Do Suspension Seat Posts Work? Cane Creek eeSilk+ Review
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- As bikepackers, we naturally seek comfort and ways to reduce wear and tear on our bodies. There are many ways to do so, and suspension seat posts are a popular option. Cane Creek has been at the forefront of such posts for some time, including their newest model, the eeSilk+. In our latest video, Neil shares some general thoughts on suspension seat posts, how the eeSilk+ fared, and how to fine-tune it.
This video was supported by Salsa Cycles and the new Journeyer, earn more about it here: www.salsacycles.com/bikes/roa...
Outline:
Intro: 0:00
Why Suspension Seat posts: 1:07
eeSilk+ Specs: 1:55
Overall Ride thoughts: 3:30
Final Thoughts: 5:41
Mentioned Links:
11 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR BIKE MORE COMFORTABLE - bikepacking.com/plan/ways-to-...
SUSPENSION SEATPOSTS INDEX: bikepacking.com/index/suspens...
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#bikepacking #pedalfurther #CaneCreek
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::About The Host::
Neil Beltchenko ( / neil_beltchenko )
Geometry: 150lbs, 5'9.5", 32" inseam
Wearing: Escalator Merino Crew Med - www.kitsbow.com/collections/m... - Спорт
This video was supported by Salsa Cycles and the new Journeyer, earn more about it here: www.salsacycles.com/bikes/road/journeyer?.com&
Right now doing a trip around the world with an eeSilk suspension post. Can't even imagine how my bum would hurt everyday after 7-10 hours of riding. To sum up - YEAH THEY WORK GREAT
how was your trip, how is the eesilk holding up?
@@suspiciousninja1220 hi, thanks for asking. right now waiting for my Pinion to get back from repair (was broken in the flight) and when I'll get it back I'm heading to Asia as Europe parts I wanted to see - already done. cheers
Is there any need to do some maintenance to the seatpost? And how often? How do you actually pack your pinion bike to the flight? Do you need to remove the gearbox or just the cranks?
I bought the 27.2 on my last gravel bike and just figured I'd shim it out if need be. I have the regular aluminum.
I've been on my eeSilk Plus for 3yrs now with only 2 issues.
1) Unlike the Thudbuster ST that comes with 3 elastomers, the different elastomers for the eeSilk+ is a separate purchase through Cane Creek. To get around buying an elastomer, I drilled a hole through the middle to remove some material. Went for a ride, and went at it with a slightly bigger drill bit and it improved it greatly...not the most aesthetic, but not that noticeable either.
2) the bolt that holds the parallelogram worked it's way loose and fell out. I was lucky to have a very similar bolt and washer to replace it. I ensured there was some loc-tite installed.
Other than that, it's probably the most premium suspension post on the market. I have tried the Redshift, and it's a good product, but the adjustment is quite a lot of work to fine tune and then it can be really good sometimes but a bit bouncy other times. It's something that needs a lockout or "pedal" platform like forks. Redshift may own the market for a svelt suspension stem, no question... but Cane Creek owns the premium market for suspension posts. It was on my Ridley and has since moved to my Rodeo Labs Flaanimal and it's fantastic!
If you're on a budget, look into the TranzX antishock UL on Jenson. I also own that one, and although it only has 25mm of travel, it comes with 3 elastomers, and really works well for half the price. I've had this post but the BBB branding for over 2yrs (same product)
I can highly recommend both, and I actually believe the TranzX for a HT MTB amazing! Living here in Belgium where things can go from gravel to underbiking and requiring a HT MTB, I often just go with my HT for gravel events, and this is on the bike.
I wish it was easier for people to test ride these before purchasing. The longer you're in the saddle the more you'll prefer one over a dropper, but only in that case...
BTW, I also have the Thudbuster G4 ST with 50mm. It is a lot more active, and I don't recommend it for gravel riding/bikepacking unless you're truly in technical terrain in which case you'll likely side with a dropper. For out and out pedaling in the saddle, the two listed above are my recommendations.
So there is no saddle bobbing with eesilk on smooth surfaces?
@Cypis-kr5kh not very much as long as the elastomer is correct.
I have a redshift seatpost and it helps me keep pedaling on rough stuff, I love it.
Dude you always give the best advice. Thank you. I got the e silk+ and it is a game changer for me. Absolutely love it! No sloppy bounce just curbs the edge. Everybody who rides gravel especially should have one.
🙏🏼
Nice video, and a good review. I've been riding the seatpost you reviewed for a full season now (about 2K gravel miles) and give it a very strong recommendation, in spite of any of the minor downsides. The dampening of general vibration is a huge plus for gravel rides, making them so much more enjoyable. A bit pricey, but well worth it!
I have rode a Thudbuster on my hardtail for 2 years and it has made quite a difference. My other hardtail has a standard seat post. When I toggle between these bikes, it becomes very apparent the difference in comfort. The eesilk appears to have a nicer ride, albeit at a higher price. Thanks for sharing.
I just got an eeSilk+ and have been loving it. It’s subtle enough that I don’t notice it until I need it, and was light enough that it’s weight over the aluminum post was like 20g. I haven’t had it long enough to push it, but it’s also on my city bike so it’s not likely to see long exposure to dirt and sand like on a bikepacking adventure.
I bought the Canyon S15 2.0 seat post and it works better then it looks like it should. The one you have was in the running, tough choice but a win win no matter which way you go. I also have the redshift shock stop stem. Paired together on my Kona drop bar gravel bike they have made a huge difference.
Add it to the list. Sounds like a great fit for my rigid drop bar MTB.
I love mine. Cane Creek customer support has also been great when the pin in mine fell out on a trip (thread lock recommended!)
I have a lower back injury so this is on the top of my list
I have a Redshift post. The regular not the pro model - it uses springs, not elastomer, so it's easy to tune.
I didn't expect it to work, but now I'm a believer!
Cheers
Creaking? So…Cane Creak? 😉
Thanks for the video! This ticks a lot of boxes and appears to be a great comfort option!
The eeSilk was a great addition to my gravel bike.
I use a kinekt suspension seatpost and added their suspension stem last week because I love their seatpost. I don't get judder through the handlebars anymore.
I'm anxiously waiting to try it. It will be paired with a Lauf Grit SL fork, just waiting patiently for the custom steel frame to be built. Ok, sort of patiently waiting.
Considering it for my tumbleweed stargazer build. I have an old model Thudbuster laying around I might throw on first.
Word of warning when buying one of these: The bottom back Axle has a M3 bolt that holds the whole linkage together that is rated at 2nm max torque which is very low. The threads of this bolt are also very short at less than 1cm.
I had this bolt fall out while riding which almost made the whole linkage collapse on my first ride. I was sent a replacement and was told that they'd improved the design and now the bolt was 4nm but it was the same bolt and the replacement also came loose even with thread locker. I was also unable to get the bolt to 4nm torque. I'll also note that my post is more recent and looks different than the review version here so it's possible this new design is part of the problem.
The suspension this post offers is great but I couldn't use this post since it was inherently unsafe unless I was checking the torque of this axle bolt mid ride and unfortunately that's a dealbreaker for me.
Love mine! I have 3!
Worth every penny! I had the eesilk carbon with 20mm first go around then bought the plus with 35mm. Notable difference! Also have the Redshift stem. All this on the Otso
Waheela C which has huge tire clearance make for a very comfortable/capable Gravel bike.
I just bought the Waheela C frame with the eesilk+ post! I should have all the parts within a month to build it up. I got a cheap aluminum stem to start off with, but I'm definitely looking for something comfortable up front eventually. What was your experience with the redshift stem? I'm also considering a Lauf fork.
I've got the 20mm - wondering about how much difference between the 20 - 35mm???
Would you advise the ee Silk + rather than the ee Silk?
Cane Creek used to make a neoprene protector sleeve for their Thudbuster posts. I feel like if they offered this for the esilk it would help a lot with the creaking / squeaking issues.
I made my own Crudbuster from neoprene…..well worth the time and effort to keep it clean and free from creeking.
I've had an eeSilk on my Jamis Renegade since 2019 or so and love it - well worth the extra money for all the comfort it gives on long rides, especially on gravel and crap roads. Combine the eeSilk with a Brooks Cambium, and you've got a LaZboy like ride. I have the Redshift seatpost on a different bike and love that too - far fewer saddle sores and overall discomfort than I had before I got the suspension seatpost.
Did my first 100 miles on gravel with my Renegade and the new Thudbuster ST this May coupled to a C17 carved, first day-long ride Ive done with absolutely no butt soreness afterwards. The added Redshift shockstop stem with Blackburn flatbar ergo grips on the drops made for a 1.5 bar wrap job 👌
Thudbuster is pretty necessary for me on multi day trips to limit undercarriage issues. Crudbuster neoprene boots keep them clean and quiet.
You guys must try the Bikeyoke divine sl dropper. Fully extended it is rigid, anything less it acts like a suspension post, useful on technical climbs and descents when seated. Lightweight also. Use it on my mtb hardtail, and adds some compliance to the ride.
This sort of reminds me of what Specialized has done on their Roubaix bikes with the handlebar stem, with their Future Shock technology.
I had an older version of cane reek suspension seat, the thudbuster i believe , I used it on my mtb hardtail . But I found the seat moving up and down not practice as it constantly changed my peddling position mid stroke, effecting my seat position and peddling torque . But I think they may have improved lately, I think less is more and something like 1cm suspension maybe better than one that moves over 4cm
A good looking alternative to these would be a sprung leather saddle like a Brooks Flyer! Get that suspension from the springs, from the saddle itself, and it's pretty at the same time. (Not ragging on the seatpost! Just noting a 'traditional' item that does similar work)
I've been on the aluminum version for about a year now, and honestly I can't recommend it enough! It's an investment piece and quite a good value for money.
I also have the Thudbuster ST G4 which I feel is far too active for bikes where you're almost entirely in the saddle like a gravel, touring or road bike. The ST G4 is better suited for a HT MTB, but I also feel like the eeSilk+ would be quite good there as well. It provides a really good platform for pedaling with any bob, but as the bike experiences a bump or road surface imperfection it softens the blow.
I too found the original elastomer a bit stiff and contemplated going stepping down to a softer one as I'm normally between 160 and 165.
However, I have not yet experienced any of the noise or had to do any kind of maintenance, but admittedly it hasn't seen any extreme conditions and typically run fenders on bad weather.
That said, it depends on what you're after....I also have a Carbon Trek Boone with IsoSpeed and I would attest that its just as good, maybe even better in some ways. IsoSpeed has less travel but the compliance is felt a bit differently as if the actual top tube and seat stays are contributing to the effort. The again, it's a carbon Trek with 700x36 with IsoSpeed vs an aluminum Ridley with 700x50 with the eeSilk+. I know its not an apples to apples comparison, but I do use both bikes for a wide variety of riding depending on the mood, and they've both been ridden on the same routes.
Thanks a lot ,i was undecided,but you got a point i will try the aluminum version
Seat post so important for me. Extends the distance travelled as more comfortable. I use the Suntour NCX but comes in at around 100usd, uses a spring and levers and weighs around 450g. Not so sure about durability of elastomers. As a bikepacker, this seat post on 29er gives seatpack buzz when bottoming out but it's fine on a 27.5.
Thanks for the extensive review. I recently bought an eeSilk+ and I am very happy with its smoothing of the road surface. But I have some concerns about the slack in the 4 axes the parallelogram. I can easily tilt the saddle one inch. The saddle is well fixed in the saddle clamp. So the mobilty of the saddle is just of slack in the 4 axes of the parallelogram. Is this normal behavior?
My old Thudbuster came with a wrap that keeps the dust out. I wonder if this is an add on option? It came with the bike when I bought it used.
PNW Coast Suspension dropper on my gravel bike worked wonders for me.
I’ve been looking thinking about getting one of those. Currently have a dropper, but I got a new bike and could increase the travel with a new one, and have been thinking that getting some suspension with it would be nice.
@@thinshadow i have the redshift suspension stem as well almost went with their suspension seatpost as a set. But i find that i love having a dropper more. Also helps to have inbetween height setting for the seat. I have it set for full extension when i wear clipless shoes on my dual sided shimano pedals. And where i where flats i can drop it a little to where its comfortable on the flat side.
I went with the Suntour haven’t tried it yet (waiting for a new light weight seat and it’s winter) it’s 1/3 the price and everyone loves it.
great video thanks
does tyres size and pressure can make a difference on the suspension/confort?
Have the alu version on my Sonder for my longer rides, definitely changed my riding game! Recommend for sure. However, my saddle adjustment bolt in the rear stripped rather early and seems really soft. (Id assume it was my own fault.) But I just replaced it with a steel stem bolt, problem solved!
Thanks for the review. I ordered the aluminum and wondered if I should have stretched to get the carbon because other than eight I do not know what it offers as a plus or minus. I know there is a flex difference but I'm not sure what that is.
Can some one explain the flex diff?
Don't know why a lot of cyclists don't know about the German brand by.schulz, they make suspension seatpost that are built like a tank, far more affordable than the Redshift and Kinekt and possibly the easiest to maintain.
Got a 50mm by.schulz g.2 on my bike and truly saved my bottom and back plus am riding a lot more and a lot longer. It's one of the best aftermarket add-ons besides getting better tires and saddles.
Creaking noise? My redshift has been going strong for 3 years no issues but thanks for the reviews always good to see new things coming out
Yeah, not hard to fix, but it does happen. After using both for the last few months, I think I prefer elastomers vs coil springs, but both do the trick.
Is there any point combining crane creek eesilkwith existing short travel rear shock. I'm thinking crane creek to absorb small bumps and stiffer rear shock kick in after elastomer bottoms out. Should I just upgrade cheap stock rear shock(125mm oil spring which barely moves)?
Question: Do suspension seatposts actually work if the saddle has some flexibility in it? When hitting a bump, and the force (that the tires do not absorb) is transmitted upward, what component moves? Post? Saddle? Both? I use the Cane Creek eeSilk suspension post, with an Infinity bike seat. The saddle does have some flex in its nylon frame. A Brooks saddle would absorb some movement. Maybe any saddle that is not rock hard would absorb some movement. I can't tell if the eeSilk post is moving at all. I weigh 70 kg. I've swapped out the round elastomer to the #1 (extra soft) but still can't discern if the post is moving. Thank you.
I am someone torn between choosing suspension, dropper or a more expensive suspension dropper post ... I don't ride anything difficult so ...
where is that trail at 4:46 ? wow
random comment: i cant wait for the east divide trail completion. its on my list
Did you see this was published today? bikepacking.com/routes/edt4/
SR Suntor NCX. Has saved my butt every ride. And didn’t spend an arm and a leg on it
Same, it's heavier than the others but I just glide over rough stuff now
NCX Weight: 765g. More than 2x as heavy as the 335g carbon eesilk+!
@@turbo3177 that’s cool. I don’t really care about weight. I’m no weenie.
@@turbo3177the NXC weighs 450g
I’d love a compare against Redshifts
How can one set of reviews rave about this seatpost and another have it fall apart. I would think it would be an inherent problem across the board. Do those who don't have any issues with the axle bolt falling out apply loctite first thing out of the box? Looking to buy one for my new build but the design flaw would be a deal breaker for me, if there is an issue....
Interesting! Thank you for the review. Ergotec has an option for $100, will try that one first.
How about the TranzX brand ones?
Thudbuster is great, but I had to service frequently… until I discovered that Lizardskins makes a cover for them. Now I clean and regrease every 2 years!
PNW coast post has done wonderful things for my hardtail, 40 mm squish 120mm drop is great, but unfortunately doesn't play nice with seat bags
Yeah, I would love to try that post. While it's not friendly with soft bags but I'm sure it plays nice with rear racks.
Check out the Wolf Tooth Valais. It helps.
@@StudQBeefpile that one looks pretty good for a regular dropper, but the problem I have with the suspension dropper is partially due to my own weight, as I am towards the top of the limit for that post. I already have it pretty much full psi, so adding any more weight makes it too squishy. Even a heavy backpack makes it too active, and reminds me why I shouldn't ride with a heavy backpack....
Back when I bought my thudbuster they came with a neoprene cover. Not sure if they do still but it has kept the moving parts clean and quiet.
Image if one of the manufacturer combines suspension post with a dropper instead of talking about it. I think it was first suggested four or five years ago but only the sound of crickets has been heard since.
PNW Coast. Been available for quite some time now.
Yep, it’s out there.
How do temperatures effect the elastomers?
Not much. Used my thudbuster in the winter and performed well
I swapped to Thudbuster once I crashed and the hydraulic hose snapped from my dropper post. I realized I can't afford a failure like that when I'm out in the wilderness, so Thudbuster seemed like a good alternative.
Is the "improved spring rate" of the carbon post over the aluminum post something you have experienced, or that Cane Creek claims, or just something you assume?
Science! Alu can’t accomplish the spring rate carbon does.
Although the shorter the exposed post, the less spring rate, so I would argue if you don’t have much extension available, you wouldn’t know the difference between the two.
Creaking noises is a deal breaker for me. I do fairly frequent maintenance on the four bikes my wife and I use in order to not be annoyed with creaks. I upgrade components for reducing service needs not increasing. If I could buy a saddle that had flex designed into the rails, or a cm of give between rails and shell, or some compliance in the shell material I would. I agree that there is a huge need to reduce the jolts transferred into our pelvises and spines. I’m just not convinced that a bunch more moving parts is the most elegant solution to that problem.
Post Modern. If you remember?
I've been hearing for a while that carbon seatposts can add some comfort if there is enough of it sticking out. How true is this?
Very true. Take a look at Canyon's VCLS posts. I have an MTB-rated Niner RDO seat post with about 8-10mm of compliance on my hardtail. Not as much suspension as some of these proper suspension posts, but enough to take the edge off the rough stuff without any weight penalty. I had another rider notice the squish/comfort the second he rode my bike for a minute (without me ever mentioning it).
I'm trying a Hope carbon seat post ,as I've had issues with my ee silk slipping & my st saddle tilting when hitting unexpected potholes .
Cane Creak ..... It's a lot of money. I got a Suntour one, which cost about €60. 2000km trouble and creak free later, it's a bargain.
I'm using a Redshift suspension seatpost on my gravel bike and I LOVE it. Had unexpected back surgery last July and there is no way I would be able to do the amount of gravel events without it. As I healed and lost the weight I put on from not being able to exercise at all for 5 months, I slowly started tightening it up so it wasn't as soft and bouncy. Only reason I went that over the CC is the squeaking which was a big complaint in reviews I read. Zero squeaking in the 8 months I've had it. Also use the stem and it helps too! So yes...they do work!
I saw a video where Mr GDMR Jay Petervary mentioned this casually as something that the manufacturer sent to him and he tried it--and soon had it on all his bikes. That was enough for me. And while I'm no JP, I think this thing is a no brainer. Takes the edge off and you dont even notice it. The weight? Pffft... Give up beer for a month and you're net less weight.
There is a German manufacturer that offers suspension dropper seatposts. But these are not bargains. The name oft the manufacturer is "bySchulz".
For that price I'd rather install a PNW suspension dropper. Thanks!
There has never been a better time to buy a bicycle if you can afford it ! My suggestion is to buy a bike that fits you and your needs , then slowly buy all these comfort accessories as you go .
One thing you should mention is cyclist can develop ‘strictures’ in their urethras and this combined with the new saddles may go far in preventing them. The operation to fix a stricture is not pleasant!
Hah...you want to try the SR Suntour NCX version so you can forget about the silly rubbers...lol... * shakes head * Secondly comparing suspension posts with dropper posts + suspension is silly, you are riding your gravel cycles...so why a dropper post? Anyway great video. Yet for the amount of weight to the SR version, I will never ride another bike without it :)
Thanks for watching and commenting on a lot of videos today!
@@BIKEPACKINGcom I love watching them, thank you all for creating them!
I tried a nobrand fairly cheap (probably Chinese) telescopic seat post - rubbish!
BEING telescopic it would "BIND" - INNER tube would stick to the manifold on the outer tube - due to nonlinear forces - I tried experimenting with minimal and maximum preloaded spring and everything in between!
Still the "suspension saddle post" didn't suspend!
I Will never again waste money on a telescopic suspension seat post!
I WILL TRY LINKAGE SUSPENSION Seat posts - probably elastomer!
One breakage and your seat post will remove any hidden polyps deep within your bowel that a Colonoscopy wouldn't pick up!
It's the ducks nuts
Pounds, feet and inches. Have mercy over the metric world folks 😉
I think it is ridiculously overpriced for what you get.
$350 seat post.lmfao!
$219 for aluminum, $319 for carbon.
You won’t be complaining when you use one. Worth every penny
I've had problems using my ee silk 27.2 on my new bike using a shim for a 30.9 seat tube I 220 lbs at the moment & it keeps slipping down & yes I've tried everything .Even though I am loosing weight & this will help I've sort of lost confidence in it .I'm trying a Hope carbon post .
come on £200 for a seat post ,they have to stop sucking the blood of cyclists , take an XL full sus mountain bike with gravel tires from ultra light sleeping mats ,tents I am so tired of being ripped off