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Rase Black Mamba Rapid Adjust seatpost review

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$349

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Rase Black Mamba Rapid Adjust Seatpost

BikeRadar verdict

3.5 out of 5 stars

"Basic but well constructed, clunky but operates perfectly. Plus it’s a whopper dropper"

4 comments
Fri 2 Oct 2009, 5:00 pm BSTBy

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Rase use pretty basic engineering executed to high quality, and with a massive 228.6mm (9in) drop, the Black Mamba nearly doubles anything else out there.

The slider shaft is supported by a small diameter coil spring that’s extended as the post is lowered. A sprung pin locks the post in place through 20 individual drilled stops along the range of adjustment.

The rapid return is undamped, but the light spring means it’s not an issue. Maximum extension is adjustable to fit individual requirements, but a straight seat tube is needed to accommodate the internals as the post drops.

There is some play in all directions when the post is new, but so far, careful maintenance has ensured that this hasn’t worsened.

To initiate lowering of the post you must fully unweight it, pull the superb mini-lever, sit down until the saddle reaches your desired height and then release the lever. The post slides smoothly enough, although it’s clunky when it locks into place, and regular cleaning and lubing is required to keep it smooth.

The optional neoprene sleeve is essential, because the design is very open and won’t last seconds in mud. It is a bit agricultural, heavy at 667g and not the easiest to use, but it does work, and it drops an awful long way.

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User Reviews

There are 4 reviews on this post

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 comments

  • This is still mad, mad, mad money for what is a basic bit of technology.

  • Plus if you can't ride it without dropping your seat then you can't ride it ... ;-)

  • I have one about 4 weeks now and I have to say I'm very impressed. Works as expected and has enough adjustment to allow a rider (I'm 6ft) to go from full extension for riding the uphill to having the seat dropped to the frame for full-on descents. Obviously, if you ride just XC this is both too heavy and over-kill but for me, with the mix of terrain (AM) and the bike I ride (Santa Cruz Nomad) this is exactly what I was waiting for...

  • Does anyone know where we can purchase this in the UK? thanks

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Specification

Name:
Black Mamba Rapid Adjust Seatpost (09)
Built by:
Rase
Price:
$349.00

Description:
Also available in 30.0mm, Post raises or lowers on the fly up to a full nine (9) inches and locks securely into place at 20 optional intervals
Weight (g):
667 g
Material:
7075, Aluminium
Diameters Available:
27.2mm, 30.9mm, 31.6mm

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