Description:Formerly known as the Pivot Plus, Tricky Dick is the flagship of the Tamer suspension seatpost line, designed for ultimate comfort and performance in every condition you can throw at it. The pivoting action allows for a very responsive ride, eliminating any stiction. The internal spring delivers constant action and controlled rebound. Tamer’s hollow pin system gives easy access for lubricating the pivots without disassembly of the seatpost.
Length – Standard/MTB: 350mm or 400mm
Suspension Style – Spring with 25mm of preload adjustment
Travel – 65mm
Diameter – Standard/MTB: 25.4, 27.2 and 29.8mm
Maximum Insertion – 83mm from centerline of seat rails to top of seat tube
Warranty – Lifetime
Weight – Standard/MTB: 470g (27.2), 460g (25.4)
Features – Pin Lube System and Internal spring ride control. Available in silver or black for 2003.
Submitted by
Eddie
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
universalcycles.com
Strengths:
good concept
Weaknesses:
engineers did no calcs on what forces the pivot pins must withstand, and forgot to put in a bump stop...first design (Pivot Plus) was REALLY bad! Did they really expect the seat clamp to work?
I had the original style Pivot Plus that held up well, except for two design flaws....the pins were hollow, and there's no bump stop to absorb severe shock when bottoming out. My post finally failed when I bottomed out (only an 18" drop). One of the pins sheared, all the others were bent, and the ears of the aluminum block mounted on top of the post bent out. This could have been prevented if the pins were solid, and there was a way to incorporate a bump stop.
The new design improves the seatpost clamping..that's it. It still has the same good ride, but still the same lame quality....like owning a nice sports car that you prey won't break down on you.
I give it a "3" for overall rating because of the improved ride and comfort, but only a "2" for value because it's still a crappily engineered product.
For a discussion on modifications to make this paper mache product hold up, navigate to the "New Products and Innovations" forum, and see the discussion topic "Tamer Pivot Plus / Tricky Dick Engineering Mods".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Herman
a Weekend Warrior
from Farmington Hills MI USA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Island Lake
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$109.00
Purchased At:
Bikeman.com
Strengths:
Worked pretty good but wore out.
Weaknesses:
It broke while on a wet ride and tore my $110.00 goretex rain pants. I had to ride home standing up.
Similar Products Used:
I replaced it with a Nashbar generic suspension seatpost on all three of my bikes.
Bike Setup:
I have 3 bikes. A full suspension performance XC, a folder and a trek 1000 road bike.
Bottom Line:
I thought Tamer went out of business. But I just saw the Tamer Tricky Dick for sale on Bikeman.com. After the one on my XC bike broke, I noticed that the one on my folder was very loose and ready to break. So I just replaced all three as I didn't want to risk being on a ride and having it ruined when the seatpost broke. I'm just going to stick with a suspension seatpost with a spring inside the tube. Most of those seatposts come with a spring for a 'typical' 150 pound rider. So if you fall well below or above that then you'll need to get the stronger or the weaker spring.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Riverton, Wyoming Date Reviewed: September 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
mountains
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Just wanted to update my review from last year. Still using the seatpost, as I have low back problems and I couldn't ride without the comfort of this suspension post. On small bumps, rocks, ruts, etc, it is better than my new 06 Rocky MTn. Element 50 full suspension ride. Of course on the bigger stuff it bottoms out, but it was never meant to replace full suspension. But it gives a great ride for anyone who likes the performance of a hard tail bike, but can't take the harsh ride. I have 2 of these seat posts and the second one is on my road bike. It is absolutely magic for a road bike.
Weaknesses:
After 3 years I did wear out a pivot bushing and sent it back to Tamer Industries and they replaced it for $35, with shipping. It does squeak if you don't keep it lubed frequently. No other problems have occured and I still weigh 200lbs. I have the same time on the my road bike post and it has been absolutely perfect with no problems.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000 mtn. bike with updated front fork. Centurion Steel road bike
Bottom Line:
If you like hardtails but are getting sore butt or back, you owe it to yourself to get one of these !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Peoples
a Weekend Warrior
from Norco, La. (Jefferson) Date Reviewed: November 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Comite Park-Baton Rouge, La.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$147.00
Purchased At:
Tamer, direct
Strengths:
Softens the blows from roots and rough ground, adjustable preload
Weaknesses:
None, until it breaks
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher, Cateye computer, Roque lock down grips, seat change
Bottom Line:
This thing was great, right up until the time it broke the pluger that connects the pivot levers to the spring actuator leaving me on the ground in severe pain. I'm new to dirt, I'm 59 yrs. old and run out of breath way too fast, so I know I didn't over work this product. I've heard from two bike shops and from internet articles, that this is certainly not the first one that broke. Please, think twice about using this seat post! If you're using it on a mountain bike to take the place of rear suspenion, please be gentle with it, the life you save could be your own!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Riverton Wyoming Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
Tricky Dick's
Strengths:
Excellent action and comfort. I have TWO of the seatposts, one on my rode bike and one on my Mt. bike! They are both excellent. The rode bike one makes the tar strips and bumps disapear! The mountain one makes the ride from my lightweight hardtail very manageable! And both of them give me rigid bike performance when I stand to pedal!!! I highly recommend these seatposts to anyone who wants to make their road bikes more enjoyable for long rides and their hard tail Mt. Bikes better without the extra weight and power robbing of the full suspension bike. You owe it to youself to try one! I really like both of mine!!
Weaknesses:
None that I've found! I weigh 200lbs and they perform very very well!
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000 hard tail and Centurion steel frame road bike, both with the Tamer seat posts!
Bottom Line:
I would rate these a 5 of 5 for comfort, performance and durability!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phillip
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairbanks, Alaska Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Birch Hill x-country trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Smooths out gravel roads, washboard, roots, rocks - very comfortable. Guess I'm in the honeymoon stage cause I'm still looking for rough stuff to ride through...just to smile as it smooths out the bumps. Lots o gravel roads where I live and now riding then is a real pleasure.
Weaknesses:
This product requires maintenance, not necessarily a weekness. I squirt a little Tri-Flo in the bushings after every few rides and am not then bothered by squeeks. Also lub where the activator arm enters the casing. Weight? Who cares. Drink a glass of water before you ride and that will add about 225gm just above the saddle so what's a 100gm or so added to the seatpost. (IMHO)
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
A couple Bridgestone MB1's w/ Manitou 3 forks fitted with springs and Tricky Dick seatposts.
Bottom Line:
Take the time to properly adjust the seatpost tension and saddle position. The seat post will respond quicker after being lubed. I cut a quarter inch of the allen wrench used to adjust the saddle to make turning the adjusting screw a little easier. Am so impressed with this seatpost I've ordered another for my road bike. They're on sale right now at Nashbar for $70 - 26.8mm only size left (May 17). Can't imagine anyone being dissapointed with this thing - get one, you'll like it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G G
a Weekend Warrior
from Annapolis, MD Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Dirt
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
on-line
Strengths:
Works great! I'm 200 lbs. and use the heavy spring cranked pretty good; in this mode big bumps are cushioned but there is no bob when pedaling & climbing.
Weaknesses:
Oil often or it creaks; makes it a bit greasey but we play in the dirt anyway. Makes me wonder how long it will last although it's still tight after 18 months. Wish it was lighter but don't know where weight could be removed without compromising strength/durability or cost(Ti or graphite)
Similar Products Used:
Cane Creek Thudbuster
Bike Setup:
Cannondale hardtail
Bottom Line:
If this seatpost lasts longer the frame, I might consider another hardtail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff, Az.USA Date Reviewed: March 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Tamer
Similar Products Used:
Thudbuster and a variety of telescoping seat posts.
Bike Setup:
29 inch Fisher
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to my previous review of the Tamer Tricky Dick. Because of my problems with the Tamer I did purchase a Thudbuster. What a mistake! The Tamer out performs the Thudbuster in comfort and shock absorbtion. I test rode the Thudbuster for twenty miles and found it to be rigid compared to the Tricky Dick. (Rode the recomended elastomers for my weight.) The ride was on a moderately rocky fire road and I now have that old hard tail lower back pain again. Had none of this discomfort in 2500 miles of riding the Tamer. In spite of the weaknesses described in my previous review of the Tamer (squeaks, knocks when compressed, gets grease on shorts, and I bent the post and broke the pivot pins) I will stick with it and will be selling the Thudbuster. I would have to say that after riding telescoping posts, the Tricky Dick and now the Thudbuster that the Tamer is likely the most comfortable suspension seat post on the market. I also test rode a 293 Fisher with Fox Float rear suspension and found that it was not as comfortable as my hard tail with the Tricky Dick seat post. Maybe I'm just too hard on my body and my bike and should ride a full suspension with the Tamer Tricky Dick!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff Az Date Reviewed: February 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
directly from tammer
Strengths:
Soaks up the bumps and saves the lower back. Company backs up product. Has serviced twice at no charge. Great product for wife who does not ride frequently or hard. Works equally well at all temperatures.
Weaknesses:
Requires too much maintenance. Needs to be lubed every few rides and starts squeaking part way through rides. Also has developed a knock about 1/4 inch into compression. Pivot pins broke, post bent and had to be rebuilt by tammer after about 2000 miles. Very dirty and grease gets on clothing. Put sock over it keep from ruining work clothes. Use the bike to commute to work as well as trails.
Similar Products Used:
Conventional telescoping with elastomer.
Bike Setup:
29 inch Fisher with XT drive train and shifters. Avid mech disc brakes
Bottom Line:
very comfortable and far superior to telescoping designs. Trying to decide if I should send it back for the third time to Tammer or just buy a Thudbuster and give the Tammer away. Too noisy, too much lubercating, too dirty, and can't get rid of the knocking. In spite of these issues it is a much better ride than no suspension at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Fose
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, California, USA Date Reviewed: February 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Pennisquitos canyon preserve
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$119.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Smooths out the big bumps. Cheaper then getting a whole new full suspenstion bike, if your current bike is pretty good. Helps in climbs that are full of big rocks by letting you still sit down to apply weight to the rear wheel.
Weaknesses:
Small bumps still get through when you tune for the big bumps. Will probably need a shim to fit your bike, but the shim I got from Beyond Bikes from USE was a thermoplastic model that said it had the correct internal and external diameter but it was way way off and unusable even with attempts to sand it down or even carve it down. Your best bet is to bring in your current seatpost to a local bike shop (Beyond is local for me) and have them use a dial caliper to show that the seatpost with the correct shim (get aluminum instead of plastic if you can) will be a match to your current seatpost. If you do then installation will be very easy.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper hardtail.
Bottom Line:
Worth the money if you don't want to or can't trade in your current bike for a full suspension just yet. It lets you climb the hills with lots of rocks easier then without it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy Graham Rides
a Cross Country Rider
from Memphis Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
mtbreviewn classifieds
Strengths:
Very nice feel, easy to install, easy to adjust, Inexpensive
Weaknesses:
a little on the noisy side, but I am getting used to it. It doesn't affect the performance though. I JUST CAN'T SNEEK UP ON THE GUY I RISE WITH. MY "Mentor"
Similar Products Used:
back-breakers, kidney stone passers
Bike Setup:
1995 Fuji cro-moly hardtail, "The Dinosaur"
Bottom Line:
My back was hurting before the Tricky Dick. Now it doesn't. Which means I can ride longer & better than before. I weigh 215 lbs. & this seat post works for me. I did have to crank it about 8 or 9 turns, as directed, but I love the cushion. No, its not a full suspension ride, but I reccomend it until you make that move.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Scherer
a Weekend Warrior
from Rogers, AR, USA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Strengths:
Can easily adjust rebound play. Lacks Lateral rotation. Smooth action. Have ridden same trails with different suspension posts and this is the smoothest of them all.
Weaknesses:
Hard to adjust seat position. If too tightly set can rebound with great force. If too loosely set will sag.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Answer Suspension post Rock Shox MTB suspension post
Bottom Line:
If comfort is your desire out of a shock, then this will deliver. It handles any size bump with effortless ease and smooth transition. It is easily adjusted and lacks side sway. It is a parrallelogram design which at first I was cautious about with fears of stance changes during riding as it absorbs the bumps. Haven ridden on it I find that I have more riding stance disturbance with a tradition up/ down post design than with this post's set up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mariko
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
City and Communting
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lessens major impacts, but I don't like the "frequency" of the vibration or minor jarring at uneven trails.
Weaknesses:
Saddle retaining nut loosens frequently, shifting the saddle position frontwards. See also my "spinal" comments, review, below.
Similar Products Used:
No name
Bottom Line:
Do you also have sharp, sudden back pain after riding a parallogram suspension seatpost?
I have (thankfully mild) sharp pains on bending or moving certain ways after using a parallogram suspension seatpost (e.g. Thudbuster, Tamer Tricky Dick, Moxey). Please post if you, or other cyclists, experienced any pains coincidental to the use of any of these seatposts.
My bicycle rides consist of city paths that are uneven at times. My saddle is a wide, gel with springs.
Although I'm not a doctor, I see that the parallelogram suspension *streches* the spine when it throws the body rearward (away from the handlebar) on dips, then *compresses* the spine on the rebound. This stretching appears to be more severe with the leaning position on mountain bikes. Therefore, I suspect that parallelogram suspension seatposts harm the spine.
I hope my pain will go away.
Mariko San Jose
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jackson
a Weekend Warrior
from santa fe, new mex, usa Date Reviewed: May 25, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Bottom Line:
This is a very expensive seatpost that needs much maintenance in my humble opinion. This review is my own personal opinion from this consumer's use (test). The main flaw with the Tamer Tricky Dick is that it is "too tricky" to ride safely because the contact patch with the road shifts as the parallelogram suspension moves down/backwards. The backward shift causes a drastic shift in the center of gravity imho. Sold this too-tricky Tricky Dick. I don't want it or the Thudbuster which I assume will have the same tendencies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bernhard Resch
a Cross Country Rider
from Reading, PA Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
Definately takes out a lot of bumps!
Weaknesses:
started squeaking after about 10 hours of riding (spread over a couple days/ diff. conditions) with no maitainance. WD-40 fixed the problem. Could come with an Allen wranch, so I don't have to grind mine down in order to mount my saddle. That probably erases any chance to claim warranty of my craftsman wranch, if need be.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M50 Hardtail with a bunch of upgrads. Avid Speed dial 7 brakes, titic stem+ hellbend handlebar. Mavix 222 wheels. panaracer fire xc tires, xt stuff,..
Bottom Line:
When I go over small roots and stones (1-3" high)I don't feel much anymore. Can't take out the big bumps, but that's not what is designed for I would assume. It does what it's supposed to do - saves your butt from getting numb. I have a little bit of side to side play on my top links, which I'm not sure if it was there from the beginning. I'll have to keep an eye on it. I also ride it a little stiffer than the manuel recommends, because I don't like to bottom out. (165 lbs and I need 1 turn more as suggested) Overall I have to say not a bad product for the money and I'll give it 4 out of 5 because of the allen wranch and the squeaking (drives you crazy uphill!!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Norm
a Downhiller
from Hilly Philly, PA, USA Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Nearby ravines
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Used parts bin at club race
Strengths:
- The ride feels great at the onset especially for a hardtail bicyclist. It fells like floating on water if you can avoid bottoming out. This may not suit riders used to hardtail pumping as some potential pedal energy is lost during the Tricky Dick's "float".
Weaknesses:
- With the Tamer Tricky Dick, I found myself sliding rearward off the saddle. The ride feels somewhat unreal, and there is a loss of feel for the terrain. - I could not find a comfortable position as the saddle went forward/backward with Tamer's parallelogram design. - The Tamer suspension seatpost, imho review, is suitable for a weekend dandy who will never ride in wet slop or want to disassemble a hollow pin. - The Ti (titanium) Tricky Dick version was almost as heavy as the aluminum seatpost. I don't know if the Ti is more durable. My Ti eyeglass frame broke on a weld and Dunhill said it was not repairable. So much for Dunhill "quality". Has anybody seen a good review of the Ti's durability in long-term use?
Similar Products Used:
Nashbar el-cheapo
Bike Setup:
No-name bike made from scavenged parts
Bottom Line:
- It seems to bottom out easily depending on rider weight and terrain. When this happens, the hollow pins take a brutal hit and deform, affecting rebound or dampening. In other words, you'll have to spring (pardon the pun) for a new suspension seatpost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David M
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Morningside Park, Toronto
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Smooth action,dramatically reduces the impact of bumps and holes, feels great!
Weaknesses:
Had to by a shim to make it fit my bike (but it only cost $8.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Specialized HardRockPro, RockShox JudyC
Bottom Line:
I'm an out-of-shape 47 year-old whose been biking for about a year now, mostly on paved (but very bumpy and hilly) city bikepaths, for usually an hour a day. Even with a gel seat, I was getting tired of having a sore bum all the time . . . but now I'm eager to get out on the trails. I'm visiting California for a couple of months, and on the strong recommendation of Ken's Bike and Ski in Davis, decided to get a Tricky Dick. As it turned out, I saved myself $25US by buying it on eBay (my first purchase), and the folks at Ken's very kindly installed it for me for the cost of the special-order shim. I was a little worried that I'd be put off by the front-to-back action, but it hasn't been an issue at all. I'm REALLY pleased with this seatpost, and I'm much more likely to keep biking, and hopefully, even get in shape!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Mail Order
Strengths:
Doesn't move sideways
Weaknesses:
Not much different from a $20 suspension seatpost imho.
Similar Products Used:
Two Post Moderne models, less than $40 each.
Bike Setup:
Beach Cruiser
Bottom Line:
Overpriced, overweight, and over-rated. IMHO this is not a wise buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Leavenworth, KS, USA Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
KATY Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Bike Nashbar
Strengths:
It is very easy to maintain, has great adjustablity, very comfortable, and it works well in all situations I have encountered.
Weaknesses:
None that I can find
Similar Products Used:
Own a another Tricky Dick, a Slick Wiilie, and an Honest Abe on our tandem. I have used Garvin, Trek, and USE.
Bike Setup:
Tricky Dick on Trek 6500
Bottom Line:
The Tricky Dick is the best suspension seatpost I have used, and I have had others, including installing other brands on friends bikes.
There is no side to side play on this post, little time is needed to adjust and re-adjust the post, as I have had to do with other posts. There is no stiction on post to lube constantly so it will work. It has pivot points that are easy to clean and lube, and internal componets are durable and easy to maintain.
I would recommend the Tricky Dick to anyone who needs comfort, durability, and great adjustability. It will serve the weekend Rail Trail rider, and any agressive single track, down the trail at full bore rider.
Get the tricky Dick it will serve you well!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sandy Mercier
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: May 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Riverside
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Design appears to be novel. The saddle is sprung via two hinges riding on a tiny post that plunges into the post. This is an ingeneous (sp?) design according to the attention at the bike cafe. However, it's not wise to leave this shockpost with a Quick Release as it'll likely get stolen in downtown Montreal in no time.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, like an old U-lock that I refuse to carry these days. Stiction, as per above. When riding in wet weather, water got into the spring assembly - when I shook it, I was surprised by the amount of water that came out.
Similar Products Used:
Trans-X, Kalloy, Post Moderne
Bike Setup:
Trek
Bottom Line:
The reviews looked great, so I placed an order, and waited 4 weeks for Tamer to deliver to the distributor and on to my local bike shop. The first one came with the wrong size (27.2mm) despite what was clearly a 28.6mm item ordered. It took another 3 weeks to sort it out. I was unable to cancel because of the 50% deposit I placed with the bike shop, and the shop owner says he in turn made a deposit (apparently this is a rare item to order) with the distributor. When it finally came, I was disappointed at the performance and wonder if some of the "glowing" reviews are inaccurate. Tamer's "Tricky Dick" suspension seatpost was too hard for my rear end. After two weeks, the suspension finally became rigid ("stiction"??) and would barely move. I was out the $$$ because the LBS would not refund my money, claiming that mountain bike products (although I only used it in town) cannot be warranted. I ended up reverting to the Kalloy. Tamer's "warranty department" people can be described as "Promises, Promises" when/if they actually pick up the phone. Don't expect any return phone calls.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from Altadena, CA Date Reviewed: May 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Henniger
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
nashbar.com
Strengths:
Great comfort, well thought-out design, and quality manufacturing. I didn't realize what a difference a suspension post could make.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Old Trek 820 with Rockshox front forks. Basically a commuter bike during the week and very occasional outings on San Gabriel Mt trails on weekends.
Bottom Line:
At 57 years, spine stress is more dearly felt. Had been thinking of upgrading to a full suspension bike, but noticed a suspension post on a friend's bike. After reading reviews of main contenders on this site, the Tamer TD design seemed the most sensible (certainly most cost effective) choice. Checked with my niece's husband: an engineer who builds bikes and enjoys the Death Ride out of Markleeville CA. He too recommended the no-stiction parallelogram design. Ordered TD and sleeve sizer (to fit 26.0 mm frame) yesterday, installed and tested today: bumps, cracks, potholes, manhole covers -- what used to be spine jarring is now hardly noticed. Amazing!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hank Chinaski
a Cross Country Rider
from City,State,Country Date Reviewed: April 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
Works very well. Plush. No pedal energy loss into the suspension. Hardly notice that it's there, except for the occasional 'pop' sound of it topping out after a dip or a big bump.
Weaknesses:
Noisy - needs a top out bumper to quiet it down, and the ball & socket joint at the top collects dirt & creaks after a while on the trail (lubing before every ride helps)
Similar Products Used:
Mongoose Amplifier II, Mongoose Pro NX 8.3
Bike Setup:
khs alite 4000 frame, manitou sx fork
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic product. I have been riding full suspension for years, but got tired of the maintenance hassles, expense, weight penalty, and energy loss. I'm glad that I took a risk & bought the Tamer along with a lightweight aluminum frame. I can run it softer than I ran my FS bike because there isn't a 'bobbing' penalty - so its actually more plush than my FS bikes were! The top out popping noise does get a little annoying at times, though. I'm going to try to fashion a cover for it out of an old innertube & some velcro, in hopes of keeping it cleaner & dampening the noise a bit...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle Yost
a Racer
from Washington, DC Date Reviewed: April 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Blue Nile Gorge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar.com
Strengths:
Cushioned my fat ass on some seriously rough African roads.
Weaknesses:
I didn't have a cover to product the working parts from the elements, particularly sand. I don't know if a cover is an option but it is certainly not well marketed if it is.
Similar Products Used:
None. The Cane Creek Thudbuster was used by other participants of the Tour d'Afrique, and many of them had protective covers which would have been handy.
Bike Setup:
Trek XO-1 cyclocross. Tamer Tricky Dick rear suspension with Brooks Professional saddle. No front suspension which was big mistake. My wrists, arms, and shoulders took a hell of a beating, but my ass did great!
Bottom Line:
I participated in the Tour d'Afrique (www.tourdafrique.com), a 7000 mile bike race from Cairo to Capetown. The section I did was 3500 miles from Cairo to Nairobi and was over some of the worst terrain imaginable. Through deep sand in The Sudan, over endless corrugation, and brutally rocky "roads" in Ethiopia. I suffered mightily by choosing a cyclocross bike and not electing to use front suspension, but my Tricky Dick seat suspension served me well. My hands, wrists, and shoulders took a hell of a pounding, but the seat suspension saved my ass and lower back. The Tricky Dick was easily adjustable to be very springy during the worst of the corrugated roads and terrible rocky roads, and very stiff for the rare sections of nice pavement. The fact that the suspension still worked after 3500 miles of sand and dust and constant pounding by my 200 pound (Ok, I was down to 185 by the end) is quite impressive in and of itself. The suspension did need to get lubricated quite frequently, which is not surprising when you are riding across deserts. It would have been nice to have a protective cover for the exposed parts like the Thudbuster has, but if such an item exists I am not aware of it. Nonetheless when the suspension would start to squeak and scream a few drops down into the spring would shut it up for a few more days of desert riding.
All in all, I must say the Tamer Tricky Dick seatpost was about the only wise decision I made regarding bike setup for this adventure. Next time, mountain bike with dual suspension.
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Submitted by
Rob Doran
a Cross Country Rider
from Wake Forest Date Reviewed: April 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Regency, Cary NC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
It's pretty smooth once it's adjusted.
Weaknesses:
A little noisy, but if you lube the snot out of it, it'll quiet down. I weigh about 190-lbs, and the preload adjustment with the stock spring is at the max.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F600
Bottom Line:
Buy it if you're going to be riding that hard-tail for a while, and can't afford that sweet full suspension yet.
$ 109.95
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