Giant Contact Switch Adjustable Seatpost

Jul 20, 2011
by Mike Levy  
Giant Contact Switch seatpost. Photo by Fraser Britton
Giant's $250 USD Contact Switch adjustable post offers 4'' of travel and will come stock on both their Reign X and Trance X models, as well as being available for aftermarket purchase.

Giant Contact Switch details:

- 4'' of total drop
- Infinite adjustment (no set height position)
- Uses a sealed cartridge with an internal floating piston for reliability
- Cable operated handlebar remote
- Size: 30.9mm
- Available for purchase now
- MSRP $250 USD


How is the Switch different? One of Giant's main goals with the Contact Switch was to produce a reliable adjustable post, something that is surely high on all of the manufacturer's priority lists, but one point that only a few have managed to succeed at. While we have yet to put enough time on the Contact Switch to truly give a verdict, Giant is confident that the design is up to the task. What have they done differently? The majority of hydraulic designs use the post's out tube - the tube that is clamped within the frame - to house its internals, in effect having the post itself act as the cartridge, Giant's Contact Switch uses a separate cartridge within the post. This means that the important oil and air seals are better protected against the elements and are therefore far less likely to fail over time. Anyone who has had their adjustable post "pop" while on a long ride will surely appreciate the Switch's dependable design.


Giant Contact Switch seatpost. Photo by Fraser Britton
Although the remote is shown here positioned to the inside of the brake perch, it is slim enough to fit in between the lever and grip - a much more ergonomic position. Riders who use a single chain ring, and therefore don't run a shifter on the left side, will be stoked to see that the thumb operated remote can be used on either side of the bar. The Contact Switch is operated via a standard shift cable.


A lower cost, low saddle option: Telescoping posts have quickly become the norm on many trail and all-mountain bikes, adding another level of control that isn't possible for most riders when their seats are at proper pedaling height. No, not all riders need to drop their saddle when the terrain gets technical, and they don't make sense on every trail out there, but there is no arguing that they do make a lot of riding both faster and more enjoyable. The hitch? They certainly are not inexpensive, with most options retailing in the mid $300 USD range, putting them in the "maybe one day" category for a lot of riders. Giant's Contact Switch telescoping post comes to the market with an MSRP of $250 USD, roughly one hundred dollars less then most of the competition. It can sometimes feel as if new bikes, components and technology gets released every month, with most of it seemingly aimed at the doctors, lawyers and more well heeled participants of our sport, it is great to see an affordable alternative that will allow more riders to reap the benefits of running a dropper post.


Stay tuned for a full review of Giant's Contact Switch post, but tell us what you think about it in the meantime - put those thoughts down below!

Visit the Giant website to see their entire product range.

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Seatposts


Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
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72 Comments
  • 61 2
 Looks great! I can't wait for dropper posts to become the norm and drop below a $100 pricetag so I can justify owning one.
  • 5 7
 That negative prop was for another post deleted. It is a bug.
  • 9 3
 @suicide

Depending on where you live, and what kind of riding you do, such seatpost can be worth even 600$ if there would be no cheaper option. As from my experience, ones that benefit mostly, are XC/trail riders living in hilly area with frequent up&downs. No carbon frame or superlight fork, brake, probably even Easton carbon wheelset - can make such a huge change to your XC riding as a dropper seatpost.

At the same time I think that if you ride AM or do enduro races - that is far more of a luxury than a necessity or game changer. So if you riding a true AM, I agree 100 is the max this thing would be worth to me.
  • 2 1
 I've got buddies who have converted to the church of post adjustment. Most are AM light FR kinds of guys like myself. Looks nice and i can't doubt the convenience, but I just can't be convinced it is worth it. Add to it that the handle bar adjustment just looks lazy to me (i could do with it being on the bottom just under the saddle, no cable necessary) and I think I could wait until they are $50, I have better wheels, I have my fork of choice spec'd perfect and my shock pushed. Not looking good for the next ten years in other words. Maybe my next bike will come with one. . .
  • 4 0
 Waki, I understand how helpful it can be, but it's not a $250 inconvience to me to stop at the top of a hill to lower the post or at the bottom to raise it...I also only ride AM once or twice a week so it's not a HUGE deal to me. If I was racing, I would buy it. Although, it seems to me that it's really not worth the money. It's not new technology, air adjustable travel has been around forever, and I'd think for a seatpost it'd be a bit cheaper...I mean, you can get a travel adjustable fork brand new for 400 ( EX: Marzo 44 ata) And that's alot more metal and parts...So let's say you take the same technology, a seatpost is essentially one leg of the fork, so it should be at the most $200, and i don't think $100 would be that ridiculous to ask for.
  • 2 0
 See that is the thing, if you really ride stuff that you pedal up n+1 minutes and descend n+1 minutes then you might aswell skip a dropper post.

Around where i ride one constantly pedals up small inclines and go down technical bits... so dropper post is super good for me.
  • 19 0
 About time the price started coming down on dropper post.
  • 17 1
 just wait for Fox with guaranteed Kashima coating and flipping internals ups&down every year Big Grin
  • 2 1
 and a 100000euros pricetag...yeah riiight...
  • 5 0
 Hahaha, I agree, a Fox seatpost would be extremely nice and well made, but quite expensive.
  • 1 0
 Which is what I would buy. I have a Rock Shox Reverb at the moment, because it is the one that looks good and doesn't start making noise and give play. I first wanted a Joplin, but then I saw so many fails. I don't care if it costs twice the price of a cheaper good looking one. If it looks good and works well, I'd rather spend a one time large amount on something reliable than buying 2-3 times a cheaper one.
  • 1 0
 I understand your point exactly, if I had the money I would do so as well. However, I'm a typical starving student to I'm just going with a regular seatpost, no adjustablility at all.
  • 1 2
 I personally believe that dropper seatpost will not teach anyone anything, it will make you faster, but not necessarily a better rider. Riding technical trails with high seat teaches proper riding stance and most of all forces you to move around on the bike in the right way, because you either learn to get the seat out of your way by leaning the bike, not yourself, or you go down. Everytime after coming out of woods after technical downhill, on high seat, I feel like a rubber man.

I have a dropper seatpost and normal one on the hardtail, and I need that time on the hardtail from time to time to not forget how to ride properly. So fr112358, don't feel too bummed about not having one Smile
  • 1 0
 I don't really see your point. You have to move around on your bike to find your balance point in every situation either way, which is kind of the basic of mountainbiking and downhilling. If you put your seat at correct height to climb, you cannot possibly descend with that same seat height. Sure you can drop it a little from the beginning so you can descend more easily, but then you won't sit in the same position when climbing. A dropper post is a luxury item on a bicycle, that cannot be argued. It saves time at the top of a hill and at the bottom of it. In no case will it be unnecessary when you have a long steep climb and technical downhill in a row without you getting off your bike.
  • 1 0
 A dropper post may make you faster but if none of your riding buddies have one you'll just end up sitting there on your fancy post waiting for your mates anyway... Would i like one, sure, would i like to spend a weeks wages on one, no thanks...
  • 1 0
 You don't ride as fast or as slow as your friends either, so at some point one will have to wait anyway, or at least slow down. If you spend about 10 weeks of wages on a AM bike, 1 week more won't matter. And in some cases, a dropper post is offered for that price.
  • 8 0
 Only 4 inches? Rock Shox and Kindshock both have excellent models available in 5 inches. I've got a Kindshock post, and love it. For that price, I would recommend others try the Kindshock.

I also like how they omitted the new headset standard they are championing, after they got lampooned so harshly on Vital for it.
  • 4 1
 It hasn't been omitted, we are working on a piece that will better explain the ins and outs of the new sizing. Stay tuned!
  • 3 1
 Kindshock has a 6 inch model too. Only one on the market, and it works great. Everyone else is falling behind.
  • 1 0
 I have my Kindshock 5" model for a couple of weeks and it is amazing. I didn't take the fancy handlebar mounts but a simple lever under the seat, and sometimes when the trail is rough and you still want to change seat heights, it can be a bit of a slowing action. But other than than, one cable less is both estetically pleasing and practically more robust. Even getting covered in a thick layer of mud didn't slow the system down. At ~170EUR you cant really go wrong with it, and is worth the price (I can't judge on the RockShox and simillary priced stuff, havent used them)
A buddy of mine used in Peru for 2 weeks, and that is one dry, dusty, muddy, rainy place with a lot of seated riding as well. It didn't show any signs of wear whatsoever. (Compared to the Joplins others were using...)
It particularry usefull for hilly XC rides with lots of changes from climbing to decending. But also for AM/FR it is very usefull if you eiter have to earn your ride to the top, or want to maintain momentum through an uphill section in a trail.
  • 5 0
 Dropper posts change the game, if you don't have one and are thinking about upgrading anything else on your bike, stop, lay down the $300 and get a dropper, you won't regret it, unless you are one of those guys that can huck a 6 foot drop with the seat post at full height, but for the rest of us, just do it already! Thanks Giant for another choice, I love my Specialized comand post, 3 position is perfect for me, and has been reliable as sin for over a year.
  • 4 1
 Wow. Lotta hate for that Giant standard... it's almost comedic to read people's knee-jerk reactions.

On that topic; just because a new standard is released, doesn't mean old standards are gone: these aren't computers or wireless routers. Full 1 1/8" or 1 1/2" standard steerers will still be fully supported for the millions of bikes out there: Giant just created the tapered steer-tube to offer something stiffer than the former, yet lighter than the latter. And if other manufacturers feel the same way about adopting this idea; why not have them all adopt the same dimensions, to make the lives of everyone easier (i.e. aftermarket manufacturers and consumers alike)?

On the topic of this seatpost: It looks good, and is hopefully reliable, but WTF is with the switch cable? Does it have to stick out that far? Couldn't they have designed the cable to run parallel with the bars, instead of perpendicular? One crash in my neck of the woods, and that thing's snagging a branch or sapling for sure.
  • 2 0
 I agree completely. That cable looks ridiculous.
  • 1 0
 I agree completely that it may snap off but I think the shifter looks awesome. So slim and light!!!!
  • 4 0
 Standards are when every manufacturer uses the same size of something. The bicycle industry should stop using the word standard, or start using real standards. Environmentally it's less bad to have real standards, as parts can be saved and interchanged, less garbage would be produced. There is no way in hell I'll ever buy a 157mm wheel or a frame with a tapered headtube. I;m also sticking with the x type bottom bracket. I don't care how much the next thing is gosh gee and sooo much better..
Do the world a favour folks, try to consume less. Buy stuff that will last.
  • 2 0
 I'm not uber pleased when companies begin changing things too much for only a little performance change, but sticking with old stuff isn't going to be an option. In five years we will all be stuck with 10 speed stuff since all the nines will have gone the way of the dinosaurs. Eventually you'll want a new frame and it will only fit tapered steerers. Your x type bottom bracket will eventually not fit since press fit bb's seem to be the new trend. Sorry man, but you gotta face the sad truth. We are victims of the industry and we have to buy whatever "standards" they decide to put out. On the bright side, over time stuff really does get better and the old stuff does get recycled down the line. I see a lot of old classic mountain bikes rolling around the parks under older guys or young kids who picked them up at yard sales. Plus aluminum gets pretty good returns at the recycling place. I don't think bikes produce much garbage in the long run because even when they aren't fit for the trails compared to new stuff they still are fit for getting around.
  • 2 0
 why not use 1.5" as the standard for headtubes? Fits all forks and is the strongest .


Problem?
  • 4 1
 I think infinite adjustability is not the way to go. It sounds great on a spec list, but sucks in action. The last thing I need to worry about when executing rollers is whether my saddle is 0.34" too high or 1.32" too low, then trying to fine tune as a huge log or another rider is headed towards me. I also won't know whether I am fully topped out; then, when I really want to top out, I'll be disappointed when I was only .032" away from the top.

Just give me top, middle and bottom. I know where each position is, and I know which position I'll be in before I flick the switch.
  • 1 0
 Your points sound valid, but wouldn't you just set the seatpost so that its maximum extension is your maximum seat height?
  • 2 0
 It is amazing to choose the exact height you want, and you will change it several times every ride. Your legs will ask it to you. Just try, you will change your mind.
  • 1 0
 Yes, iamamodel. I'm 1,72 m and I ride M size bike with 5" seatpost travel. The maximum extension is my ideal maximum seatpost height.

Singtrackslayer, with the lever pushed, the rider adjusts the seatpost height with the body. It is very easy and intuitive.
  • 1 0
 I've ridden thh joplin, KS, and specialized command post.. the command post was the only one with the set heights, the others are 'infinite' adjust. For me, infinite adjust all the way, no question, all things considered... so, a matter of preference i guess.
  • 6 1
 I just can't enjoy so much my all mountain bike w/o adj. seatpost. It's boring to stop the bike before every DH.
  • 1 0
 I stop to crank the u-turn anyway
  • 1 0
 You need a new fork.
  • 1 0
 I'll take one if you are offering Big Grin
  • 2 0
 Agreed. Dropper post make a xc or am ride so much more enjoyable and shredable! Its good to see a less expensive option. I saw that it will come on some of their bikes stock as well, good to see. I hope that they will soon be like disc brakes and come standard on most bikes around the $1000 range and up. Its a good time to be a mountain biker!
  • 3 1
 Overdrive 2 was initially a road bike development. I got to ride a bunch for 2012 Giant TCR Advanced/Advanced SL, and Defy Advanced models last week. If you're 6' plus and over about 80kg, when you get out of the saddle and really hoon away on the bars, you can feel the difference. Rock solid, totally planted and predictable steering.

On a mountain bike with 6" or more of suspension? I'm not so sure it's needed.

I also rode a pre-production Contact Switch post about this time last year. Back then it was a bit notchy and stiction-y, which made finding the ideal seat height a bit hit-and-miss. Hopefully this is all sorted out by now though. The bar mounted lever is a really nice, classy piece of kit though. Intended UK retail price was initially £130, but that'll probably end up at £160-180.
  • 3 0
 still connecting the hose at the top of the post rather than the bottom? make a post as good as a reverb and have the hose coming out of the collar area and you'd have the edge.guaranteed. (assuming price is comparable)
  • 5 0
 make it 5''... 4''is too short!!!!
  • 5 0
 ^hahaha you really just said that lol, i hope you expect to get thats what she said comments
  • 2 0
 that's what she said! bwahahhahaha
  • 1 0
 Feedback from someone who has this dropper on a 2013 Reign 1:

- Ensure there is as minimal cable slack as possible near the dropper. Mine was too slack and the cable ended up rubbing against the upper link and has worn the outer and the cable is now showing, with rust/seizing sure to follow.
- The slight play in the seat is not noticeable when on the bike.
- Getting the seat to stay secured to the post has proven tricky. A couple of times after a heavy impact on the back of the seat it has moved up. I don't like the single bolt to post approach and would prefer two bolts (front and back).
- Putting the remote switch to the right of the shifter, i.e. between shifter and grip seems to be a better approach (for me at least). When the remote was to the left of the shift I found myself reaching too far. This also helps with reducing cable slack.
- 100mm of travel seems plenty for a rider with average height (175cm)
- Not related to the dropper, but the giant grips only lasted two weeks before the backing came off on one!
  • 4 1
 Good job on the seatpost. Terrible job on their stupid new headset standard, that has been announced elsewhere.
  • 4 0
 For sure, kudos to Giant on the new Contact Switch Post. We'll have a more in-depth look at the their headset sizing in the near future. I can certainly see everyone's frustration with having to deal with new numbers, there is more to the story than that. Stay tuned =)
  • 8 0
 I've read it, not impressed. But what the hell do I know, I think DH bikes should have an 83mm BB, 150 rear end, and a 1.5 headtube. You can release all kinds of new fancy crap, but that doesn't make it needed or for that matter any better. Wasn't it like 2 years ago, giant was saying the tapered headtube was the way of the future? Now, this is? And don't get me started on the PF30 garbage, that is on my new demos.... I'm all for improvments in design etc, but making new stuff to save 9 grams on a 35lb bike is pointless, maybe lighter, but it isn't stronger than the 1.5 standard.
  • 1 1
 Hear-hear Knife-in-the-dark! Also, a non-tapered head-tube should be easier to machine and therefore cheaper to manufacture...
  • 3 1
 It's good we bash them for that steerer, they deserve it. That's the only way (along with not buying that shyte) we can prevent such stupid ideas from happening. Shyte in their face FTW

0.125 increase in steerer size is the best accrodign to their research... I believe you, you twit - but according to logical thinking if others follow your way, we will have tons of already produced, useless scrap left - how does that correspond to the environment policy of your company?
  • 1 0
 @audeo03 manufacturing cost may not vary much, the head tube may become more easily manufacturer however there will be an increase in raw material for the new standard steer (larger size).

Giant, seriously another new standard??? WTF.
  • 1 0
 How much flex is there seriously? Enough to actually effect performance? 30% is a lot stiffer, but 30% more than .0000001 is only .0000001333333. . . right? I mean, which company was hanging small cars from the top tube of their DH bikes?
  • 1 2
 it would be stupid enough to make a new "standard" even if it would be an improvement of 100%...
  • 1 0
 I do disagreee there. If everyone had that thinking, we would still be riding 1 inch steerers, and rigid forks. I'm all for progression, if it is worthwhile. I don't feel that this is.
  • 3 0
 I'm sceptical because I don't want my kid to google for 5 hours to find a fork, to fit his 17,5mm wheel axle, 1,7" lower bearing, and 1.2" upper bearing... look a bit forward where such stuff leads to. Buying an adequate product in the amount of options is nothing comparing to what will happen when you will want to sell it. It will be next to impossible. Try to sell a tapered steerer fork. Plus if the situation develops, Giant will sport 1.25 steerer, Specialized 1.2 and Banshee something else, you will be nearly forced to stay with their stuff. If you can't sell used fork, there's one less used fork on the second hand market, so someone will buy a new one instead.

Only big guys with big money like Gary Fisher know why these things come to life, as they push standards into our mouths deciding: what we will ride in 5 years - and they don't necessarily push something that is good for riders, rather stuff that is good for their wallets
  • 1 0
 this will be my next purchase for my Trance. I hate hauling down a fast single track with the seat down only to stop the ride and raise the seat for the climb back up. I'm gonna be laying down the money for this for sure.
  • 2 0
 Need another option with a 27.2mm IMO, else people might think twice about some hardtails like the Canfield Nimble 9 if they're not into Gravity Droppers.
  • 1 0
 I think the upper tube would be too thin if you made a 27.2mm version.
  • 1 0
 X-fusion and KS both make 27.2mm - I've got the X-fusion on my hardtail and it's awesome. I think Rockshox tried to make a 27.2mm Reverb but couldn't work out how to get the internals sorted...
  • 1 0
 My Reverb has gone bang once this year so far and is starting to make the sucking noise again, they do make riding way more fun but they are not worth the trouble. 3 weeks turn around time for Sram to fix it is not cool.
  • 1 0
 Just want to point out that Specialized's regu;ar command post is less costly, only $225 at MSRP and it is servicable at a local bike shop whereas many of these hydraulic cartridge posts are not.
  • 2 0
 what I don't understand is why can these come in $20 office chairs from staples, but cost us hundreds of dollars when it's for a bike. Markup anybody?
  • 1 0
 first one that they make under $150 ill buy
i cant justify $ 250 + for a seatpost no matter how bad i want one and it would improve the general riding experiences...
Frown makes me sad
  • 1 0
 I have two bikes in my stable now... One with a dropper and one without.
I cant wait until I can afford one for the other bike now. Its transformed my riding enjoyment immensely :-)
  • 1 1
 I say lets hold off on the knee jerk reaction regarding the headset sizing. Maybe there is something to it once we get past the propaganda? I'm not down with new shit unless there is a reason, lets hope it makes sense!
  • 3 1
 New Fox forks, new XT, and now this seatpost? The 2012 Trance is looking good.
  • 1 0
 Nothing special, loads of competition about, anyone got any better ideas? My KS racing hexagonal shaft has been bomb proof, looks sh/t but it's reliable as fook!
  • 1 0
 $250 and then it will probably be about $350 in Europe, the Jopline from CB goes for about $280 right now on CRC.
  • 2 0
 How much does it actually weight?..
  • 2 0
 i like the rockshox way better.
  • 1 0
 +1.

If Giant changed theirs from 2 piece clamp-head that fits over the stanchion to something like 1 piece design, they could get another inch of adjustability. I think I like the RockShox Reverb's energized sleeve type seal over the fin-like seals too. I like the serviceability of the the RockShox too.

I'm wondering how Fox's version is coming along. Looks like theirs is cable actuated and has a 1 piece forged head and "stanchion". Wonder if it's going to be mechanical like a specialized post.

GD is losing appeal. RASE's design... I just don't see it around. Need to find some reviews on that before I'd buy "sight unseen". Wonder how these posts are doing after years of use. I'd like something reliable--I've had a bad experience with Crank Bros' post.
  • 1 0
 to me it looks like cheaper version of ks i950 r
  • 1 3
 lets add weight to our bikes while we're trying to remove weight and be more efficient, not Luxurise everything up! :o
  • 2 4
 THIS IS AWESOME!! IM GETTING THIS FOR ALL MY BIKES!







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