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review

Genetic Slider Seatpost

8
£89.99

VERDICT:

8
10
A good value, carbon seatpost with bags of adjustability making it ideal for riders looking to refine their saddle position.
Weight: 
223g
Contact: 
www.ison-distribution.com

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Genetic Slider gets its name from its nifty rail mechanism, which lets the seat clamp assembly slide fore and aft, providing between 18 and 30mm of offset. This large range means that you are less likely to have to slam the saddle forwards or backwards on its rails, which can often lead to saddle failures.

In addition to the fore-aft adjustability, the seat angle is also adjustable between +-15 degrees using the same simple two bolt mechanism. Unlike some side-clamping designs, the Genetic Slider's clamp is able to deal with non-round rails, so fitting a carbon-railed saddle isn't a problem.

Useful gradations are included for both offset and seat angle so replicating a position, or tweaking it slightly is very easy indeed. Riders looking to tinker with their saddle position will find the Genetic Slider perfect for their needs. Markings are also included for seat height, in 5mm steps.

Despite the fact that both seat angle and offset are controlled by the same two bolts, it was very easy to adjust solely for angle as the friction between the slider and the post meant that it stayed put even with the bolts loosened off.

Conversely, the design means that adjusting for offset without affecting seat angle is impossible as the bolts must be fully loosened off. This isn't really a problem however, as the markings make it very easy to replicate seat angle when tightening the whole ensemble up, as long as you've remembered what the angle was initially.

While the saddle clamp is undoubtedly the star of the show, the rest of the post isn't too shabby either. The carbon body is covered in a thick gloss which looks great on the bike and despite all the metal up top, the Slider is still usefully light at a claimed 223 grams for the 27.2x400mm size tested. Cutting it down to length once installed will bring that weight in line with some much more expensive competition.

And speaking of expense, the Genetic Slider does look to be good value at £90, especially when you consider that you are effectively getting a couple seatposts with different offsets, all in one. For those who use clip-on bars for a spot of time trialling, the Genetic Slider makes it possible to achieve a steeper seat position without having to change seatpost.

In terms of ride quality, the Slider isn't the smoothest of rides out there, but nor is it a jackhammer. Like all good components, you tend to forget it's even there when out riding. The two bolts are designed to handle up to 8Nm of torque, so there's no issue with saddle slippage when riding. Like all carbon seatposts, the maximum clamping force at the seat collar is 5Nm, so a little friction paste is a good idea to prevent any slippage in that area.

Verdict

A good value, carbon seatpost with bags of adjustability making it ideal for riders looking to refine their saddle position.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Genetic Slider Seatpost

Size tested: 27.2 x 400mm

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Genetic sum up the Slider as a "Superlight Carbon Seat post with adjustable offset for perfect positioning"

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Full carbon body.

Alloy saddle cradle.

Offset adjustable:18-30mm

Angle adjustable:+15 ° / -15

31.6, 30.9 or 27.2mm sizes.

Length: 400mm

Weights:

27.2 223g

30.9 217g

31.6 207g

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

The inside of the post is smooth and looks to be well moulded. The alloy clamp and bolts are also decent quality

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Excellent potential for adjustability and the fine gradations for offset and seat angle make it easy to tweak or replicate your setup. The post does a good job of dampening road vibrations too.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Despite the complexity of the clamp, I've had no issues with the seatpost so far in 2 months of testing.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

Despite the more complex (and hence heavy) clamp, the Slider is very light especially when you consider the long length.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

Not outstanding, but still noticeable compared to cheap alloy seatposts.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

On the cheaper end of the carbon seatpost spectrum and the adjustability means that you could potentially replace 2 other seatposts with the Slider.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The adjustability and gradations making it super easy to tweak and replicate saddle position between bikes.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Unable to adjust offset without also affecting seat angle.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 22  Height: 190cm  Weight: 69kg

I usually ride: Canondale EVO Red  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Semi pro

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, mtb,

 

For 5 years, racing was my life and I went all the way from a newbie bonking after 40 miles, to a full-timer plying my trade on the Belgian kermesse scene. Unfortunately, the pro dream wasn't meant to be and these days, you're more likely to find me bimbling about country lanes and sleeping in a bush on the side of the road.

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