Anyone who sinks the prop before setting off is showing weakness! At least that was the case until a few years ago. Back then, it was still good form for thoroughbred racers to replace the seat quick-release with a clamp with an Allen screw - today, even Julien Absalon rides with a telescopic post in the Cross-Country World Cup. Times are changing. Fortunately! The dropper post is now one of the biggest innovations of recent years and is almost a must-have for every mountain biker: for example, more than two thirds of BIKE readers want to opt for a model with a dropper post the next time they buy a bike.
You can find these telescopic supports in the test:
- 9Point8 Fall Line
- BikeYoke Revive 160
- Crankbrothers Highline
- Fox Transfer (Factory Series) (BIKE-TIP: Test winner)
- KindShock Lev Integra
- Magura Vyron eLect
- Pro Koryak (BIKE TIP: Price/performance)
- Race Face Turbine Dropper
- RockShox Reverb Stealth
- Yep Components Uptimiser 2.0
A lot has changed since the first telescopic seatpost (Maverick Speedball 2004). Thanks to ergonomically well-shaped handlebar levers, you no longer have to take your hand off the control centre to lower the saddle. And internal cable routing through the seat tube to link the seatpost is also standard in 2017. However, if you want to retrofit a dropper post in a frame not designed for it, you will still find plenty of choice: Fox, Kindshock, Rockshox or Yep Components also still offer posts with external linkage. And Magura's Vyron even manages without any cables thanks to its wireless remote control, which makes installation even easier. As demand has grown, so has the field of competitors. The Rockshox Reverb has established itself as the undisputed top dog in recent years. However, even though the Reverb has been given a new inner life, the air for the slim American is getting thinner. Although the new Reverb works significantly faster than its predecessor, its push lever is inferior to the trigger levers of most competitors: it is more difficult to operate and not as easy to reach with your fingers. With the new Reverb, the Rockshox developers want to have focussed primarily on greater durability. For all their popularity, dropper posts have a reputation for being very prone to failure. They often develop excessive play, sag a few millimetres as soon as you sit on them, or can no longer be locked at all. A common reason for failure is that the internal cartridge has deflated and needs to be serviced by the manufacturer. The German-Taiwanese manufacturer Bikeyoke has found an effective solution to this problem: A skilful quick release of air from the cartridge using an Allen key eliminates the need for servicing by the manufacturer.
All the seatposts in our test field are infinitely adjustable, and with the exception of Pro (120 mm), all manufacturers also offer long-stroke models with 150 millimetres. 9Point8, Rockshox, Kindshock and Bikeyoke even offer seatposts with 160 to 200 millimetres of travel. In terms of weight, all the seatposts are close to the 600 gram mark. This is undoubtedly a disadvantage for touring and enduro bikers, which is cancelled out by the many advantages. Of course, some racers will still prefer to reach for the Allen key.
CONCLUSION by Ludwig Döhl BIKE tester:
The good news is that all telescopic stabilisers function at a high level. The biggest differences are in lever ergonomics and operating force. Fox and Bikeyoke secure the most points. Rockshox loses its supremacy on the market. Pro convinces with good value for money.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 2/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Clever details on our test models:
THE TEST RESULTS
9Point8 Fall Line
PRICE 599 Euro
Info www.9point8.ca
Weight / stroke 644 g / 75-200; 175 mm
Diameter 30,9 / 31.6 mm
Length / insertion depth 500 mm / 145-265 mm
System / Adjustment mechanical / stepless
Weight restriction 115 kg
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 8 out of 10 points
Function 9 out of 10 points
Assembly 3 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: Thanks to the mechanical brake, the support from Canada has hardly any saddle play. A damping system allows the saddle to stop gently at the upper stop when extended. The lever is super universal, but requires a little more force to operate and stands far away from the handlebars. The biggest drawback: mounting is very complicated. Available with a stroke of up to 200 millimetres.
BIKE judgement* VERY GOOD / 73 points
BIKEYOKE Revive 160
PRICE 369 Euro
Info www.bikeyoke.com
Weight / stroke 30,9 / 31.6 mm
Length / insertion depth 435 mm / 100-230 mm
System / Adjustment hydraulic / stepless
Weight restriction 115 kg
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 9 out of 10 points
Function 9 out of 10 points
Assembly 8 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: The trigger lever can be combined with both Shimano and Sram brakes using an adapter. If the saddle is loaded, the lever has an increased breakaway force. Lever ergonomics and function are impeccable. The low head height also makes the Revive interesting for smaller riders. Clever detail: A quick bleed of the cartridge simplifies maintenance.
BIKE judgement* SUPER / 77 points
CRANKBROTHERS Highline
PRICE 350 Euro
Info www.crankbrothers.com
Weight / stroke 639 g / 11; 125; 160 mm
Diameter 30,9 / 31.6 mm
Length / insertion depth 400 mm / 100-220 mm
System / adjustment hydraulic / stepless
Weight restriction none
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 9 out of 10 points
Function 8 out of 10 points
Assembly 7 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION: The lever of the new Highline seatpost is universally adjustable thanks to the ball head adjustment and is therefore very easy to reach. However, the pressure point is rather undefined. The extension speed is somewhat slow and cannot be adjusted due to the closed cartridge. The post has little saddle play and can be removed without tools.
BIKE judgement* VERY GOOD / 70 points
FOX Transfer (Factory Series)
PRICE 448 Euro
Info www.ridefox.com
Weight / stroke 598 g / 100; 125; 150 mm
Diameter 30,9 / 31.6 mm
Length / insertion depth 405 mm / 100-220 mm
System / adjustment hydraulic / stepless
Weight restriction none
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 10 out of 10 points
Function 10 out of 10 points
Assembly 8 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: The new transfer leaves nothing to be desired. The lever presses smoothly and the extension speed is perfect. A clicking sound lets you know when the saddle has reached its final position. With the levers, you have the choice between a trigger or a more compact version for double riders. Both levers have some play.
BIKE judgement* SUPER / 82 points
KINDSHOCK Lev Integra
PRICE 369 Euro
Info www.kssuspension.com
Weight / stroke 606 g / 65-175; 175 mm
Diameter 27,2/ 30,9 / 31.6 mm
Length / insertion depth 415 mm/ 100-210 mm
System / Adjustment hydraulic / stepless
Weight restriction 90 kg
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 9 out of 10 points
Function 8 out of 10 points
Assembly 8 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: Measured by the 175 millimetre stroke, the Lev is particularly light. The compact lever can even be mounted between the handlebar grip and brake lever and requires little operating force. Our test model had no caliper play whatsoever and functioned inconspicuously. Also available for 27.2 millimetre diameters in strokes of 65 and 100 millimetres.
BIKE judgement* SUPER / 76 points
MAGURA Vyron eLect
PRICE 400 Euro
Info www.magura.com
Weight / stroke 611 g / 150 mm
Diameter 30,9 / 31.6 mm
Length / insertion depth 445 mm / 120-235 mm
System / Adjustment hydraulic / stepless
Weight restriction 120 kg
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 7 out of 10 points
Function 6 out of 10 points
Assembly 10 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: The Vyron transmits the signal to open the hydraulics by radio. Without cables, it is ideal for bikes without cable routing. Thanks to a new cover, the button for actuation is sufficiently large and well defined. The support works reliably, but takes a very long time for the motor to regulate the corresponding valve after the button is pressed.
BIKE judgement* VERY GOOD / 70 points
PRO Koryak
PRICE 220 Euro
Info www.pro-bikegear.com
Weight / stroke 625 g / 120 mm
Diameter 30.9 / 31.6 mm
Length / insertion depth 380 mm / 100-190 mm
System / Adjustment mechanical / stepless
Weight restriction none
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 9 out of 10 points
Function 9 out of 10 points
Assembly 7 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION: In reality, only 116 millimetres of the stated 120 millimetres of travel remain. However, this is still enough for small or experienced riders. The operating forces on the lever are low, but the mechanical adjustment is not quite as smooth as with the other supports. For 220 euros, the Koryak is a good alternative.
BIKE judgement* VERY GOOD / 73 points
RACE FACE Turbine Dropper
PRICE 399 Euro
Info www.raceface.com
Weight / stroke 606 g / 100; 125; 150 mm
Diameter 30,9 / 31.6 mm
Length / insertion depth 440 mm / 85-230 mm
System / adjustment mechanical / stepless
Weight restriction none
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 8 out of 10 points
Function 9 out of 10 points
Assembly 3 out of 10 points
CONCLUSION: Apart from the head and lever, the turbine is identical to the 9Point8, but is significantly cheaper due to being manufactured in Asia. Instead of the specified 150 millimetre stroke, we only measured 145 millimetres. If you can't manage with the large original rocker arm, you can retrofit a trigger lever (green) for single shifting. Complicated assembly.
BIKE judgement* VERY GOOD / 71 points
ROCKSHOX Reverb Stealth
PRICE 514 Euro
Info www.sram.com
Weight / stroke 645 g / 100-170; 170 mm
Diameter 30,9 / 31.6 mm
Length / insertion depth 475 mm / 80-230 mm
System / adjustment hydraulic / stepless
Weight restriction none
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 10 out of 10 points
Function 10 out of 10 points
Assembly 10 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: The new version of the Reverb can only be recognised by the golden Rockshox logo on the head of the post. The biggest difference to its predecessor is the inner workings, which allow it to extend much faster. Despite the hydraulic cable, the operating forces of the lever are higher than those of some competitors. Perfectly compatible with Sram brakes. Available with a stroke of up to 170 millimetres.
BIKE judgement* VERY GOOD / 70 points
YEP COMPONENTS Uptimiser 2.0
PRICE 380 Euro
Info www.yepcomponents.com
Weight / stroke 618 g / 100; 125, 155 mm
Diameter 30,9 / 31.6 mm
Length / insertion depth 435 mm / 90-120 mm
System / Adjustment hydraulic / stepless
Weight restriction 100 kg
PRACTICAL TEST
Ease of use 7 out of 10 points
Function 6 out of 10 points
Assembly 7 out of 10 points
CONCLUSIONS: The lever of the uptimiser can be moved in all directions like a joystick, but it is not very ergonomic and the pressure is somewhat undefined. In addition, the coating on the lever wears off after a short time (see details). The actual support works well, but only has a slight locking mechanism when retracted. Many colour options available.
BIKE judgement* GOOD / 68 points
*The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (100-76 P.), very good (75-70 P.), good (69-60 P.), satisfactory (59-50 P.), with weaknesses (49-40 P.), unsatisfactory (39-0 P.)
