Gravel suspension stems and seatposts really don’t get enough love. Ultimate Sports Equipment (USE), the makers of the first suspension seatpost back in 1990, are out to change that with its VYBE Suspension Stem and VYBE Suspension Seat Post combination.
Everything old is new again. I reflect on vintage products like the Girvin Flex Stems from over 30 years ago, and then the workaround of MTB kids who couldn’t get enough suspension from forks. Now, suspension stems are making a comeback, especially for gravel riding. These stems, and now seat posts, offer a mechanically simple and low-maintenance option for soaking up higher-frequency vibrations.
On a gravel bike, where the bulk of vibration damping comes from the tires, these stems and seatposts make a world of difference when riding washboarded roads, root-strewn singletrack, and chunky gravel. This makes them a particularly great addition for bikepackers and tourers.
In short: The USE VYBE Suspension Stem and seatpost use springs and elastomers to provide compression and rebound damping. Both are adjustable on the trail, but the stem is the most tunable on the market, making this system a standout among its competitors.
- Bundle MSRP: $410 (often on sale around $330)
- Stem suspension: Choice between 4 elastomers for various weights
- Stem travel: 20mm
- Pivot: Single-pivot
- Adjustment systems: Allen screws for rebound and damping
- Stem lengths: 70 and 90mm
- Stem compatibility: 1 1/8″ (28.6mm) steerer tube and 31.8mm handlebars
- Weight: 195 and 205 grams, respectively
- Seatpost suspension: 3 weight-based spring/elastomer options
- Suspension compatibility: 27.2mm, 30.9mm, 31.6mm
- Seatpost travel: 50mm
- Seatpost adjustment system: Allen screw in the base of seatpost
Pros
- Generally easy to adjust
- Good cost value
- Wide range of damper options
- Allows on-the-fly damping tailoring for different ride types
- Low maintenance
- Lightweight
Cons
- Less reactive and consistent than linkage-driven sytems
- Few stem length options
- Tuning out initial sag of the stem can be finicky
- Seatpost makes running a saddlebag more difficult
Suspension Stem and Seatpost Basics

How Suspension Stems and Seatposts Work
USE VYBE Suspension Stem and Seatpost Review

Compatibility and Installation
VYBE Suspension Seatpost: First Impressions

VYBE Suspension Stem: Initial Thoughts

Playing to Strengths

Change My Mind
USE VYBE Suspension Stem and Seatpost Verdict
