Mountain biking can be an uncomfortable sport, especially when the terrain gets rough. One way to make riding more comfortable is to buy an expensive full-suspension mountain bike. But, since these two sweet vehicles can cost thousands of dollars, most people ride traditional hardtail bikes on the trailsdepartment store. But, if you want the best for your interior, you will have to spend around $100 or so. The Cane Creek Thudbuster falls into this category, and has proven to me to be an excellent suspension racer seat. Read to learn more.
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Cane Creek has been making suspension parts for the mountains since 1995, so they’re no stranger to bumpy spills. Available online for about $115, the Thudbuster is not a bike designed for the casual rider. But it’s designed to perform aggressive cross-country trails, where hardtail mountain bikers sometimes spend hours riding over roots and rocks. Unlike most suspension bike seats, which telescope in and out in a line parallel to the bike’s seat tube, the Thudbuster bends in the direction the bike’s rear wheel takes when it hits a bump. This makes the runner more amenable to places. The Thudbuster uses a parallel-link design that squeezes a pair of cylindrical elastomers between the link arms. The geometry allows for about 3 inches of travel.
To be completed
My thudbuster was installed on a 2008 Gary Fisher Wahoo, and the difference between it and a rigid stock is amazing. The Thudbuster is exactly what its name is on the expression of the roughness of the tracks. Small bumps and vibrations are much less noticeable, and although large bumps are still felt, the edge is removed. The Thudbuster allows it to sit over sections of rough terrain, thereby increasing the traction of the bike’s rear wheel. And the best part is that you can ride much longer in front of you and back.
Adjustability
The Thudbuster comes with six elastomers that you can connect together as a spring in the center of the link (see photo). There are two soft elastomers, two medium elastomers, and two firm elastomers, of which there are six possible spring rates (you can pair different elastomers together). While the preload on the elastomers is adjustable by the hexagon key, the post has two levels of adjustment. First, you install elastomers that match your weight (Cane Creek provides a hand rider weight vs. elastomer color chart with installation instructions). Next, you fit the bolt while keeping it taut to get just the right amount of stiffness.
Install
Assuming you’ve chosen the correct size post for your bike (there are many sizes available to fit bikes with varying seat tube diameters), installation takes about 10-20 minutes. The instructions are quite simple and there are not many steps. You need an 8mm socket wrench and a 4mm wrench to hold the bolt that holds the elastomers in place, and some grease to lock the wheels to the elastomers with the pre-installation. Basically, all you have to do is remove the center pin, position the greased elastomer of your choice in the middle of the runner joint, and replace the pin. Then put a light coat of grease on the seatpost itself and put it on top of your bike. Detailed instructions can be found here.
Limitations
The Thudbuster is not a replacement for a full suspension bike, and will not withstand riding on bumps, jumps, or drops. For really big hits, Cane Creek advises riders to stand and absorb the impact with their knees. Also, even with the elastic straps installed, the Thudbuster cannot handle riders who weigh more than 250 pounds. This is probably a safety factor, but it won’t be worth the test, just like the point in the post. it would break in a moment with the biggest bumps, perhaps from some of the biggest bruises.
Verdict
I have a standard telescoping-style suspension seat post on my other hardtail, and the Thudbuster outshines that other post which shall remain nameless. And when the log is prepared, there is a difference between night and day. By installing the Thudbuster, you’ll be able to ride harder and longer – more comfortably. Keep in mind that your bike will weigh a little more with a Thudbuster than with a rigid post (Thudbuster weighs 570 lbs, rigid posts weigh about 250 lbs). But, every time you lose your weight naturally you will receive a tenth of your extra weight from your increased efforts. he played Thudbuster for comfort.
I bought a Thudbuster here (pricepoint.com)
