The Lab #030: MTB parts and equipment long term reviews

Our global test team has been pushing products to the very limit on the world’s toughest trails. In The Lab, durability is rewarded and weaknesses have nowhere to hide. This time, we tested the Bontrager Drop Line seatpost, the HT Components ME05 pedals, the Öhlins RXF 36 Air fork and the Sweet Protection Delirious Jacket and Mudride Shorts.

Bontrager Drop Line

We’d love to be able to confirm the Bontrager Drop Line’s refrain of ‘it just works’ with a hearty fist pump but unfortunately we’re not convinced. For the past season we’ve been riding the 125 mm model to mixed reviews. Thanks to the really simple cable actuation, the post is really easy to set up, tension when necessary, and when taking out the seatpost. They’ve gone for an under-bar-mounted lever that works superbly. There’s no option to set the speed of the drop or return, but you can use the lever to dosage it. It drops on cue but the return takes longer than many of its competitors. A further bonus come from how the Drop Line locks into position so that even when your post is dropped you can hang the bike by its saddle – practical!

So far, so unobtrusive, right? Exactly how a good dropper should be. Unfortunately this peaceful lull ends once you hit the trails where the post and its setup gets rowdy and even makes a racket on the otherwise smooth-operating Fuel EX test bike. In terms of durability there are question marks too, with the post showing obvious signs of friction while the black coating looks tired. It’s likely due more than just a service, although fortunately it’s well designed so that servicing is brilliantly simple and can be done easily at home.

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