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Like most manufacturers, Crankbrothers always supplies the Highline dropper posts without a remote. This is available separately for 69.99 euros. The scope of delivery itself is straightforward. The box only contains the post and mounting materials such as cable housing and mounting paste. Instructions can only be found on the homepage. Unfortunately, there is no direct link or QR code printed on the packaging.
Fitting the Crankbrothers Highline 7 telescopic post
Unfortunately, Crankbrothers does not include a user manual with its Highline. You have to download them from the website. The installation is only explained here using small pictures, which is why you have to think carefully in order not to make any mistakes. Alternatively, you can also find a short video on the website that explains the installation of the support more clearly.
Once the right length for the cable has been found, connecting the support and lever is very easy. As with many other posts, the cable of the Highline is simply attached to the post without any additional components and then fixed in the remote. The only small point of criticism is the 2 mm grub screw on the handlebar lever, as it can wear out quickly. Otherwise, there is nothing to criticise here.
Mounting the saddle is also extremely easy thanks to the cleverly designed mount. The upper clamping shell can be opened by unhooking the rear screw. You can then simply slide the saddle on and fix it to the seat post.
How does the telescopic support get onto the bike? It's actually quite simple. With our step-by-step guide the installation of the lowerable seat post is no problem.
Ease of use & function of the Crankbrothers Vario seatpost
The remote with its special ball head is unique on the market and cannot be found on any other dropper post. The Crankbrothers Highline therefore offers plenty of room for manoeuvre to position the thumb lever in any desired direction. Everyone is guaranteed to find a suitable position. Even if fixing it in the final position is a little uncomfortable - the screw for this is located at the bottom on the back - the Crankbrothers remote is probably one of the best levers for dropper posts. The operating force is low and the lever travel is pleasantly short. One minor criticism: the thumb lever with its non-slip rubber coating is slightly wobbly in its mounting.
There is also little to criticise in terms of function. The Highline runs smoothly and easily through the stroke. Some may find the extension speed a little slow, but the Highline is not yet one of the slowest supports on the market. We could not detect any lateral or vertical play on our support. Only the locking mechanism is weak, which is why the Highline should not be pulled up by the saddle. Otherwise air can quickly get into the system.
Price & Info - Crankbrothers Highline telescopic post
- Price 299.99 / 69.99 euros (support / remote) >> e.g. available here
- Weight¹ 587 / 45 g (support / ready to ride)
- Stroke 100/ 125/ 150/ 170/ 200 mm (tested)
- Diameter 30,9/ 31.6 mm (tested)
- Length / insertion depth¹ 528 / 123 - 285 mm
- Stack height¹ 47 mm
- Scope of delivery Support; mounting paste; remote available separately
- Special features Remote with ball head; simple saddle clamp
Conclusion & evaluation
With the Highline 7, Crankbrothers delivers a solid, unobtrusive dropper post without any additional features. It runs smoothly and easily through the stroke, but only extends very slowly. Adjustment via the air pressure is not possible. The extensively adjustable lever with its ball head and non-slip rubber coating as well as low operating force and short lever travel are top features. Deductions are made for the weight, the poor locking mechanism when lowered and the lack of instructions.
¹BIKE measured values. Weight: telescopic seat post / ready to ride: seat post, remote, 1.5 m outer shell, cable pull ²The BIKE grade is independent of price. The BIKE rating is based on the school grading system with grades 1 to 5.
Stefan Frey
Editor
