Released in January 2024, the OneUp V3 Dropper Post is the latest iteration from the Squamish-based brand, and it continues to serve as their flagship dropper offering. It’s available in four diameters, from 27.2mm to 34.9mm and is available in a wide range of travel options from 90mm to 240mm. Each post offers up to 20mm of travel reduction in 10mm increments using internal pins, allowing riders to DIY a fine-tune fit.
I’ve been running the V3 post for over a year now, which has given me plety of time to put it to the test.
For my Specialized Kenevo SL, I opted for the 34.9mm diameter with 120mm of travel. Weighing 471g on my scale, it’s a competitive weight for its size, and you can even shave off an additional 10 grams with OneUp’s titanium bolt upgrade kit. With its short insertion depth and stack height, it’s a perfect match for the Kenevo’s compact seat tube.
OneUp V3 dropper post key specs
- Drop: 90mm / 120mm / 150mm, 180mm / 210mm / 240mm
- Adjustable Travel: Dropper post travel can be reduced by 10mm or 20mm.
- Compressed Stack Height: 30mm (25mm for 34.9)
- Diameters: 30.9 / 31.6 / 34.9 / 27.2mm (90mm & 120mm)
- Weight: 304g to 765g depending on size; 471g as tested
- 27.2 – 90mm or 120mm
- 30.9 – 90mm to 240mm
- 31.6 – 90mm to 240mm
- 34.9 – 90mm to 240mm
- Price: $269.99
- Buy from OneUp Components and Backcountry
Special features
The V3 builds on OneUp’s compact design principles. Its short insertion depth makes it ideal for bikes with tight seat tube clearances, a big plus for modern trail and e-MTB frames that may have a lower link shock. OneUp’s travel adjustment system is impressively easy to work with, and while I considered going with a 150mm post and reducing it to 130mm, the longer lower shaft made me cautious. I didn’t want to risk cable kinks or limited insertion depth on my frame. In the end, 120mm ended up being the “just right” choice for my bike.
The V3 dropper post sees a big change to the internals, switching to a sealed air cartridge. Plus, OneUp added beefier self-lubricating IGUS bushings and a low-friction SKF wiper seal. OneUp claims a 75% reduction in actuation force compared to previous models, plus significant weight savings. On top of that, the stanchions feature more metal pin guides than the V2 dropper that greatly reduce lateral play. Such minimal lateral play makes this dropper feel even more premium.
Installing the OneUp V3 dropper post
Installation was as straightforward as it gets. The V3 slid into my frame effortlessly, and I was able to route the cable through the existing cable housing. I paired the cable with OneUp’s V3 remote, which mounted cleanly to my SRAM Matchmaker clamp with no extra hardware required. The result was a clean, integrated cockpit and while the OneUp remote is optional, it definitely adds a nice finishing touch if you’re chasing that matching component look.
On the trail
The V3 functions smoothly with no creaking. From the very first press of the lever, the dropper makes a satisfying “thud,” a sound that has stayed consistent even after a year of use. On the trail, performance has been smooth and consistent. I have owned Fox, RockShox, PNW, KS, and SDG droppers over the years, and this OneUp V3 dropper isn’t too fast or too slow. It returns with just the right amount of consistent speed a dropper should have. The 34.9mm diameter chassis feels noticeably stiffer than narrower posts I’ve used in the past, giving this V3 a robust, confidence-inspiring feel.
Maintenance and service
As for maintenance, OneUp recommends a full clean and grease service every 100 hours, and a complete overhaul at 300 hours. I’m approaching that mark and haven’t encountered any drop in performance. Servicing is user-friendly, requiring only basic tools, a 14mm wrench, 2mm and 5mm hex keys, a rag, and some suspension grease. Their online guides and how-to videos make the process super approachable.
Share your OneUp V3 dropper post review
While the OneUp V3 has proven itself on the trail, one minor gripe is that the brand doesn’t sell replacement upper or lower tubes. OneUp offers everything else from cartridges, seals, bushings, actuators, bolts, and even travel adjustment pins – which is fantastic. But if you scratch or damage a stanchion or lower tube, you’re out of luck. It would be great to see OneUp offer those parts separately to extend the dropper’s lifespan even further.
Pros
- Low stack height
- Short insertion depth
- Straightforward DIY maintenance
Cons
- Cannot buy replaceable upper stanchions or lowers
Bottom line
After a year of regular riding, the OneUp V3 has left a strong impression. It delivers reliable performance, smooth actuation, and a dialed fit for bikes with tight seat tube constraints, all at a fair price point. Depending on spec, the V3 will retail for $269.99 USD for all sizes, with the optional remote sold separately. If you want to bundle up and save money, you can get their V3 Bundle, which includes the dropper, lever, and cable with cable housing. Many products carry hype around them, but the Squamish-based company has proved that it knows that riders want performance and reliability at a reasonable price point. If you have been thinking about upgrading your current dropper post, the V3 may be a great choice for you.
0 Comments