In The Stand: How to Fix a Creaky Seatpost on a 2008 Santa Cruz Superlight

Today’s In The Stand covers the third generation Santa Cruz Superlight. This version existed alongside fancier VPP-equipped models, but appealed to those who longed for the simpler times when we just needed a couple triangles connected by a bolt and a shock. There’s a reason that this design isn’t seen much beyond dirt-jumpers, backyard builds… and anything made by UK brand, Orange Bikes. There’s really no way for the frame designer to control the leverage curve, so you get a very direct relationship with the rear shock. Meaning, it takes a lot more force to compress the shock near the end of its stroke, leading to a lively, supportive feel, but good luck getting all the travel. Many people liked that, though. And on top of it, this is the simplest true full-suspension design out there, so you ought to get fewer worn out parts, lighter weight and less noise.  Still, even single-pivot bikes can get noisy. This bike had a creak, but not in the frame. It was in the oddly complicated Race Face Evolve seatpost. Popular as a high-end OEM component, the Evolve post used a clamp and strut to adjust the angle of the saddle independently of the saddle’s fore and aft positioning. It was also popular at a time when rearward-offset seatposts were a thing. Thankfully, they’re not anymore, but it was still a curious little part from the recent past. Here is where we spend most of our time in this video, doing something few of us ever do, but probably should. We show you that, if you can learn how to take this post apart, you can learn how to take yours apart.