Electric seat post and clamp

[MeDotOrg]

This is a very newbie question, but what about an electric seat post and clamp? On a mid-drive system, the seat tube is literally connected to the motor casing. Why not have a mechanism that can raise or lower the bottom of the seat post within the seat tube? If it were set to adjust in millimeters, you could have truly exact control over your riding position. Couple that with an electronic seat collar that loosens automatically before you raise or lower the seat, and re-clamps the seat to the correct amount of torque. Getting really exact control over your ride height would be wonderful.

I honestly don't know the costs involved with developing such a system, they might very well be prohibitive. But I bet there are some high end customers who would really like such a feature.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@MeDotOrg:

If you can afford it... It's there.

Reverb AXS | SP-RVB-AXS-A1 | RockShox

Reverb AXS, SP-RVB-AXS-A1, RockShox. Our intention with Reverb AXS™ was inventive and pure: No hoses. No routing. No energy wasted. Not a single thing in the way of the experience. We cre...

www.sram.com

 

[6zfshdb]

Not a bad idea but it would have to work with aftermarket seat posts. I for one, won't ride without a Thudbuster or Kinekt suspension seatpost. A simple, relatively cheap dropper post will provide the same function.

 

[LimboJim]

@MeDotOrg:

If you can afford it... It's there.

Reverb AXS | SP-RVB-AXS-A1 | RockShox

Reverb AXS, SP-RVB-AXS-A1, RockShox. Our intention with Reverb AXS™ was inventive and pure: No hoses. No routing. No energy wasted. Not a single thing in the way of the experience. We cre...

www.sram.com

A slightly cheaper option

Magura USA | File Not Found

Magura USA File Not Found

www.magurausa-shop.com

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The OP didn't mention any suspension. He asked for infinitely adjustable seat-post. Electronically, at best

 

[rich c]

I’m starting to see requests from riders who want a dropper post for what seems like non traditional reasons. I think they want a lower position when riding on throttle only, then a higher position for pedaling. I assume this is the electric jack solution?

 

[6zfshdb]

I’m starting to see requests from riders who want a dropper post for what seems like non traditional reasons. I think they want a lower position when riding on throttle only, then a higher position for pedaling. I assume this is the electric jack solution?

The main reason I'm interested in a dropper is for starting & stopping. Definitely not traditional. Since my sense of balance isn't what it once was, for safety reasons, I like to have my feet flat on the ground when seated. This isn't a comfortable pedaling position though so I have to compromise with the seat height. Not high enough for full leg extension but low enough to touch the ground with my toes.

If I didn't like my Kinekt & Thudbuster suspension seatposts so much, I would definitely look into a dropper. I know there are combo dropper suspension posts out there but the ones I've tried don't work well for me.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Since the dropper post makes most sense on the FS bike, I just drop the seat before stopping then shoot it up just after the ride restart. The dropper is also convenient if you share the bike with someone shorter than you are.

 

[MeDotOrg]

@MeDotOrg:

If you can afford it... It's there.

Reverb AXS | SP-RVB-AXS-A1 | RockShox

Reverb AXS, SP-RVB-AXS-A1, RockShox. Our intention with Reverb AXS™ was inventive and pure: No hoses. No routing. No energy wasted. Not a single thing in the way of the experience. We cre...

www.sram.com

That's close, but the mechanism I'm envisioning would be like a piston within the seat tube. The sram is a sexy solution, but for $800 it's a bit above my pay grade.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The sram is a sexy solution, but for $800 it's a bit above my pay grade.

I honestly don't know the costs involved with developing such a system, they might very well be prohibitive.

You're right, sir
Even a traditional dropper post doesn't come cheap.

 

[MeDotOrg]

I should add that for a lot of people such a device would probably be overkill. I like going on 40-mile rides. For the first 20-30 miles I feel fine, but during the last 10 miles I start to get a sore rear end. I find myself standing up on the pedals while going downhill just to get my butt off the seat. Obviously the type of saddle is important, but I'm using the old Terry Fly off my roadbike, which I used to ride on Centuries with no discomfort.

Eddie Merckx used to carry a tape measure on his rides, obsessively changing the height of his saddle. I don't know what it is about our biomechanics, but a just a millimeter or two can make a big difference.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Nothing helps for sore backside, only getting used to it. Rests on a trip do help. Changing the position in the saddle, too. That's why I'm used to 50-milers and could make several 70 and 75 mile rides. Yet, I once appreciated my dropper post in the e-MTB when I incidentally set the saddle a tad too high and could continue the ride by lowering the seat.