Dropper posts have completely revolutionized mountain biking. Most professionals would agree that they are one of the best ways you can upgrade your bike.
Quick Overview – Top 4 Dropper Posts
What Does a Mountain Bike Dropper Post do?
Dropper posts let you lower the height of your bicycle saddle as you ride, allowing you to shift around more easily as you descend during your biking journey. Once you need to go up again, you allow this to return to the right height for pedaling efficiently.
This is all done without the need to stop mid bike-ride. These traits make dropper posts perfect for endurance racing, where the ability to switch from an uphill sprint to a speedy descent is crucial to your success. But even XC and trail riders stand to benefit from using one.
The Best Mountain Bike Dropper Posts Reviews
Lots of different types of dropper posts exist out there in the mountain bike gear world. This article will show you the best products available on the market right now, then explain a bit more about choosing the right post and how to use it.
Contents
Oneup Components Dropper Seat Post
This dropper seatpost from Oneup comes in two diameters for a secure fit to most bike frames. Though it is also possible to find adaptors to allow you to use this post in larger diameter frames. And at 1.12 pounds, the post weighs little over twice that of a standard seat post.
Features
Weights: 1.12 pounds (0.51 kg)
Diameters: 1.217 inch (3.1 cm), 1.244 inch (3.2 cm)
Usable Height: 13.39 inch (34.0 cm), 12.50 inch (32.0 cm)
Travel: 6.69 inch (17.0 cm), 5.91 inch (15.0 cm)
The seatpost is cable actuated, relying on an internal cable connected to a lever. So, if you want to use this on your bike, you need to either have a cable-ready bike or drill a hole in the frame to feed the cable through. The remote and cable housing does NOT come with the kit.
The height is simple to adjust on the go, the actuator cable locks the seat travel and returns to the full-height of 13.38 inches when released. This post has a lot of travel, close to 6.7 inches. And you can pre-set the travel down to a little over 4.7 inches, depending on whether you need it for speed riding or to get the most from your jumps.
KS Eten Dropper Seatpost
The KS Eten comes in three different diameters to cater to various bike frames. These various diameters have an effect on the weight of the seatposts, which ranges between 1.47 pounds and 1.53 pounds. These are entry-level droppers and not lightweight, but fine for downhill runs and jumps.
Features
Weights: 1.477 pounds (0.67 kg), 1.521 pounds (0.69 kg), 1.532 pounds (0.695 kg)
Diameters: 1.217 inch (3.09 cm), 1.244 inch (3.16 cm)
Usable Height: 13.39 inch (34.0 cm), 12.50 inch (32.0 cm)
Travel: 6.69 inch (17.0 cm), 5.91 inch (15.0 cm)
A lever built-in in to the seatpost varies the seat height. The lever is at the top of the seatpost, where it is easiest to reach. This means that the height is quick to change, and the post is quick to remove, or you can use it on another bike. It is a clever design, but it is not practical to adjust an under-seat lever while you are riding. In contrast, you can ride and activate a handlebar-mounted lever.
The hydraulic cartridge and a sealed air spring help the rider to alter the height of the seatpost. This dropper comes ready to use and install on any bike. This is a great unit to experience the benefits of a hydraulic seat dropper without breaking the bank.
Crankbrothers Highline Seatpost
Crankbrothers Highline Seatpost will appeal more to the experienced rider. This seatpost is for a rider that has had experience with a dropper post and now needs more. Riders may notice the rise of the Crankbrothers seatpost to rise is a little slower than expected. Easy to install and use, the dropper comes ready for two different seatpost diameters, so it will fit most downhill bikes.
Features
Weights: 1.36 pounds (0.615 kg), with cable and housing 1.38 pounds (0.625 kg),
Diameters: 1.217 inch (3.09 cm), 1.244 inch (3.16 cm)
Usable Height: 9.72 — 13.38 inch (24.7 — 36.5 cm)
Travel: 3.93 — 6.69 inches (10.0 — 17.0 cm)
The actuator has a decent level of travel, and a handlebar-mounted lever makes it easy to change between short and long reaches while on the go. The saddle clamp is also firm and easy to install, so you will not feel it slipping or be hearing creaks in the middle of your ride.
This post is stiffer than some other posts, which may appeal to more seasoned riders that prefer the control. The lever assembly is removable with a quick-release mechanism, but it does need a bike with an actuator cable hole, or you will have to drill one.
Foundation Dropper Seatpost
A reliable seat post that can manage the demanding conditions of an outdoor adventure. Foundation’ Dropper Seatpost will fit most mountain bike frames with 1.217-inch and 1.244-inch diameter frames. Though because this post has an internal lever cable, the bike frame will need a hole to feed the cable through.
Features
Weights: –
Diameters: 1.217 inch (3.1 cm), 1.244 inch (3.2 cm)
Usable Height: 12.21 inches (31.0 cm)
Travel: 5.91 inches (15 cm)
The actuator cable comes with a lever, so you will not be hunting around for parts when you buy this dropper. And the lever cable is quick to release and attach to the post. So, you can bring this post along to your ride, change out your standard post, and install the Foundation on the spot.
The 5.9-inch travel is decent for a post of this price and one that will manage a trail well. We have seen some medium-range dropper posts with slow or excessive response times. The foundation is not slow and returns to full height at a respectable and non-painful speed.
Bike Yoke Revive Dropper Post
There is no alternative way to say it — this dropper is for aspiring professionals that want the best on their bikes. This is one of the most lightweight dropper seatposts, and it will help with that pre-start ride up that hill. This post is suitable for Trail, Enduro, and All-Mountain riding.
Features
Weights: 1.07 pounds (0.485 kg)
Diameters: 1.217 inches (3.1 cm), 1.244 inches (3.2 cm), 1.37 inches (3.5 cm)
Usable Height: 11.21 inches (28.5 cm), 13.18 inches (33.5 cm), 13.18 inches (33.5 cm)
Travel: 4.95 inches (12.5 cm), 6.9 inches (17.6 cm), 7.28 inches (18.5 cm)
As you would expect of a premium unit, the lever and cable come with this seatpost package. The cable runs out through the bottom of the actuator, so your bike will need a hole in the frame to run the cable through, or you will need to drill one.
The Bike Yoke Revive uses two dynamic seals to lessen the chance of a blow out on those large jumps. Depending on the type of terrain, you have a decent number of ways to personalize this dropper so that you can get the most from it on a ride.
Fox Transfer Factory Dropper Post
Fox Racing do not only make awesome helmets. The second edition of Fox’s dropper post has been very successful. This product has a fast step-less, smooth design, and very reliable cartridge internals. These offer as much as 150mm of travel and externally and internally routed designs.
You can choose between an under-bar cable remote (1x specific) or shifter-enabled cable remote. The twin clamp head can be micro-adjusted, is easy to adjust, and provides security.
ROCKSHOX REVERB Dropper Post Review
ROCKSHOX is known for producing quality products, and the REVERB is no exception. The company has pioneered something new in their internal routing; “Stealth.” This has become an included, standard feature with most newer frames. This prevents the fragile hydraulic hose from moving around too much and instead keeps it out of harm on the frame’s inside.
The adjustment is now 150mm (125 or 100 if you prefer that) and you can choose to mount the lever on the right or left, as well as below or above the bars. You can also choose the mount called “Matchmaker X” by SRAM to attach the Reverb adjuster to a SRAM/Avid lever for braking. Overall, this dropper post is super smooth and comes with lots of neat extras.
Cascade Dropper Post Review
- 125, 150 and 170mm Travel Dropper Post
- Lightweight sealed alloy cartridge
- External cable routing
- 3-year warranty
- Unless indicated with (NO LEVER KIT), Includes Puget MTB 2x Lever, cables and all required hardware. NO LEVER KIT DOES NOT include cable, housing or lever.
For the price you’ll pay, the Cascade Dropper Post is amazing value. If you don’t already use a dropper post, this is a good place to start. It offers a smooth operation and a fast return speed. This addition can make downhill runs much more fun for you.
It’s easy to install, especially if you know anything about mechanical matters. Make sure that the post is entirely installed and definitely works before you cut the post at the end of the installation.
Although it’s light, it doesn’t feel cheap at all and is well-made. If you’re ready to transform your entire mountain biking experience, including downhill runs, you can’t do much better than this.
Thomson Elite Covert Dropper Post Review
Thomson has been known for its great stems and high-quality seat posts, and now it’s added something new to its line of products. The first stealth dropper post by Thomson, the Elite, has quickly been adapted to work well with internal routing functions.
True, it does have just 125mm, but it’s very reliable and smooth. The finish and fit are high-quality, as you’d expect from Thomson. You’ll be glad to know that the cable remote functions with the majority of set-ups. In addition, the post’s step-less design doesn’t have a lot of side-to-side play going on while in use.
If you’re working with a frame that is older and requires a 27.2mm product, you can find a post that fits by Thomson, but keep in mind that it does only come externally routed.
Dropper Post Buying Guide
What features should you keep an eye out for when you’re investing in and getting comfortable with dropper posts for your bike? Keep the following in mind:
Stealth Dropper Post Sizing
When it comes to sizing, you’ll have to choose between a couple options. First, you need to pick the right diameter for the frame of your bike. Although you’ll see many choices for diameters in seat posts, the industry has fortunately settled on a smaller number.
The most common two sizes will be the 31.6mm and 30.9mm sizes. You can also see 34.9 and 27.2mm sizes out there, though they’re less common. A lot of hard tails, both new and old, use 27.2mm, so thankfully some manufacturers are offering posts that will fit them.
>> Read the best MTB seat reviews
Routing in Your Mountain Bike Dropper Post
After you figure out which size you need for your post, you must pick the right hose/cable routing for the bike you have. Fortunately, this isn’t very hard because only two choices exist. These are internal (or “Stealth”) and external. Droppers should work the same way functionally, regardless of their routing.
External routing means the hose/cable runs from your handlebar’s remote to your frame’s outer-post. Usually, this will run either underneath, at the side, or on the top tube of the frame. This type of routing makes mounting the post easy, even if you aren’t very experienced with this.
Adjustment for Travel
Most posts offer you the choice of infinite adjustments. In other words, you can stop it anytime during travel. Some posts will have preset positions included with them, as well, though how often you’ll use these depends on your needs and familiarity with the product.
Buying a dropper post – Which is best?
As you can see, if you’re serious about your mountain biking, you can’t afford to miss out on investing in a stealth dropper post. Based on the features of each, the Thomson Elite Covert Dropper is by far the best on our list. Take action and get one today!
Image sources: Sram.com, Jenson USA
You might also like these mountain bike accessory posts:
Best mountain bike repair stands
Guide to digital tyre pressure gauges
Best mountain bike wall mounts
- 5 Best Carbon Fiber Mountain Bike Handlebars - April 23, 2020
- Best Rear Derailleurs for Mountain Bikes - April 7, 2020
- Best Mountain Bike Goggles for Downhill Riding - April 1, 2020
