The SDG Tellis Dropper Post Works Flawlessly [Review]

After several months in my frame, I mounted the SDG Tellis dropper on my partner’s bike where it continues to perform flawlessly.

Editor’s note: Check out a review of the v2 SDG Tellis dropper post.

The variables of affordability and performance rarely overlap in mountain bike components. Typically when a brand does something exceptional, they choose to charge more for their goods. The SDG Tellis dropper post is one of few exceptions to that rule, providing a piece of equipment that performs well at a reasonable price.

SDG was late to enter the dropper post game, and with loads of time to consider other brands’ mistakes they knew that they had to step in with something really good. The fully serviceable SDG Tellis post, with DIY replacement cartridges selling for $44.99, seems designed with budget riders in mind. After riding it for several months I am happy to report that it performs as well as posts nearly twice its price.

SDG Tellis Dropper Post Specs

Travel: 125, 150, or 170mm
Diameters: 30.9, 31.6
Weight: 30.9 x 150mm tested = 520g post, 36g lever
Length: 440mm
Cable clamp: At the lever
Routing: Internal only
Price: $269.99, €179
Available at Amazon and other retailers

SDG Tellis Dropper Post Installation

Installing the SDG Tellis dropper was a breeze, thanks to the fact that the cable head locks into the bottom of the post, and the cable is then clamped in place at the handlebar lever. This cable configuration seems to be taking precedence over the previous system with a finicky piece that had to be precisely attached to the cable end and then latched into the base of the post. From greasing the post to riding it, the install took roughly fifteen minutes to complete. If a racer ever needed to swap posts in the pits between stages, the SDG Tellis wouldn’t burn up much of their snack break.

SDG Tellis Dropper Remote Lever

I really enjoyed the action and overall ergonomics of the SDG Tellis remote lever. It requires very little pressure to activate, and its proprietary left-side underbar location fits well with my cockpit. Unfortunately, I managed to break the lever in a nasty crash and had to swap it out for a spare that I had in the parts box. It was the sort of crash that would have destroyed any lever, and I would say the Tellis lever is more robust than some I have used.

The post uses a familiar 2-bolt adjustable head, with a stack height similar to that of the leading competition.

Dropper Post Performance

Following a full summer of up/downing, the dropper post itself is working flawlessly. With less than a degree of side-to-side wobble at the saddle, the internal key system of the SDG Tellis seems to wear far better than some posts I have dropped.

Its overall action is notably smooth and rapid, functioning similarly to the speed and accuracy of a far more expensive Fox Transfer. I have not had any issues with the post slipping or stalling, and when I lift my bike up by the saddle with the post dropped it stays where I put it.

The return and drop speed is an important element of any dropper, and for folks who race this factor can be a critical one. I have ridden atop several droppers that required me to lean back and put all of my weight on them to get a smooth drop, and they often returned with much hesitancy. When it’s time to sit for a longer and harder pedal during an enduro stage, or when suddenly presented with a tricky section of trail, that hesitation can be maddening. The SDG Tellis dropper has remained smooth and speedy throughout every ride, with none of the sticky characteristics that other posts present.

Dropper Post Service

Like practicing proper daily dental care, I like to tinker with my bike components to keep them running as intended. After performing the 400-hour dropper post service, as recommended by SDG, I was stoked with how easy and informative the service was.

I now know that everything on the inside is clean and lubed, and have a better idea of how it all functions. When handing over my personal cash, I will always opt for components I can learn to work on by myself, and the SDG Tellis handily checks that box.

The post actuator is well protected inside this bright green shroud. The backside of the post is marked with measurements, making it easy to set and reset the height if you share your bike often.

SDG Tellis Dropper Recommendation

I would recommend the SDG Tellis dropper post to any good friend, regardless of their bike budget. It continues to work like new, the lever-action is fantastic, its return speed is spot on, and it’s easily rebuildable. To top it all off, the post sits around the industry-standard weight at 520g, with a short enough stack to satisfy most frames.