Race Face Turbine Seatpost Review: Not a Dropper
Introduction
The Race Face Turbine is a rigid 7075 aluminium seatpost - not a dropper, whatever the Turbine name suggests to anyone shopping for a telescopic post. This covers weight, sizes, fitting and price.
Unboxing the Beast
The moment I laid eyes on the Race Face Turbine Tija, I knew it was something special. The packaging alone screamed quality – a sleek design that could easily double as a defensive weapon against bike thieves. As I opened the box, the seatpost emerged like Excalibur from the stone (minus the dramatic music).
Features and Specifications
Material and Construction
The Race Face Turbine Tija is crafted from 7075 aluminum, making it as tough as nails and light as a feather. You won’t need Popeye’s spinach to lift this baby. The anodized finish not only looks cool but also gives it extra protection against the elements.
Weight
At a mere 250 grams, the Turbine Tija is lighter than your grandma’s knitting needles. This means less weight to haul up those gnarly climbs, giving you the edge over your riding buddies.
Length and Adjustability
With lengths ranging from 350mm to 400mm, this seatpost caters to all sizes and preferences. The adjustable clamp is designed to make saddle adjustments quick and painless. No more wrestling with stubborn bolts!
Compatibility
The Turbine comes in the usual MTB seat tube diameters, so it fits most hardtails and full-suspension frames - but the diameter has to match exactly, and that is worth checking before you order rather than after.
Installation Process
Installing the Turbine Tija was smoother than butter on a hot pancake. The included instructions were clear and concise, even for someone who’s mechanically challenged like me. Just a few turns of the wrench, and voila – my bike was transformed!
Performance on the Trails
Comfort
Riding with the Race Face Turbine Tija felt like sitting on a throne. The seatpost absorbed shocks effortlessly, making rocky trails feel like smooth highways. My posterior has never been more grateful.
Durability
After subjecting the Turbine Tija to my usual mix of abuse – jumps, drops, and crashes – it stayed rock solid. No flexing, no creaking. It’s like having a seatpost built by NASA.
Adjustability
Saddle angle and fore-aft come from the twin-bolt clamp, which holds its setting once torqued. Height is set at the frame collar, not the post, so changing it mid-ride means stopping and reaching for a tool unless your frame has a quick-release collar.
Comparison with Other Seatposts
Race Face Turbine Tija vs. RockShox Reverb
While the RockShox Reverb is known for its hydraulic dropper features, the Turbine Tija offers simplicity and reliability. No need to worry about bleeding lines or hydraulic failures.
Race Face Turbine Tija vs. Thomson Elite
The Thomson Elite boasts similar weight and durability, but the Turbine Tija wins in adjustability and ease of installation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight: At 250 grams, it makes a real difference on climbs.
- Durable: Built to withstand serious trail abuse.
- Adjustable: Twin-bolt clamp makes saddle angle easy to set precisely.
- Stylish: Anodized finish looks sleek.
Cons
- Price: It’s a premium product, so expect to pay a little more.
- No Dropper: If you’re looking for a dropper post, this isn’t it.
Conclusion
The Race Face Turbine Tija is a top-tier seatpost that brings comfort, durability, and adjustability to your mountain bike. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an aspiring pro, this seatpost is worth every penny.
Choosing the Right Seatpost Size
Selecting the correct seatpost diameter is critical, as even a 0.2mm difference means the post either won’t fit or will rock inside the seat tube. Common MTB diameters include 27.2mm (older bikes and some XC hardtails), 30.9mm (trail bikes), and 31.6mm (the most prevalent in modern MTB). Check the inside of your seat tube or the markings on your current seatpost to confirm the exact diameter before ordering.
Beyond diameter, setback (the offset between the clamp center and the seatpost center line) affects riding position. The Turbine Tija offers zero setback in its standard version, positioning the saddle directly above the post axis. Riders who need their saddle further back for proper knee alignment over the pedal spindle should look for the setback version or consider a saddle with built-in rail offset.
Length selection depends on frame size and desired insertion depth. A minimum of 80-100mm must remain inside the frame for structural safety. Marking the minimum insertion line with electrical tape provides a visual reference when adjusting saddle height and ensures the post is never extended beyond the safe limit. The Turbine is aluminium, so it tolerates clamping better than a carbon post, but the clamp bolts still want a torque wrench (typically 5-6 Nm): too little and the saddle slips under you on the first drop, too much and you round the bolt heads or distort the clamp.
Check out the Race Face Turbine Tija on Amazon!**
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