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Posts
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I whole-heartedly agree with Greg’s assertion that a dropper is the best upgrade you can make to up the fun factor on your bike, but it sounds like there are still folks out there that don’t “get” why anyone would want a dropper post. I use mine literally dozens – if not hundreds – of times during a ride no matter what kind of trail I’m on, technical or tame. Apart from that, I like to drop my post if descending on a fire road or pavement, just to give my legs a bit of a break. It keeps me feeling fresher throughout the ride. If you gave me the choice between a full suspension with a straight post, or a comparable hard tail with a dropper, I would pick the hard tail – no question.
So, what do you all think? Yay or nay on droppers? Have you tried one? What’s your favorite? If not, why not?
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Dropper all the way! When I purchased a new bike about a month ago, I had two things I wanted no matter what: 1) a dropper, 2) 1x drivetrain. Got both of those, oh yeah and a sweet bike too! (hardtail with a dropper actually, Aaron)
But I think the dropper is a great improvement because of all the reasons Greg said, and what you said as well Aaron. Another time I can think that I use it is any time I stop, whether it’s waiting for another rider, taking a picture, stopping for traffic, etc. It lets me sit down for a minute and be able to put one foot on the ground, and also I find it easier to stand up and get back on the pedals and then pop the dropper back up to sit down.
I’m in no way worried about weight on the bike, but if I was racing XC I think I would still want to run a dropper for the added benefits, even if there is a weight penalty.
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Congrats on the new ride!
And great point about dropping when stopping, I do that all time too especially when commuting via MTB.
Some XC racers are getting onboard with droppers, albeit slowly. Julien Absalon has been spotted using one for World Cup races this year: http://www.bikeradar.com/us/mtb/gear/article/julien-absalon-bike-bmc-fourstroke-01-with-shimano-di2-and-dropper-post-2016-46913/
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Another use for a dropper not mentioned:
I use a KS Lev dropper post, infinite adjustment (like a Specialized Command Post and a few other brands). When I installed it, I raised it enough so that in the ‘full up’ position it’s a bit above my normal riding position. So I ride at ‘normal’ height, drop a bit for corners, drop a lot for downhill, and raise it full up for climbs. Wow! Just that extra inch or so makes a noticeable difference. I actually look forward to climbing now, it’s no longer just the dues to pay for downhill fun 🙂
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Aaron, I think there is definitely a place for it in XC. The article said that he’s running one with shorter travel (65mm) on his race bike compared to training bike (100mm). Even dropping that short amount makes a huge difference, I know when I drop it down it isn’t all the way every single time.
ZipHead, that’s actually an awesome idea! I’m going to try that out tonight and see what it feels like.
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Been riding a Reverb for several months now and really liking it. When I first got it, I kept forgetting I even had it. I had to program my mind to remember to use it. I feel like I have it dialed in pretty good now and love getting it out of the way for downhill section, technical sections, jumps & flow, etc. Been trying to fine-tune how much drop for different situations. In addition to the riding advantages, I also enjoy “dropping when stopping”. Can’t really imagine not having one now.
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@DanFoster for sure! I think his race bike has the carbon KS on it for max weight savings. Even though there will still be a slight weight penalty over a straight post, any thing he can do to try and hang with Nino Schurter in the techy stuff will help.
As the weights come down and technology improves, we’ll see more and more XC racers running them. At least a couple of companies (Shimano and Trek, I believe) have applied for patents on droppers that can be lowered without the need to sit on them. That kind of tech would be awesome for all riders, but I think it’d be particularly of benefit to XC racers.
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