Kinekt suspension seat post: test, comparison & experiences
The Kinekt Bodyfloat 2.1 suspension seat post was named test winner by German magazine RADtouren. In an extensive test alongside 13 other suspension seat posts from renowned manufacturers, it was named test winner with a score of 1.2 as the top product. We explain the details and why we also install the Kinekt Bodyfloat 2.1 in our YouMo e-bikes.
Contents:
- Kinekt suspension seat post put to the test
- Comparison of two types of suspension seat posts
- Experience with the Kinekt seat post
- Variants of the Kinekt Bodyfloat 2.1 seat post
- Accessories and spare parts from Kinekt
- Information about the Kinekt seat post test
Kinekt suspension seat post put to the test
The German magazine RADtouren tested suspension seat posts from well-known brands as part of its 2020 Genuss-Spezial (Enjoyment Special). The Kinekt seat post was compared with the latest models from Cirrus Cycles, Ergotec, Rose, Airwings, by Schulz, Contec and Cane Creek, among others. These included both telescopic seat posts and parallelogram seat posts.
In testing, the Kinekt Bodyfloat 2.1 proved to be particularly flexible. It adapts to the individual rider and ‘transforms rough terrain into smooth paths’. It therefore fulfils exactly what demanding riders expect from a seat post. The simple and lightning-fast adjustment of the seat post to the respective track conditions was also praised. With the patented Kinekt isolation system built into the seat post, this model outperforms the ‘top product’ and receives the best score of 1.2.
Comparison of two types of suspension seat posts
Seat posts are fundamentally differentiated according to their design. Telescopic seat posts spring towards the axle and parallelogram seat posts spring backwards in a circular arc. Both variants have advantages and disadvantages. We have summarised these clearly for you here.
Note: In the RADtouren test 2020, seat posts of both types were compared and evaluated. The Kinekt Bodyfloat 2.1 seat post, a parallelogram-supported seat post, emerged as the test winner.
Advantages and disadvantages of telescopic supports
Telescopic seat posts have a simple design and are fairly inconspicuous on the bicycle or e-bike itself, as the suspension is located in the seat tube. The slim design of this type of suspension usually means it has a lower weight. In addition, telescopic seat posts are usually cheaper than parallelogram seat posts. The suspension on telescopic seat posts moves downwards when riding, changing the saddle height and the distance to the pedals. Bumps and uneven road conditions are more noticeable than with parallelogram seat posts.
Advantages and disadvantages of parallelogram supports
Parallelogram supports such as the Kinekt Bodyfloat 2.1 generally offer more comfort when riding than telescopic supports and are ideal for demanding riders and e-bikes. The saddle does not bounce up and down, but rather backwards. This means that the seat height remains the same. Only the distance to the handlebars changes, which can be a disadvantage for riders with a stretched posture. Overall, however, parallelogram suspension seats are much more sensitive and allow for greater suspension travel. They compensate for uneven terrain much better than telescopic suspension seats, and bumps feel very smooth.
The comparison is made clear once again in the Kinekt video:
Experience with the Kinekt seat post
YouMo discovered the advantages of Kinekt some time ago, which is why we recommend that all YouMo riders equip their e-bikes with Kinekt. We have gained a lot of experience with the Kinekt seat post and would like to give you an overview of the riding performance and comfort offered by the Kinekt seat post.
In our experience, the Kinekt Bodyfloat 2.1 is very easy to use and highly customisable. You can quickly and easily replace the springs and adjust the preload – even while you are riding. Thanks to these individual micro-adjustments, the Kinekt feels as if it were tailor-made for you.
We tested the Kinekt suspension seat post on rough terrain, long bike rides and in the city. While riding, it protects against bumps, constantly changing surfaces and vibrations. Whether it’s cracks, potholes or debris, with Kinekt, none of these are obstacles anymore.
Thanks to the effective shock absorption, we also noticed how gentle the Kinekt seat post is on the joints. The increased comfort saves you a lot of energy and gives you more power for your rides. This is a really big advantage, especially on longer distances.
In our experience, the Kinekt seat post offers significantly greater comfort and improved traction, resulting in less fatigue when riding. Overall, Kinekt has already opened many doors to a completely new riding experience for us and our YouMo e-bike riders. And it’s not easy to put this into words!
The Kinekt seat post also leaves nothing to be desired in terms of product quality. The high-strength aluminium alloys and stable connections are praised even by our YouMo e-bike experts.
Variants of the Kinekt Aluminium seat post
(Update August 2022)
The previous size classification of the seat post has been optimised. Instead of the normal seat post in four sizes and the separately available XL model, there is now only one seat post. With the new Kinekt seat post, you can choose between two weight sizes: LR and XR.
The advantage for you is that you can combine the additional pair of springs supplied in each case to cover ALL rider weights per size.
Tip: You can change the springs very easily and in no time at all.
All LR variants are supplied with:
- 2x springs, grey with black stripe (assembled)
- 2x feathers, grey with purple stripe
The XR variants include the following in the set:
- 1x spring, grey with black stripe (assembled)
- 1x spring, grey with yellow stripe (assembled)
- 1x grey feather with purple stripe
- 1x grey feather with red stripe
Spring combinations of the Kinekt seat post for different loads
Seat post: length and diameter
The length selection for the Kinekt seat post remains unchanged. Simply choose between 350 mm and 420 mm lengths.
The seat post is now available in 27.2 mm, 30.9 mm and 31.6 mm. The previous 25.4 mm version is no longer available.
Consequently, Kinekt is now available in the following sizes:
Sattelstütze in LR von 36-86 kg *):
- 27.2 x 350mm
- 27.2 x 420mm
- 30.9 x 350mm
- 30.9 x 420mm
- 31.6 x 350mm
- 31.6 x 420mm
Seat post in XR from 73-145 kg:
- 27.2 x 350mm
- 27.2 x 420mm
- 30.9 x 350mm
- 30.9 x 420mm
- 31.6 x 350mm
- 31.6 x 420mm
The springs are easy to replace, allowing the Kinekt seat post to be adjusted in no time at all, even during a ride.
*) The weight specifications are approximate and depend on the seating position. In a very upright position, the XR models may be more suitable for weights of 75 kg or more.
View Kinekt Bodyfloat in the UK shop
Accessories and spare parts from Kinekt
replacement springs
Replacements are of course available for the original Kinekt springs in different strengths and for different weight classes. Depending on which pair of springs you use most, you can replace them with a replacement pair of springs.
neoprene cover
With the matching neoprene cover from Kinekt, you can optimally protect your seat post from weather conditions and dirt. The neoprene cover covers the suspension and protects your e-bike from dust, mud and sunlight. Thanks to the drawstring, the protective cover is easy to attach.
Please note that the neoprene cover is not suitable for the Kinekt XL2.
Kinekt saddle bag
The Kinekt saddle bag fits perfectly with all Kinekt seat posts and offers plenty of space with dimensions of approximately 21.5 x 14 cm. The outer pocket is easily accessible and large enough for a smartphone or wallet. The dual zip opening allows you to safely remove all your items. The material and zips are waterproof, so all your belongings are well protected from the wet. The reflective material also provides additional protection on your tours.
Tuning knob
You can replace the standard preload screw that comes with the Kinekt seat post with the tuning knob. This allows you to adjust the preload very quickly and without any additional tools.
The tuning knob is suitable for all 2.0, 2.1 and older 3.0 models. However, it is not suitable for the XL2 seat post.
Front suspension
If a seat post is not enough and you want even more comfort when riding, you can combine the Kinekt seat post with the Kinekt suspension stem. The suspension stem is based on the same technology as the Kinekt seat post and has been specially developed to minimise arm, wrist and shoulder discomfort.
With a spring travel of between 15 and 20 mm, the Kinekt stem suspension is able to effectively reduce strong vibrations in the handlebars. The set includes three springs of different strengths so that you can optimally adjust the handlebar suspension to suit you and the conditions of the route. This allows you to quickly and easily make individual adjustments during your tours.
When riding, control over the steering is not impaired, so you can ride safely. Compared to a conventional spring cable, the Kinekt stem suspension is also much lighter. It fits many different types of handlebars, such as the YouMo eCruiser.
Information about the Kinekt seat post test
You can read the full test report in the special edition RADtouren GENUSS-Spezial 2020. The German magazine RADtouren conducted this test independently. We are delighted that the Kinekt seat post was awarded the ‘Top Product’ seal of approval.
