4" tall. with the Gravity Dropper extended and the seat post pushed as low as it can go, I am at the upper limits (no pun intended) of the seat post. In other words, if I was any shorter (could happen some day) the seat might be too high.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacMan

I am thinking about getting an adjustable height seatpost. I have no experience with them and was wondering if anyone here has used them?? What did you like, what did you hate and was it worth it??

Sewellymon · 09-27-2007, 07:20 PM

[FONT=Arial]here is the key attribute….[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]Total inches of drop.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]4” is the only game in town (GD) 4" a whole lot better than 3” (Speedball), light years better that none at all. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]But once you feel 5”, you’ll never go back.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]I’ve currently got a 4” GD Turbo- -but I’ll pop for the 5” once it’s on the market (GD 5" is in beta testing right now..). [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial]My opinion is adjustable seat post almost as key to the evolution of mtn biking as suspension or clipless pedals. [/FONT]

J_Sims · 09-27-2007, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sewellymon

[FONT=Arial]here is the key attribute….[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial] once you feel 5”, you’ll never go back.[/FONT]

A little toooo much info....

J/K
I hae a GD on the Yeti and love it

Sewellymon · 09-27-2007, 10:58 PM

SSinGA · 09-28-2007, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denmother

Don't you find it odd that there are no prices listed? Has anyone tried contacting them? I tried doing a search to find reviews, but I couldn't find anything. Anybody done any research?

The guys (designers) have posted on the Turner forum and the all mountain forum with info. I even think a few of the Homers are using it. Cactuscorn is one of them.

dubjay · 09-28-2007, 07:15 AM

That RASE (Rapid Adjust Seatpost) looked interesting until I caught a picture of their lever from their website.

They should work on a more elegant solution. That is just plain awful...

SSinGA · 09-28-2007, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubjay

That RASE (Rapid Adjust Seatpost) looked interesting until I caught a picture of their lever from their website.

They should work on a more elegant solution. That is just plain awful...

That would look right at home on the Next Shocker!

allroy71 · 09-28-2007, 11:36 AM

I have a 3" in Gravity Dropper with the 3 positions.

I like that it uses a cable. No messing with hydraulics.

I like the clicking sound to know that you are in position. I am not sure if you get that with the Speedball.

Someone mentioned not finding a purpose for the 1" down. Well I use it for steep/loose uphills. I am able to get more weight to the front wheel and easier to unclip.

There is a slight amount of play, but it doesn't affect the ride.

That's my 2 cents!!

09-27-2007, 02:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
PacMan Yeti. Turner. Niner.	Gravity Dropper or Maverick Speedball?? I am thinking about getting an adjustable height seatpost. I have no experience with them and was wondering if anyone here has used them?? What did you like, what did you hate and was it worth it?? __________________ Less typing...more riding.

09-27-2007, 02:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
allison Gone ridin'	I want one of the new Crankbro's goodies when they come out. They bought out the Maverick license or however it works... __________________

09-27-2007, 02:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
granny ring Not Really Here	I have the Speedball and love it. It is easy to adjust and you can set it anywhere you want in the travel range. It is smooth and damped like a good shock when it moves up and down. The lever under the seat is easy to locate and use. They offer a cable now so you can adjust it from the bar but I don't have it. There is a slight bit of side to side rotational movement but it doesn't bother me. A friend has the gravity dropper and it appears to have a more mechanical movement to it. It also depends on your frame since they only come in certain diameters. I can't imagine riding without one now. I have a loaner bike from the path since my fork blew up and I feel a bit lost without it. __________________ "It'll feel better when it stops hurting."

09-27-2007, 02:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
SSinGA Free-XC-Downhiller	One other contender as well - the AMP. It has 3 position settings, less bulky looking and slightly lighter than the GD. http://precisioncyclingcomponents.com/ Limited sizes on the Speedball and the cable routing bothers me. My GD has been reliable for the last year. __________________ www.t2bikes.com

09-27-2007, 03:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
autoduel sandbagger	[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]"With just above the weight of a regular seat post, even cross country riders will want one."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][/FONT] [FONT=Arial]What regular post weighs "just below" 471 gms?[/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Titanium Hite-Rite FTW! [/FONT] __________________ Steve Just along for the ride

09-27-2007, 03:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
2wheel_lee Old School BMXer	As Denmother mentioned, I have the Speedball. There are two points that I don't like about it. 1. Not having a lever can be difficult. Granted, they are available with the lever for the bars now. While doing a ride on my 6.6, I unexpectedly entered a steep rock garden, which gave me no time to put the seat down. Granted, considering how suddenly and unexpectedly I entered the rock garden, I don't know if I would have been able to pull a lever on the bars and push the seat down, but at least I have a better chance of doing that than letting go of the bars and grabbing the lever under the seat. 2. The lever allows you to lower the seat. However, although the seat won't stay up until you raise it with the lever, I find myself clamping my legs onto the seat, lifting it. As soon as I let go of it, it goes back down. Those who rely on clamping onto their seats in techy section (especially moto guys/gals) may not be comfortable with this. Would I buy it again? Tough call. I would want to use a Gravity Dropper to test it out, first. I'm not sure I really want another lever on the bars, though. __________________ Speed has never killed anyone, suddenly becoming stationary... that's what gets you. May the air be filled with tires!

09-27-2007, 03:34 PM	#10 (permalink)
Marshall Willanholly on a routine expedition	I think the AMP posts are around the same price as the Gravity Dropper. However, I'm not going to settle for just 2 or 3 settings on my adjustable post:

09-27-2007, 04:37 PM	#12 (permalink)
CalEpic STR Moderator	Be prepared for people to make fun of you but it's worth it. I have the 4" Gravity Dropper with the handlebar remote and it's great. Personally I can't see a use for an intermediate setting. Either it's up for climbing or normal riding or down for the gnar. For trails with lots of ups and downs they're worth their weight in gold. (and that's a lot because these bad boys aint light) C __________________ ShinKen: OOhhh helLSS YEsS!~!!! JoeTruth: As far as I'm concerned, I could really care less. Just ride your damn bike and STFU already

09-27-2007, 07:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
Sewellymon Senior Member	[FONT=Arial]here is the key attribute….[/FONT] [FONT=Arial]Total inches of drop.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial]4” is the only game in town (GD) 4" a whole lot better than 3” (Speedball), light years better that none at all. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]But once you feel 5”, you’ll never go back.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial]I’ve currently got a 4” GD Turbo- -but I’ll pop for the 5” once it’s on the market (GD 5" is in beta testing right now..). [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]My opinion is adjustable seat post almost as key to the evolution of mtn biking as suspension or clipless pedals. [/FONT]

09-27-2007, 10:58 PM	#16 (permalink)
Sewellymon Senior Member	Ha!

09-28-2007, 11:36 AM	#20 (permalink)
allroy71 Senior Member	I have a 3" in Gravity Dropper with the 3 positions. I like that it uses a cable. No messing with hydraulics. I like the clicking sound to know that you are in position. I am not sure if you get that with the Speedball. Someone mentioned not finding a purpose for the 1" down. Well I use it for steep/loose uphills. I am able to get more weight to the front wheel and easier to unclip. There is a slight amount of play, but it doesn't affect the ride. That's my 2 cents!! __________________ Jay K.

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