5 Best Suspension Seatposts for the Most Enjoyable Bikepacking!

Suspension seat posts have been around for years, but in recent years there have become more comfortable and much more reliable. We reviewed some of the most popular suspension seat posts on the market.
By
John Watson
John Watson
Writer
John is an experienced cycling enthusiast and a great asset when it comes to writing skills. He's a Bachelor of Arts and a talented journalist. John is in charge of our blog read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Jessica Kingston
Jessica Kingston
Expert Consultant
Jessica is our expert consultant on all things connected to biking - gear, technique, you name it. Being a pro cyclist in the past, she knows exactly how things work in and read more
Last updated: February 28, 2024
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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."
  • "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

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8657 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.8
1
Editor's Choice

Kinekt 2.1 XL2

Features
  • 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.

    Why did it make our list?
  • 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.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • 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.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6358 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.6
2
Runner-Up

Redshift ShockStop

Features
  • Load capacity: 242lbs
  • Size: 16.61 x 3.5 x 2.64
  • Travel suspension: 35mm
  • 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.

    What do we love it for?
  • 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.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • 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.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9448 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.3
Features
  • 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.

    What makes it special?
  • 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.
    What cons did we find?
  • 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.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2164 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.2
4
Best Versatility

Cane Creek Thunderbuster ST

Features
  • 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.

    What are our favorite features?
  • 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.
    What could be better?
  • 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.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3312 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
9.0
5
Best Lightweight

DNM Suspension Mountain MTB

Features
  • Load capacity: 220 lbs.
  • 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.

    Why are we impressed?
  • 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.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • 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

5 Best Suspension Seatposts for the Most Enjoyable Bikepacking!
The hardness and flexibility of the rubber are what give the amount of flexibility.

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

5 Best Suspension Seatposts for the Most Enjoyable Bikepacking!
This type of seat post makes your ride smoother by using a hinged linkage system with coiled metal springs.

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

5 Best Suspension Seatposts for the Most Enjoyable Bikepacking!
It offers the flexibility of dropping your seat post when you need to.

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.

Mount

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

5 Best Suspension Seatposts for the Most Enjoyable Bikepacking!
It is crucial to pay attention to load capacity, not to waste your money.

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.

Size

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.

Weight

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.

Cost

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.

FAQ

How do you attach a suspension seat post to a bicycle?

Installing a seat post is so simple that almost anyone can do it.
  • 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?

Suspension seatposts are particularly beneficial for cyclists who engage in bikepacking, touring, or long-distance rides. They help reduce fatigue and improve comfort by minimizing the effects of rough terrains on the rider’s body.

What is the difference between deflection and damping?

Deflection reduces the fatigue in your body and protects you from the larger bumps, while damping is when the seat post lowers the vibration from smaller bumps reaching the rider.

Are suspension seatposts suitable for bikepacking or touring

Yes, suspension seatposts can be highly suitable for bikepacking or touring. They help to absorb the impact of rough and uneven terrains, providing a more comfortable ride during long journeys. However, the specific suspension option and travel length should be chosen based on individual preferences and riding conditions.

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.

References

1.
The science of bike building: What is
The bicycle may be a simple machine but there are many aspects to its performance.
2.
How Much Weight Can a Bike Hold? | Live Healthy - Chron.com
How Much Weight Can a Bike Hold?
9,8
Total Score
Kinekt 2.1 XL2 - Editor's Choice
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