Product Test: Giant Contact Switch Seatpost

Giant Contact Switch Seatpost

When the trail gets steep, drop it like it’s hot

Adjustable-height seatposts are rapidly gaining popularity and changing the way we ride. The lowered saddle not only lowers a rider’s center of gravity, descending with the saddle out of the way makes the bike easier to throw around and gives even the most lethargic bike a lively feel. Unfortunately, reliability issues have plagued most adjustable-height posts. Giant has brought some unique technology to the table to address the dependability issue with their Contact Switch seatpost, which is available for a competitive $250.

Tech features: The Contact Switch is cable actuated via a handlebar-mounted thumb lever. The actuation mechanism is internal, making the Contact Switch less prone to outside contamination. Giant uses an air-sprung, oil-damped cartridge to control the seatpost’s ride height, which offers 3.9 inches of adjustability. Giant claims their Anti-Twist Technology makes the seat less susceptible to excessive side-to-side movement. The post is only available in a 30.9-millimeter diameter, and ours weighed 1 pound, 3 ounces with the remote lever and cable. Giant can be reached at (805) 267-4600.

Field test results: Installing the Contact Switch is quite simple. Changing cables is also simple, but it does require removing the saddle, so be sure you take your measurements beforehand. Actuation of the lever/cable is the smoothest of all the adjustable-height seatposts we have tested to date, and it is easy to push the saddle to the sweet spot you are looking for. We prefer the unlimited height adjustability to designs with only a few fixed options. The return rate (how fast the saddle goes back to full extension) is quick but not too quick. The side-to-side play at the saddle is minimal and should only be a problem for the rider who fixates on it.

The only reason the Contact Switch seatpost doesn’t get a full five-star rating is that we’ve only had it on the bike for 90 days. The true test of an adjustable-height seatpost comes 12 months (or 3000 feet of adjustment) into its usage. The cartridge system looks promising in terms of reliability, and if the system were to fail, a Giant dealer could easily install a new cartridge instead of having to rebuild a complicated open-bath system. If our initial 90-day testing period is any indication, this post is destined to earn that coveted fifth star.

Reprinted from the January 2012 issue. Like us on Facebook