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Briefly explainedFitting the telescopic support - no witchcraft with our instructions

Stefan Frey

 · 22.07.2024

Want to install a telescopic support in just a few simple steps? We show you how to do it
Photo: Georg Grieshaber
Do you want to fit a new telescopic support and are wondering where to start? If you follow the right steps in the right order, you'll have the dropper post installed in the frame in no time at all. We show you how easy it is to fit the latest models.
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Do you already have a telescopic seat post in your bike and just want to replace it with a new model? Then at least you no longer have to determine the right length of the cable housing. In the best case scenario, the cable will still run smoothly in the outer casing. Then it can simply remain in the frame and you only have to fit the new post and lever and connect both to the cable.

Lucky you: if you continue to use the old outer shell, you only need to connect the support and the remote to the new cable pullPhoto: Georg GrieshaberLucky you: if you continue to use the old outer shell, you only need to connect the support and the remote to the new cable pull

In most cases, however, it is worth replacing the outer shell with the new post. If you install a support with a different length, the installation dimensions of the support will also change and the cable length will no longer fit perfectly. We explain how to proceed in this case in the following steps.

1 Mount remote

Firstly, mount the remote control in the correct position on the handlebars. You will need this in one of the following steps to determine the length of the outer casing.

First step: Attach the remote to the handlebarsPhoto: Georg GrieshaberFirst step: Attach the remote to the handlebars

2 Determine the insertion of the telescopic support

To determine how low the dropper post sits, mount the saddle, slide the post into the frame and mark your seat height with a piece of tape directly above the seat clamp.

The insertion depth of the support is marked with a piece of tapePhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe insertion depth of the support is marked with a piece of tape

Now measure the distance from the bottom of the marking to the lower end of the telescopic support and make a note of the value. Then remove the support from the frame again.

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You will need the insertion length of the support later to shorten the outer shell to the right lengthPhoto: Georg GrieshaberYou will need the insertion length of the support later to shorten the outer shell to the right length

3 Pull in the outer cover for the telescopic support

Guide the outer cover through the frame - if there is no guide in the frame, this step will be a little more complicated and you may have to fish for the cover in the frame.

Without a tension guide in the frame, installing the outer shell can become a game of patiencePhoto: Georg GrieshaberWithout a tension guide in the frame, installing the outer shell can become a game of patience

Fit the front end cap and slide the outer cover into the holder on the handlebar remote. Turn the handlebars to the left and right to ensure that the cable housing is not kinked or stretched.

The best way to determine the right length is without an inner cablePhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe best way to determine the right length is without an inner cablePush the outer cover into the frame so far that it runs tightly but without tension around the head tube when the handlebars are folded inPhoto: Georg GrieshaberPush the outer cover into the frame so far that it runs tightly but without tension around the head tube when the handlebars are folded in

4 Determine cable length

If the length fits, mark the outer sleeve with a piece of tape at the point where it protrudes from the seat tube. Then push the cable housing a little further through the frame from the front and subtract the previously measured insertion length of the post from the marking. Here you also mark the cable with a piece of tape. Now shorten the outer sheath with a cable cutter at the newly marked point.

The protruding outer shell is also marked with tape. For the correct length, the previously measured insertion of the support must be subtractedPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe protruding outer shell is also marked with tape. For the correct length, the previously measured insertion of the support must be subtractedCap the sleeve directly below the second mark, then the length will fit perfectlyPhoto: Georg GrieshaberCap the sleeve directly below the second mark, then the length will fit perfectly

5 Insert train

Place the second end cap on the outer cover, hook the cable into the linkage on the telescopic support and then push the cable through the outer cover until the end cap engages in the holder on the support.

Now you can push the cable pull through the outer casingPhoto: Georg GrieshaberNow you can push the cable pull through the outer casing
With most current supports, the end of the cable is simply hooked onto the lower end of the supportPhoto: Georg GrieshaberWith most current supports, the end of the cable is simply hooked onto the lower end of the support

6 Fitting the telescopic support

Coat the lower part of the support with a little assembly paste (carbon paste for carbon frames) and insert the support into the frame up to the mark.

Carbon paste reduces the clamping forces when the support is mounted in a carbon framePhoto: Georg GrieshaberCarbon paste reduces the clamping forces when the support is mounted in a carbon frame

At the same time, unthread the outer casing from the frame at the head tube, preferably without pulling hard on it. Once the seat post is in the marked position in the frame, you can tighten it with the appropriate torque.

When threading, a sure instinct is required to ensure that the cable sits correctly in the supportPhoto: Georg GrieshaberWhen threading, a sure instinct is required to ensure that the cable sits correctly in the support

7 Clamp train

Thread the loose end of the cable through the handlebar remote and make sure that the end cap sits securely in the mount.

The end cap must also sit properly in the sleeve on the remotePhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe end cap must also sit properly in the sleeve on the remote

The cable can now be clamped via the corresponding screw on the remote.

The train is best clamped to the remote without much tensionPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe train is best clamped to the remote without much tension

8 Tension the cable

Operate the remote several times so that the outer casing and cable can settle a little. Then tighten the cable slightly using the small screw on the remote control. The lever should now have just about no more play. If it is too tight, the support will lower automatically.

Increase the tension until the thumb lever no longer has any playPhoto: Georg GrieshaberIncrease the tension until the thumb lever no longer has any play

Finally, shorten the cable and fit an end cap to the protruding end.

Now shorten the cable and fit an end cap, that's it!Photo: Georg GrieshaberNow shorten the cable and fit an end cap, that's it!

Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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