There are two components that have revolutionized mountain biking like few others: disc brakes and the dropper post. The latter not only provides greater freedom of movement on the trail but also saves you from having to constantly make adjustments and tinker with. We tested the most exciting models to find out which dropper post delivers when it really matters.
Bigger is better – at least when it comes to dropper posts. More travel means greater freedom of movement on the bike, which in turn means comfort and control on the trail. With increasingly shorter seat tubes, modern mountain bikes allow you to run longer droppers even if you don’t have overly-long legs. Many manufacturers picked up on this trend: dropper posts have been getting longer over recent years, with some models now offering an impressive 240 mm of travel. The average travel in this test is 197 mm. Given the vast selection and the growing trend towards electronic dropper posts, it’s high time to test the latest models and find out which dropper post truly stands out from the crowd.
What’s the secret behind a good dropper post?
A good dropper post should work reliably and seamlessly once installed. Key factors include easy installation, minimal maintenance, and smooth, fast extension/drop speeds, along with an ergonomic lever that integrates well with the existing handlebar controls. The lever should operate smoothly yet precisely, allowing you to stop the post in any desired position, even in hectic situations. Many modern droppers also give you the option to adjust the travel individually, which is particularly useful for fine-tuning the maximum travel to your leg length and bike.
The design of the dropper post is equally important: a compact design with a low stack height – the distance from the lower collar of the post to the center of the saddle rails – is essential for maximizing travel. This allows you to use a dropper post with more travel, which is especially beneficial for riders with shorter legs. Additionally, a short insertion depth is crucial too, allowing you to insert the post all the way into the frame, even with short seat tubes.
What types of dropper posts can you get?
Modern dropper posts can be divided into two categories: the classic cable-operated version and the increasingly popular electronic version. The classic design relies on a cable, which is routed through the frame and attached to the base of the seat post. While this version requires a bit more effort during installation and occasional maintenance or cable replacement – especially ride in wet conditions on a regular basis – it’s significantly more affordable and therefore is more common.
Electronic dropper posts, on the other hand, are gaining traction. They make installation extremely simple: just slide the post into the frame, and you’re ready to go. Control is wireless via radio signal with no delay. However, you’ll need to ensure that the dropper receives occasional software updates and that the battery is charged. Conveniently, all wireless models in this test feature a shake-to-wake function, meaning you can simply store your bike in the garage, and the electronic dropper post will enter sleep mode to conserve battery until you move the bike again. Some models, like the FOX Neo, allow this feature to be deactivated via an app to prevent the battery from draining through vibrations, for example when transporting the bike in a car.
The electronic remotes on all wireless models in this test use CR2032 button cells, which are easy to replace and offer long runtimes. This makes electronic dropper posts not only easy to install but also ensures a clean, uncluttered cockpit.
The dropper posts in our test
There is an overwhelming variety of dropper posts available on the market, with different models, travel lengths, and installation dimensions that can be paired with various remotes or special solutions like Blips. For this reason, we’ve selected and thoroughly tested the most relevant models currently available on the market: four electronic models and ten cable-operated variants. Our selection includes options for every budget, with prices ranging from an affordable € 245 to an eye-watering €1,319. For this test, we always chose the longest available version of each model.
Prices are listed without remotes, as you might already have one on your bike or prefer a specific remote. Only the Limotec’s and FSA’s droppers come standard with a remote. With electronic droppers, the remote is included in the price, as it is always specifically designed for the dropper.
Weights are provided with the remote included. For cable-actuated models, the housing (approximately 60 g) was also factored in. However, it’s hard to make a direct weight comparison due to variations in diameters and travel lengths.
Most of the droppers in this test are designed specifically for trail and enduro bikes, whereby the criteria mentioned earlier are particularly important. However, some manufacturers also offer models that are specifically tailored for cross-country or down-country bikes, where minimal weight is the top priority. Examples include the FOX Transfer SL and the Crankbrothers Highline 11, which prioritize lightweight construction but offer less travel.
| Model | Price | Weight including cable and remote | travel | insert length | height | actuation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNW Loam Dropper | € 245 | 763 g | 200 mm | 293 mm | 47 mm | cable |
| BikeYoke Revive 3.0 | € 420 | 783 g | 213 mm | 316 mm | 39 mm | cable |
| OneUp V3 | € 300 | 700 g | 240 mm | 342 mm | 28 mm | cable |
| FOX Transfer Neo Factory | € 1,319 | 860 g | 200 mm | 315 mm | 46 mm | electronic |
| Kind Shock LEV Circuit | € 730 | 776 g | 200 mm | 320 mm | 51 mm | electronic |
| Turnon Bunker | € 273 | 653 g | 190 mm | 312 mm | 35 mm | cable |
| Crankbrothers Highline 11 | € 400 | 626 g | 170 mm | 286 mm | 46 mm | cable |
| SDG Tellis V2 | € 280 | 824 g | 230 mm | 336 mm | 43 mm | cable |
| FOX Transfer Factory 2024 | € 449 | 820 g | 240 mm | 364 mm | 35 mm | cable |
| TranzX EDP01 | € 500 | 875 g | 200 mm | 288 mm | 57 mm | electronic |
| Limotec H1 | € 320 | 886 g | 230 mm | 349 mm | 51 mm | cable |
| RockShox Reverb AXS | € 745 | 755 g | 170 mm | 265 mm | 65 mm | electronic |
| FOX Transfer SL | € 519 | 495 g | 100 mm | 271 mm | 53 mm | cable |
| FSA Flowtron | € 335 | 765 g | 175 mm | 322 mm | 50 mm | cable |
How do dropper posts work?
The basic principle of a dropper post is similar across all models: a shell with guide pins holds the pressurized cartridge inside. When activating the remote, a valve opens, and the pressure in the cartridge pushes the seat post upwards.
The differences lie in the cartridge systems used, which can be divided into two main types:
1. Adjustable air cartridges (hydraulic systems with IFP)
These systems allow you to add or reduce air pressure, enabling you to customize the post’s extension speed and resistance during compression. This is particularly useful if your dropper extends too slowly and needs a simple tuning adjustment. Systems like those from Bunker and BikeYoke forgo an Internal Floating Piston (IFP), which separates the air from the hydraulic oil, reducing the number of seals required. However, this can lead to air and oil mixing, resulting in a spongy feel when weight is applied to the post. Manufacturers developed complex bleeding systems to address this issue for individual dropper posts.
Examples: FOX Transfer, BikeYoke REVIVE 3.0, RockShox Reverb AXS
2. Sealed cartridges
These don’t allow for adjustments. If the cartridge stops working, it must be replaced.
Examples: OneUp V3, Crankbrothers Highline, SDG Tellis V2
A unique solution is the FOX Transfer SL, which is entirely mechanical and doesn’t use pressurized components. However, this design only allows for two fixed positions – fully extended or fully compressed – which might be a deal breaker for some, offering limited flexibility compared to hydraulic systems.
The choice of system depends on your preferences and maintenance requirements: adjustable cartridges for greater customization or sealed systems for simplicity and reliability.
How did we test the dropper posts?
Testing dropper posts is more of a marathon than a sprint, as their performance on the trail is barely noticeable – they don’t directly influence the riding experience during descents. Instead, the key factors are usability, reliability, and durability, which only become apparent through long-term testing.
To provide a realistic assessment, most of the droppers in this test stayed on our bikes for over 10 months, taking various weather conditions into account. For other models, we drew on years of experience, as they often come standard with our test bikes. This allowed us to test countless versions of the same model. An important aspect of our evaluation was observing how performance changed over time and identifying any signs of wear and other issues.
Our test included real-world riding with all its challenges, including regular cleaning using medium-pressure washers and bike cleaners, to assess the durability of each model.
For electronic dropper posts, we also examined battery life. However, this is difficult to compare as many factors, like usage intensity and temperature, have a significant impact. Despite this, we were able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the tested dropper posts and their long-term performance.
Conclusions about the best dropper post
Throughout the testing period, we encountered very few issues with the dropper posts we reviewed. These components have become highly reliable and durable, leaving little room for error when making a purchase. There are still a few small but crucial differences, of course.
What truly matters today are other aspects: maximum drop with minimal insertion depth and low stack height. These factors are crucial for maximizing your bike’s range of motion and your freedom on the trail.
Extension speed and remote ergonomics vary between models, but all tested droppers delivered solid performance. Personal preferences play a significant role here, as individual tastes often dictate what feels best when operating the dropper.
The best dropper post: OneUp V3
The OneUp V3 dropper post meets all the demands of a modern seat post: generous travel, compact installation dimensions, low stack height, and a fair price. It impresses with an ergonomic remote, fast extension speed, and the ability to customize the travel. With lengths ranging from 90 to 240 mm, the OneUp V3 adapts perfectly to any rider and bike. A well-deserved test winner with strong performance and an excellent price-to-performance ratio!
The test field
You can find an overview of this comparison test here: The best dropper post.
All dropper posts in test: BikeYoke REVIVE 3.0 | Crankbrothers Highline 11 | FOX Transfer Factory | FOX Transfer Neo Factory | FOX Transfer SL Factory | FSA Flowtron Dropper Post | Kind Shock LEV Circuit | LIMOTEC H1 | OneUp V3 | PNW Loam Dropper | RockShox Reverb AXS | SDG TELLIS V2 | TranzX EDP01 | Turnon Bunker | Wolf Tooth Resolve rev2
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker
