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
| Dropper Post | Price ($) | Remote |
|---|---|---|
| Bike Yoke Revive 2.0 | 389 | Triggy |
| Tranz-X Kitsuma Air | 185 | Tranz-X 1x |
| OneUp Components V2 | 250 | OneUp |
| Wolf Tooth Components Resolve | 350 | OneUp V2 |
| RockShox Reverb AXS | 861 | AXS 1x remote |
| Fox Racing Shox Transfer Performance Elite | 309 | Transfer 1x remote |
| Bike Yoke Divine | 269 | Triggy Alpha |
| Brand-X Ascend II | Starting At 57 | Brand-X |
Note: All mentioned prices are subject to change.
1. Bike Yoke Revive 2.0- Editor’s Choice
Price: MSRP $389
Features
- Pioneering dropper post design by German company Bike Yoke.
- Smooth travel and impressive compression force for a remarkable riding experience.
- Unique and attractive design contributes to its appeal.
- Special feature: Revive Valve for easy and quick resetting of hydraulic internals.
- Addresses the common issue of hydraulic internals sagging over time.
- Resetting with the Revive Valve is a hassle-free process, taking only seconds to complete.
The two-bolt saddle clamp design is very easy to set up. You might feel that the price of this dropper post is a bit higher than the competition, especially if you go for the 185mm version, but the price is justified. It’s hard to find a dropper post like this one in the market.
Advantages:
- Easy and Seamless Setup
- Adjustable Spring Rate
- Unique Revie Reset Valve
- Amazing Remote Dropper Lever
Disadvantages:
- Expensive Than Competition
- Long Extended Length For Some
2. Tranz-X Kitsuma Air
Price: MSRP $185
Features
- Affordable option from Tranz-X, known for expanding its distribution.
- Despite its affordability, it maintains high standards of quality and performance.
- Easy and seamless installation process, including trouble-free use of remote levers.
- Surprisingly comfortable feel with great ergonomics, giving a lighter sensation compared to others.
- Super smooth travel in both extension and compression, offering an impressive riding experience.
- Air spring allows adjustment of the rate of return, providing convenient customization.
- Sturdy construction with a two-bolt clamp for securing saddle rails tightly.
- Available in different lengths, with the 200mm version offering a longer option.
- Although the longest version may be heavier, users report that the weight doesn’t pose any significant issues during use.
There is one thing that you should know about the Kitsuma Air, the remote will have to be bought separately.
Advantages:
- Affordable Price
- Comes In Three Different Lengths
- Air Spring Is Fully Adjustable
- Butter Smooth Travel
Disadvantages:
- All Versions Have Longer Overall Length
- The Bling Factor Is Missing
3. OneUp Components V2
Price: MSRP $250
Features
- OneUp V2 is recognized as one of the best dropper posts with impressive reviews from testers.
- Exceptional performance is coupled with an affordable price point.
- Stack height is impressively short, offering extended length where needed.
- Adjustable travel allows customization of the drop length for a personalized fit.
- Multiple options are available for users to choose the most suitable configuration.
- Despite being cable-actuated, the installation process is straightforward.
- Remarkable butter-smooth travel and compression force set a high standard for quality.
I recommend paying attention to the cut end of the cable during installation. Currently, the V2 dropper post is only being offered in five lengths: 120, 150, 180, 210, and 240mm.
Learn how to fix your dropper post with our step-by-step guide.
Advantages:
- Affordable Price
- Great Quality
- Smooth Travel
- Lightweight Design
- Adjustable Travel
Disadvantages:
- Remote Dropper Lever Has To Be Bought Separately
4. Wolf Tooth Components Resolve
Price: MSRP $350
Features
- Lightweight design, weighing only 545 grams without the remote and 592 grams with the remote.
- Despite its lightness, the dropper post provides a generous amount of travel, making it ideal for weight-conscious riders.
- Packed with cool features, including a self-bleeding cartridge to prevent unwanted sag automatically.
- Additional features include travel reduction and the ability to swap the lower tube to a different diameter based on specifications, ideal for frameshifts.
I find this dropper post-durable. And countless users seemed to agree with me here.
Advantages:
- Very Lightweight Design
- Fully Adjustable
- Cool Features Like The Self Bleeding Cartridge
- After Sales Support
Disadvantages:
- Many Users Find It Expensive
5. RockShox Reverb AXS
Price: MSRP $861
Features
- RockShox Reverb AXS combines stellar Reverb aesthetics with AXS technology for an exceptional product.
- Features wireless technology for a clean and cable-free setup.
- Offers easy installation with no visible cables or hoses.
- Provides butter-smooth recorded movement in compression and extension.
- Resistant to cold temperatures for reliable performance in various conditions.
- Equipped with a Vent Valve to address sagging, allowing for easy repairs from home.
- Rock solid construction of the saddle clamp for durability.
- User-friendly design with a single bolt clamp and separate tilt adjustment.
- Remote control features a paddle-shaped button for easy and efficient use, requiring minimal force.
There are some considerations though, it is pricey. Then comes the weight. It isn’t lightweight, which can be a major drawback for some people.
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Advantages:
- Cable-Free System
- Seamless Installation
- Excellent Remote System
- Enhanced Performance
Disadvantages:
- Super Pricey
- Very Heavy
- Batteries Need To Be Charged Often
- Doesn’t Support Saddlebags
6. Fox Racing Shox Transfer Performance Elite
Price: MSRP $309
Features
- New features include reduced weight, a fully redesigned saddle clamp, shorter stack height, and an overall shorter length.
- Maintains super-smooth internals from the previous version.
- Smooth internals facilitate fast and easy on-the-trail adjustments.
- Dropping the post requires minimal weight, and the ending thump feels reliable.
The recent updates enhance the overall performance and desirability of the Transfer dropper post. Even the 1x remote lever has undergone some changes. You get to use a high-leveraged, thumb paddle that works like a shifter, the sealed cartridge inside of it ensures smooth action.
Learn how to fix your bike seat from tilting with our expert tips
Advantages:
- Features A Short Stack Height
- Very Easy To Install
- Smooth and Consistent Performance
- Remote Dropper Post Lever Is Fantastic
Disadvantages:
- Comes Without Travel Adjustment
- Height Isn’t Satisfactory
7. Bike Yoke Divine
Price: MSRP $269
Features
- Despite its affordability, it delivers consistent and quality performance with simple hydraulics.
- Easy travel adjustment is a notable and user-friendly feature.
- Features the same auto-refresh mechanism for reduced sponginess and a cool super-slim collar.
- The unique bottom activator design allows twisting away from bottle bosses, offering a different experience compared to previous Bike Yoke dropper posts.
- Seat tubes allow for maximum insertion.
- The Divine is an excellent choice for those seeking reliable performance and unique features at an affordable price.
The auto-refresh mechanism helps maintain consistent performance. You can even reduce the drop to 5mm increments thanks to the spacers. There is one thing that I didn’t like about the Divine dropper post, the remote has to be bought separately.
Advantages:
- Features The Auto-Refresh Mechanism
- Easy Travel Adjustment
- The Bottom Activator Can Be Twisted
Disadvantages:
- Remote Is Sold Separately
8. Brand-X Ascend II
Price: Starts At $57
- 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.
Advantages:
- The Cable Barrel Attachment Is Great
- Near-Perfect Return Speed
Disadvantages:
- Not Best For Wet Surfaces
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.
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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.
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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!
