X-FUSION HILO ADJUSTABLE- HEIGHT SEATPOST


Blacked out for that steep descent

Height-adjustable posts are changing the way we ride. They allow us to climb efficiently and slay the descent without even slowing down to adjust the seat height. Trail riders of all disciplines are adopting the idea, from cross-country to enduro-downhill riders. The MBA crew has started using “dropper” posts so much that we occasionally reach for the lever on bikes that don’t even have the feature.

Tech features: The X-Fusion Hilo is a hydraulic, height-adjustable seatpost that comes in two versions, with either 4 or 5 inches of adjustability. Both versions come with a remote, on- the-handlebar lever and an under-the-seat lever. The post can be set up with either, depending on rider preference. The Hilo’s hydraulic action can be set to any height in the adjustment range. It uses a double keyway system to prevent lateral twisting and an orbital-style head that can be adjusted to any angle. The seatpost is available in 27.2-, 30.9-, and 31.6-millimeter- diameter versions, but the 27.2 version is only available in the 4-inch model. Our 5-inch, 30.9- millimeter version with a cable-actuated remote lever weighed 1 pound, 6.6 ounces and retails for $250. X-Fusion can be contacted at (831) 221- 5047.

Field test results: We installed the post on our Yeti SB-66 test bike. We started with the under-the-seat lever setup, but after riding a few sketchy technical sections one handed in trying to get the post to drop, we switched to the remote setup. This allows the rider to get the most rom the post and encourages it to be used more often. X-Fusion includes an excellent setup guide with the post. We’ve had issues with slipping clamps and mushy-feeling levers with similarly designed posts. But when we followed the instructions for the X-Fusion to a T, which included friction paste on the orbital pieces and properly torqued hardware, we had no problems. The Hilo installed very easily.

The Hilo performed well for the duration of the test, but with a few quirks. The adjustment works exactly as it should. The remote lever is easy to actuate, with great ergonomics, a snappy feel and unobtrusive cable routing. The lever tucks neatly between the grip and brake lever, and the cable is easily routed on the underside of the top tube. Thanks to the hydraulic damping, the post compresses and returns at a perfect speed so as not to give you an unexpected “love tap.”

While our post did not develop any leaks during our six-week test period, we noticed scoring in the upper portion of the post after our first ride. We noticed the same scoring on a 31.6-millimeter version of the seatpost the first time we compressed it out of the box, before we installed it. Scoring like this on suspension components typically allows dirt to creep in and oil to creep out of the seal, causing reliability issues down the road. We also noticed the post can be compressed a few millimeters when fully extended. When riding, this is only noticeable if you focus on it. The keyway system is among the best we’ve tested on height-adjustable posts. It has a tiny amount of lateral play, but it is very difficult to notice when riding and doesn’t detract from the post’s performance. The Hilo offers 5 inches of adjustability, with an expected weight penalty over a conventional post. We have yet to test a five-star height-adjustable post, but the Hilo offers enough performance benefits for us to recommend it. It’s an affordable post that sports a streamlined, simple and effective design with benefits that outweigh the quirks.



Reprinted from our April 2012 issue. Like us on Facebook