Thudbuster or the like?

[Jean]

Hi,

After a very bad year for riding I'm trying to sort myself out for the warmer weather. I'm also interested in doing the odd enduro type event in 2012, but doubt that my 41-year old body will enjoy the longer events (50km+) on my hard tail. As a dual-susser is not an option at the moment I'm wondering about some form of underseat suspension. I know this is not a way to make a cheap dualie, but it might make things more comfortable and I could maybe contemplate the longer enduros.

A sprung Brooks might be an option, but the leather maintenance that goes with sometimes soggy MTB riding is a turn off. Thudbusters seem to be widely lauded. Anyone tried one or something similar and have any experiences to relate?

Cheers
Jean

[alchemist]

As a 41 year old that regularly 'races' marathons and enduros on a SS HT (or worse cyclocross bike) don't underestimate what the body can do.

[Mulger bill]

Kalgrm was a thudbuster devotee when he rode a hardtail. Try an advanced search using those terms.

[apsilon]

I used a Thudbuster before going to a dualie. Look a bit odd but it certainly does improve comfort and allows you to stay in the saddle longer and keep your centre of gravity lower. I'm sure I'd still have it somewhere if you were interested in buying it?

[Jean]

As a 41 year old that regularly 'races' marathons and enduros on a SS HT (or worse cyclocross bike) don't underestimate what the body can do.

Granted, after some of the weight losing, fitness building and core strengthening has happened perhaps the idea will seem less appealing. I'm not in any hurry and just thinking it over, but one of the events I'm interested in opens its entries next month, so I need to think about whether to opt for the 50km or 100km edition. The 100km version appeals, which is why the Thudbuster enetered my mind.

I used a Thudbuster before going to a dualie. Look a bit odd but it certainly does improve comfort and allows you to stay in the saddle longer and keep your centre of gravity lower. I'm sure I'd still have it somewhere if you were interested in buying it?

PM in the works.

[trailgumby]

Thudbusters are good. All the telescopic sprung posts I've seen are crap: slightest bit of grit in the slider and the things sieze up. And they're heavy.

My 74yo cousin that I ride with from time to time at Old bar has a thudbuster on his ageing Giant ATX and it's bullet-proof Comfy, too.