14 Best Dropper Posts (Dropper Seatpost Recommendations)


14 Best Dropper Posts (Dropper Seatpost Recommendations)

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Dropper posts are one of the best selling parts on bikes, and for good reason. They are fast and simple to use, offer great adjustability, and a wide range of use. That being said, there are some things to consider when choosing a dropper post, and some of these things can be overlooked. We have decided to take a look at some of the dropper posts on the market and try to identify the best options.

It’s that time of year again — hordes of bike enthusiasts are gathering together to determine which dropper seatpost is the best of the bunch. And dropper posts are a must-have if you want to achieve optimal saddle height, no matter the bike. But there are different types of seatposts, each with pros and cons. So here’s a rundown of some of the best seatposts to date in the dropper seatpost category.

A seatpost is a piece of plastic that bolts to the bottom of your bicycle frame, and you can use it to mount a dropper post. Dropper posts are specialized models of seatposts, typically with a single lever that lowers a saddle to the bottom position of the seat tube. Droppers can be useful to eliminate stress on your knees and back, and allow the use of longer or steeper dropper posts when you’re riding in the rough stuff. But, choosing the right dropper can be difficult since there are many options and each one is designed for a different purpose. With that in mind, we’ve tested the top 12 dropper post models for 2019, and rank them based on their weight, durability, ease of installation and. Read more about best budget dropper post 2020 and let us know what you think.

Dropper seatposts are an excellent illustration of how quickly mountain bike technology progresses. A seatpost that slid up and down was uncommon less than ten years ago, but it’s today almost difficult to find a mountain bike without one.

If you’re riding anything even tricky these days, a dropper post is a must-have, and it opens up a whole new world of riding possibilities (without having to manually move your post up and down when tackling steep trails).

On BikeRadar, we have a variety of dropper post reviews, and this list covers the best of the best. You’ll discover anything here whether you’re seeking to install a dropper post for the first time or update an existing one.

Read our complete buyer’s guide at the bottom of this page for additional information on what to look for when purchasing a dropper post.

In 2021, the finest dropper posts for mountain bikes

  • £270 Highline 7 by Crankbrothers
  • £179 for OneUp V2.
  • £140 for the Ascend II by Brand-X
  • £170 for the Ascend XL by Brand-X
  • £700 / $800 AXS RockShox Reverb
  • £395 / $349 RockShox Reverb Stealth C1 X1
  • TRAVELFIT: €427 Vecnum NIVO 212
  • £379 / $349 for the Fall Line 9Point8
  • e*thirteen Infinite Vario: £200
  • £438 / €498 / $409 / AU$658 for Fox Transfer Factory is set to open in 2020.
  • £290 Integra KS LEV
  • £299 Jack Manitou
  • Duncan Dropper 2.0 by Syncros: £210
  • £220 for Manic X-Fusion

Crankbrothers Highline 7

Best dropper posts

It was a standout performer while out on the trail. Immediate Media / Andy McCandlish

  • As-tested price: £270
  • 516g in weight (without remote and cable)
  • (* tested) Stroke lengths: 100mm, 125mm*, 150mm, 170mm
  • 30.9mm and 31.6mm in diameter
  • 417mm is the maximum length (125mm travel)

Crankbrothers seems to have nailed performance, dependability, and simplicity of installation with the Highline 7.

The post’s build screams quality, and due to the cable nipple connecting to the post end and the lever holding the cable at the other end, it was a breeze to install on our test bikes.

At 50mm, the stack height — the space between the bottom of the post’s collar and the center of the seat rails — was also remarkably low.

We felt the remote was well worth the additional £55 because of its smooth operation and adjustable tilt.

Previously, Crankbrothers’ posts had a reputation for being unreliable, but we experienced no such issues with the Highline 7, and it’s covered by the brand’s four-year guarantee if the worst happens.

Top-quality Even on the longest, dirtiest rides or after a lengthy rest, performance is astonishingly smooth, easy to manage, and constant, thanks to Trelleborg sealing and igus glide bearings. Although the return speed isn’t adjustable, a’soft push’ of the lever slows the post return.

The Crankbrothers Highline is now on sale.

Dropper Post OneUp V2

Best dropper posts

The V2 has a drop of up to 210mm. Alex Evans is a writer who lives in the United

  • £179 (plus £42 for OneUp Dropper Post Remote V2) as tested
  • 579g (without remote and wire – remote is 48g)
  • 120mm, 150mm, 180mm, 210mm* Stroke lengths (* tested): 120mm, 150mm, 180mm, 210mm*
  • 30.9mm*, 31.6mm*, 34.9mm*, 31.6mm*, 34.9mm*, 31.6mm*, 34.9mm*, 31.6mm*, 34.9mm*, 31.6
  • 554mm is the maximum length (210mm travel)

The party piece of the OneUp V2 dropper is how it allows riders to extend their post travel by a significant amount, allowing the seat to be lower on descents while returning to the same position at full extension without an equal increase in post stack height.

OneUp accomplished this by keeping the post’s body, seal head, and seat clamp as thin as possible, and the 210mm journey post was 34mm shorter than RockShox’s Reverb B1 150mm travel post. It’s very amazing.

The V2 is also reasonably priced, and we had no problems with it sticking or feeling lumpy throughout our testing. We were also left wondering why we hadn’t upgraded to a longer journey, shorter stack post sooner!

Brand-X Ascend II

Best dropper posts

If you’re riding a skinny posting bike, the 27.2 choice is fantastic. Immediate Media / Andy McCandlish

  • As tested, the price is £140.
  • 618g in weight (without remote and cable)
  • 150mm stroke length
  • 27.2mm, 30.9mm, and 31.6mm in diameter
  • 390mm (105mm travel), 400mm (125mm travel), and 449mm are the maximum lengths (150mm travel)

The Ascend II does not need precise inner and outer cable trimming due to its cable barrel attachment at the post end. Although the Ascend II is an externally routed cable dropper, the Ascend XL is an internally routed cable dropper.

On the trails, the Ascend II surprised us with its near-perfect return speed, beautifully designed and simple-to-use remote, and consistent action. Although the provided cable corroded quickly in moist circumstances, just replacing it with a higher-quality cable would resolve the problem.

Despite its low price, the Ascend II is almost similar to the Race Face Aeffect-R and Syncros post. If you’re looking for a good deal, look no further.

Brand-X Ascend XL

Best dropper posts

The Brand-X Ascend has been modified with a bigger shaft diameter (which reduces flex), an extra DU bushing, and revised internals. Immediate Media / Andy Lloyd

  • As-tested price: £170
  • 668g in weight
  • 170mm, 200mm* stroke lengths (* tested)
  • 30.9mm*, 31.6mm*, 30.9mm*, 31.6mm*, 30.9mm*, 31.6mm*, 30.9mm*, 31.6mm*
  • 499mm (170mm travel), 559mm max length (200mm travel)

The Brand-X Ascend XL is hard to match at around £200 for a long-travel dropper. Taller riders will benefit from the 200mm variant in particular.

In the Ascend XL, Brand-X increased the shaft diameter and upgraded the internals for reduced flex and a smoother movement.

Unlike the standard Ascend (also included in this tutorial), which has external cable routing, the post comes with a shifter-style under-bar remote and internal cable routing.

Despite its weight, the post has shown to be durable after months of usage. The stack height isn’t terrible, but if you have a kinked or extra-long seat tube, fitting may be a problem.

RockShox Reverb AXS

Best dropper posts

SRAM estimates that the post will last approximately 40 hours of riding before it has to be recharged. Andy Lloyd is a writer who lives in the United

  • As tested, the price is £700 / $800.
  • 650g in weight
  • 100mm, 125mm, 150mm*, 175mm, 200mm*, 175mm, 200mm*, 175mm, 200mm*, 175mm, 200mm*, 175mm, 200mm*, 175mm, 200mm*,
  • 30.9mm, 31.6mm, and 34.9mm in diameter
  • 440mm is the maximum length.

It’s no surprise that the Reverb AXS is a top-scorer as RockShox’s halo dropper post. The electrical AXS improves on the hydraulic Reverb’s capabilities by making it much easier to operate.

The button is very light and simple to press, and the post does not need the actual depressing of a lever to function, making it easier to use even on bumpy terrain.

Because there are no wires, installation is simple, and this post may be used on many bikes. It’s still working well after months of abuse in the British weather.

1x remote RockShox Reverb Stealth C1

Best dropper posts

The Reverb Stealth is available in three different diameters: 30.9, 31.6, and 34.9mm. Immediate Media / Andy McCandlish

  • As-tested price: £395
  • 516g in weight (including remote and cable)
  • 100mm, 125mm, 150mm*, 170mm, 200mm*, 170mm, 200mm*, 170mm, 200mm*, 170mm, 200mm*, 170mm, 200mm*, 170mm, 200mm*,
  • 30.9mm, 31.6mm, and 34.9mm in diameter
  • 519mm is the maximum length.

The Reverb’s popularity is understandable given the variety of travel and diameter options offered. This iteration increases dependability and lowers the overall length and stack height of the post while maintaining the same trip numbers.

A bleed kit and the MMX matchmaking system are among the several accessories included in the package.

After earlier Reverb versions were panned for top-stroke bounce problems, RockShox went back to the drawing board and included Vent Valve Technology in the current generation. This eliminates the need for syringes to ‘bleed’ the system of air if it begins to droop.

The most recent Reverb seems to have found the sweet spot in terms of performance, dependability, and user serviceability.

NIVO 212 TRAVELFIT by Vecnum

Best dropper posts

This is one of the longest-travel dropper seatposts available, with a drop of 212mm. Immediate Media / Andy Lloyd

  • As tested, the price was €427.93 (about £388).
  • 530g in weight (212mm post and remote)
  • 122mm, 152mm, 182mm, and 212mm* are the lengths of the strokes that have been tested.
  • 30.9mm*, 31.6mm*, 34.9mm*, 31.6mm*, 34.9mm*, 31.6mm*, 34.9mm*, 31.6mm*, 34.9mm*, 31.6mm*
  • 571mm is the maximum length.

The Vecnum NIVO comes in four lengths, with the 212mm version we tested being one of the market’s longest-travel seatposts. For tall people riding bikes with rider-forward design, that much travel is freeing.

The TRAVELFIT system lets you reduce the travel in 4mm increments to achieve the ideal fit for your frame, and the whole set is surprisingly light.

However, it is a costly alternative, and in order for the post to achieve full extension, we had to increase the pressure to the maximum permitted.

9Point8 Fall Line

Best dropper posts

The Fall Line from 9Point8 has a smooth motion and customizable return speeds. Immediate Media Company is a media company based in New York City.

  • £379 (about $349)
  • 623g in weight
  • 75mm, 100mm, 125mm, 150mm, 175mm, 200mm stroke length
  • 30.9mm and 31.6mm in diameter
  • 455mm is the maximum length.
  • 245mm internal length

The Fall Line is one of the longest posts on the market, yet it’s light and packed with excellent features, however our samples have experienced annoying leaking problems.

The ‘DropLoc’ cable shuttle must be set up perfectly, but having the cable secured at the lever end makes it simpler, and once you’ve figured it out, the whole system can be unscrewed for easy removal and reinstallation.

There are a variety of stroke lengths available, including super-long 175mm and 200mm models for an additional £40. It’s small and light, making it ideal for travel.

There are big titanium bolts for security and independent angle adjustment on the saddle clamp, and a layback head option is available for £35.

The movement is extremely smooth, whether you use the ‘universal’ remote or the beautifully machined shifter-style ‘Digit’ one seen here. The return speed may be changed, and the stop-point modulation is quite well.

Although we’ve experienced progressive pressure leaking issues, the 9point8 post has an excellent reputation for dependability.

e*thirteen Infinite Vario

e*thirteen Vario Infinite dropper and e*thirteen Vario 1x Remote

The Vario has tool-free travel adjustment and a powerful remote control (sold separately). Alex Evans is a writer who lives in the United

  • As tested, the price is £200.
  • 628g in weight
  • Stroke lengths (* tested): 120-150mm, 150-180mm
  • 30.9mm and 31.6mm in diameter
  • 535mm is the maximum length.

Without removing the post from the bike, e*thirteen’s post allows for 30mm of tool-free travel adjustment in 5mm increments. Although we questioned how frequently you’d alter your trip beyond the first setup, it’s fast and simple to update.

The stanchion and head of the post are forged as a single piece for added stiffness, but there was considerable play during testing. The gas-sprung cartridge from e*thirteen is said to decrease the force required to lower the saddle. However, we found the return speed to be a bit sluggish, and it isn’t customizable.

The Vario remote, which costs £50 and includes an angle-adjustable paddle, was one of our favorites. It comes with a normal bar clamp and is compatible with SRAM Matchmaker.

Fox Transfer Factory 2020

Best dropper posts

Russell Burton’s 2020 Fox Transfer 175mm dropper post.

  • £438 / €498 / $409 / $658 AU$ (including lever)
  • 646g in weight
  • (* tested) Stroke lengths: 100mm, 125mm, 150mm, 175mm*
  • 30.9mm, 31.6mm* Diameters (* tested)
  • 505.7mm is the maximum length.
  • 298.5mm internal length

Fox’s Transfer is a strong, sweet-performing post that can be switched between internal and external routing if you can afford it.

It has a hook-ended actuator lever, but the cable clamping and cutting is done at the lever end, making the procedure considerably simpler.

The light-action remote lever is also available in a vertical ‘universal’ configuration or an under-bar shifter design. You must purchase it separately for £69 in addition to the £369 shipping cost, which seems excessive considering the mediocre, wobbly-from-new appearance.

The Transfer range has been expanded with the inclusion of a 175mm stroke length post that is compatible with the Race Face 1x lever. The new post and remote will be priced the same as the previous length versions.

However, the operation is silky smooth, with great speed and position control. No matter how terrible the circumstances were or how little maintenance was done, every Transfer we’ve utilized has remained that way forever.

As a result, the high price is a sound investment, and the Performance version foregoes the Factory post’s gold Kashima finish to save £50. You may even use an actuator at the collar to switch to external operation.

The Fox Transfer Factory’s most recent offers

KS LEV Integra

Best dropper posts

The endless adjustment of the post on the bike was smooth, and the return was regulated rather than rapid. Immediate Media / Andy McCandlish

  • As-tested price: £290
  • 484g in weight (without remote and cable)
  • (* tested) Stroke lengths: 100mm, 125mm*, 150mm, 175mm
  • 27.2mm, 30.9mm, 31.6mm, and 34.9mm in diameter
  • 450mm is the maximum length.
  • 250mm internal length

The LEV from KS is lighter, more affordable, flex-free, comes in a variety of configurations, and is more dependable than most of its competitors. We’ve had plenty of time to figure out what it is – and isn’t – excellent at now that it’s been on the market for a while.

Because of its wide upper shaft, it bends less than other posts while pedaling longer distances or on bikes with loose seat angles.

XC/trail riders will appreciate the light weight, and a 27.2mm variant (100mm stroke) is available for hardtails and older frames. It features a smooth and easy-to-control stroke, as well as a strong top-out thud that proves it has re-extended.

The pricing is reasonable as well, with a 100/125mm model costing £290, a 150mm model costing £310, and a 175mm model costing £340. The KS shifter-style ‘Southpaw’ lever (£37 alloy, £59 carbon) is much more comfortable to operate than the conventional short ‘universal’ knuckle lever.

Some individuals despise the way the post stretches when you take up the bike by the saddle. We still receive LEVs that require a push or tug to extend them now and again, but it’s not as frequent as it used to be.

The cable is fastened at the post end rather than the lever, which is our major complaint of the LEV. To make it to function properly, precise cable tension and length are required, and it takes longer to set up than posts where the wire is fastened at the distant end.

KS Integra KS LEV Integra KS LEV Integra KS LEV Integra KS LEV Integr

Manitou Jack

Best dropper posts

Although the return speed is a little sluggish, the post functioned like clockwork. Andy Lloyd is a writer who lives in the United

  • As tested, the price is £300.
  • 601g in weight (including lever)
  • (* tested) Stroke lengths: 125mm, 150mm*
  • 30.9mm, 31.6mm * Diameters (* tested): 30.9mm, 31.6mm
  • 499mm is the maximum length.

The Jack post surprised us with its constant performance throughout the testing period, compressing and expanding with the kind of regularity that you could set your watch by.

Its return speed is a bit sluggish for our liking, and we couldn’t change how fast it rebounded. When compared to RockShox’s Reverb 1x lever, it’s simple, yet it’s light and practical.

The clamp stayed in place, and the two-bolt mechanism makes it simple to adjust your seat. It was also simple to set up the post after you’d finished with your frame’s internal wire routing.

Duncan Dropper 2.0 by Syncros

Best dropper posts

The sleek black surface seemed sturdy, and even after a month or two, it hasn’t been scratched. Immediate Publication

  • As-tested price: £210
  • 562g in weight
  • (*tested) stroke lengths: 125mm, 150mm*
  • 31.6mm in diameter
  • 458mm is the maximum length.

Because the Duncan Dropper 2.0 has just one diameter (31.6mm), it can only be fitted to bikes with a 31.6mm or bigger diameter seatpost using a shim. The number of possible travel choices is likewise limited, limiting choice.

The Duncan Dropper 2.0 is a fantastic performer if you have a bike with a seat tube that it will fit and require either a 125mm or 150mm travel post.

There are few reasons not to invest in the Duncan, which comes with a remote, a smooth and predictable action, and an easy-to-use and dependable two-bolt seat clamp.

It looks a lot like Race Face’s Aeffect-R and Brand-Ascend X’s II posts, but the latter costs about £60 less and, in our view, has a superior remote and cabling. You can’t go wrong with the Syncros if you’re dead set on them, but there are comparable posts for less money out there, so buy carefully.

The Syncros Dropper 2.0 is now on sale.

X-Fusion Manic

X-Fusion Manic

X Fusion has written an outstanding and cost-effective article. Immediate Media Company is a media company based in New York City.

  • As-tested price: £220
  • 672g claimed weight
  • 100mm, 125mm, 150mm, 170mm* stroke lengths
  • 30.9mm, 31.6mm, and 24.9mm in diameter
  • 478mm is the maximum length (170mm travel)
  • 290mm internal length

The most recent Manic is proving to be a great, low-cost post.

The clever shifter-style remote wobbles a little out of the box, but it has enough of leverage for mild activity. In both directions, the stroke is smooth and easy to manage, with a respectable return speed and a noticeable top-out clunk.

Despite the fact that the Manic was just recently upgraded, all of the reliability feedback we’ve received from users has been very positive. If there’s a problem, replacing the sealed-cartridge internals is just £20.

If you move the post in the frame without maintaining it tight, the cable may disconnect, but we’ve been told that a remedy is on the way.

The most recent X-Fusion Manic offers


Buyer’s guide to dropper posts: what to look for

What is the definition of a dropper seatpost?

Best dropper posts

When descending or riding difficult terrain, a dropper enables you to shift the saddle out of the way. Specialized / Ian Lean

A dropper post is a height-adjustable seatpost that lets you swiftly and conveniently lower your saddle by pressing a handlebar-mounted remote.

Mountain cyclists utilize dropper seatposts for a variety of reasons.

Mountain biking is a fast-paced sport that requires riders to move all over the bike. Dropping your saddle lowers your weight back on the bike and provides you more room to get under the seat on steep portions.

Dropper posts aren’t only for getting rad on the descents; a simple touch of the remote raises your saddle to the proper height for effective pedaling without stopping.

Almost every kind of mountain riding benefits from the ability to acquire standover height. Even gravel and cyclocross riders are enjoying the more control, as the ability to rapidly transition from slogging uphill to attacking a downhill is critical.

How much time do I need to travel?

Best dropper posts

Longer dropper posts are becoming increasingly popular. Immediate Media / Andy Lloyd

The amount of travel refers to how far the posts can move up and down, and it determines how far out of the way you can get your saddle while still maintaining the optimum pedaling posture.

Posts that are less costly usually have less travel. The internal processes must be stronger and more accurate as the journey progresses.

Most dropper posts begin at a height of 100mm. Although that amount of drop makes a difference, we’ve discovered that longer travel posts do a better job of maximizing clearance while keeping a suitable seated pedaling height.

The average amount of drop is between 125mm and 170mm, which is enough for most riders.

Longer trip posts are available, with lengths ranging from 170mm to 210mm, although these may be problematic to utilize for shorter riders or on particular bike frames. Longer journeys, on the other hand, are becoming more frequent as technology advances and bike manufacturers create frames with shorter seat tubes.

Measure the length of your current seatpost from the saddle rail to the top of the seat collar, then compare it to the length of the dropper post from the saddle rail to below the post’s collar to determine how much drop you can utilize.

You’re in business if the number is the same or less. You’ll have to utilize another option if the dropper post is longer.

Is it better to have a fixed or unlimited travel adjustment?

Dropper posts come in two types of travel: those with defined height settings where the post stops (20mm down, 75mm down, etc.) and those without, also known as stepless or endlessly adjustable.

Stepless posts allow you to stop the saddle anywhere throughout the travel range of the post. Stepless designs make up the bulk of posts on the market.

Internal workings of a dropper seatpost

All posts need a spring to restore the saddle to its completely upright position, as well as a locking device to keep it there.

Coil springs and pins were employed in the early designs, but they were less sophisticated and frequently returned the saddle to your bottom at an unsettling pace.

Although mechanically locked versions with an air spring are still available, most dropper posts today utilize a completely sealed hydraulic cartridge that includes both a pressurized charge and an adjustable mechanism.

There are many benefits to this, including the fact that the body of the post, which must withstand very high loads, does not need to be airtight, allowing lower friction seals to be employed for a lighter action.

If anything goes wrong with the post, replacing the cartridge rather than fixing the whole post is also considerably faster and simpler.

Remotes for dropper seatposts

Best dropper posts

The majority of dropper post remote controls are located on the handlebar. Alex Evans is a writer who lives in the United

The majority of droppers use a handlebar-mounted remote to lower the saddle.

On bikes with a single-ring gear, the remote lever usually rests beneath the bar and replaces the front shifter paddles. Remotes that incorporate into the lock-on grip collar or rest above the bar are available on bikes with a front shifter.

To keep the handlebar clean, SRAM’s Matchmaker and Shimano’s I-Spec standards enable you to combine a dropper and brake lever on one installation.

The lever on low-cost dropper posts may be right beneath the saddle on the post’s head. The apparent disadvantage of this technique is that it requires you to take a hand off the bar, which is something you don’t want to do while approaching a part where you should lower the saddle.

The majority of remote controls on the market utilize a cable, while others, like the RockShox Reverb, employ a hydraulic mechanism.

Each has its own set of disadvantages and advantages. Cables are inexpensive and simple to repair if they break, but as dirt accumulates in them, they become stiffer to use.

That isn’t an issue with hydraulic systems, but they are considerably more difficult to repair in the field.

Routing of cables

The vast majority of dropper post wires are routed internally. This requires a hole in the frame to pass the cable up through the seat tube, which is available on almost all contemporary mountain bikes and gravel bikes.

The second cable option is an external cable that connects to the dropper post’s collar or to the saddle’s attachment point at the top of the head.

Clean aesthetics, greater protection from dirt and debris, and minimal cable movement while lowering the post are all advantages of an internally routed cable. However, like with any internally routed connection, setup may be difficult, and changing wires and housing can be time-consuming.

The benefits of an externally routed cable are compatibility with any frame and ease of installation. Negatives include cables that connect to the seatpost head, which may interfere with the bike’s rear tyre or strike your leg if not routed properly.

The RockShox Reverb AXS is an example of a wireless dropper post, which does away with the cable entirely.

When the cable is removed from the equation, installation becomes a breeze, and changing the seatpost from one bike to another becomes a possibility, as long as the seatpost diameters are the same.

Seatposts have a lot to do with how much they cost, how light or heavy they are, and how stiff they are. The key to finding the right dropper seatpost is getting the right balance of all three of these factors. We took a look at 14 reputable dropper seatposts, and picked five of the best.. Read more about 30.9 dropper post and let us know what you think.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 125mm dropper post enough?

125mm dropper post is enough for most riders.

Is longer dropper post better?

Yes, dropper posts are longer and give you more stability.

Is 150mm dropper post enough?

Yes, it is enough.

Related Tags

This article broadly covered the following related topics:

  • dropper seatpost
  • best dropper post 2018
  • what is a dropper post
  • how does a dropper seatpost work
  • dropper seatpost reviews

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