If your favorite trail throws as many sweeping downhill sections at you as it does long, uphill lungbusters, you probably spend a lot of time changing your saddle height along the way.You can thank Crank Brothers for making the adjustment process faster,easier and a heck of a lot more convenient. With four inches of travel, the Joplin 4 adjustable seatpost lets you set the optimal saddle height for whatever type of terrain you encounter. With just a flick of the handlebar-mounted remote, you can instantly lower your saddle for descents, and just as quickly return it to the perfect height for the next climb–without the hassle of dismounting and fiddling with your seat post collar. Just unweight, flip the remote and put the power to the pedals.
Dual guide blocks maintain post alignment to prevent saddle wiggle
Outer clamps engineered to reduce flexing and slippage
Saddle fore/aft and tilt are infinitely adjustable
U-cup seal prevents the oil in the upper tube from leaking into the outer post shaft
Two-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
Specs :
Diameter : 30.9, 31.6
Length : 398mm
Material : Aluminum
Offset : 20mm Weight : 590g
Trail Performance :
This is my first ever “Dropper”, and it took me quite some time to decide to spend about $230 on this seat post. I purchased this seat post back in June 2011, and have tested it on +400 mountain biking miles. The first couple of times I hit the trails, I completely forgot to use it, or the truth be told, I didn’t know quite how to use it. Of course I knew I had to drop gravity on a downhill section / obstacle, however it wasn’t that easy on the trails. I started to think that maybe I had wasted my money on this “gadget”. Slowly and bit by bit I started to get the hang of things, and things started looking up.
Now 400 miles and 3 months later, I don’t even have to think about things, my eyes, brain and thumb are fine tuned to work together, and in a fraction of a second I drop whenever needed. I have heard and read a lot of negative things about “droppers” , breaking off, too slow, not dropping, not popping back up etc. Touch wood, I have not had any issues at all with my Joplin 4R , it has always worked a treat. It is difficult to explain the benefits of a dropper to someone that has never used one, but now that I have one, and know how to use it, I would not want to be without one again. Like most things in life, you only start appreciating things when you know how to use them properly.
The Crank Brothers Joplin 4R Seat Post looks sharp, it was easy to install ( although mine was installed by Hub Cyclery in Iydllwild CA ) it takes about 20 min. to install. The thumb lever is very easy to use for both drop and lift.
I highly recommend the Crank Brothers Joplin 4R Seat Post, it is now part of my riding experience, and I would not like to revert back to a permanant saddle.
For more info about the Crank Brothers Joplin 4R Seat Post visit : Crank Brothers
https://highonmountainbiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/amasa.jpg480640Rip3dhttps://highonmountainbiking.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/hmb.pngRip3d2011-10-26 17:51:192020-03-11 10:32:04Amasa Back Pothole Arch and Rockstacker Trail 2011
Early Morning on one of the worlds greatest trails, the Porcupine Rim Trail in Moab
The Porcupine Rim Trail in Moab is together with the Slickrock Trail the most popular Moab ride. This trail is probably on the wishlist of more mountain bikers than any other trail, and not just in the USA, but worldwide.
The Porcupine Rim is a fantastic trail, physically it’s an easy ride, 90% being a very fast downhill, however technically this trail can rip you and your steed to pieces.
Many a Mountain Biker has lost the battle on the Porcupine..
Trail Stats & Information
Nearby Town: Moab Length: I clocked 14,74 miles Trail Type: P2P [ Point 2 Point ] Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically very difficult to abusive. Physically difficult. Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate to very challenging. Physically moderate Duration: 2-5 hours Trailhead Elev: 6,000 feet Top Elev: 6,800 feet
Book Description
Porcupine Rim is arguably the most diverse of all local Moab rides and definitely one of the most memorable. Aerobically it is moderately difficult, with an 800-foot elevation gain right off the bat. Technically, it’s extremely challenging. An extended climb to the head of Negro Bill Canyon (named for mulatto William Granstaff, a prospector-settler who came to the area in 1877) on a narrow mining track is followed by an unforgettable stretch of double-track leading along the edge of Porcupine Rim, with stomach-churning views straight down on Castle Valley. From a jungle of juniper-piñon, sandstone outcrops, and cacti, you’ll begin a long descent down rugged double-track teeming with drop-offs that often come at you when you least expect it. This leads to single-track, sometimes smooth and other times boulder-strewn. The trail deposits you onto UT 128, and the final six miles back to town are paved. General location: 10 miles east of Moab.
There is a very good reason why The Porcupine Trail is on the wishlist of so many Mountain Bikers, it’s one hell of a ride, and deserves a spot as one of the Best trails to ride.
I was dropped of at the Trailhead at the break of dawn, the sun had not yet shown herself. This trail can get very busy, and I wanted her all to myself. At 7 am I started my ride.
The first 45 minutes is a climb, nothing serious, and actually even the climb is fun trying to tackle the obstacles.
You know when you are “Topped Out” when you get the fantastic view of Castle Valley. Enjoy the views from here, and take this opportunity to prepare yourself and your steed for the adrenalin pumpin’ mayhem ride that will either put a smile on your chops for a few days, OR have you cryin’ for your “mummy” like a little baby!
The Porcupine has no mercy at all with mountain bikers, go too fast.. you’re fucked, go too slow..you’re fucked, choose the wrong line.. you’re fucked, hesitate .. you’re fucked… So basically if you don’t find the right balance on the Porcupine, either you, your steed, or both are fucked.
Physically this trail is pretty easy, nothing too serious, however technically this trail CAN be severe. The very time I did the Porc. I ended up walking out with my tail between my legs, after destroying TWO derailleur hangers, and shreddin’ my back tire.
The dragons teeth on this trail are brutal, and appear out of nowhere, just when you think it’s safe to open up, a carpet of dragons teeth appear out of nowhere!. Just make sure you have max. puff in your rubbers, otherwise you to, will be walking out.
From the view point to the singletrack section is very technical, not technical because of drops or other dangerous obstacles, but more because of speed issues, clipping, and very sharp and loose terrain that will cause you to wipeout at the blink of an eye, and doing a face plant on the Porcupine is gonna hurt big time!
The fun continues on the singletrack section, this section is VERY technical as well, but different technical to the previous 8 miles. The singletrack has some VERY gnarly stretches that will very quickly put an end to your ride, and a lot more if you are out of luck.
The singletrack is very narrow, and clipping your pedals is inevitable. The speed that can be reached on this section is scary, so you have to make sure your steed is is optimal working order, doing 35 mile on a trail that is less than a foot wide and having a 7 foot gap appear out of nowhere is scary, just hope your brakes are working…
” Well going 35 miles on a trail that is less than a foot wide with a sheer drop on one side is just crazy shit!!. Use your common sense.. “
Yeah, right, that’s what I would think as well, but once you are on the Porcupine, all common sense goes disappears like a fart in the wind, and just like that fart, you just gotta go with the flow on the Porcupine.
Conclusion
Dude, I was on fire, and my loyal steed was smokin’!!, This is the FIRST time I have cleared the Porc. without any need of Trail side maintenance, and / or body bacon.
This time it was a Perfect Storm, the weather was great, I had the trail to myself, I was in top form and my steed was running like a greased whippet.. things just could not have been better.
The Porcupine Rim Trail is unique, and it’s not hard to see why this is one of the greatest trails in the USA and even the World.
Other Info:
Traffic on Trail : I started at 7 am and finished at 11am and saw NOBODY!! Wild Life : none Scenery : Absolutely Fantastic Moab Scenery Other : The Porcupine is a very technical trail, but don’t be put off by this, unlike many technical trails, the Porcupine is 95% doable. It’s VERY hard on your bike, take ALL the parts you have, incl. extra inner tubes, tire, chain and derailleur hanger(s)
My Trail Rating : 10 / 10 with a GOLD Star
Porcupine Rim Trail review is proudly sponsored by :
Moab Rim Campark
At Moab Rim Campark mountain bikers will definitely feel at home among other mountain bikers at this Mountain Biker Friendly Camp groud.
Bike wash, grassy shaded tent sites with stunning views, Full hook ups, semi hook ups, cabins, group shelters, sheltered areas to tinker on the bikes, and lots more.
The Porcupine Rim Trail is just 20 min. drive from your campsite.
Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 5 years running.
Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM
Porcupine Rim Trail review is proudly sponsored by :