I never thought they were worth it until I finally got one. Now I won't live without it. I could imagine bike park and gravity only not needing one but where I live and ride it's needed
My bike came with a dropper post and I eventually had it removed and replaced with a standard seat post. I love the simplicity and have not looked back. My bike feels a little lighter and livelier too. One less cable and lever on my handlebar and one less moving part that I would eventually have to get serviced. I found that during the time it was on my bike I barley used it. It was just dead weight and mass. I rarely ever adjust my seat height. I find a height that I like and I leave it. It has not really affected my riding either, even on more challenging trails. It's not that hard for me to maneuver around and over my seat. I get the appeal of dropper posts but they're just not for me. I think they are a little overrated.
Lol. Used to do technical descents with a high mast. It is doable - dropped post is defs faster, more stable and easier to control on rough descents though.
@@RedDaemon69420 completely agree. I used to ride everything seat up because it was a pain to stop. Got a 125mm dropper and love it. Descends are so much better without the seat in the way. Wasn't cheap but so worth it!!!
My take on this is, it all depends on the rider. What are the statistics of the normal people riding on a trail just to get fit and enjoy nature compared to people riding aggressively and doing like the pros does? I’m one of those regular riders and for the very least 12 years of riding here on my local parks, on a hard tail then now fully rigid gravel and fat bike, I’ve seen like probably 1 out of 10 rider using a dropper. I’ve seen riders with dropper and never use it as well only seeing them drop to get on and off the saddle for convenience. So, if you are the same type of rider as the guy from GMBN then get a dropper. But, if your just an ordinary guy, who goes out of and ride 1 or 2 times a week, I guess it fair to say you don’t need a dropper. Btw, I’ve seen people owning the most expensive full sus complete with dropper post running on a flat green trail. So, there are that type of riders too. Some say “the best bike, is the one that you own” with or without a dropper post.
I’d argue “the best bike is the one you own, with the upgrade of a dropper”… I kid, sorta. The thing I love most about my dropper free bike now is the simplicity. The reliability and lack of maintenance. It’s the same reason this bike is also a fully rigid one and a single speed. That being said I’ve owned a high end hard tail with a dropper and there is nothing like it. Once you try it and train yourself to use it you can’t beat it, for any type of riding. Provided you have the money for one, at least.
Would have been nice to see a run with the rigid post at an in between setting. For my local trails I just keep my post a an inch or two lower than proper riding height. I find it gives a good balance between being able to peddle while keeping the seat out of the way for the steeper bits.
One of my local trails is a half mile rock garden / dry riverbed. Before dropper posts were available it was a dangerous descent. I had two nasty accidents riding it on a 2006 Marin Mount Vision. I embedded 3 teeth of the big front ring in my calf and chipped a bone in my elbow. With the dropper it’s far safer and faster to ride. Also I ride a lot of Bridleways with numerous gates. The dropper makes getting on and off so much easier. Best piece of kit since disc brakes.
Back-in-the-day before anything sketchy I stopped and manually lowered my post. I got my share of trouble anyway but damn sorry to hear about your crash.
I recently installed a dropper on my hard tail. What a huge improvement! I can descend significantly faster over rough terrain, as well as corner faster with the seat out of the way. Press the button and I’m climbing in my optimal position. I should have done this long ago.
For a trail of this level, do you "need" to slam it down? There is a time and a place for droppers, but many local trail networks just aren't that steep or technical that you need to get behind the seat. Better test would be to just leave it up.
Rode for many years without one. Fair play, they're great to have but riding seat up never slowed me down on the descents, you can blast down without when used to it.
it's easier with a quick release seatclamp on a "flat" bit of ground I learnt years ago to roll one handed standing up, grip seat with knees reach down undo seatclamp, then you kind-of crouch down to lower seat and tighten seatclamp 👍
I have one on my Fuel EX and am not against using it but haven't really used it in years. I rode for decades before they came along so my riding style is tuned to having a fixed post that you only ever lower in extreme descents like in Southern Utah. So . . . I don't value them the way younger riders do.
Started riding 2 1/2 years ago, I bought a Specialized levo and it came with a dropper post, since then I added a Specialized rockhopper (fixed seat post) had to get a dropper for it. I love the dropper post, best bit of tech yet.
My thing is I honestly consider it a safety feature at this point. If your anything like me, you don't hop off to fix your seat post for a 20 second descent. I didn't have one for 7 years and that how I handled things. I only ever adjusted for a long climb or a long descent. But that meant it was in my way quite a bit for the short descents which could make them a bit sketchy. Nowadays I just drop it out of the way and keep going. Sure I could have done it on the fixed post but I wasn't willing to stop and do it.
Love ya Rich but I’d argue you only barely touched on a very important criteria we all factor in…terrain. In my town we have two big parts we ride. Both are public parks which have a wonderful network of challenging and well maintained singletrack trails. One is on the coast and has flatter but very undulating trails. These trails drop about 100 feet in about 200 yards and then climb another 100 feet in about another 200 yards a dropper is almost necessary to really have any fun with any flow at all. Trust me, I used to ride them long before we even thought of droppers. 10 miles away are our mountains and they consist 2 miles of climbing to gain 600-700 feet before dropping down our great mostly sustained downhill trails. A rigid post with a quick release works fine here.
For those who don't have the money to buy a dropper like me, just set your seat about 1-3 inches lower than the max height you're comfortable with. I find that it gives enough clearance when you stand up and enough height when you want to be efficient climbing 😁 ps. I only advice this for those "downhills" that are not as techy, if it is techy then just slam that seat down and smile and have fun with what you have
As an xc guy I've never once seen someone stop to drop a rigid seatpost. Most situations in xc can be handled without a drop. On the other hand I'm running rigid ss as of late. Have run droppers and loved them too.
From someone who used to be a non-beliver - it is very valuable upgrade in a non-downhill bike. I got a KS eten dropper -an inexpensive (similar price to my pedals) dropper post with 125mm drop and it has revolutionised rides that have any variation of ups and downs for me. Only regret I have is not getting a more expensive one with more drop. Anyone on the fence should give it a try IMO !
Anyone else remember dropping your post for every technical section? Did that for 30+ years until I installed a dropper last year. Stupid easy decision (and not getting bucked off by a seat anymore!)
Really? I just watched highlights last night of xc world cup from last year...not once did I witness a dropped saddle from the people who race for a living. I guess it's just another thing to convince yourself you need, when you really don't. Will save my cash for where its actually required - tires and maintenance.
Agreed with the stability. I lower the seat only just enough that I can easily get behind it in technical sections, yet it doesnt affect pedaling efficiency too bad. That said, I have a dropper, and like it when I stop and start.
@@kel5944 same thing I do - works a treat - just hang off the back. That said I used to daily a tricky downhill single track on my commute from work. Now that I no longer commute I revisited that single track after 2 years and pretty much walked it down all the way. Skill plays a huge part.
Dropper posts are the best invention since wheels I don't know how I rode the trails (especially single track forests) without one.... Last summer I went under a dropped tree no problem I heard a thud turned around my mate was sparked out with a cracked helmet..... To this day he still says I can't believe you got under it and my replies always the same..... Dropper post mate get one
Hard tail with sus post, no dropper, full sus with dropper and I dont bother using it other than getting on the bike, I'm tall though and only ride natural trails, hate bike parks and I certainly couldn't give a toss about being the faster down a section, racing's for closed course not open access trails.
I don't use a dropper. I think i don't need one except in some few situations but one of the things it really dissapoints me is that, today, no one can make a Bunny-Hop or even a Manual without a dropper-post. I really would like to see videos showing how to do it but without this junk. So please GMBN, let's do it. Many of us would appreciate it.
What about dropper posts on single speed MTB? Up or down hill, dropper is down. I only sit on the traverse, usually leave the seat down. What about a dropper post video on SS?
All of my local trails are punchy hills, nothing more than 50-100ft climb or downhill at a time. I haven't moved my seat height in the past ~4 years. All of my buddies rave about their dropper but I don't miss it because I've never used one
@Global Mountain Bike Network You should actually have done a third run, with the solid seatpost kept up, that would have covered all aspects of seatposts - dropper or not. My personal opinion is, a dropper is the first upgrade to do on Your MTB, if it comes without one.
I have had a hardtail for 2 years now, rode the first year without a dropper post and 2nd year with one: I will never change it back. Now I have a full sus with a dropper post, so happy days in the saddle. The "negatives" of a dropper post are nothing compared to the benefits.
I finally upgraded to a bike with a dropper after replacing my 2011 trail bike that didn't come with one. I'm not convinced they're completely necessary but I understand why people like them.
@@tombos8609 yeah I like it it's just unless I'm doing real gnarly trail riding I don't always need it. Though ask me that after forcing me to go back and the answer may change 😂
Just drop your seat manually before descending. Ok, for a race is needed. But I always used my hand and it always worked. Anyways my new bike has come with it so I started using it right now
I know they are worth it, and I'll freely say I just don't want to spend the money. I compromise by lowering my saddle about 2.5cm (1") when I get to the trail. Not fully out of the way, and not exactly optimal for riding in saddle, but that amount is still enough that I can freely move about for weight transfer as needed.
YES!!! As a vertically challenged "fluffy" individual, it allows me to get on/off the bike safely. And of course I use the heck out of it on the trail since they always climb, descend, climb, descend, etc. Even my gravel bike has a 50mm dropper!!!
Same for everyone right? Assuming you have your seat at the optimum pedalling height its pretty high to get over 😁 though i guess in that scenario the BB height is a greater % of your height if you are vertically challenged so maybe I'm wrong and also stupid.
@@skartimusprime4779 I have a 26.5in inseam (short legs, longer torso)...due to longer "reach" I need, I ride a small and basically no bike has "standover clearance" for me. Now when I drop my saddle, I still lean a little to 1 side or tip-toe. Taller people CAN standover their top tube at least.
I got the first Reverb Stealth when it came out and crashed a few months later. The hose snapped at the lever and I had to ride home half a day with the saddle down. This made me throw it out and use normal seatposts for a few years - not the right decision. Droppers are great, just stick to the cable operated models.
I got a trek roscoe for my first real mtn bike so I got to start with a dropper post, 1x drive train, and tubeless ready. No upgrades needed, but considering a 29" wheelset to swap between
I did Moab, UT riding one year no dropper and following with one. Had no problems either way but you can feel the added weight of a dropper. Only a few area where dropper was really nice to have aka large drops.
Lollllll… you trying to show why droppers are needed clearly demonstrated that not a single time you where riding with the seat at the lowest position your butt what interfering with the seatpost high position space.
Bought a bike this winter but was unable to ride till spring. unfortunately the KS dropper post sagged and would not stay up. No warranty left. Bought a Fox dropper for 309 bucks. Put it on and it won’t go all the way up. It sticks. I am going to a fixed seat post to avoid aggravation of mechanical problems.
I started riding without a dropper 30 years ago and survived even without sliding the post down. Fast forward 30 years I do own a dropper and use it. Even though the dropper is useful I still find myself not using it as much as people who started riding with one. You can still ride just as aggressive with or without a dropper and without sliding a solid post down. Just learn to adapt.
It all depends on the level of riding you do . I could not ride as fast, safe or comfortable with a seat high , its just not possible. For some users though, I agree a dropper post may not be a necessity.
Carbon? Titanium mate. Plus anyone running a solid seat post won't be raising or lowering it, they will find a happy medium and leave it there, low enough to drop their rear over the back, but high enough to provide some support when seated. And if they are faffing about, they would get a quick release seat post clamp.
I get so sick of hearing the people who talk about how they can get down any trail with their post up. That's great. But there's a difference between surviving and thriving. You could probably get down the same trail on a fully rigid bike, that doesn't mean it's the best tool for the job.
Considering there are 200+ dollar pedals that are 100 dollars overpriced for aesthetics only I’d rather spend 200+ on something super functional like a dropper
Have a dropper seat post or don’t , it’s your choice. Clearly the host is a fan of dropper seat posts, and is going to try to convince you to be one too. Just say you think everyone should have a dropper seat post,. No one stops and changes the height of their rigid post when the terrain changes, you just deal with it. Also it’s not a solid seat post it’s a rigid seat post. Have a dropper post if you want but you don’t need it.
I was the first one out of a group of 5 or 6 mates, to get a dropper, about 9 years ago. They were all sceptical about the benefits until they saw the difference it made for me and gradually, they all ended up getting one. Difficult to imagine riding without one now.
I guess the more interesting question would be, what are the limits of riding with the post un-dropped? That is to say, can you compensate for inability to get the post out of the way, simply by becoming more mobile on the bike and basically becoming more skilled / athletic?
have this on my giant faith 0 bike as it is my only bike. i use the reverb axs due to seattube limitations. Worth it, more so, if you have a mullet setup
Nobody who rides rigid a seaport stops and drops it...ever. A better test would've been timing a downhill section and then talking about how the bike feels with the seat up on the descents.
Of course you don't need one but the confidence it inspires on ANY sort of downhill action is worth the price of admission.... which means pretty much any mountain bike. Hands down first upgrade! Edit* anyone can manually lower their seat before downhill action but it literally slows down your momentum and takes some of the fun out of it as you transition out of downhill you will then have to stop again and raise your seat every single time up and down.
1. Have you got the spare cash? Never in a million years 2. Do you really need it? No, why would I? 3. Is it gonna make a difference to your riding? Probably not 4. Is using a QR seat post clamp good enough? Absolutely 10/10
1. Have you got the spare cash? If you can afford a mtb, then probably. 2. Do you really need it? Do you really need anything beyond food, water, and shelter? 3. Is it going to make any difference to your riding? If you do any manuals, bunny hops, jumps, or descents it will. 4. Is using a QR seatpost good enough? I guess if you don't mind constantly getting off the bike to make adjustments.
Typical bias video by Gmbn in favour of new tech 😱 Oh I've come to an uphill part oh I've got to stay standing oh no its really hard (stays in gear that's too hard). Let's put my seat up now oh that's better (selects easier gear to carry on) A better comparison would be to just lower the saddle a little compared to optimal peddling position but that wouldn't promote dropper posts. Another thing to break or get serviced yawn
IDK that I'd agree with that (I know GMBN made a video on it). I can always lower and raise the seat on both bikes. I can't add rear sus to a hardtail. Rear sus opens up a lot more aggressive terrain for the average rider. A dropper is awesome but it ultimately just makes an action quicker and easier.
@@dblevins343 ive just gone from a 120mm hardtail to a 160 fullsus and its a lot easier doing things on a full sus but i rode bike parks on my hardtail so
@@gustavsutherland2000 I'm not saying a hartail isn't capable. I rode one for 7 years and didn't replace it for a long time because I didn't think I needed too. I'm just saying a full sus is a more substantial upgrade than a dropper. Especially at bike parks. A seat post is annoying but workable. The full sus is truly a ge changer. I didn't have either until I got the bike I ride now and between the two the thing I notice more is the suspension. I use the dropper a ton but I could go without it.
If I had to choose between a fancy full-squish with a regular seatpost and a fully rigid MTB with a dropper, and that could be my only MTB, I'd go with the rigid w/dropper without a second thought. I even run a 100mm dropper on my gravel bike for getting loose off-road, with the added benefit of getting Extra Aero on the road (marginal gainzzz, haha).
For XC in the countryside I think there's no need, I find my Redshift suspension seat post more beneficial on the hardtail. I'm used to it and confident going downhill on the red runs, which I rarely go to so a dropper is not worth it for me.
Dropper post is single most important and priority number one upgrade when improving entry level bike. As long as the dropper does not cost close to as much as a bike you want to put it on, it is worth every penny. I ride weavy trails with lots of ups and downs where manual seat post adjustment is not a plausible option. When I upgraded my Ghost Lector HT with a dropper, my ride enjoyment skyrocketed. It was almost traumatic when my dropper died and I had to switch back to solid post.
After riding my HT today I got home and thought I defo need a dropper! Only trouble is could only afford a budget at around £150 so not sure how good these actually are or what problems they have over more expensive ones?
I have a dropper on my Oiz and it's more than worth it for making it easier to load the bike into my trunk and know that when I take it out the saddle comes right back to the pedaling height with no fuss even if I don't use it that often on the trail
I feel like of all the pro dropper comments, the "easier to get it in the car" might be the most compelling. I'm returning to mtn biking after a 2 decade hiatus. I've never heard of droppers until a few days ago. I have never, on hundreds of miles of Northern California trail rides, stopped to adjust my post. I just went out and had fun with it and don't think I'd ride any differently today; if anything less aggressive downhills at an older age.
The fact that pretty much every xc pro is using a dropper, whether on a full sus or a hard tail, pretty tells you that they’re here to stay and well worth the weight penalty.
And that they are being pushed by manufactures and sponsors. Kool-Aid drinking hype for XC/Trail grinders. Park guys, I get it. Other wise the weight penalty is just stupid.
I can see the argument for not having a dropper if you are a park only rider, but most of us are trail riders and a dropper is absolutely worth the weight and cost. To say that a dropper adds enough weight to make the bike less "snappy" is a pretty laughable statement as well.
I don't think I need it but came on the emtb fox transfer I'll give it a try but 1.6 to 2in seems to be all I need of it up to be at my ride hight basically what yours is set at now lowered! I'm 5.10 with shoes on on a large 2024 cube stereo 160 action team 27.5in wheels I can hardly touch the ground with my feet as it is lowered but the bikes a great fit feel it's abit shorter than I'd like just a tad but if went xl it would then be the uglier frame! As they all look in the XLs the top downtubes always look off n outta place lol
iv got one on my new bike, iv only ridden it about 5 times but iv never felt the need to drop the seat, maybe because it only been at drumlanrig castle which doesnt have the biggest of drops? lol
Unless your bike comes with a dropper post, in my opinion it's a pointless upgrade. Standard seat posts can be fitted with a quick release clamp. It works no problem while riding. Save the cash and upgrade other parts instead
Waste of money for me. Had fox transfer as stock on my Spark... Now I run carbon seatpost + selle slr carbonio = 275gr. Dropper itself weights around 500gr.
For a begginer getting into mtb? Absolutely not. That way they'll never properly learn to maneuver their body around the bike. I see it all the time, huuuge majority of people that start on big bikes with all the fancy gear end up having mediocre technical abilities at best. Even after years of riding. And you can see it in their style - the "let my bike do the work while I'm holding on for dear life".
No brilliant discoveries, comments and opinion. 10 km where you have constant 5km ascent and then 5km constant descent dropper not needed, you can set and fasten manually to needed position. When going to track, trial where shorter and steeper ascends and descents are one after the other this will be more comfortable to change the height. I personally have it and use it.
I ride light recreation and commuting and love my fixed seat post. That extra 300 grams for a dropper post is the weight of a set of pedals. On a steep city street, I know what I prefer. I think downhill guys need them but not necessarily everyone else.
There is no NEED for a dropper. It's an useful tool but not strictly necessary for mountain biking, it mostly depends on your riding style/technique and terrain.
I can't afford a carbon bike, there probably isn't even one able to handle my weight xD the weight increase of a dropper posts is so insignificant for me. I don't have a bike at the moment, the one I intend on getting comes with a dropper post and the cable goes through the frame so I don't see any downsides other than the cost... but the entire bike has a cost issue 😂
Depends on location and trails+riding style. With rolling hills I love a dropper. Simple mountains where you ride up and bomb down then it's not needed.
Night and day my dropper post broke this month @bbw and I fitted a standard post just to get me round but even at bbw it was a pain it could have been easier with a qr clamp but I forgot just how much I use my dropper
