During our tests, the Nextcover suspension seatpost from Coast Commerce GmbH left an extremely positive impression. The suspension seat post includes assembly instructions, but requires a special tool for assembly. The suspension seat post replaces the conventional rigid tube that connects the saddle to the bicycle frame. The Nextcover suspension seat post is equipped with a high-quality spring-damper unit that effectively absorbs and cushions shocks from bumps in the road surface. During our test, the suspension seat post impressed us with its outstanding quality and we noticed a noticeable improvement in riding comfort. The suspension seat post is made of high-quality aluminum. The spring stiffness can be adjusted using the adjustment screw.
Advantages
✅ Improvement in driving comfort
✅ Adjustable spring stiffness
✅ Simple installation
✅ High-quality workmanship
Disadvantages
❌ No suitable Allen key for assembly
The first impression
Packaging and contents
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | Compact product packaging, unnecessary packaging waste has been avoided | 100 points |
| Package contents & scope | No assembly tool in the package | 80 points |
| Instructions for use | Written in German, easy to understand | 100 points |
| Total | 95 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
After opening the packaging, we see a comprehensive instruction manual and the suspension seat post, which was carefully packed in a protective bag to protect it from scratches during transportation. Unfortunately, no suitable Allen key for fitting is included. Contact information is listed and includes address, web address, Instagram profile and email address.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | Elegant and simple design, suitable for almost all bicycle paintwork | 100 points |
| Processing | High-quality workmanship without defects | 100 points |
| Stability | Sturdy aluminum construction | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | The good quality indicates a long service life. The product makes cycling more comfortable. | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The suspension seat post is made entirely of sturdy aluminum. The total height of the suspension seatpost is 350 mm. In our case, we tested the suspension seatpost with an outer dimension of 30.9 and 31.6 mm. The lower, cylindrical part of the suspension seatpost is painted matt black. It is provided with markings for adjusting the saddle height. There is also a mark indicating the minimum distance the lower section must be inserted into the bicycle frame. There is a hexagon socket (Allen key) on the underside of the cylinder which can be used to adjust the spring preload.
The upper, sprung part of the suspension seat post is painted glossy black . The saddle is attached to it. The saddle holder consists of a two-part lower shell and an upper shell. The suspension seat post is firmly attached to the lower part of the lower shell. The upper side of the lower part and the underside of the upper part are equipped with perfectly interlocking grooves. The two parts can be twisted against each other to adjust the angle of the saddle . The saddle frame must be firmly anchored in the saddle clamp. The grooves interlock at the set angle and ensure that the angle does not change even after long periods of use. The saddle is suspended between the upper part of the lower shell and the upper shell. All parts are connected by two bolts.
The suspension seat post has a simple, black design. It looks very high quality. The color can be easily combined with almost any bicycle paintwork. The workmanship is excellent and all parts are very sturdy .
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | Not very time-consuming, but the right Allen key is missing | 90 points |
| Comfortable driving | Relieves pressure on the spine. | 100 points |
| Adjustability | Can be adjusted in height like a rigid seatpost, but can also be adjusted to the rider’s weight via a spring preload. | 100 points |
| Longevity | Thanks to the high-quality workmanship, we expect the product to have a long service life. | 100 points |
| Fit | Perfect fit | 100 points |
| Total | 98 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Our practical test with a men’s bike in the lower price range shows that the suspension seat post offers promising potential for improving riding comfort. The installation of the suspension seatpost depends on the type of bike. The seat post is attached with a quick release. Installation is quick and easy. This was the case with our bike. For other bikes, a little more effort is required, as a nut has to be loosened and a suitable open-end wrench is needed. After we had measured the seat tube beforehand, the suspension seat post fitted perfectly into the seat tube. Fitting the saddle went smoothly with the help of the instructions supplied. It should be noted that the saddle mount of the suspension seat post does not fit every saddle. We therefore recommend that potential buyers check this before ordering and, if necessary, order a suitable saddle. If you have any questions or uncertainties, please contact customer service. During our test rides on different surfaces such as asphalt, cobblestones, gravel and forest paths, we found that short impacts in particular are well absorbed as long as the rider supports their weight on the saddle. This resulted in a much more comfortable and pleasant ride. The suspension seat post proved to be a real improvement, especially on longer rides on bad roads. However, it should be noted that the frame of the bike is not affected and unevenness in the ground can still be felt on the handlebars.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Very good performance in the lower price segment | 90 points |
| Rating cut | Not rated, as there are still too few customer reviews | |
| Total | 90 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Prices of up to €97 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as € 20. With a price of € 29.99, the Nextcover suspension seat post is therefore currently in the lower price segment. For the quality and performance received, the price-performance ratio isreasonable.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & contents | 20% | 95 points |
| 2. product processing & appearance | 20% | 100 points |
| 3. in the practical test | 45% | 98 points |
| 4. price/performance & consumer ratings | 15% | 90 points |
| Total | 97 points |
