WTF! Rinsten Spring smashes Kickstarter funding goal

We scoffed when we first came across the Rinsten Spring, boldly billed as the ultimate bicycle shock absorber on Kickstarter last month, but it has smashed its $15k funding goal and, at the time of writing, has amassed $66,110 with 16 days to go. 

What’s all the fuss about then? Essentially, it’s a metal hoop that you place between the saddle and seatpost and is designed to act as a shock absorber, isolating you from the bumps and vibrations of riding along a badly paved road. 

- 4 of the best comfort-boosting seatposts to soften road shock and cosset your bottom

It appears to be easy to install, a short video showing that you just need to remove the saddle, place the Rinsten Spring atop the seatpost, and bolt the saddle on top and away you go. You’ll obviously have to lower the seatpost to get the correct saddle height.

The Rinsten Spring can be fitted to most bikes, has a maximum rider weight limit of 220kg and is claimed to work well on any road surface as well as off-road trails. It weighs a claimed 392g and measures 170mm in length and is 50-80mm high. 

It’s made from steel and there are only five parts so there’s little to go wrong, and it comes with a lifetime warranty. The company says it's has bench tested it where it surpassed a 400kg load.

Unlike a suspension unit, it’s not damped so we’re curious about how well it’ll handle repeated big bits, especially if say riding over cobblestones. Bouncy springs to mind but maybe it won’t be that bad. 

Want one? The RRP will be $50 but if you are quick you can get one for $31 in a choice of gold, silver or black colours. Delivery is anywhere in the world and they’re aiming for July availability. 

"This shock absorber is good for all the family. The Rinsten Spring has been tested by more than 100 cyclists of different ages and body types. They traveled more than 7,000 miles on different bikes and surfaces in both hot and cold weather conditions and left only positive feedbacks. It works perfectly on any road - from tarmac to hill path, pavestone or gravel," says the company.

In a way,  we can see why there has been such an interest in the Rinsten Spring. There’s a growing demand for comfort-boosting products, just look at the efforts bike manufacturers are making to produce bikes that provide smoother and more comfortable rides, and the wide range of products from seatposts and handlebars designed to bend under load. The Rinsten Spring is a relatively cheap and simple fix if you’re suffering from a rough ride. It certainly warrants testing, so we'll try and get one in for review. 

- 9 ways to make your bike more comfortable

Check it out at www.kickstarter.com/projects/rinsten/rinsten-spring-the-ultimate-bicycle...