Best Dropper Posts: Updated Picks

In the past, mountain bikes without a dropper post were problematic. Let’s take descents for example. If you had to ride down a very steep yet tricky descent then you had to get off the bike, bring the saddle down and move downwards. Or you could just ride down the bike and pray that you make it in one piece!

Then came dropper posts. With dropper posts, easily lower or raise your saddle with just a push of a lever that is mounted on your handlebars. They enhance the overall riding experience! Although they are used with mountain bikes in most cases, even XC racers are adopting dropper posts now. You just have to find the right one. How can you do that with so many options available in the market? Good question! 

That’s where I come in. With mountain biking being my thing for over a decade, I have researched and used enough dropper posts to tell which ones are worth the investment. The good part is that I have listed some really good quality dropper posts here. Check them out!

The 8 Best Dropper Posts Of 2023 – Ranked and Reviewed

Best Dropper Posts: Comparison

Use this comparison to narrow the list by use case, fit needs, and the tradeoff that matters most before you choose a product.



Note: All mentioned prices are subject to change. 

1. Bike Yoke Revive 2.0- Editor’s Choice

Price: Check current product page

  

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2. Tranz-X Kitsuma Air

Price: Check current product page

  

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3. OneUp Components V2

Price: Check current product page

  

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4. Wolf Tooth Components Resolve

Price: Check current product page

  

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5. RockShox Reverb AXS

Price: Check current product page

  

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6. Fox Racing Shox Transfer Performance Elite

Price: Check current product page

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7. Bike Yoke Divine 

Price: Check current product page

  

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8. Brand-X Ascend II

Price: Check current product page



• Cable barrel attachment at the post end eliminates the need to trim the inner and outer cables, simplifying installation.
• Externally-routed cable design provides flexibility, allowing users to explore various cable routing options based on their preferences.
• The design and features of the Brand-X Ascend II contribute to its user-friendly installation and versatile cable routing capabilities.

I tested this one on many rides. On any kind of trail, the return speed is nearly perfect. Just be sure to limit traversal on wet surfaces, the supplied cable can corrode very quickly.




Things To Consider Before Buying A Dropper Post

So how can you choose the perfect one? Consider these things before buying one

1. The Size Of The Dropper Post Matters

You need to know the internal diameter of your mountain bike’s seat tube, and then you work from that. Check your current dropper post. It will be written there in millimeters. If you can’t find it, refer to the frame manufacturer’s specifications. If both of these options are not available then you can measure it yourself using vernier calipers. The most common sizes now are:

• 27.2mm
• 30.9mm
• 31.6mm

2. Longer Or Shorter Travel Drop Post?

How long are we looking at? Well, this depends on your budget. The goal is to have proper pedaling height and maximum clearance. 

Start measuring from the top of the frame tube to the top of the saddle rail. (Make sure that the saddle rail is at the perfect pedaling height). In the next step, compress it and measure it from the top, from the saddle rail to the lowest point where the frame fits. There is usually a collar at the top of it. It will make things easier for you!

Now that you have two measurements with you, subtract them from each other. What you get is the maximum travel dropper post travel from that specific design (In Theory!). You should also know that not all the dropper posts will be the same. Some will offer more while some will offer the bare minimum.

Find the perfect mountain bike for beginners with our comprehensive guide

3. Make Sure It Fits Into The Frame

Suppose you get a longer travel dropper post, you will also need a longer body to install it in. For this, you will need a great insertion depth into the frame. Problems arise when you have a short seat tube or one that is kinked. Since the drop post can’t get that much into the frame, you will need to figure out the maximum insertion depth of your bike frame.

To start, you will need a fixed post and stick it into your frame. Then see how far it goes. You need to check where it bottoms out. If it does then you need to mark it by the collar. Pull it back now and measure from there to the end of the post. 

Calculate the difference between the extended dropper post and the optimum pedaling height that you measured earlier. If the result is lower than the maximum insertion depth of your frame then you are good to go. In the case of an unfavorable result, just get a travel post that will fit into your frame easily.

4. Different Types Of Remotes

There will be two different types of remotes. Bar-mounted and Seatpost-Mounted. Bar-mounted remotes are present with average-priced dropper posts while the latter is only available with budget options I don’t recommend seatpost-mounted remotes. 

If you are going with a bar-mounted option then make sure that it works with your current controls. Running the remote under the left-hand side of the bar will be easier to operate. If you are running a single chainring drivetrain then it becomes even better to control.

Why You Should Care About Dropper Posts 

In mountain biking, it is very important to adjust the saddle height. There should be an optimal balance in height. It should be high enough for efficient pedaling on technical terrain but low enough when you have to go through a steep descent. Keeping the saddle low enough will allow you to move your body weight very easily to remain in control.

Having a dropper post allows you to easily move from climbing to technical descending! Most dropper posts today have a very strong construction that can endure almost any kind of terrain.

Learn about the different parts of a bike with our comprehensive guide on bike anatomy. 

Watch: Do You Need A Dropper Post?

Do you need a dropper post now or are you good? Watch this amazing video put together by Global Mountain Bike Network to get a final answer.

FAQs

Are Dropper Posts Compatible With All Bikes?

It has to be noted very carefully that there are going to be constraints, not all the bikes allow drop posts to be installed. Not all bike frames are built like that, some cannot even accommodate the new generation of dropper posts.

What Dropper Post Has The Most Travel?

Exceptional dropper posts keep on getting launched. We even got to experience the Eightpins NG2 which offers 285mm of travel.

Are Dropper Posts A Good Investment?

If you are planning on mountain biking then installing a dropper post is necessary. They make sure that your adventures go as smoothly as possible.

Who needs a dropper post?

Mostly, mountain bike riders need a dropper post. 

How much weight does a dropper post add?

A dropper post adds around 600 grams. 

Recap 

Dropper Posts have revolutionized the whole mountain biking experience. I like using them because they make the whole experience comfortable. The thing is that not all dropper posts are made of the same quality. That is why we should know exactly where to invest our money.

So, which dropper post are you going to choose now? Let me know in the comment section below! 

Also Read:

• Best Mountain Bikes For Women
• Best Budget Electric Mountain Bikes

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