PeteCresswell said:Acceptable alternatives would appear tb (although I've never ridden a
soft tail)
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- Soft Tail with solid-rail saddle
- SUS Post with solid-rail saddle
- Sprung saddle
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Disclaimer -
Keep in mind that these are merely my observations and
generalizations since not all softails are the same, nor are all posts
and/or saddles, and the terrain you may ride may not be the same as
that which I ride:
I have used suspension posts and two softails, including my current
ride, and find that there is not a huge difference over use of a
(telescoping) suspension post when it comes to comfort. But both the
softails and post are much more comfortable than plain hardtails and
the softails aslo have the distinct benefit of providing their extra
"cush" even when one is riding out of the saddle.
All-in-all I prefer the softails for the reason mentioned above and
the lack of relative movement between pedals and saddle.
Softail notes:
The elastomer spring in my first softail was so firm that its effect
was initially nearly negligible. After being replaced with a much
squishier insert (acquired from a junk bin at a local shop) the
functionality of the suspension was vastly improved.
My second softail uses an adjustable air spring. It is a bit
"stickier" and thereby not nearly as supple, but has improved over
time and with a little extra lube on the slider. It also offers a
slightly greater range of actual travel (still just over 1"😉.
Other observations:
My experience with saddles that claim to offer some sort of suspension
is that they are not as comfortable as a saddle that fits well,
especially if the well-fitting saddle has a bit of flexibility. IMO,
fit is more important than saddle padding or saddle suspension.
Don't ignore fatter tires and/or low tire pressure as a simple comfort
option.
A 29er can also offer an improvement in comfort (in addition to all
that has been mentioned above)
DR
