Bsssst-bsssst! A quick press of the button followed by a whirring sound and the support extends as if by magic. Tangled cables or hydraulic lines? Not a chance. The electronic age is already in full swing and does not stop at the dropper post. With the Vyron, Magura is launching the first remote-controlled dropper post on the market. A logical addition to the existing eLECT electronic suspension. THE celebrated innovation at the last Eurobike.
In addition to Magura's ANT+-based Vyron, nine other dropper seatposts between € 199 and € 499.50 took part in our test. The two-class society within the test group is striking. Three seatposts are around 200 euros and the remaining seven are between 400 and 500 euros. Price-conscious bikers will find what they are looking for with XLC, Giant and the Fox DOSS, which has remained unchanged for years and is therefore heavily discounted. For the rest of the field, you have to dig much deeper into your pockets. Magura, the innovation leader, is even less expensive at 400 euros.
You can find these lowerable seat posts in the test:
- 9Point8 Fall Line
- Easton Haven
- Fox DOSS
- Giant Contact SL Switch (BIKE tip: price/performance)
- Kindshock LEV Integra
- Magura Vyron
- Rock Shox Reverb Stealth
- Thomson Elite
- X-Fusion Hilo Strate
- XLC ALL MTN
In addition to absolutely unique features, the test field also offers many similarities. All manufacturers offer a diameter of 30.9 and 31.6 millimetres (except Giant). If you are looking for a thin 27.2 mm seatpost, you will find it at Kindshock and Thomson. Another common feature is the trend towards stepless adjustment. With the exception of the mechanically locking three-position Fox, the rest of the field is based on hydraulic adjustment without defined positions. Both systems offer advantages and disadvantages and are more or less popular depending on the rider's preference. In addition to stepless adjustment, there is also a trend towards more travel. Seven of the tested supports already offer an adjustment range of 150 millimetres. A real advantage in demanding terrain to get the saddle out of the way and thus more freedom to shift your body weight. The only disadvantage: the longer installation length of the seatpost. Not every biker is able to ride a post with this much travel. Leg length and seat tube length of the bike are decisive. To check which length fits, the minimum and maximum insertion depth is given in the test letter in addition to the post length (lower edge to the seat clamp when extended). This allows you to easily determine whether the desired seat post will fit your bike.
There is also broad agreement on the control of the dropper post. With the exception of Fox and, of course, Magura, all the dropper posts in the test are controlled from below in the seat tube. The prerequisite for this is the preparation of the frame. A detail that most modern frames have. After all, if a cable runs into the seat tube, it has to come out somewhere. If the frame is not prepared for internal routing, you should opt for a dropper post with external routing. In addition to Fox and Magura, the Giant, which can be converted without additional parts, would be an alternative. Tinkerers who absolutely want to install internal routing and are no longer dependent on the manufacturer's warranty for their old frame can also drill out an existing bottle cage thread in the down tube for the cable outlet. This at least avoids having to drill an additional hole in the frame.
The Magura Vyron plays its wireless trump card when it comes to installation, which is also included in the assessment. It is compatible with any frame and can be fitted to the bike as quickly as a normal seatpost. This makes it perfect for use on a second bike thanks to its quick changeover. Installation is more complicated with the Rock Shox Reverb, which is the only dropper post with hydraulic control. When shortening the line, it may be necessary to bleed the system afterwards. On the other hand, the hydraulic line hardly wears out and guarantees a constant hand force on the lever even over months. The rest of the field is controlled via a Bowden cable. Ideally, this can be unhooked from the post without tools or at least without major effort. With Fox, Rock Shox and X-Fusion, you think twice about whether you really want to remove the post from the bike.
Last but not least, the weight also accounts for 20 per cent of the final score. However, 587 to 732 grams still leave room for manoeuvre to make the advantages more palatable to cross-country and marathon riders.
Conclusion Peter Nilges, BIKE test editor:
The wireless Vyron from Magura is currently the biggest innovation on the dropper post market. Easy installation and the absence of any cables speak in favour of the smart system. However, as Magura uses existing components (eLECT), there are also limits. The Vyron works with a time delay and relatively slowly. In addition, the control button could be more pronounced and therefore easier to find. This is a no-go for anyone who wants to adjust the saddle without time pressure. The new 9Point8, which is built under licence by Easton and Raceface, made the best impression among the conventional seatposts. Giant offers the best price/performance ratio.
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IN FOCUS
Most modern dropper posts are hinged from below and require frames that are designed for internal cable routing. Installation varies depending on the manufacturer. Due to the hydraulic lever, cable adjustment is particularly complex with Rock Shox.
Favourable alternatives and accessories
Orbea Digit: Orbea has introduced a lightweight and affordable alternative to the classic Tele seatpost with the 350 gram Digit seatpost, which is available in 31.6 mm and 400 mm lengths. With the Digit, the saddle height can be manually adjusted within a pre-defined range using an anti-twist guide. Simple and effective. The special quick release, which completely releases the seatpost, is also included.
Vecnum reducing sleeve: If the seatpost is too small for the seat tube, a reduction sleeve ensures the correct fit. Particularly thin-walled sleeves that compensate for the difference from 30.9 to 31.6 mm are available here: www.vecnum.com
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9POINT8 FALL LINE
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Price 499,50 Euro
Info www.9point8.ca
Weight/lift 608 g/150 mm
Diameter/offset 30.9; 31.6 mm/0; 25 mm
Length/insertion depth 440 mm/110-230 mm
System/adjustment hydraulic/stepless
Weight restriction none
Test standard none
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 7 out of 10 points
Function 10 out of 10 points
Conclusion The expensive support from Canada works quickly and reliably. Thanks to the additional brake inside, it also has little play and holds securely in any position. The lever is very universal, but sticks out a little from the handlebars. Assembly is time-consuming.
BIKE-JUDGEMENT* VERY GOOD
EASTON HEAVEN
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Price 479,90 Euro
Info www.eastoncycling.com
Weight/lift 591g/ 150 mm
Diameter/offset 30.9; 31.6 mm/0 mm
Length/insertion depth 440 mm/85-230 mm
System/adjustment hydraulic/stepless
Weight restriction none
Test standard ISO4210-9:2014
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 7 out of 10 points
Function 10 out of 10 points
Conclusion Easton and Race Face utilise the technology of the 9Point8 and combine it with their own post head and lever. Although the Easton lever is less universal, it is more compact and easier to reach. Shortcoming: The seat clamp bolts eat into the aluminium.
BIKE JUDGEMENT* SUPER
FOX DOSS
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Price 199 Euro
Info www.foxracingshox.de
Weight/lift 645 g/127 mm
Diameter/offset 30.9; 31.6 mm/0 mm
Length/insertion depth 380 mm/100-192 mm
System/adjustment mechanical/three-stage
Weight restriction none
Test standard none
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 4 out of 10 points
Function 7 out of 10 points
Conclusion xx
BIKE JUDGEMENT* GOOD
GIANT CONTACT SL SWITCH
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Price 229,90 Euro
Info www.giant-bicycles.de
Weight/lift 666 g/150 mm
Diameter/offset 30.9 mm/0 mm
Length/insertion depth 440 mm/100-240 mm
System/adjustment hydraulic/stepless
Weight restriction none
Test standard none
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 9 out of 10 points
Function 6 out of 10 points
Conclusion The Contact SL Switch is the only one in the test that can be ridden with external and internal linkage without additional parts. The reasonably priced seatpost also impresses with its smooth operation and ergonomic lever. Vertical play can lead to rattling in certain situations.
BIKE-JUDGEMENT* VERY GOOD
KINDSHOCK LEV INTEGRA
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Price 419 Euro
Info www.kssuspension.com
Weight/lift 504 g/150 mm
Diameter/offset 27.2; 30.9 ;31.6, 34.9 mm/0 mm
Length/insertion depth 410 mm/100-210 mm
System/adjustment hydraulic/stepless
Weight restriction 90 kg
Test standard EN MTB
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 10 out of 10 points
Function 3 out of 10 points
Conclusion The Kindshock scores with very low operating forces both on the ergonomic lever and when lowering. The support is also available in four diameters. The limitation to a rider weight of 90 kg is restrictive. Often gets stuck when lowered.
BIKE-JUDGEMENT* VERY GOOD
MAGURA VYRON
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Price 400 Euro
Info www.magura.de
Weight/lift 592 g/150 mm
Diameter/offset 30.9, 31.6 mm/+2.5 mm
Length/insertion depth 445 mm/120-238 mm
System/adjustment Hydraulic/stepless via radio
Weight restriction 120 kg
Test standard ISO 4210-9:2014, 4.5.2 for MTB
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 2 out of 10 points
Function 3 out of 10 points
Conclusion Instead of a tangle of wires in the frame, the innovative Vyron transmits the up and down command wirelessly via Ant+. This works reliably, but is too slow overall. When the button is pressed, it takes a while for the servomotor to regulate the valve. The control button is not very well defined.
BIKE-JUDGEMENT* VERY GOOD
ROCK SHOX REVERB STEALTH
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Price 491 Euro
Info www.sram.com
Weight/lift 620 g/150 mm
Diameter/offset 30.9; 31.6 mm/0 mm
Length/insertion depth 430 mm/90-210 mm
System/adjustment hydraulic/stepless
Weight restriction none
Test standard ISO 4210
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 5 out of 10 points
Function 8 out of 10 points
Conclusion The Reverb with hydraulic X-Loc lever is the most widely used dropper post. It requires medium manual force and works precisely with adjustable speed. The wide clamp makes positioning difficult with non-Sram brakes. Complex assembly.
BIKE-JUDGEMENT* VERY GOOD
THOMSON ELITE
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Price 439 Euro
Info www.bikethomson.com
Weight/lift 654 g/125 mm
Diameter/offset 27.2; 30.9; 31.6 mm/2.5 mm
Length/insertion depth 400 mm/100-205 mm
System/adjustment hydraulic/stepless
Weight restriction 110 kg
Test standard EN MTB
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 6 out of 10 points
Function 7 out of 10 points
Conclusion The Thomson impresses with its high-quality workmanship without saddle play, but loses valuable points due to the stiff and therefore undefined lever. Unfortunately, the Thomson is only available with 125 millimetres of travel. The extension speed is quite slow.
BIKE JUDGEMENT* GOOD
X-FUSION HILO STRATE
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Price 379 Euro
Info www.xfusionshox.com
Weight/lift 587 g/150 mm
Diameter/offset 30.9; 31.6 mm/0 mm
Length/insertion depth 445 mm/100-224 mm
System/adjustment hydraulic/stepless
Weight restriction none
Test standard none
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 7 out of 10 points
Function 1 out of 10 points
Conclusion At 587 grams, the X-Fusion weighs the least. The long joystick lever triggers in all directions, but works somewhat undefined. The biggest drawback is the slow extension speed. It is not possible to lift the bike when the saddle is low.
BIKE JUDGEMENT* GOOD
XLC ALL MTN
MANUFACTURER INFORMATION
Price 199 Euro
Info www.xlc-parts.de
Weight/lift 732 g/120 mm
Diameter/offset 30.9; 31.6 mm/2.5 mm
Length/insertion depth 385 mm/90-200 mm
System/adjustment hydraulic/stepless
Weight restriction 110 kg
Test standard EN MTB
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 2 out of 10 points
Function 6 out of 10 points
Conclusion Together with the Fox, the XLC dropper post costs the least, but weighs the most by far. A lot of force or a weight of over 75 kilos is required to lower the post completely. The lever also requires a lot of manual force. Only with 120 mm stroke.
BIKE JUDGEMENT* SATISFACTORY
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