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Seatpost FAQs |
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Can I tune the Thudbuster suspension for my weight?Yes. Every new Thudbuster seatpost includes the complete set (6) of Double Barrel elastomers. You get 2 soft (gray), 2 medium (Cane Creek blue), and 2 firm (black) elastomers. You can mix and match these elastomers to fit your weight and riding style. For starters, we recommend:
- under 120-140 lbs.: two soft gray/gray
- 140-165 lbs.: soft/medium gray/blue
- 165-190 lbs.: medium/medium blue/blue
- 190-215 lbs.: medium/firm blue/black
- 215-250 lbs.: two firm black/black
For really light riders, we also now make a Super Soft elastomer (white).
- under 100 lbs. two super soft white/white
- 100-120 lbs super soft/soft white/gray
What kind of spring does the Thudbuster use?The Thudbuster is an elastomer-based suspension system. The elastomers are constructed of a special blend of polyurethane in three different durometers (stiffnesses). Each elastomer is centrifuge-cast at 300 times the force of gravity to ensure the best quality and highest durability possible.
Does the suspension have any damping control?
Yes. The Thudbuster elastomers are specially formulated with inherent damping characteristics. The proprietary formula offers quick compression to absorb bumps quickly with rebound damping to slow the suspension mechanisms return to the top-out position.
How do I know what diameter (size) to order?
The Thudbuster follows standard seatpost diameters. Different bicycles use different-diameter seatposts. To find out the diameter of your seatpost, you must remove the seatpost from the bicycle frame and look for the size, which is stamped just below the "Minimum Insert" line toward the bottom. The number will be a three digit number (such as 26.8 or 27.2 or 31.6). If you are unable to read the size, you may need to take the seatpost to your local bike shop and have them measure it using calipers. Or you can refer to information (catalog, Web site) from the manufacturer of your frame to get the exact seatpost diameter.
My seat is really low. Will there be enough room for the Thudbuster's suspension mechanism on my bike?
The suspension mechanism requires at least 140mm from the saddle rails to the bicycle frame. This is a reasonable clearance that almost all riders with a properly sized frame will have.
I'm pretty tall and have my seat really high. Will the seatpost be long enough for me?
The Thudbuster seatpost is a standard 380mm long from the end of the tube to the center of the saddle clamp where the saddle rails attach. You will need at least 100mm inside the bicycle frame so the maximum height from the frame to the saddle rails is 280mm (11 inches).
Will the seatpost interfere with pedaling the bicycle?
No. The U.S. Patented design uses a downward/rearward motion to isolate the suspension movement from the drivetrain of the bicycle. The seatpost is actively absorbing bumps regardless of whether you are coasting along or really cranking on the pedals.
Will the downward/rearward motion affect handling and control as the seat moves toward the rear wheel?
No, the downward/rearward motion is quite natural and actually increases control in rough terrain. As the rear wheel hits a bump, a rigid seatpost tries to lift the saddle up and forward, pitching you toward the handlebars. With the Thudbuster, this up-and-forward lift is counteracted by the down-and-back motion. The rider is unaffected by the bump. The rider's weight also stays on the rear wheel to help maintain traction during the bump encounter. By comparison, a rigid seatpost not only pitches the rider toward the handlebars, it also shifts weight off the rear wheel, causing a loss in traction, and loads the front wheel, which can be dangerous in rough terrain.
Is there a way to fit the Thudbuster suspension onto my existing seatpost?
No, the Thudbuster is a complete seatpost that replaces your existing seatpost.
Can I use my existing saddle with the Thudbuster?
Yes. The Thudbuster uses a typical saddle-clamp mechanism, allowing you to use any saddle that has the standard double-mounting rail design. The saddle clamp also allows for fine-tune adjustments of the saddle angle and the saddle fore/aft position.
I don't race or ride off-road but would like my bike to be more comfortable. Will the Thudbuster work for me?
Yes. Thudbuster offers both performance AND comfort. Thudbuster customers use the Thudbuster on road bikes, touring bikes, tandems, and commuter bikes, as well as mountain bikes. The suspension actively absorbs bumps as you ride, regardless of the roughness of the terrain.
I race my bike and am concerned about the added weight. How much weight will the Thudbuster add?
The typical rigid seatpost on a mid-level XC race bike weighs 300-350 grams. With the Thudbuster weighing about 495 grams (exact weight depends on size), you will be adding only 145-195 grams. However, the increase in traction and control, and the reduction in discomfort and fatigue, more than compensate for any weight penalty and will actually let you ride faster, ride longer, and ride stronger than with even the lightest rigid seatpost on the market.
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