Thudbuster

This comment came in to the website and I thought I’d share this person’s take on the LT vs. ST issue.  Hope it helps some people who are trying to decide with model to choose.

Ryan, I’m sure you could say more about this than me, but here’s an unsolicited testimony/description that might help customers choose between the LT and the ST.

Although the LT and ST operate on the same mechanism, they have an entirely different feel to them.  I’ve ridden with a Thud LT on my hardtail for many happy years.  I recently added a Thud ST to my new race bike, so I’ve had a chance to compare the two posts directly.

The LT is a real suspension system- it doesn’t just soften the hits, it actually soaks them up.  It’s an active system that you can feel working under you.  It’s a great way to civilize the ride of your hardtail.  It’ll help you get up rough tecchy sections because you can comfortably keep your butt on the saddle as you pedal.  My LT has been a reliable, hassle free component for years.

The ST doesn’t so much soak up the bumps as it does soften them- to use the well-worn phrase, it “takes the edge off”.  You don’t feel the ST working underneath you like you do with the LT.  The bumps are still there, but by the time the make impact with your butt, they have a muted, distant feel to them.

The LT will bob if you don’t have a smooth pedal stroke.  Also, after a big hit, the elastomer rebound will pitch you forward.  Using your legs as rebound dampers becomes second-nature after a while, but if you get caught off-guard by the rebound, it’ll definitely get your attention!  Neither of these issues is perceptible to any significant degree on the ST.

My conclusion is consistent with what is stated in the product descriptions- if you want maximum bump adbsorption, get the LT.  If you just need to effectively soften up those jolts and hits, go with the ST.  I’m going to stick with the ST on my race bike.

Matt