BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost, built for comfort without the sacrifice of performance!

Questions, Facts and Insights

The BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost is a simple seatpost-based isolation system that is designed to provide you with the most comfortable and efficient riding experience possible…for any rider upon any bike. BodyFloat marries comfort with performance…and does it by optimizing both!

Below are answers to some basic questions, details on product specs and a few insights into what makes BodyFloat Kinekt so unique and relevant to the cycling industry today.

Why is BodyFloat Kinekt called an Isolation System rather than a Suspension Seatpost?

The patented BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost design works differently and feels different than anything on the market. Though it may look similar to other designs, BodyFloat truly combines incredible comfortable with efficient high performance. BodyFloat’s design contains 3 specific features (see below: Infinite Tuning, Minimal Vertical Travel & No Damping) that allow for an elevated level of cycling experience and separate it from other Suspension Seatposts that have come before.

All suspension systems rely on damping (such as elastomers, fluids or friction) to control resonance and absorb and dissipate energy. Because BodyFloat is an ‘undamped mechanism’ it is the ONLY system that can truly ‘isolate’ the rider from the constant inherent vibrational energy of cycling. BodyFloat effectively taps into the human bodies incredible capacity as the most controllable, effective and efficient damping system ever created. BodyFloat takes full advantage of the body as a perfect system of joints, muscles and fluids, to become an integral part of the comfort + performance solution.

Why is the BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost different from other posts and suspension systems?

BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost is a ‘Controllable Articulation at the Ideal Location’ and is unique from all other frame and/or seatpost suspension systems. BodyFloat is also more effective and arguably more efficient than others due to several critical, yet simple key factors. The BodyFloat mechanism is a controllable articulation located at the most important point of contact between the bike and the body, directly under the saddle. BodyFloat has 3 primary features that other suspension systems either lack or cannot provide…and of these features, nobody else employees all three!

1 – Infinite Tunability = Easily achieve any feel desired

2 – Vertical Travel = Minimal travel of the bike, NOT the body

3 – Non-Damped = A friction-free mechanism

1- Infinitely Tunable: Every human body is different, and we all ride different bikes so a simple and effective adjusting method was engineered: “Righty tighty, lefty loosey.” BodyFloat will achieve any feel desired via a simple combination of spring rate (the color of the springs) and spring tension, controlled by the rider. Smooth as a Cadillac, responsive as a race-car, all terrain like a Subaru…and anything in-between, it’s your choice.

2 – Vertical Travel: For the Body to maintain its position and use less energy, the bike must move freely, yet minimally, under the rider effectively isolate from vibrations. Minimizing and controlling bike/saddle vertical movement under the body will optimize both bike’s connection to the terrain and body’s connection to the bike. Road and trails consist of, primarily, high frequency, low amplitude features that are a nearly constant. Bounce is caused by a combination of BOTH terrain features and body movement, otherwise known as pedal induced bounce (see below for more information on Bounce).

3 – Non-Damped: Damping is an important and critical element of all suspension systems. BodyFloat taps into the best damping system ever…the human body. High frequency isolation is most effectively achieved without mechanical damping, and is why we spec colored steel springs. BodyFloat’s non-damped mechanism truly engages your body’s phenomenal damping capacity, thus saving energy, reducing fatigue and increasing performance. Without damping, the bike is now free to match whatever high frequency/low amplitude features the terrain throws at it. Now you can stay seated and ride through nearly everything! There are 2 small endpoint elastomers located within the spring guides that soften the endpoints, before the springs either bottom or top out. This literally allows for the entire travel range to be as friction free as possible.

Does the BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost System change bike fit, bike geometry or saddle height?

No.

Please look at our video of the BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost in action…it is easy to see but can be challenging to explain, so an analogy we’ve come up with is: What is the first thing you build under a house? The foundation. A foundation doesn’t move and provides a firm stable base to build upon. Once the proper foundation is established (a simple process on the BodyFloat) the right structure, or feel, can then be achieved by the rider by simply adjusting the tension bolt.

BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost controls and minimizes fore-aft and vertical movement, reduces body and terrain bounce and keeps the rider connected to the bike, and thus isolated from the terrain. Once connected and isolated, all comfort and performance metrics of both rider and bike can now be both truly controlled and optimized.

Does the BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost System bounce?

Only if you do.

1 – Pedal induced bounce

As you can see on our video, BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost does not bounce when properly tuned to the rider. That said, you may wish allow for some movement if you prefer, it’s up to you. If BodyFloat is moving more than you like, simple tune it to optimize movement and/or the rider can easily control any movement by using his/her arms and legs, as they normally do. On a standard saddle and seatpost, a rider actually bounces quite easily and often, especially at high spin rates, and this transmits your pedal force impact back into your body at the saddle and into your spine.

This is no good and creates significant body fatigue. BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost allows for that negative energy to be isolated and transmitted down and into the bike, thus helping keep your body stable, in contact with the bike and the bike in optimal contact with the ground. A win-win for sure.

2 – Terrain Induced Bounce
Terrain, naturally, forces energy into the system from below as the bike rolls over, or through, whatever terrain features are present. This energy is slightly reduced as it travels through your tires, through your frame and any onboard suspension system and then into your body. At high frequencies (such as pavement, chip seal or gravel paths) for the bike to maintain optimal contact with the ground it must be allowed to match whatever terrain frequency and amplitude it covers without transmitting that energy into the body. As terrain amplitude increases, and frequency decreases (such as going over a speed bump, pot-hole or tree root) the rider should be use his/her legs and arms to help absorb that feature most effectively. BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost is a high frequency isolator and is NOT designed to be a
replacement for a full-suspension design, BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost works as either a stand-alone solution or as a complimentary addition to any on-board suspension system.

Will the BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost System improve my riding experience?

Yes! The BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost System can, and will, improve your riding experience. Comfort is the most requested improvement for most cyclists and BodyFloat is designed to work with ease: Sit..Ride…Enjoy. If you can be comfortable and sit on the saddle longer, you will ride further, more often and enjoy more miles.

Performance is different for every rider. The BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost unique design allows for true optimization of all all performance characteristics between the bike and the body no matter who the rider is. Any cycling discipline will be enhanced, from Road Races to Hill climbs to Downhills. We’ll be posting much more on performance applications in the coming days and months.

How much travel does it have?

Up to 1.5″ (35mm) of true vertical travel, pre-loadable down to less than 1/4″ (6.4mm) if desired. Somewhere in the middle is your ideal ‘sweet spot’ that works best for you and your needs. Just like fine tuning a car or motorbike suspension; performance and comfort can only be maximized once the suspension is tuned for all the variables.

What is the Sweet Spot?

The sweet spot is the ideal combination of spring rate and pre-load that allows the rider to be most effectively isolated from the terrain below without negative movement or action. Your sweet spot is easy to find and easy to change based on your weight, riding style, bike and selected terrain.

What is pre-load?

Pre-load refers to the force applied to spring component before external loads, such as rider weight, are applied. For instance: on a comfort based bike you may want less pre-load offering a more plush feel. For performance, add some pre-load to maximize efficiency and minimize travel. Adjusting pre-load can be done on the fly with the simple turn of the pre-load hex bolt located on the rear of the unit.

Can I adjust the springs?

Yes! Adjustment of the spring is easy. The BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost System comes pre-configured based on your weight and riding characteristics. As mentioned above, you adjust the spring with the pre-load screw. This reduces the effective travel of the unit. If you find that you often bottom-out or it’s too stiff, you can change the spring out with a spring of a higher or lower spring rate. This is done by removing the lower spring/spring guide and replacing the spring with one that better suits you.

How and why to get additional springs?

Swapping different springs allows you to customize your BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost to your needs. You may prefer stiffer springs for a more upright position, carrying a messenger bag/pack or for less isolation. Use a lighter spring for more plushness and/or with more pre-load, for high performance applications like racing or stationary bikes. Springs are available for sale directly through our website and at retailers.

What is its size & weight?

The BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost System is around 250g+/- more than a standard rigid seatpost.

Model	Size (mm)	Material	Weight
3.0	27.2 × 330	Carbon	453g
3.0	27.2 × 380	Carbon	468g
3.0	27.2 × 420	Titanium	529g
2.0	27.2 × 350	Aluminum	515g
2.0	31.6 × 350	Aluminum	518g
2.0	31.6 × 420	Aluminum	555g

 

What is the difference between the 2.x and 3.x models?

Both models have the same basic mechanism. BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost 2.x is our base Aluminum model. The BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost 3.x has either a Carbon Fiber or Titanium shaft and are etched with additional fine-tuning post height and saddle angle indicators as well as a hand control knob.

Will the BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost System fit on my bike?

Probably, you need two things:

1. Round Seatpost – If your bike has a round seatpost then it will accept the BodyFloat system. We currently build both 27.2mm and 31.6mm diameter posts (more sizes to come) and use shims for accommodating other round sizes. To find your size, remove current post and somewhere below the Minimum Insertion Line your post diameter size is printed. For proprietary and/or unique post sizes…please contact us directly.

2. About 10cm of Stack Height – BodyFloat needs ‘about’ 10cm of space between your seatpost clamp and your saddle rails to allow for proper function. Lighter riders (<110lbs) can work with it about 8cm.

What saddles work best with the BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost?

The right one for you!

Any standard two-rail saddle, either 7mm or oversized 9mm rails, will work on the BodyFloat. A saddle is a very individual component and finding the right saddle is made much easier once a BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost is on board, allowing you to find the saddle that BEST fits your anatomy and your comfort/performance needs.

What is the rider weight range?

The BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost is designed to work with riders from 50 to 260 lbs. (23 to 118 kg.) While we have had heavier riders successfully tune and use our product, we cannot honor the warranty past 260lbs. For heavier riders, please contact us directly for additional suggestions.

Where is it made?

BodyFloat Kinekt Isolation Seatpost is made in the USA beautiful North-West. All parts are finished, assembled in Bellingham, Washington shop.