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Suspension Seatposts: A Complete List, Tested and Explained

Suspension seatposts can prolong comfort in the saddle, smooth out rough and bumpy terrain, and even help prevent back injuries. Here’s our complete list of options we’ve found and tested, including everything from classic, elastomer-based suspension seatposts to suspension-equipped dropper posts...

Suspension seatposts aren’t anything new. There have been various contraptions to suspend and cushion bike saddles since the dawn of cycling. However, many of them had a reputation for being, well, contraptions. Then, back in the early 1990s, the more advanced Thudbuster was invented by Ryan McFarland (the same gentleman who invented the Strider kids’ bike). Later, Cane Creek updated and improved the design to suit more modern bikes, making it the first reputable suspension seatpost on the market. More recently—as in the last couple of years—suspension seatposts have seen a resurgence, with new designs coming out every few months.

It wasn’t the novelty factor alone that made me take a second look at suspension seatposts, though. After sustaining a serious back injury in 2016, I had to pay close attention to the well-being of my lower back. Big tires provide a lot of cushion on their own, and certain frame materials also provide some vibration dampening, but suspension seatposts have the potential to further protect your back from the long-term shock that bumps and rough terrain can impose on your spine. And, based on testing a few suspension seatposts on different bikes, I think they might even have the potential to prevent acute injury by taking the sting out of jarring bumps that come at a surprise while riding on rough surfaces.

Suspension seatposts can also extend the amount of time you’re comfortable in the saddle by absorbing persistent small bumps and vibrations that come from gravel roads, doubletracks, and trails. This makes them an especially compelling component option for lengthy bikepacking trips and long-distance touring.

So, why not just use a full-suspension bike? Ultimately, a suspension seatpost coupled with a rigid bike (or hardtail) is probably a little more reliable for long-term bikepacking, and definitely more affordable and lightweight. Generally speaking, unlike shocks and linkages, suspension seatposts are relatively easy to install and maintain, and can be used with pretty much all types of bikes, from hardtails to gravel tourers.

In a nutshell, suspension seatposts typically offer a 10-50mm of travel by way of an internal coil, elastomer, or air spring system. Here are the three main types of suspension seat posts on the market:

Elastomer Suspension Seatposts

Elastomer suspension seatposts use a solid rubber “bumper” that cushions a hinged linkage or other type of system. The rubber pillion compresses with the linkage and dampens bumps and hits. Simplicity is the benefit of these types of posts, but one concern is that rubber elastomers may wear out over time. That said, it’s fairly simple to carry a spare for many of the more popular options, such as the Cane Creek Thudbuster.

Coil Spring Suspension Seatposts

Coil spring suspension seatposts are relatively new to the market and there are only a handful of options out there. Similar to elastomer suspension seatposts, they use a hinged linkage or stanchion tube set system, but instead of (or in addition to) a rubber elastomer, they feature a coiled metal spring to provide the dampening. One downside when compared to elastomer seatposts is softer coils can rob some of the power from the pedal downstroke, particularly when climbing.

Air Dropper Suspension Seatposts

Dropper suspension seatposts are the newest kid on the block. And while it may seem like way too much going on in a seatpost, for those who are accustomed to a dropper, it’s hard to return to the old ways. Adding a bit of dampening suspension is a natural progression. There is only one option available right now, the PNW Coast, which you can find in the list below.

Here’s our full list of suspension seatposts. As with our other Gear Index lists, find the ones we’ve tested at the top, marked with a “T” icon.

Cane Creek eeSilk

• Type: Elastomer Suspension Seatpost
• Travel: 20mm
• Diameters: 27.2mm
• Length: 350mm
• Offset: 8mm

Cane Creek’s eeSilk suspension seatpost offers 20mm of elastomer-based vertical compliance and is made from forged and machined aluminum with titanium fastening hardware. This emphasis on premium materials, along with the post’s minimalistic design, means the eeSilk weighs in at less than 300 grams–a comparable weight to many performance alloy seatposts.

The eeSilk Post comes in a 27.2 diameter and is 350mm in overall length. Interchangeable elastomers allow the post to accommodate riders ranging from 100 lbs (45kg) to 330 lbs (150 kg).

From Logan’s review: “After putting several hundred miles on Cane Creek’s new 295 gram eeSilk seatpost, it’s become one of my prized possessions. The eeSilk’s firm elastomer is barely noticeable at first, but once the bumps commence, it absolutely takes the edge off; a great addition for someone with a back injury.” Read the full review .

• Weight: 295 grams (10.4 oz)
• Price: $289
• Place of Manufacture: Taiwan/US
• help We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:   JensonUSA
• Manufacturer's Details: Link

Cane Creek Thudbuster (ST)

• Travel: 50mm
• Diameters: 25.4, 27.2, 30.9, 31.6
• Length: 345mm (27.2), 375mm (30.9/31.6)
• Offset: 0mm

Continuing their 20-year suspension seatpost legacy, Cane Creek recently announced the all-new, fourth generation Thudbuster ST (Short Travel). Designed with touring, commutes, and e-bike trips in mind, it features 50mm of travel—up from 33mm on the original Thudbuster ST—to smooth out bumps and bounces on multi-surface rides. Building on the original Thudbuster’s parallel linkage, it also got a redesign for a higher rider weight limit (now up to 330 pounds), increased durability, and more travel.

The Thudbuster ST weighs in at 580g (31.6 version) and is built out of forged aluminum with threaded, hard anodized aluminum axles. Note that the new axles are serviceable, unlike those found in the previous version. This handy PDF from Cane Creek outlines the differences between the two versions of the Thudbuster ST.

The most interesting change on the new Thudbuster is its redesigned rubber elastomer system. Instead of having a large, oddly shaped cushion like the older version, it has a large, fixed in place, rubber elastomer holder with a diamond shaped cavity at its center. The small, proportionate diamond elastomer—which is what’s responsible for the suspension travel—is inserted into the cavity and snaps into place via a small rib around its perimeter. This allows for a tool-free, interchangeable system and on-the-fly adjustments. The Thudbuster comes with three elastomers: medium-firm (pre-installed from the factory), soft, and firm. They are marked with a small graphic representing their firmness as a series of (1-5). You can also purchase extra-soft (1 dot) and extra-firm (5 dots) elastomers separately. Overall, I found the elastomer to be fairly easy to remove and install, although it takes a little elbow grease. I left the medium-firm one in place as it seemed to work well for my weight. The animated image below shows me sitting on the medium-firm elastomer, so that illustrates the amount of sag the post has with my full weight (about 175 pounds) on the saddle.

The other really nice design change is the new single bolt seat clamp (above right). Similar in design to the Rockshox AXS dropper post I reviewed a while back, it makes it super easy to swap saddles and adjust the angle. It’s certainly one of the easier posts I’ve messed with.

I’ve only gotten four or five rides in with the new Thudbuster, but I’m quite impressed. The redesigned seat clamp is fantastic, and I found the new elastomer system to work very well. Unlike some of the softer, coil-sprung posts, the new Thudbuster offers a nice mix of chatter dampening and medium-hit suspension to take the edge off of sharper bumps. And, it doesn’t feel as if it has as much of an effect on pedaling efficiency as other, longer travel posts do.

While it’s not as sleek as the eeSilk, it seems to play nicely with a seat pack, too. And it would be pretty easy to carry spare elastomers. With that said, I think it could certainly be suitable for a bikepacking or dirt-road touring bike. But given my limited time with it, this isn’t a full review and I can’t vouch for its durability or reliability. I plan to ride it a bit more and update this down the road.

• Weight: 584 grams (20.6 oz)
• Price: $169.99
• Place of Manufacture: Taiwan/USA
• help We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:   Amazon   Jenson USA

Cane Creek Thudbuster (ST) V1

• Travel: 33mm (1.3”)
• Diameters: 25.4, 27.2, 30.9, 31.6mm
• Length: 353mm
• Offset: 11mm

The Cane Creek Thudbuster is probably the most widely used and recognized suspension seatpost on the market. Back in the early 1990s, the Thudbuster was invented by Ryan McFarland (the same gentleman who invented the Strider kids’ bike). Since then, Cane Creek took it on, updating and improving the design to suit more modern bikes, making it the first reputable suspension seatpost.

As shown above, version 1 of the Cane Creek Thudbuster is quite different than version 2, but it’s proven itself reliable over the years.Virginia put close to 1,000 miles on the previous short travel version in Armenia, the Republic of Georgia, and elsewhere without issues. Although the linkage is larger than others, it works with most bikepacking seat bags, particularly those with a lower seatpost strap. She used it with the Porcelain Rocket Mr. Fusion, which worked great. “As for the Thudbuster, I think it provides just enough dampening to alleviate some of the back strain and bum bruising that long days, riding over even minimal chatter, can create,” she said.

• Weight: 452 grams (15.9 oz)
• Price: $159
• help We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:   Amazon

Cirrus KINEKT 2.1 Suspension Seatpost

• Type: Spring Suspension Seatpost
• Travel: 35mm
• Diameters: 27.2, 30.9, 31.6mm
• Length: 350 or 420mm
• Offsset: 12mm

The Cirrus KINEKT 2.1 is an aluminum suspension seatpost that’s designed to isolate your body from surface vibrations and impacts to improve comfort and control. Each post comes with two extra springs so you can mix and match, creating a custom experience. The KINEKT post springs are available in five color-coded tensions for riders ranging from 50-320 pounds.

I got the Medium Kinekt, which comes with the Charcoal/Black stripe springs set for riders weighing from 150-200 pounds. I weigh about 175, perfectly in the middle for this size. However, as configured out of the box, it was the most active and squishy post that I tried. This might be desired by some riders, but for me it was a little too much and it affected pedaling efficiency quite a bit on that first ride. Fortunately, the post came with two other springs, one Charcoal/Purple (SM 100-150 pounds) and one Charcaol/Orange (LG 200-240 pounds). The Kinekt 2.1 has both an upper and lower spring, so I could only change the lower, which would theoretically make it tuned for riders in the 175-225 pound category. This certainly made a difference, but I honestly still found the Kinekt 2.1 a bit too soft and springy for my taste. I think for someone with a significant back or comfort issue, this could be an option. Otherwise, you could size up and it would likely be a little more firm.

One thing I really liked about the Kinekt is the saddle rail clamp. It has two simple screws to tighten and adjust the saddle. There’s a spring that keeps tension to separate the lower and upper plate. This self-fixes the nuts into place so you don’t have to hold them while loosening or tightening the plate into place. A nice touch.

From a bikepacking perspective, the Kinekt 2.1 suspension seatpost’s linkage is a little larger than all of the posts I tested, so it requires some maneuvering to strap a typical seat pack on to it. As shown, the Revalate Terrapin fit okay, but I had to move the strap down a little farther than normal in order to avoid it overlapping the lower spring. This isn’t a deal breaker, but if you have a seat pack that has a higher seatpost strap, it might not be possible to use with the Kinekt.

• Weight: 563 grams (19.9 oz)
• Price: $249.95
• Place of Manufacture: China (assembled in USA)
• help We highly encourage you to buy from a local shop when possible, but if you're going to buy online, you can use our affiliate links. We'll get a very small kickback that will help support this site. Available at:   Jenson USA

PNW Coast Suspension Dropper

• Type: Dropper Suspension Seatpost
• Travel: 40mm
• Diameters: 30.9, 31.6, 27.2 (tested)
• Length: 385mm

The PNW Coast Suspension Dropper offers 40mm of suspension alongside 100 or 120mm of dropper travel for $179. The post comes in 30.9, 31.6, and 27.2mm models with internal or external cable routing, and is compatible with your choice of PNW lever, including their drop bar lever.

From our review ( read the full review here ): “All in all I’ve been quite happy with the PNW Coast Suspension Dropper Seatpost. While the suspension on the Coast is a little quirky, it works pretty well when tuned to your weight, and it has definitely saved my back from several big jolts on multiple rides. In addition, the dropper functions as expected with the right speed and power, and I’m guessing it will be as reliable as the Bachelor that we tested.”

• Weight: 540 grams (19 oz)
• Price: $179
• Place of Manufacture: Taiwan

Redshift Shockstop

• Type: Internal Spring Suspension Seatpost
• Travel: 35mm (1.4”)
• Offset: 7mm

The Redshift ShockStop suspension seatpost is an internal coil sprung suspension seatpost that operates on a four-bar linkage system and promises to smooth out the rough stuff and reduce fatigue. The ShockStop provides 35mm of tunable suspension in a fairly minimal, subtle design, meant to blend seamlessly with the aesthetic of modern gravel bikes.

The Shockstop suspension seatpost is only available in one size at the moment—27.2mm in diameter and 350mm long. I tested it on a 30.9mm seat tube with a shim and it worked fine. The post is constructed mainly out of 6061 T6 Aluminum alloy and it appears to use stainless steel linkage pins and bushings held in place with internal C-clips, although Redshift doesn’t specify these details. Overall, the build seems pretty solid. There’s a small plastic plate that’s attached to the post via a small shock cord on the back. It has a magnetic protrusion that conforms to another magnet on the post. This acts as a fender to keep mud and grime from clogging up the linkage area.

When engaged, the suspension linkage compresses a steel spring inside the post’s column that’s sandwiched in between two plastic spacers. All of these innards are compressed against a hollow plastic pipe that seats against a threaded preload screw at the bottom of the post. Redshift also includes a smaller, secondary internal spring to provide additional firmness, depending on your desired ride feel. The photo sequence above shows me sitting on it set up out of the box—main spring only, with preload somewhere in the middle—with its sag affected by only my weight (about 175lbs).

On my first ride, with just the single spring as it came set up, the Redshift Shockstop post felt a little too soft and springy. I also noticed that when climbing, I immediately felt it sucking the energy from my legs, as it took away power at the pedals. But once I added the secondary spring—which easily slides inside the main spring—the sag is notably less than shown above and it didn’t feel as mushy. I ended up dialing it in with the preload screw at about three (as shown above right) and really like the feel of it now.

The Redshift Shockstop works pretty well with a bikepacking seat bag. The fender prevents pinching and the linkage isn’t overly bulky to interfere with the bag’s seatpost strap—shown here with the Revelate Terrapin. In terms of durability on a longer bikepacking trip, I’ve only ridden with the Redshift post a handful of times, so I can’t vouch for its reliability. That said, I’m planning on running this post on my Salsa Cutthroat for a while, so I’ll be sure to update it down the road.

• Weight: 565 grams (19.9 oz)
• Price: $229.99

Cane Creek Thudbuster (LT)

• Travel: 76mm (3”)
• Length: 400mm (450mm, 27.2 xl)
• Offset: 13.5mm

The Thudbuster LT (Long Travel) has a larger linkage system than the ST with 3” (76mm) of travel via two barrel-shaped active elastomers. Cane Creek specifies that it’s usable for mountain bikes, tandems, tourers, and everything in between. The LT has a maximum rider weight of 250lbs.

• Price: $176

Kalloy Uno Suspension Seatpost

• Offset: 20mm

The Kalloy Uno Comfort Suspension Seatpost provides 40mm of suspension using an internal elastomer bumper. There’s not a lot of info on it, but it seems to have some good reviews on Amazon, and it’s very inexpensive.

Redshift ShockDrop

• Diameters: 30.9, 31.6mm

Redshift’s latest creation is the ShockDrop suspension-dropper seatpost. The ShockDrop uses the same suspension system as the ShockStop seatpost, but doubles as a dropper. Although these are still in prototype stage, expect two versions for mountain and gravel/all-road bikes. Both prototypes have 35mm of suspension travel. The 27.2mm version offers 60mm of dropper travel and the larger 30.9 and 31.6mm models feature 100mm of drop. Stay tuned for more info as it arises.

Specialized CG-R Seatpost

• Type: Carbon Suspension Seatpost
• Travel: 18mm
• Length: 350, 400mm
• Offset: 25mm

The CG-R seatpost features 18mm of vertical compliance via a vibration damping carbon construction. The CG-R promises comfort and efficiency without adding weight or complication to the frame. The CG-R also has a cylindrical aluminum head assembly that adjusts fore and aft, and tilts with a single bolt.

Note the fact that this one is carbon, so you’d want to protect it with Shelter or helicopter tape if you use it with a seat pack.

• Price: $280

Suntour NCX Suspension Seatpost

• Type: Coil Spring Suspension Seatpost
• Diameters: 27.2, 31.6mm
• Lengths: 350, 400mm

The NCX seatpost features a patented parallelogram design that Suntour claims works well for small bump compliance. The post has a total of 50mm travel and was designed with low maintenance and long term durability in mind.

• 50mm of travel
• Stainless steel bushings
• Patented parallelogram design
• Preload adjustable
• Internal coil spring design
• Side clamp has a radial detent with wide adjustment range
• Stock standard spring is rated for riders of 140-180lbs
• Minimum insertion 110mm height
• Maximum extension of 300mm height for 350mm length
• Maximum extension of 350mm height for 400mm length
• 2 year manufacturers warranty included
• Optional hard and soft springs sold separately
• Optional cover sold separately
• 7mm rail saddle rail clamp diameter
• Weight: 765 grams (27 oz)
• Price: $109.95

Ultimate Use Vybe Suspension Seatpost

• Type : Coil spring suspension seatpost
• Length: 400mm
• Offset: 10mm

The Ultimate Use Vybe suspension seatpost has 50mm of tuneable travel designed to “reduce the effect of terrain on the body allowing energy to be concentrated on the pedals.” The Vybe features USE’s SUMO clamp, a quick fitting, simple to adjust system designed to ensure the ideal saddle position. The post is fully serviceable, adjustable for rider weight, and comes in three different spring options: soft, medium, or hard. There is also a preload adjustment screw at the bottom of the post allowing you to fine tune the suspension.

• Weight: 400 grams (14.1 oz)
• Price: £120

Zoom Alloy Suspension Seatpost

• Type: Coil spring and Elastomer Suspension Seatpost
• Tracel: 40mm
• Diameters: 27.2, 30.9, 31.6

The Zoom Alloy Suspension Seatpost is made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy and features a progressive coil spring and elastomer. The only link we could find is on Amazon, so there’s not much info on it floating around in the ether.

• Weight: 659 grams (23.2 oz)
• Price: $27.99

Suspension Seatposts Wrap Up

Considering that most of the suspension seatposts tested here were ridden by a single person, this wouldn’t be a proper wrap up without picking favorites. However, let me first discuss my takeaways from looking at the three types of posts: coil spring vs. elastomer vs. air/dropper. The way each of these three seatposts ride is completely different, and I think they each offer their own set of benefits and drawbacks.

Air-spring suspension droppers—of which there’s really only one, the PNW Coast—is just like any other dropper post, for the most part. It’s relatively firm (depending on how you tune it) and the real benefit comes in to play with larger bumps. It works as more of a back saver in the event of surprising hits. Unlike the elastomer and coil posts, it’s not advantageous for consistently dampening small bumps.

Coil sprung and elastomer based posts make up the bulk of the options on the market. And despite the fact that they tout the same benefits, they’re quite different. I found the coil sprung posts to be much more bouncy and, well, springy. I think they could better serve people with serious back problems over long rides as they are almost always moving and active, and react to more dips and dives in the terrain. There are consequences, however. I found the two coil sprung models to have a noticeable effect on pedaling efficiency, especially as they came tuned out of the box, which tended to be softer than I preferred. If I had to pick a favorite between the two I tried, I think the Redshift Shockstop is more elegantly built and I was able to tune it to have more of a supportive feel (and be less detrimental to pedal response). I look forward to testing this one further.

All that said, I personally prefer the two elastomer-based suspension posts I’ve tried. Similar to a well-tuned suspension fork, the elastomer posts seem to settle into their travel instead of being squishy and active all the time. As such, they provide more support off the top, and only become active when pushed (or when bumped). I spent a lot of time on the eeSilk, which is the most minimal, of course, and provides the least amount of cushion. But I also liked the new 4th gen Thudbuster and will be curious to see how the elastomer holds up over time.

As always, if you have any questions, opinions, feedback on posts you’ve tried, or suggestions, leave them in the comments below…

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Best Suspension Seatposts for Touring & Bikepacking

So Which Suspension Seatposts Are the Best Choice For Touring & Bikepacking

Are you an explorer at heart? Do you prefer to travel long distances , and that too by cycling? Well, as adventurous as it sounds, long distances on a bicycle can have their toll on you unless you have the proper gear. First and foremost is your Seatpost. 

Improper and uncomfortable suspension seatposts can cause long-term ailments and can tire a cyclist out very easily. For this reason, you must invest in the best suspension Seatpost you can find. And we will help you find one right here.

6 Reasons Why You Should Consider Using Suspension Seatposts

• For better comfort

While riding a bicycle, bumps and rough spots are inevitable, especially in rough terrain . The more jumps and bumps you get into, the more strain it will put on your body. This is where a good or preferably the best suspension Seatpost in the market will come to your rescue.

Suspension seat posts work by the phenomenon of shock absorbance and damping vibrations. Hence the actual impact of the road is not felt by your body. Rather a watered-down version is felt.

Due to this you can spend long hours on your wheels and can get to your destination faster.

• Increased Riding Time

The biggest indication of the best suspension Seatpost is its shock-absorbent nature. This particular feature helps increase the stamina of the rider to achieve a long ride without taking breaks.

Hence you will be saving up on a lot of extra time which you might otherwise spend resting by the roadside.

• Improved Back Pain

People with lower back pain or generally vulnerable backs often can’t ride a bike without suspension seatposts. Hence it is compulsory for them to get one.

The major reason why suspension seatposts are so important for such riders is that they are shock absorbent and decrease the impact.

• Increase the Efficiency of Narrow Bike Wheels

You will learn about the actual potential of suspension seat posts once you see the extent to which it provides support to your tires. This can be observed by the compatibility it has with your bicycle tires and the extent to which it enhances the performance of even narrow ones.

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Imagine going down a rough terrain with tires as narrow as 38mm with a normal Seatpost (not the best imagery). 

Well, the journey would be a hundred times more comfortable and possible if you equip your bike with a good suspension seat post.

• Performance is Independent of Height and Weight

Another plus point for suspension seat posts may be  their lack of bias when it comes to the weight and height of the rider. The reason behind this is that a regular seat post’s comfort level is highly dependent on two things. The first is the bodyweight of the rider. Second is the area of the seat post exposed out of the rider’s frame.

In this case, shorter and low weighing people might be at a major disadvantage with the average seat post. But if you own the best suspension seat post, you don’t need to worry about this because its comfort is independent of the weight and height of the rider.

• Lower Cost and Lighter in Weight than Full Suspension Bikes

If you are on a budget or don’t want to handle a full suspension bike , then suspension seatposts are a good alternative. It is owing to the fact that they cost less and aren’t as heavy as a full-suspension one.

4 Reasons Why You Should Drop The Idea of Suspension Seatposts

The suspension seat posts come with the drawback of adding somewhere around 100 to 500 grams of weight to your Bike. This will make it heavier than a bike, with the average seat post containing an aluminum seat post.

• Your Bike has Fat Tires

If your bike has fat tires, they are already a good shock absorbent. Thick tires are able to dampen the impact of shocks by deflecting around 40mm to 60 mm over rough patches. This is similar to the amount of shock absorbance your suspension seat post will be doing.

Hence bicycles with thick tires don’t really require a suspension seat post as the purpose is already being served.

• You Already Own a Full Suspension Bike

If the Bike that you own has a full suspension, it means it has the full capacity of the saddle extension and has been covered, and there is no need to add a suspension seat post.

• Suspension Bob

The paddling motion of the body tends to create a certain momentum. This momentum can cause a bob-like motion to form in the suspension. This will vary with the type of movement and the degree of it.

Deflection plus Damping

Suspension seat posts make your journey more comfortable by two mechanisms:

• They increase the amount of vertical deflection ( this means that they decrease the amount of the impact due to bumps)
• They aim for a maximum level of damping ( absorbing vibration )

Now let’s look into the basic concepts of Deflection and Damping.

Deflection: Deflection refers to the movement that is generated in a Seatpost when your bicycle moves over rough terrain or a bump on the road. The seat posts with a higher level of deflection will be better for the rider as they will take much of the impact and put less strain on the rider.

 With lower deflection, most of the impact will be felt by the rider and is not good for them.

Damping: damping refers to a certain speed that seatposts move at when the cycle moves over a bumpy path. This shock absorbance will help tone down the actual wear and tear effect that the rider is supposed to feel. 

If the damping effect of a seat post is not too much, the rider will feel most of the rocky path, and it will take a toll on their stamina and overall performance.

The Suspension Seatpost’s Damping Systems Explained

1. Spring Damping

As the name suggests, spring damping systems have a spring system in them. This is particularly apt for rocky and jumpy areas such as mountain biking. A good amount of bounce will have your ride going smoothly on such a path.

Although there is one drawback to this spring system, where the bounce is perfect for rough paths, it becomes a problem on smooth roads and will cause a nuisance in such areas. 

A good solution for this would be adjusting the preload of your Seatpost. But overall, we can establish that a suspension seat post with a spring damping is not the best suspension Seatpost for smooth areas.

2. Elastomer Damping 

Elastomers are a subtle type of damping system, which is also considered a major advantage. The mechanism behind their less noticeable nature is the rebound speed they have after an impact. Their rebound speed is slow, which makes it almost unnoticeable.

Their sways feel more natural on rough terrain, making them a preferable choice.

Although there is a drawback to these if you are using them in colder temperatures because, in such conditions, they lose functionality, become rigid in sub-zero temperatures, and also require frequent lubrication. This makes them a little high maintenance.

3. Air Damping

Air damping is employed in telescopic types of seat posts. It has the benefit of an adjustable spring rate for higher accuracy.

Suspension Seatpost Designs

1. Linkage-driven Suspension Seatpost

These seatposts have a movement in a direction similar to the force that the rear wheel is applying. Due to this, the force of the bumps and the rough areas can be countered by the Seatpost.

Due to this, the strain that the bump would have originally put on your lower back gets dissipated. 

Secondly, as the Seatpost compresses, it maintains the distance between the saddle and your pedals in rough terrains . This helps to optimize your comfort and form as you cycle.

2. Telescopic Post 

This suspension system does not make the best suspension Seatpost due to its less active suspension system. Its compression angle is not in the direction of force coming from the rear wheel, unlike the previous system discussed. 

They are also not good at maintaining the paddle to saddle Distance over bumpy areas like their previous counterpart, hence making them a less ideal choice in comparison.

Now what still makes them a common choice is their lightweight and subtle nature.

Suspension Seatposts Vibration Test 

Now that we are comparing and contrasting to establish the best suspension seatpost let’s look at a few tests to decide one.

These tests were performed by Krzysztof from  GravelBikes.cc to test the suspension seatposts. Let’s take a look at them. 

Bumpy Forest Trail (Test Number 1)

Carbon rigid Seatpost – FSA K-Force – Typical carbon Seatpost (2.9 m/s²)

Carbon leaf Seatpost – Ergon CF3 – 10% less vibrations (~2.6 m/s²)

Spring Seatpost – Redshift ShockStop – 24% less vibrations (2.2 m/s²)

Bumpy Forest Trail (Test Number 2)

Carbon Seatpost – FSA K-Force – Typical carbon Seatpost (2.9 m/s²)

Air Seatpost – PNW Coast – 6% fewer vibrations (2.8 m/s²)

Elastomer Seatpost – Cane Creek eeSilk – 10% fewer vibrations (~2.6 m/s²)

Spring Seatpost – Kinekt 2.1 – 17% fewer vibrations (~2.4 m/s²)

From the above testing, it can clearly be seen that spring seatposts are a much better option to dissipate vibrations in comparison to the carbon ones. The statistics have shown an improvement ranging from 17% to 24% with the use of the spring Seatpost.

Now, if we take a look at the elastomer Cane Creek eeSilk, its vibration movement is only half as that of the Spring Seatpost. But an important point here is its suspension level, which is also half as much, landing somewhere around 20mm.

In the end, we have our Air seatposts. These do provide a noticeable improvement ( 6%), but there is the factor of activation force. The activation force required for these seatposts can need a higher bump which is not possible on all types of surfaces.

Fast Gravel Road (Test 1)

Carbon Seatpost – FSA K-Force – Typical carbon Seatpost (3.8 m/s²)

Air Seatpost – PNW Coast – Same vibration level (3.8 m/s²)

Carbon leaf Seatpost – Ergon CF3 – 13% less vibrations (3.3 m/s²)

Spring Seatpost – Redshift ShockStop – 21% fewer vibrations (3 m/s²)

Fast Gravel Road (Test 2)

Spring Seatpost – Kinekt 2.1 – 10% fewer vibrations (3.4 m/s²)

Elastomer Seatpost – Cane Creek eeSilk – 17% fewer vibrations (~3.15 m/s²)

On bumpy and rough roads, the difference between the two types of seatposts becomes relatively insignificant due to the decreased requirement of the spring seatpost’s function.

If we take a look at the Air Seatpost, there was no mentionable difference between this and the Carbon Seatpost.

Buyers guide 

The aim of this article is to help your find the best suspension seatpost out there. But it is not a hit-and-trial method. You need to look at the technicalities to decide which one suits you and your ride. Look at the following:

• Max and min rider weight.
• Your Body Frame
• The Distance You need to Travel

Best Suspension Seatposts

Coil sprung.

• Kinekt 2.1 and Kinekt 3.1 are the best options under this category. The travel they offer is around 35 mm. The spring rates they offer are five, which are compatible with up to 145kg/320lb of weight.

 You’ll initially find them to be springy and bouncy. This makes them a good choice for mountain biking or generally rougher trails.

 The best perk would be the option to preload the “control knob” that they give for $16 to enhance your experience and convenience.

• If you want a seat post that can give you the best of both worlds, it’s the Redshift Shockstop. Due to its less vigilant shock absorbance, it can work as a rough terrain Seatpost but offer you a good experience in the smoother trails as well. This is due to the lack of an extra bob that is common with others.
• The high-rated By.schulz G.2 has two travel versions to choose from ( 30mm and 50mm). It also provides a range of spring rates with ten different diameters. So it has got something for every kind of rider.

Elastomer Sprung

• The Cane Creek Thudbuster has four spring rates and will suit you for both types of trails.
• The Cane Creek eeSilk has made its name as the closest one to top carbon seatposts. This is due to its lightweight (300 gms) and travel (20mm). 

Dropper Suspension Seatposts 

The unique telescopic structure of these seatposts has led them to have a smaller vertical flex. But if you are still a fan, there are suspension options available.

• In this range, you might like the Byschulz D.2 ST , especially the coil spring version
• Secondly, the PNW Coast , with its 40mm of suspension travel, is great for gravel roads.

Top 5 Suspension Seatposts

Pnw components coast 120 er suspension dropper post.

The two-in-one dropper, as well as suspension, will give you the best of both worlds. It will be your best friend in the bumpy areas while also allowing you to drop the seat when you desire to do so.

You can forget the hassle of the Allen key and focus on enjoying your journey. All you need to do is buy the cable and switch to have control over your seat.

ShockStop Suspension Seatpost

It is compatible with almost all sorts of rides, and its sleek design also keeps it at the top of the game.

Zoom Suspension Seat Post

Light on the budget but might be a little heavy on the comfort. Although it has adjustable travel, its stiffness is not easy to ignore or overcome. 

But overall, it is a good upgrade for shorter distances and starters.

Cirrus Cycles KINEKT 3.1 Carbon Fiber Bike Seatpost with Suspension

This is the lightest carbon fiber Seatpost you will find. Although its weight is light, it is pretty heavy on the pocket.

This owes to the various specifications it provides. It is highly adjustable and customizable with the two extra springs that are provided. This Seatpost aims to put your comfort above everything else.

Cane Creek Thudbuster ST Seatpost 

The fourth generation of Thudbuster suspension has been declared the best suspension Seatpost in the market. 

It has an Elastomer design, and the tool-free press fit is perfect for adjusting the firmness level.

It maintains paddle performance while absorbing the tiniest of shocks without any reverse spring.

Conclusion 

If you prioritize comfort and the quality of your journey, then you should seriously consider investing in the best suspension Seatpost you can find. 

Ride with confidence over any hurdle or rough terrain with the appropriate gear.

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Trek Pavement Suspension Seatpost

Keep the bumps at bay with Trek's Pavement Suspension Seatpost. It tames rough roads to keep you comfortable all day long.

5 Best Suspension Seatposts for the Most Enjoyable Bikepacking!

Do you like getting off your bike, having lower back pain, and finding it difficult to walk? There aren’t many people that would answer that question with yes. If you enjoy bikepacking but are tired of being sore, your best option is to purchase the best suspension seat post on the market. You may wonder how to find the best one, and we have the answer for you.

We have tried out a variety of different these products and have narrowed down our choices to five. Our decisions were based on a variety of factors, such as.

• Load capacity – the load capacity is the amount of weight that the suspension can hold and still give you a comfortable ride. We wanted to find suspension seat posts that are appropriate for the majority of people.
• Travel suspension – We wanted to ensure that the seat posts movement while peddling is enough to make it a comfortable ride.
• Weight – we wanted to make sure that the suspension seat post was lightweight but still was supportive enough to support the individual’s weight.
• Material – the most common materials are stainless steel, nylon, aluminum alloy, and aluminum.
• Quick Summary
• Editor's Choice: Kinekt 2.1 XL2 "This suspension seat post is specifically designed for riders who weigh between 240-320 pounds. It is specially designed so that bike riders can experience a comfortable ride."
• Runner-Up: Redshift ShockStop "This suspension seat post provides 35mm of tunable suspension and is exceptionally comfortable even on gravel roads."
• Budget Pick: DJC Bike Suspension Seatpost "This suspension seat post offers a built-in spring coil and damper. This helps absorb more vibration while riding, leading to a more comfortable, stable ride."
• Best Versatility : Cane Creek Thunderbuster ST "This product is a fourth-generation suspension seat post that is excellent for all different types of bikes, especially e-bikes. It uses a simple linkage design with a center dampening elastomer."
• Best Lightweight : DNM Suspension Mountain MTB "DNM suspension seat post comes with preload adjustments, has a lightweight copper design, and is suitable for riders up to 220 pounds."

Top 5 Suspension Seatpost Reviewed 2024

Kinekt 2.1 XL2

• Load capacity: 320lbs
• Size: 19.2 x 4 x 2.3 inch
• Travel suspension: 35mm
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Material: aluminum

Other features: hardware is made of stainless steel, comes in 4 spring sizes, 1-year warranty.

Our favorite pick, the Kinekt 2.1 XL2, is an aluminum seat post that provides maximum comfort at a minimum price. It comes in four different spring sizes from 100-320lbs. This makes choosing what works for you simply and quick. It has interchangeable springs, an adjustable preload bolt, is available in different diameters: 25.4mm, 27.2 mm, 30.9mm, and 31.6mm. It has a setback of 12mm, 25mm, a distance of 0-35mm, and is made from 6061 AL. Riders can easily change the size of the springs by turning the knob to the appropriate weight range. Because of this unique feature, riders are offered more comfortably and can find just the right tension level suited for them. This version of the Kinekt was explicitly designed for heavier riders who love to ride but have trouble finding the correct suspension seat post for their weight. It’s compatible with most bikes and simple to put on your bike.

The main reason we chose the Kinekt 2.1 XL2 over the Kinekt 2.1 is the heavier springs. This is the reason we believe this suspension seat post is the best for heavier riders. The seat post isolates your body from the large jarring bumps so that you don’t get as sore or tired trying to keep your bike under control. We found that we could ride for longer distances because we didn’t have to fight the bike so much, plus we had much more control. Even when we went down rough terrain, we stayed comfortable. The best part was with the two springs; you don’t move side to side even when riding gravel roads. We decided to try it out on a few different types of bikes during our review and found this one to be the best suspension seat post for road bikes.

• if you like riding in the woods, you seldom bounce off the ground, even in the rear tire. The seat is exceptionally comfortable, which makes it great for long distances. You can expect a smooth ride even if you’re riding at high speed.
• It tends to be bouncy, especially when you ride over big bumps. Because of the bounce, it’s difficult to maintain a steady pace, but if you tighten the springs, it does help improve it. If you use the 0 settings, it bottoms out, so you may want to consider a higher spring option.

Redshift ShockStop

• Load capacity: 242lbs
• Size: 16.61 x 3.5 x 2.64
• Weight: 1.54lbs
• Material: Stainless Steel

Other features: fit all bikes, easy to install, dampen bumps and vibration by up to 60%, swappable springs.

In our opinion, the Redshift ShockStop is the second best suspension seatpost on the market. It offers a relatively simple design. It consists of two 6061 aluminum sections with extensions that pivots on the two bearings attached to the steerer clamp. It has a standard 31.8mm handlebar diameter compatibility and 20MM of damped suspension travel. It has two elastomers within the stem cavity with a preload wedge which can be swapped out for extra support and comfort depending on the rider’s weight and preference. This suspension seat post ranges from 90-120mm with a +/- degree rise. The ShockStop stems fit standard 1-⅛” steerer tubes and are also available for oversized  1¼ bikes. It offers up to 70% bump and vibration dampening, helping to relieve pain associated with long rides, which helps reduce fatigue and increases efficiency. This shock absorber seat post offers comfort as well stability for the most relaxing ride you can get.

When we tried out the suspension support seat, we weren’t sure how it would feel, but we were pleasantly surprised. The handlebars moved up and down well with the bumps and even over gravel roads. We tried it out on some rough terrain, too, and it handled great. The rebound rate and compression can occasionally become a little rough if the rebound doesn’t respond quickly enough. This rarely happened and only ha[pened on repeated bumps. As expected, the performance varied slightly depending on your body position. When doing downhill, you notice that the anding improves. There were no bottom-outs when we took it out on rougher terrain, so they give more than enough. Although on some of the larger bumps, some of us hit the rebound top-out limit. This is one of the best seat posts for heavy riders and one of the lightest on our lists. If you often go mountain biking, this is also one of the best seat posts for that.

• Redshift SockStock has many sizes available from 90 to 120mm, plus its lightweight. It’s very affordable and fits most bikes. The elastomer well controls the suspension, and this allows you to choose the amount of firmness you want. We noticed that when we used this suspension seat post, we could go farther and weren’t as tired when we were done riding.
• The stem is chunky due to its angular design and has large bolts, but it doesn’t take away from its excellent overall design. Changing the saddle height and handlebar distance wasn’t as easy as we would like. Finding just the right fit was difficult, and it would take a few adjustments until getting just the right feel.

DJC Bike Suspension Seatpost

• Load capacity: 220 lbs.
• Size: 1.97 x 1.97 x 12.78 in.
• Travel Suspension: 42 mm
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Material: Aluminum

Other features: 2-year warranty, build-in spring coil, damper rubber

This suspension seat post has a built-in spring coil and damper rubber to absorb vibration while riding. We found this to be one of the best for road bikes because of how well it absorbs small bumps. This seat post improves the sock plus the rebound force is adjustable by simply tightening or loosening the bottom screw. You can adjust the clamp angle, and the saddle clamp can be adjusted +18 to -5 degrees with the clamp offset of 14mm. It is made from full aluminum 6061 body, so it is both durable and lightweight. It’s suitable for riders between 114-220 pounds. It is manufactured by HL CORP, which is one of the world’s largest bike component suppliers. They have an excellent reputation and complies with international bicycle safety standard Iso 4210.

We chose this suspension seat post because of the reputation of the manufacture. It is made from high-quality aluminum, ensuring a smooth ride even over the most frequent bumps that would leave your body numb and vibrating without the shock-absorbing seat post. Most of the reviews for this seat post were positive, which was another factor in our choice. Plus, it’s shocking just how great it works for the cost. It is by far the best suspension seat post if you’re on a budget. It’s easy to install, so you can quickly put it on your bike and start riding when it arrives.

• we liked how easy it was to install, and it came with a 2-year warranty. It works great with all bike types. It’s extremely solid and durable and made from high-quality materials. The built-in spring coils plus damper rubbers absorb vibrations and help you ride longer distances because you are no longer getting beat up during the ride.
• it’s pretty loud when riding on the road, making a squeaking noise. Although installation is simply getting the seat in the correct position is more complicated, I’d recommend using a level. The installation instructions are a bit wordy, and work clean and patiently is not needed. Without a seat cover, you slip on the saddle horn frequently.

Cane Creek Thunderbuster ST

• Load Capacity: 330 lbs
• Size: 19 x 5 x 4
• Travel Suspension: 50mm
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Material: nylon

Other Features: easy to install

This is the latest generation of suspension seat posts by Cane Creek. It has a seat post diameter of 27.2, travel of 50mm, and a minimum extension of 100mm with a maximum extension of 244mm. With the max rider weight of 330 lbs. It’s a medium-firm elastomer pre-installed from the factory. It comes with soft and firm elastomers that you can change out if you want. The post itself is made from forged aluminum. The seat clamp is a single bolt fastening with an angle-adjustment design. The seat is designed to support both round and oval rails that keep it in alight with the rear wheel. It makes the Thudbuster move up and down, helping the seat absorb the force at the same rate.

Thudbuster works well on rough asphalt and concrete by making all-terrain feel smoother, making for a more comfortable ride. It offers similar linkage technology with a redesigned seat post for increased durability. The shock absorber seat post works great with eBikes. A few of the upgrades the Thudbuster ST has that the previous version didn’t is designed with road bikes in mind and those who make long commutes. Plus, the axles are now serviceable, whereas the older models weren’t. The best change is the redesigned rubber elastomers system. It’s no longer large and shaped odd like the last version but is smaller and diamond-shaped. The good news about this is that other elastomers no longer need tools to change them.

• This suspension seat post is excellent for backpacking or dirt-road touring. We want the single bolt saddle installation process and how easy it is to change the rubber with no tool needed. The parallel design doesn’t change the distance between the seat and pedal.
• The seat is a bit too high when you use the extra-large rubber, The suspension seat post is more expensive than similar models, and the design is a bit disappointing if you like the sleeker design. Another thing is you may have to adjust your riding style so it doesn’t bob up and down so much.

DNM Suspension Mountain MTB

• Size: 18.5 x 4.33 x 2.76
• Travel Suspension: 350mm
• Weight: 2 lbs
• Material: aluminum alloy
• Other features: comes with protective cover, 2-year warranty.

This suspension seat post is made of 3D forged alloy, one of the strongest materials, and has a tube diameter of 27.2 with a total diameter of 31.6mm. It works not only to help ease your ride with its’ suspension, which helps with energy but also to absorb the impact of the bumps, and this helps to ease your pain during and after the ride. The gravel of the seat post is 20mm vertical + 15mm horizontal. This works well for the majority of riders.  It has a mini insert of 90mm and is recommended from riders from 176-220 lbs.

We chose this damping seat post because of how highly absorbent we found it to be. Even on our long travels, we didn’t feel sore with this shock-absorbing seat post. Even over larger bumps, they didn’t have a significant impact on our ride. If you live on a dirt road or frequently go up and down hills, this suspension seat post helps you feel in control of your bike. It was easy to install and easy to adjust to fit your weight. It’s made of high-quality materials and is super sturdy.   When trying it on an e-bike, we were pleasantly surprised at how smooth the ride was once we adjusted it properly to fit the rider’s weight.

• The ease of installation was the first thing we noticed—the high-quality material it’s made from and how durable it is. It’s lightweight and just sturdy enough to make your ride smooth. We like the limited weight range. It also comes with a 2-year warranty so you can buy it with confidence.
• The limited information about it on the web. If you’re on rocky terrain, you will bob up and down more mainly because it’s made to absorb impact from more minor bumps, which is why this is the best suspension seat post for bikes that are ridden on gravel and dirt roads.

• Things to Consider

Navigating the world of cycling components can be a bumpy ride, especially when it comes to ensuring your comfort on long journeys. In this buying guide, we’ll offer insights on the best models available and tips to help you make an informed choice for a smoother and more comfortable ride.

What is a suspension seatpost?

A suspension seat post is a special part of a bike that has a suspension system. Unlike the standard seat post, the suspension system does not stay stationary but instead moves vertically, making it more comfortable when riding on rough or bumpy terrain. Suspension seat posts make it so that individuals can cycle for longer periods without little to no pain.

• Elastomer Suspension Seatpost

This type of suspension uses rubber cushioning placed on the bike that takes a lot of force while riding. They move both vertically and horizontally to absorb the bouncing and bumps individuals experience while riding bicycles. Because of their firmness, the elastomer suspension seat post is best used for mountain bikes.

• Coil Spring Suspension Seatpost

Many companies that use this type of suspension seat posts often like adjusting the tension based on the terrain. A lot of people who ride electric bikes say they are the best suspension seat posts for electric bikes.

• Air Dropper Suspension Seatpost

These are the newest type of suspension seat posts. This type of suspension seat post is best for those who frequently ride on gravel roads or heavy riders. The main benefit of this seat post is that you can easily do it without stopping instead of the hassle of getting off your bike to adjust your seat.

How to Choose the Best Suspension Seatpost

Although there are three main types of shock absorber seat posts to choose from, you don’t want to just go out and grab one. Instead, you want to make sure that you are getting the one best suited for your needs. There are a few different things you should consider before picking which one you want to purchase.

• Type and Use

Which type of seat post do you want, and what do you use your bicycle for. If you frequently ride street bikes for commuting, you may not need the features that air dropper suspension seat posts provide and instead want to look at one of the other two options. On the other hand, if you frequently go on short rides down bumpy roads, you may find that the air dropper seat post is the best one for you.

• Vehicle Compatibility

While most suspension seat posts are universal, you still need to make sure the one you like will work best with your bike.  The exception is if you use BMX biles, jump bikes, or costly bikes. The easiest way to check is to measure your rails and rail width. The universal size is 44mm when looking for seat posts, look to see if it is universal or standard.

Some people find it difficult to get on and off their bikes. You want to make sure that when choosing your suspension seat post, you choose one that stays stable while you’re swinging your leg over the bike. This can be especially tricky if you have some type of injury or tight hip flexors. Before choosing a suspension seat post, make sure you can easily mount and dismount it. During our review of the products, we found that the Cane Creek Thudbuster ST  provided a lot of stability when dismounting.

• Materials and Durability

Most people don’t realize how vital the suspension seat materials are. All of the materials your bike is made up of are important Trusted Source The science of bike building: What is 'ride quality' and what factors affect it? - CyclingTips The bicycle may be a simple machine but there are many aspects to its performance. cyclingtips.com . Everything from the tires to the handlebars affects how your bike will handle, how durable it is, and the overall quality of your ride. This goes for suspension seat posts too, what may work great for someone else may be horrible for you.

• Load Capacity

Knowing the amount of weight the suspension seat post can support Trusted Source How Much Weight Can a Bike Hold? | Live Healthy - Chron.com How Much Weight Can a Bike Hold? livehealthy.chron.com is essential when purchasing the right one. If you are buying one that goes above or below your weight, you won’t get the quality of ride you want. One of the reasons the Kinekt 2.1 XL2 impressed us is their options for people of all sizes.

The size of the seat is often overlooked when looking at suspension seat posts. The tires and seat posts are the difference between having a comfortable ride and one that leaves you in pain. Redshift ShockStop offers the most comfortable ride at an economical price.

It doesn’t matter what type of rider you are. The overall weight of your bicycle matters. Some people who ride long distances need a lightweight bike. Even something as small as a suspension seat post can add unwanted weight. DJC Bike Suspension Seatpost offers an excellent choice and only weighs 1.08 lbs.

Of course, the cost is going to factor into your choice. Customers want to make sure they are getting what they pay for. There is such a wide range of budget seat posts available that there should be no trouble finding one to fit your budget.

• Inline or Layback

Seatpost shafts can either be inline or layback. When purchasing one, you want to ensure that you get the type you feel more comfortable with. Seatposts with a shallow angle bend towards the top of the shaft will cause your seat to angle back slightly.

• How do you attach a suspension seat post to a bicycle?
• Remove your old seat post
• Clean the inside of the seat tube to make sure there is no grease or dirt
• Install your set post and insert it past the min insert to make sure it’s fully installed.

Once the seat post is installed, you can install the saddle by

• Unscrewing the fixed bolts until the rail of the saddle can fit through them.
• Install the saddle by inserting the rail into the clamp from one side.
• Click down both sides
• Adjust it until it’s centered.
• Tighten the bolts
• Why should I consider using a suspension seatpost?
• What is the difference between deflection and damping?
• Are suspension seatposts suitable for bikepacking or touring
• Our verdict

For some of us, this was the first time we used Suspension seat posts, and they made our experience much more comfortable. Each of the chosen seat posts had a lot of impressive features and met all of our expectations. Our top three picks of best suspension seat posts went above and beyond our expectations and impressed us with their support and smooth ride.

The Kinekt 2.1 XL2 was our editor’s choice, with the score of 9.8. In our opinion, Kinekt 2.1 XL2 s the best suspension seatpost even for heavy riders. Redshift ShockStop is our second pick. We were impressed with its weight and smooth ride, especially when riding off-road.

And finally, the DJC Bike Suspension Seatpost is our budget pick that has a built-in spring coil and damper rubber to make cycling as comfortable as possible.

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• Cane Creek eeSilk Aluminum Suspension Seatpost

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• Suspension Suspension Seatpost

Dimension Suspension Suspension Seatpost

Dimension Suspension Seatpost - Clamp Style: Std Rails - Diameter: 27.2mm - Length: 350mm - Material: Aluminum - Max Height: 255mm - Min Height: 130mm - Offset (mm): 0mm - Seatpost Type: Suspension - Travel (mm): 35mm - Weight: 450g

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Best Suspension Seatpost To Smooth Out Your Ride (All Terrains)

Suspension seat posts are not new to the market. But, they have got a lot better and more reliable in recent years. Designed to help smooth out the ride, whether you are cycling on a gravel trail at the weekend or on a potholed road on your way to work during the week.

Without a suspension Seatpost, your bike ride can leave your back sore and you questioning if cycling is as enjoyable as everyone keeps telling you.

Whether you are recovering from a back injury and need to be able to smooth out the ‘road’ or just looking to improve your performance and comfort while cycling longer distances.

The best suspension Seatpost offers you versatility and comfort, without adding to much weight or complicated design to your bike.

Of course, you could just buy a bike with front and back suspension, to offer the smoothest ride, but these are often heavy and can be very expensive to get the best in the class suspension system.

Suspension seatposts provide a cost-effective way to smooth out the shocks and bumps in the road or track, without the need to buy a 2nd (3rd/4th) bicycle.

Big tires offer a lot of cushions, but due to their large surface area can seriously slow you down on the roads. Even certain frame materials, such as titanium, work with you to dampen some of the vibrations of the road. But nothing improves your ride quality quite like installing a suspension Seatpost.

Buyers guide

You need to find the best suspension Seatpost for you. Before looking at the list, make sure you know what type will suit you and your beloved bicycle the most.

3 checks before buying

• Max and min rider weight . Suspension seat posts offer a differing level of resistance and rebound. To maximize the benefit, ensure that you are getting one that can handle your weight. If you get one which is too soft, you will not get any benefits of your new investment as you still feel every bump in the road. The same will happen if you get one with too little resistance to your weight. Check the website spec and customer reviews, when choosing which option is best for you.
• Make sure the Seatpost will fit your frame . The best suspension seat posts will offer you a choice, so you should be able to get the perfect fit. If not, you can buy Seatpost shims to fill the gap and ensure a snug fit.
• How far do you need to travel? Not in terms of your bike ride, but how far do you need the Seatpost to travel . Generally, they range from 10mm – 50mm. Consider the terrain you will be riding on. For commuting on relatively smooth roads, you probably don’t need the same degree of travel as if you are off-roading and regularly taking your bike on gravel tracks, for example.

A rigid bike, without any suspension, coupled with a suspension Seatpost, will often be more reliable and affordable than dealing with the maintenance of shocks and linkages on a full-suspension bike. Suspension seat posts are relatively easy to install and can be used to upgrade the ride quality on any type of bike.

The main suspension Seatpost systems you have to choose from are air spring system, elastomer, or internal coil.

Air Dropper suspension seatposts

Offering the flexibility of dropping your Seatpost when needed, these can seem complicated. They are relatively new to the market, but if you are experienced at riding on gravel roads and want to be able to change your seat height, without the need to stop and get your multitool out, this is the all in one suspension Seatpost system for you.

They often offer less travel than the other two systems, so may not be the best option if you are just looking for a smoother ride on your commute to work.

Check out the PNW Coast below

Elastomer Suspension Seatposts

Do not be fooled by its simplicity. By placing a rubber cushion between you and the road, this post effectively dampens lumps and bumps. They are often accompanied by a hinged linkage system, to reduce rebound and offer a more stable ride.

Each rubber cushion will have differing amounts of giving, so check which one is right for your weight. Being an exposed bit of rubber the cushion will wear over time, but replacements are often cheap and small enough so that you can carry a spare with you.

Check out the Cane Creek Thudbuster ST G4 below – the original and now on its fourth edition, better than ever.

Coil Spring Suspension Seatposts

Coil spring suspension seatposts are the 21st-century solution to smoothing out your ride. Rather than relying on a lump of rubber, these suspension seatposts use a hinged linkage system with a coiled metal spring to provide a feeling of cycling on smooth tarmac all day.

You will often be able to increase or decrease tension, for every terrain. Although it may be tempting to reduce the tension, to soften the ride.

Be mindful that the softer the coil is, the less power you will be able to put down onto the pedals (especially on climbs). Try to keep this system dry and put some grease on the hinges, to avoid annoying creaks.

Check out the Cirrus Cycles KINEKT

Top 7 Suspension Seatposts

Pnw components coast 120 er suspension dropper post.

Best for versatility

The PNW coast combines dropper with suspension, giving you the best of both worlds. A smooth ride to tackle the bumps in the road. While also being able to drop the seat post when required. This is an excellent option for any cyclist that is looking for an upgrade to their ride.

No longer do you need to stop and get the Allen key out to drop your riding height. You will need to buy a cable and switch for this Seatpost, so you have full control without having to take your hands off the handlebars.

• Ability to drop and raise the seat post height
• Adequate dampening of small bumps
• 40mm active travel
• Controls have to be bought separately
• Overcomplicated if you are just looking to smooth out your ride, without the need to drop your seat mid-ride

View on Rei.com View on Amazon.com

ShockStop Suspension Seatpost

Best for high quality

This ultra-responsive seat post would be top of the list if not for the price tag. Although it is one of the most expensive to make this list, you are paying for a quality Seatpost, designed for any rider. You get 35mm of travel and infinitely adjustable preload stiffness adjustment.

This Seatpost also looks the sleekest in the list, not too bulky and no rubber or coils exposed to the elements. This is the perfect suspension Seatpost for any road, gravel, or e-bike. With the easy tension adjustment, you do not risk losing the power you are putting down to the pedals.

• Swappable springs included for different rider weights
• Optimized linkage geometry provides ultra-responsive suspension. Provides a comfortable ride on gravel and bumpy surfaces, even at high speed
• Not as much travel as others on the list

Zoom Suspension Seat Post

Best on a budget

Smooth out your ride, without breaking the bank. This simple design helps to smooth out the lumps and bumps on the road but can feel stiff, even for heavier riders. You can adjust the travel, but even on the ‘lowest’, it struggles to keep your derriere safe from all the bumps and vibration of the road.

It is simple and straightforward to install. A good place to start, if you are looking for a suspension seat post to improve the quality of a short distance ride.

• Simple design
• 50mm active travel
• Low quality, with rubber covering which makes it look cheap
• The fiddly adjustment bolt makes it difficult to make quick adjustments to the tension while out on a ride
• Due to the design, you go up and down with the post, as opposed to down and back as with the other systems on this list. Although not the end of the world on a road without any lumps and bumps, after a while this can cause unnecessary aches from riding in a different position

Cirrus Cycles KINEKT 3.1 Carbon Fiber Bike Seatpost with Suspension

Best for lightweight, high performance

This beautifully crafted carbon fiber suspension Seatpost is sure to turn heads. The coil springs are on display for all to see, but somehow Cirrus Cycles have made them look stylish. Not for anyone on a budget, this expensive Seatpost will give you the added comfort you need, while also saving weight.

The Carbon Fiber KINEKT 3.1 Seatpost is the lightest on the market. This post isolates your body from surface vibrations and impacts.

As you would expect from a high-end Seatpost, you can choose the right set up for you, based on your weight and post length. It also comes with two additional springs, allowing for more customization to find the perfect travel.

The easy access pre-load adjuster makes for convenient adjustment to the tension of the travel mid-ride, if needed, to avoid feeling like you are on a pogo stick.

If you have the money and are looking to pimp out your hardtail bike with a Seatpost that can add to the comfort of your ride, without hampering your performance, this is the suspension Seatpost for you.

At the risk of encouraging you to hide the beautiful design, it is also recommended to purchase a protective wrap, to protect the exposed coil system from getting clogged with mud and dirt, especially if you will be taking it on trails.

• Lightweight
• 35 mm travel – with easy access preload adjustment
• The exposed system means it can easily get clogged up if not well maintained or covered.

Cane Creek Thudbuster ST Seatpost

Best all-rounder

Finally, last but not least, the best suspension Seatpost, from one of the best-known brands in the market. Being the fourth generation of Thudbuster suspension Seatpost from this well-established brand, you can expect the highest quality, without complicated design or installation.

Although this time round they are marketing their Seatpost to e-bike riders, do not let that put you off putting it on your proper bicycle.

The elastomer’s design is unique and relatively simple to maintain. They have a tool-free press fit, making it easy for you to increase/decrease the firmness if need while out on a ride.

This design compresses progressively, absorbing the shock of bumps in the road, without any rebound or frustrating bob on uneven surfaces. The linkage design damps out smaller ripples without reducing pedaling efficiency.

• Easy installation and maintenance
• Absorbs the contours of the road/gravel, without causing you to bob
• Maximum rider weight of 330 lbs
• 50mm of active travel
• The fourth in the line of Thudbusters by Cane Creek you are getting top quality, backed by years of refining the perfect design
• The single fit cradle can feel a little less secure than the traditional double clamp. Take a multitool out with you for the first few rides, to tighten if necessary.

SR Suntour SP12 NXC Suspension Seat Post

When it comes to suspension, one of the biggest companies is Suntour. They make excellent products that are incredible value for money. The SR Suntour SP12 NXC is a great example of this.

The SP12 gives you a whopping 50mm of suspension travel, and this can really take the edge off the road. It’s ideal if you have a hardtail mountain bike and want to make it more like a full-suspension bike.

It comes with an adjustable preload. If you need clarification on what that is, you can adjust the responsiveness of the suspension. For example, lighter riders might need to loosen it, and heavier riders might need to tighten it.

It comes in a 27.2mm diameter and has a length of 350mm. You can also get it in 31.6mm and 30.9mm if required. It’s worth checking that it will fit your bike before ordering, even though this is a very common size.

The SP12 even looks like the part we love the fact that you can clearly see it is a suspension seat post, and it even comes with a cover for those very muddy rides. We appreciate some, like the suspension being hidden. Overall we really like the SP12 NXC, and for its price, it’s great value for money.

• Easy to install
• It comes in many different sizes
• Suntour is a great brand
• 50mm suspension travel
• Cost is good
• Lost of different sizes
• Preload adjustment
• Quite bold to look at for some
• Not the lightest option

Aaron Seat Post

Aaron is a german brand making quality products. If you are looking for a simpler suspension seat post that blends in with the bike a little more, you might want to consider the excellent Aaron suspension seat post.

It comes in three sizes, 27.2mm, 30.9mm, and 31.6mm, and they all are 350mm long. Installing this seat post is as easy as just swapping over the post and the saddle.

It offers 50mm of suspension travel, which is enough to take the edge of those bumpy roads. You even get a preload adjustment so you can dial it in perfectly for your weight or your riding style.

What we like about the Aaron is how it looks so much more like a typical seat post compared to others on this list. It blends in much more and wouldn’t look out of place on any bike.

It costs only $ ( check here ), which is excellent value for money, and it even comes with a 3-year warranty. We have a full article reviewing the Aaron suspension seat post and a video telling you all about what we thought on a road test. You can check that out here .

• Looks great and is very minimal
• Easy to fit
• 50mm suspension with preload
• It’s very cheap to buy
• Long warranty
• It can be difficult to dial in the preload

Suspension seat posts are the best way for you to improve your comfort and ride quality. No longer will you be dreading jumping on the bike and going down gravel roads or even the rogue potholes that appear out of nowhere on the roads.

Save your money and the additional effort required to lug a heavy suspension mountain bike around, pimp your current ride and get one of the above seatposts for your favorite bike. Your bones and derriere will thank you!

I’ve spent way more time in the bike trade than anyone should reasonably want to. In that time I’ve wanted to make cycling jargon and marketing easier to cut through to help people get the bike of their dreams.

When I’m not writing about bikes, I can be seen out bikepacking on single speed bikes or teaching kids how to ride .

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Reports of the demise of this Web site are greatly exaggerated! We at sheldonbrown.com thank Harris Cyclery for its support over the years. Harris Cyclery has closed, but we keep going. Keep visiting the site for new and updated articles, and news about possible new affilations.

This page describes how to measure bicycle seat tubes and seatposts, and lists various bicycles, and the seatpost diameters that fit them.

Sheldon brown started compiling a list, and realizing that it was too large a project for one person, he solicited information from readers. john allen and harriet fell have received more reader-provided information but we will no longer update this file, except to correct errors. we recommend measuring, both because it is more reliable and because we can't possibly have information on every make and model of bicycle. so this article also describes how to take measurements, even if you don't have the "right" tools..

The size is usually stamped on the seatpost near the bottom. It will be near the minimum-insertion mark, not visible when the seatpost is installed on a bicycle.

On a related topic, we have an article (by Sheldon Brown, updated by John Allen) on Stuck Seatposts which may be of use to you.

National and Historical Trends

Most steel bicycle frames have tubing of standard outside diameter. Frames made to British or Italian standards will typically have 1 1/8" (28.6 mm) seat tubes . Older French bicycles used 28 mm. Old American style, commonly used on BMX bicycles and other bicycles that use one-piece-cranks , uses a 1" seat tube. Standard outside diameter accommodates standard lugs and clamp-on parts such as front derailers, pulleys and other cable guides, pump pegs, etc.

High-performance bicycles are made of thinner-walled tubing, so the hole will be larger if the outside diameter is kept the same.

As a result, a larger seatpost size is often a sign of a higher-quality bicycle. This has resulted in a de facto standard of 27.2mm for high-quality bicycles that have 1 1/8" O.D. seat tubes. Since high-quality seatposts are widely available in 27.2, most high-end aluminum and carbon-fiber road bicycles also use 27.2.

A recent trend to oversized tubing has resulted in the introduction of oversized seatposts (anything over 27.4 would be considered oversized.) These are more commonly seen on mountain bikes, where the longer seatposts can use the extra strength. Common diameters arey 30.9mm and 31.6mm.

Diameter is not the only factor affecting compatibility. Using a carbon-fiber seatpost in a metal frame, or vice versa, invites problems. Metal should be greased, but carbon fiber should not be. The seatpost clamps of metal frames easily damage carbon-fiber seatposts.

Most of the size information on the list below was provided by people like you. We have no way to check the accuracy of the data. It should be noted that frames can be reamed out to take a larger-sized seatpost, and sometimes a replacement seatpost may be a slightly different size than the original.

Measuring is better than guessing. Most better bicycle shops will have a set of seatpost-sizing rods like this:

Alternately, you could check the diameter of a seatpost that fits. The diameter is stamped on many seatposts (usually on the part that is fits inside the bicycle's seat tube and gets scratched up and covered with grease, *sigh*). You also could measure the diameter of the seatpost and of the hole in the seat tube using a dial indicator or vernier caliper.

Dial indicator caliper

Vernier caliper

You don't even need a caliper to compare seatposts. A large adjustable wrench, set to just slip over a seatpost, is fine that purpose. -- see our article about trick measurement techniques .

Sheldon collected seatpost-size dimensions to place in the table below. I (John Allen) rpeat: I have dropped this task, for two reasons: it is tiresome, and measuring is far more reliable. As the saying goes, a comparison is better than a measurement. But also, a measurement is better than looking up a measurement of a different seatpost or seat tube. There is no guaranteee that it will be correct just because the bicycle make and model match those in the table. Compare, or measure!

That said, here are links to the measuurements we have.

Continued at https://www.sheldonbrown.com/seatpost-sizes-m-z.html...

Sheldon was previously listing people who had contributed data points to this list, but doing so more than doubles the time it takes to enter data, so he stopped doing it, and we hope everybody will forgive us for discontinuing this..

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The best pannier racks and pannier bags for bikes 2024: sturdy and high-volume options put to the test

Bike panniers are a great option to carry luggage if you're going touring or using your bike for commuting

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The Quick List

Best rear racks, best overall, best for compatibility, easy to install, best budget, best rear pannier bags, best overall bag, best for wet weather, best for versatility, best for urban riding, best for bulky cargo, best 2-in-1 bag, best fork mounted bag, best micro panniers.

• What to look for in pannier racks

How we test

best pannier racks and pannier bags 2024: Jump Menu

The list in brief ↴

Racks 1. Best overall 2. Best for compatibility 3. Easy to install

Bags 1. Best overall 2. Best for wet weather 3. Most versatile

Advice Buyers guide to panniers and racks How we test

The best bike panniers will let you carry your luggage in comfort. But the first time you ride a bike with a rack and loaded panniers fitted, the sensation is somewhat alien. When full, panniers can add a substantial amount of weight to the bike and make any side-to-side rocking feel odd. You quickly get used to the added weight, although climbing out of the saddle may feel awkward; that's why the best touring bikes tend to have low gearing for climbs.

If you're carrying a heavy load, then placing the weight on your bike can certainly save your shoulders and back from undue stress – and you won't get the sweaty triangle associated with a backpack. Panniers can place the load lower down and may attach it more securely to your bike than even the best bikepacking bags , making for a more stable ride.

Pannier racks and panniers are popular among commuters, touring cyclists and anyone who needs to carry a substantial volume – they're great for day-to-day tasks like food shopping too.

Panniers are usually fitted to the rear of the bike, but if you've got a lot to carry - maybe on your touring bike - then front panniers are an option too.

Pannier bags need to sit on pannier racks – and thus setting yourself up is a story of two halves. We've tested a wide variety of both and divided the results into our picks of the best pannier racks and best panniers. You can also scroll down to the end of the page for our buyer's guide to how to choose the best bike luggage for you.

Pannier racks

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Easy to install and can be removed or remounted in under a minute, making it well suited to those with just one bike.

Read more below

Fits a wide range of bikes and wheel sizes. Well-made, durable and competitively price - what's not to like?

Ideally suited for bikes without mounts, it's a breeze to fit, but is only compatible with QR dropouts.

Pannier bags

Tool-free adjustment, shoulder straps, and waterproof, the Back Roller is a roomy bag that's built to last.

100% waterproof with an easy-to-use roll-top closure and reflective detailing, it's suited to both tours and commutes. 

Most versatile

Aimed at adventure riders, it's ideal for commuting and errands, too. 100% waterproof and durable.

1. Ortlieb Quick Rack

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Ortlieb's Quick Rack is a revelation where racks are concerned. Not only is the initial installation exceptionally simple, it can be removed, or remounted, in less than 20 seconds. 

It's suitable for 26” and 28” (limited suitability for 29” wheels – up to max. 2.35” tyre width). Extra accessories include mudguards and adaptors for bikes that don't have eyelets. 

If you only have one bike the Quick Rack enables you to quickly transform it from a road warrior to a tourer, commuter or shopper at the drop of a hat. This makes transportation a breeze too. The hooks that remain on the bike when the rack is removed are hardly noticeable. 

With two hanging levels, it comfortably accommodates panniers and a rack bag at the same time without one interfering with the other. 

The rack looks tidy on the bike and is well-made, encouragingly it comes with Ortlieb's 5 year warranty. While it might be more expensive than the likes of Blackburn and Topeak , our tester deemed its convenience and versatility well-worth the extra expense. 

Read more: Ortlieb Quick Rack review

2. Topeak Uni Super Tourist Pannier Rack (Disc)

Topeak's Uni Super Tourist is an aluminium bike rack with stainless steel fittings. It's designed to 'fit most 24” to 29” wheel MTB and 700C touring bikes with disc brakes'. Out of the racks we tested, this one came out on top where compatibility was concerned; it fitted all the bikes that we tried it on.

The quality of construction and finishing is impressive. Unlike both LifeLine's and Decathlon's, the finish remained unmarked despite plenty of bike panniers being used on it. 

With an RRP of $68.99 / £44.99, we'd say that this is definitely a value-for-money rack that should stand the test of time. 

The maximum load of 26kg makes the bike rack ideal for anyone reliant on their bike for heavy shopping loads, keen tourers or those wanting a sleek system to carry a trunk bag; it features an MTX QuickTrack® plate which is compatible with any Topeak MTX TrunkBag or MTX rear basket.

Read more: Topeak Uni Super Tourist Rack review

3. Blackburn Expedition 1 Disc Rear Pannier Rack

The  Expedition 1 Rear Rack is Blackburn's legacy product. Designed by Jim Blackburn in 1975, it's made from aircraft-grade aluminium, specifically for 700c or 29er wheels, but should suit most bike wheel sizes with 9mm QR axles. As the name suggests, this is a disc brake compatible bike rack, but there is also a standard rim brake version too. 

It's hard not to love the simple mounting that the supplied quick-release skewer offers. It means that you can fit the rack to a bike that doesn't have mounting eyelets. Two different sizes of P-clips are also included for attaching the arms to the frame. If you swap bikes and have mounting points, it can be directly mounted to the frame too. 

This is certainly a bike rack to invest in if you have a disc-brake bike and are reluctant to fettle with a rack that claims to 'fit-all'. The Expedition 1 will likely fit the vast majority of QR, disc-brake bikes with 700C wheels. 

In addition to its simple mounting and reliability, it's well-made and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Read more: Blackburn Expedition 1 bike rack review

4. LifeLine Alloy Rear Pannier Rack

LifeLine's Alloy Rear Pannier Rack is an aluminium option with a maximum load of 25kg for those looking to keep their costs down. 

Affordability doesn't guarantee quality though. When moving the bike rack from bike to bike while testing, we noted deterioration of the bolts. This is perhaps a rack you'll want to fit once and leave on the bike to avoid rounding the bolt heads, or maybe source better quality bolts. 

LifeLine claim that the rack fits 'all wheel sizes from 26" to 700c'. We didn't agree; the arms lacked length to achieve a horizontal position on a few of our bikes. 

There are eyelets for mounting reflectors and lights, though compatibility may pose issues here; we couldn't find anything to fit. The spring-loaded luggage bar is a nice addition and works well.

Overall, the Lifeline bike rack is an affordable, functional option if you know that you won't be moving it from bike to bike. If you think that it'll be swapped at some point, it might be worth investing in some better quality fixings. 

Read more: LifeLine Alloy Rear Pannier Rack review

5. Decathlon ELOPS 100 Bike Pannier Rack

The Decathlon ELOPS 100 bike rack is probably the cheapest option on the market. But just like LifeLine's bike rack, affordability doesn't always deliver compatibility, or quality. 

The rack is a combination of aluminium and steel with a rather delicate finish. It would be advisable to use some insulating tape at pannier contact points if you want to prolong the aesthetical appearance of the rack. 

The biggest drawback of this bike rack is its flatpack status. You'll need to be a little patient and happy to fettle if you are going to mount it yourself. On the plus side, all the tools you need are supplied.

We found compatibility to be on a par with the LifeLine Alloy Rack; it certainly doesn't fit 'all 24" to 28" bikes with frames equipped with inserts'.

The 10kg weight limit makes this a good choice for anyone wanting to carry light loads.

Read more: Decathlon ELOPS 100 Bike Pannier Rack review

Once you've got your rack sorted, it's time to choose a pannier, or two, to attach to it.

When comparing prices, be sure to check whether you are getting a pair or a single pannier; many manufacturers sell single panniers, while others only sell pairs. 

1. Ortlieb Back Roller Free

Ortlieb's Back Roller panniers are the choice of tourers worldwide for good reasons. The Back Roller Free boasts every feature that the long-standing Classic features: the Quick-Lock2.1 system that attaches to any pannier, tool-free adjustment, interior pouches, shoulder straps and an IP64 rating. So what's different? The latest Back Roller comes from Ortlieb's PVC-free line of products and is made of a polyurethane-coated polyester fabric.

Our tester felt that the fabric was slightly more malleable than that used on the Classic, and perhaps more vulnerable to abrasions. However, the overall performance was impressive and certainly wasn't affected by any scuffs. Indeed, the more malleable material made packing out the pannier easier. 

LIke many of Ortlieb's products, these are built to last and also come with a 5 year warranty. This makes the initial $210 / £140 for a pair investment perfectly palatable. 

Read more: Ortlieb Back Roller Free pannier review

2. Altura Thunderstorm City 20 Pannier

Altura is known for making practical kit that stands out at night; the Thunderstorm City Pannier is no exception. Its quality impressed hugely, rivalling other manufacturers for construction and waterproofing. 

The roll-top closure with a single clasp is really easy to use, making the pannier ideal for anyone wanting regular, quick access to the pannier. 

Reflective detailing is very good; those undertaking dark commutes will stand out in traffic. 

Inside, there are two ‘open’ pouches and a zipped one, plus a key loop, while light padding protects anything in the pouches.

There's a single carry handle that is comfortable enough, though quite small. There's no supplied shoulder strap.  

Given its durable, robust nature, the Thunderstorm City 20 shouldn't be confined to commuting duties; it would make for a decent touring pannier too, providing you are not trying to be too stealth.

Read more: Altura Thunderstorm City 20 Pannier review

3. Brooks Scape Panniers

Brooks' Scape range features a small and a large pannier. They tick the usual boxes that you would expect from Brooks: well-made, stylish and durable.

While the range is primarily targeted at adventure riders, the Scape Panniers won't be out of place on a commuting bike, or on the rack of someone simply doing errands. 

There are no interior pockets but a sizeable, watertight exterior one goes some way to make up for this; it's a functional addition that many 100% waterproof panniers don't boast. 

The carry handle is not designed for comfort; it's not much more than a piece of cord. There's no supplied shoulder strap, something to bear in mind if you considering investing. 

The aesthetics are certainly subtle and stylish, with just a very small amount of reflective detailing on the sides. 

These may be versatile but some commuters might consider the lack of carrying options and minimal reflectives a sticking point.

Read more: Brooks Scape pannier review

4. Cube Travel Pannier

The Cube Travel Panniers are the only ones we tested that are sold as a pair. They are certainly best suited to commuters and those relying on a bike more than a car. 

We wouldn't recommend them for touring any distance in uncertain weather conditions. While they are well made, they don't offer the waterproofing of Altura's or Brooks's. A water resistant shell comes with each pannier. It does a good job of fending off light rain, while increasing visibility. Anything heavier penetrates it. 

We loved the pockets and pouches, both inside and out, though would have liked the outer zipped pocket to be a little larger. 

Shoulder straps are included for both panniers and chunky buckles make these easy to use with gloved and/or cold hands. 

They are roomy and well-shaped for anyone carrying bulky kit to the gym, workplace or back from the shops.

Read more: Cube Travel panniers review

5. Chrome Industries Urban Ex Pannier 2.0

Chrome prides itself on made-to-last kit for urban cyclists; the Urban Ex 2 Pannier is typical of the quality, robustness and style that it offers. 

It's not as spacious as some, so be sure it offers the room you want before investing. Interior pockets and pouches offer excellent protection for electronic devices; a compact office is possible there. On the outside, there is daisy chain webbing to attach a D-lock to.

While we didn't find an official IPX rating on the website, we can confirm that it didn't let a droplet of water get to contents while we were testing; waterproofing is as good as the best. 

Carrying options impressed hugely; two different options for carrying by hand, plus a robust, detachable shoulder strap. It's designed to be carried just as comfortably and conveniently off the bike as it is on it. These practical options, in our opinion, make the pannier one of the best for urban, office-based commuters.

The price is eye-watering, but with a lifetime warranty this is a buy-once-buy-to-last option for any discerning urban rider.

Read more: Chrome Industries Urban Ex Pannier 2.0 review

6. Topeak Pannier Drybag DX

The Topeak Drybag DX is undoubtedly a pannier for anyone with a bulky load; its stated 25l capacity belies its seemingly bottomless form. 

While reinforced side panels offer great protection for contents, they are removeable should you want a more pliable bag. It's 100% waterproof and seriously well-made. 

We missed internal pockets and a shoulder strap but found the carry handle much more comfortable than something like Brooks'. 

You may need to place the Drybag DX further back on your rack than other panniers; its depth could cause heel-striking. 

Two colour options should satiate everyone; bright yellow for those wanting to stand out and black for those happy to blend in. 

This is a single pannier purchase and we'd say be careful; fully loading it may make you feel a little unbalanced if you opt for just the one.

Read more: Topeak Pannier Drybag DX full review

7. New Loox Varo Backpack

If you are commited to commuting and errand riding in dry weather, the New Loox Varo Backpack could be worth considering. It's a well-made piece of kit that offers decent capacity, thoughtful internal storage and is comfy as a rucksack. 

The lower Velcro strap (for securing the pannier to a rack) is a little fiddly and the Railtime clamp system isn't as easy to use as some quick release panniers. Securing shoulder straps (if they aren't detached) is necessary while riding too. All of these are niggles but not major issues. Overall functionality is good with quick access, external pockets, reflective detailing and a detachable neoprene laptop sleeve. 

Our tester felt that the Varo Backpack wasn't a great option for rainy weather, though; it's 100% waterproof but no one wants to put a damp and dirty pannier on their back. Stowing the shoulder straps in the pannier while riding and carrying a cloth to clean the rear is an option if you happen to venture out in the rain.

Read more: New Loox Varo Backpack full review

8. Ortlieb Fork Pack

This is an ever-growing variety of bikepacking bags which utilize the triple-fork bosses which are becoming ubiquitous on gravel bikes of almost all stripes. To some extent, this range of options means that there are very many ways of just not quite getting it quite right. But on the other hand, it means there are fork packs out there which are really very nicely designed - and Ortlieb’s offering is one of those.

Where other brands (such as Apidura and Tailfin) go for taller and skinnier designs on their fork packs, Ortlieb has gone shorter and wider. This means that the bags do protrude a little more and don’t follow the slim lines of the fork legs quite so nicely. But it does mean that it’s much easier getting your stuff in and out with the helpfully wide entrance to the bag.

The mounting system is also excellent. If you have a triple mount fork, it’s as simple as screwing on the backing mount and then clipping on the bags. Some other brands use a more generalist cargo cargo and rely on straps for the attachment, but those can be quite a bit of a faff - especially when you have to adjust them every time you put something bulky in or out of the bag.

Ortlieb’s quick release attachment means that it’s easy to take things in and out of the bags - and it’s also easy to take the bag with you into the tent or a cafe, as it takes just a second to unclip. The bags are held on firmly and the roll top also rolls really quite far down, so you can still cinch things down pretty good when the bag is mostly empty. 

The price is cheaper than quite a few of the alternatives out there - especially when you factor in the cost of a cargo cage for designs which require one. But there are also cheaper options. Still, the straightforward simplicity and effectiveness of this design makes it one of the best options out there.

9. North St. Adventure Micro Pannier

These are neat little panniers, but there are a few features that they’re lacking. Despite that, there’s still a few good reasons to consider them - let’s jump in.

First, the good: their size is a really good balance between capacity and weight. They are much lighter than a full sized pannier, but the 14L capacity is still a really good volume for bikepacking or commuting. The front zip, internal divider and roll top all make organizing your things and accessing them really easy. They attach with velcro straps, which is convenient and the fabric has proved robust and durable too.

The downside is that they do rattle more than other systems which have some form of clipfast or cam lever attachment. Tailfin has 10L mini panniers which are particularly good for this and are a little cheaper. Which is really the next point, that these panniers are really quite expensive for how comparatively basic the design is. Altura has pannier bags that are much cheaper with about the same level of features.

But on the other hand, the North St bags are made with recycled materials, have a lifetime warranty and are made in Portland, Oregon. If you’re after something simple and rugged - and you're happy to spend a little more on manufacturing in the US - then these are a great option. 

Buyer's guide to bike panniers and racks

Will my bike fit a bike rack.

Firstly, not all bikes are designed to have pannier racks fitted with ease – so you'll need to ensure your bike is suitable before you go and buy a rack. A compatible bike will have eyelets for panniers near the tops of the seatstays and sometimes specific rack mount eyes next to the mudguard eyes above the rear dropouts.

If your bike doesn't have eyelets, you can buy mounting systems which attach directly to the frame and rear axle. Here it's important to pay attention to if the rack is or isn't compatible with your braking system, e.g disc brakes. 

You can even buy seat post clamps with integrated bosses. Alternatively, there are loads of frame and saddle bags available now which are ideal for lighter-weight tourers and bikepacking . They have the advantage of not needing specific mounting points on your bike (although top tube feed bags may be designed to mount on the bosses that are a feature of many of the best gravel bikes ).

Assuming you have a bike set up for a rack, or you know you can get a mounting system, it's time to choose a rack.

Do I need a front or a rear rack and panniers?

The most common style of pannier rack is fitted to the rear of the bike – but you can also opt for a rack at the front too. If you're carrying a moderate load it's probably easier to go with the rear. 

If you're taking a lot of kit, opting for both and distributing it so that the greatest weight is at the back but there's some at the front will improve handling. It also makes the bike easier to push around and carry and less front-light if the rear is loaded so that the weight is close to or aft of the rear wheel. 

Just having a front rack and panniers may affect your bike's steering, so should be avoided.

What are pannier racks made of?

Pannier racks are typically made from steel, aluminium or titanium. Aluminium is generally cheapest, and it's perfectly adequate. Steel is the strongest, though it can rust over time – unless you opt for stainless steel. Titanium is lightweight and it doesn't corrode – but it's more expensive.

What else should I look for?

The maximum weight that a pannier rack can withstand is a pretty crucial stat, so check this before buying.

Some bike racks offer more heel clearance than others. Purpose-designed touring bikes usually have long chainstays designed with panniers in mind, but if you're using a classic road bike with shorter chainstays (or your feet are on the larger side) then it's worth opting for one with more space allowance.

Many brands also supply add on mounting kits that help create a better fit with your bike – providing more heel clearance, adjusting the height at which the rack fits to offer a more natural centre of gravity, or with an extended mounting system to cater for pesky disc brakes.

One thing to be aware of is that while many racks will claim to fit 'all bikes' with specific wheel sizes, the ever evolving geometry of bike frames often means that they don't. The three we had on test recently certainly didn't 'fit all'.

What should I look for in the best bike panniers?

Your choice of pannier will be heavily influenced by intended use: durability, waterproofing, maximum weight/capacity and personal style all come into the equation.

Ortlieb is pretty much the market leader. The German-based manufacturer creates highly durable, totally waterproof panniers, with roll tops that keep the moisture out.

For those carrying a lighter load, there are plenty of panniers which can be removed from the bike and used as a standard backpack or shoulder bag, useful for shoppers and commuters.

Where should I ride?

If you are looking for where to ride tour, check out our top eight places to ride in the UK or head off the beaten track with an adventure road or gravel bike ride tour.

Also check out our guide to absolutely everything you need to go bikepacking . Much of the list is the same for the well-prepared bike tourer.

The  Cycling Weekly  testers put these racks and bags through their paces in a wide variety of conditions, from commutes into work to longer tours. They were reviewed for ease of installation, functionality, durability and more

Our experience means that you'll have a consistent, in-depth viewpoint, which is reflected in our product scoring.  You can find out more on our  How We Test  page.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.

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NCM Moscow Plus

An e-mountain bike equipped with high-end brake and drive systems, the NCM M5 is for adventurous riders who want to hit the trails comfortable in the knowledge that their ebike can handle whatever they throw at it.

BIKE COMPONENTS

Frame: Alu. 6061, 26"*17.3 inches / Alu. 6061, 27.5"*18.9 inches / Alu. 6061, 29"*20.5 inches

Suspension Fork: Suntour, XCM-HLO-26/27.5/29, with hydraulic lock system

Brake: F/R: Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes,HD-E350

Freewheel: LY, 8 Speed, 11-32T, Silver

Tire: Schwalbe, Black Jack, 26"*2.1/Smart Sam, 27.5"*2.35/29"*2.35, Black

Saddle: Selle Royal, Lookin-A200UR, Black

Crank: Das-Kit, CM48,28/38/48T

Derailleur: F: Shimano, Altus, FD-M310, R: Shimano, Acera, RD-M360

ELECTRIC COMPONENTS

Battery: Das-Kit, i5-4816, 48V 16AH, 768WH

Hub Motor Rated / Peak Power: Das-Kit, X15, 48V 500W / 900W

Controller: Das-Kit, CT-i5, 48V 18A

Charger: Das-Kit, 48V3A

Display: Das-Kit, C7 

Net Weight (with battery): 57.0 lbs

Battery Weight: 9.1 lbs

Max Load (driver+bike): 275.0 lbs

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Our on-line store is open 24/7 and we ship Monday through Friday, excluding some holidays. Orders received for products without shipping restrictions on its product page will ship the same business day when received before 12:00 p.m. PST. Orders in high demand will have an estimated production time listed on its product page and will ship according to the date listed.

Customer Reviews

Very happy with my new M7 and wife's Moscow Plus

We purchased the NCM Moscow 29 E bike from Leon Cycles earlier this month. Communication was via 'Whatsapp' which I initially thought a little odd but worked out well. Once communication established the transaction was completed quickly and easily. We were able to arrange for the team to assemble the bike for us and we picked it up from the warehouse without an issue. We love the bike and are continuing to find new places to discover using it. Competitive price and great service.

I ordered the bike 4 days ago and today it arrived. Now my first impressions: it is easy to assemble, looks great, is cleanly finished and after a first short driving test I have to say, the hammer. It's totally easy to drive. If it stays that way, I can only say thank you Leon Cycle. Now I can cycle again, despite knee problems. Price-performance top

Great bike, this is my second e bike and by far the best. Watching e bikes over the last 10 years I think the Moscow 29er is fantastic. I live in the Dandenongs outside Melbourne with big steep hills and the Moscow takes them all on with great pulling power and gear range. 48v with 16 amps means over 750 watts of power. The bike is big and serious so getting on and off can be tricky but you do get used to it. With the previous bike (36v at 8amps) I was scared of running out of battery on a big hill and having to push the bike home but not with the Moscow. Also if you take the front wheel off you can get it in a hatchback like my Mazda 3 Which is nice. At $2200 it is a great buy.

Purchased two Moscow 27.5. One for my wife, one for me. Fast delivery, well boxed and easy assembly. Absolutely FANTASTIC to ride and use. Great range, and enough power for steep hills and tough terrain. I highly recommend them. Exactly as advertised and brochure. Looked at many options from other suppliers but these are the best value for money. If anyone wants a little extra range and a few more features then a Moscow Plus may suit. 48 Volt is the way to go. Great support and assistance from the team at Leon to make the right purchase decision. Hope other people may enjoy the ride and quality product. Harry G

Highlighted Features

Das-Kit 500W Motor

Ergonomic handlebar grips

Moscow 48V disc brake

Product specifications.

Battery: Das-Kit, i5-4816, 48V 16Ah, 768Wh

Hub Motor Rated / Peak Power: Das-Kit, X15, 48V 500W / 750W

Display: Das-Kit, C7

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