MTB Dropper Seatposts: Types and Considerations

Characteristics of major manufacturers of dropper seatposts for MTB

FOX

FOX, the leading brand of suspension forks for MTB, produces the Transfer dropper seatpost. FOX’s dropper seatpost has a very high reputation for its stability, which has been developed as a suspension manufacturer for a long time, and for its high maintainability.

The lineup includes “Factory” for MTB and “Factory SL (Super Light)” for cross-country and gravel road, each unmarked is a higher grade, and the cosmetic-oriented model is “Performance Elite.

Even the “Factory” model for MTB is extremely lightweight, weighing in the 500g range, so the disadvantage of increased weight caused by the introduction of a dropper post can be kept to a minimum.

Also, the amount of travel available in the lineup can be selected from 50mm to 200mm in increments of about 25mm for each model, so it is a big advantage to be able to choose a dropper seat post that fits the rider’s body.

The price is not cheap, but it is a little higher than the competition. If you are looking for a dropper seat post, this is the first brand you should consider.

ROCKSHOX

ROCKSHOX, the leading brand of suspension forks for MTB along with FOX, offers the “Reverb” series of dropper posts.

As a subsidiary of SRAM, ROCKSHOX offers a lineup of wireless remote dropper posts that use SRAM’s AXS wireless communication technology for MTB, but they are priced higher than the competition.

If you are using SRAM’s AXS electric component, this is the dropper post you want to use.

RACE FACE

RACE FACE, a manufacturer of contact point parts, wheels, and cranks for MTB, also produces dropper seatposts.

The dropper seatposts are available in the TURBINE and Aeffect grades, which are familiar to RACE FACE users, at relatively affordable prices.

We have a lineup of dropper seatposts that offer a good balance between weight and price and are easy to choose from. The Aeffect R in particular is an ideal first dropper seat post.

crankbrothers

Crankbrothers, famous for its binding pedals, produces “Highline” dropper posts. The higher the number, the higher the grade.

The main advantage is that you can purchase a lightweight dropper post at a price that is not too expensive.

BIKE YOKE

German parts manufacturer BIKE YOKE offers a wide range of dropper seatposts, not only for MTB but also for gravel and e-bikes.

They feature a patented hydraulic system with venting function and products for shorter seatpost lengths, including droppers with 213mm travel, which are not available from other manufacturers.

X-FUSION

The “MANIC” is the most cost-effective dropper seatpost produced by Taiwanese manufacturer X-FUSION, with the MANIC for MTB and the MANIC Gravel for gravel.

Brand-X

Ascend” is a dropper post produced by Brand-X, a parts brand under the umbrella of Wiggle, a major British bicycle mail-order company.

The main model is the Ascend (unbranded), and the lineup includes the Ascend CX for cyclocross, the Ascend II with exterior routing, which is rare today, and the XL model with increased travel.

The biggest advantage of Brand-X’s Ascend dropper seatpost is cost - you can get a dropper seatpost with levers for about $50 if you aim for the Wiggle sale period, making it ideal for first-time dropper posts or riders who want to “try it out”.

Comparison of MTB dropper posts from various manufacturers and points to consider when choosing one

Next, let’s compare the dropper posts of each manufacturer we have looked at so far.

FOX would be my first consideration for reliability and balance.

When considering weight, product reliability, and availability of maintenance parts, which are heavy with dropper posts, FOX’s Transfer, a major company, would be the first candidate.

It may be tempting to spend $400 for a seat post, but in the case of a dropper post with a drive part, it is also important to deal with any defects.

With FOX, which has a high market share in suspension forks for MTB, it is easy to ask a pro store to perform maintenance and arrange for maintenance parts, which is a major point.

If you want to use a wireless remote, ROCKSHOX

ROCKSHOX, another leading manufacturer of suspension forks for MTB, is also under the SRAM umbrella, and its lineup features wireless operation, making it a must-have dropper post if you are using SRAM’s AXS.

In addition to ROCKSHOX, Magura’s “Vyron eLECT” is another remote-controlled dropper post, but this one is more reasonably priced. However, considering the reliability of ROCKSHOX as a manufacturer and the fact that it works with AXS, ROCKSHOX would be the first one to consider if you want to use a wireless dropper post, which is a new technology.

If price is important, Brand-X is the best choice

A dropper post is one of the most expensive MTB parts, but Brand-X offers such a dropper post for “about the price of a regular MTB part,” which is a great help for light users.

Considering the actual retail price, Brand-X can be the first choice for those who want to try a dropper post for the time being, as it is in the price range that “if it breaks, you can go for a higher grade such as FOX”.