Vario seatposts: Support-proof - 15 dropper seatposts for trail bikers & racers in the test

"Up and down, again and again!" You could almost think that the Zillertaler Schürzenjäger were already singing the praises of the dropper seatpost in their classic beer tent song. It was perhaps the last great evolution of the non-motorised MTB, although in principle it only fulfils a single, simple function: It raises and lowers the saddle at the touch of a button.

Vario seat posts are now as essential on mountain bikes as studded tyres and disc brakes. Even cross-country riders have long since recognised this: A lowered saddle not only makes you faster downhill because you are much more manoeuvrable on the bike and can react better to obstacles. Since the invention of the Maverick Speedball in 2004, the first ever telescopic seatpost, the feeling of rolling over has also become a thing of the past.

We have tested these Vario seatposts

Click on the respective model to go directly to the detailed tests of the telescopic supports.

Standard: 8 telescopic supports for trail bikers & enduro riders

• BBB Liftpost BSP-51
• Bike Yoke Revive 3.0 >> e.g. available here
• Crankbrothers Highline 7 >> e.g. available here
• Fox Transfer >> e.g. available here
• Oneup Comp. v3 Dropper Post (Price-performance tip) >> e.g. available here
• SDG Tellis V2
• Vecnum Nivo
• Wolftooth Resolve V2 (test winner)

Lightweight: 5 lowerable seat posts for racers

• Bike Yoke Divine SL (test winner) >> e.g. available here
• Crankbrothers Highline XC
• Fox Transfer SL >> e.g. available here
• Kind Shock Lev Ci
• Pro Tharsis DSP >> e.g. available here

Electronic: 2 wireless vario supports in comparison

• Kind Shock Lev Circuit >> e.g. available here
• Rockshox Reverb AXS >> e.g. available here

More travel: Vario seatposts 2024 - better than ever before

While many parts on mountain bikes have only changed at a snail's pace in recent years, a lot has happened with the Vario seatposts: While 175 millimetres of travel was the highest of all feelings in our last test in 2017, the saddle can be lowered by up to 242 millimetres with the current seatposts.

It remains to be seen which frame can handle these dimensions. But the option of more travel is a blessing, especially for taller riders. Many dropper posts also offer the option of subsequently adjusting the travel to the exact length required using shims or pins. This allows the maximum stroke to be utilised.

Simple assembly

Installation has also become much easier. On almost all models in the test, the cable is attached to the seat post, fed through the frame and clamped to the handlebar remote - in the past, assembly was often carried out in reverse order. In most cases, the cable can simply be unhooked to remove the seat post - tools are no longer required. It's even easier with the radio-controlled dropper posts from Rockshox and Kind Shock, which we also tested. There is no need for a cable or cover. Just plug it in and ride off, according to the "plug-and-play" principle - as long as the battery has been charged beforehand.

Ergonomic levers for Vario seat posts

Unergonomic levers, which were standard in the dual-speed era and whose operation required almost circus-like thumb acrobatics, are also only found in exceptional cases today. Single-speed shifters have paved the way for perfectly adjustable and easy-to-use trigger levers, which replace the gear lever on the left-hand side of the handlebars. Only one thing may never change: Because the dropper seatposts are in the direct line of fire of the rear tyre, they get a lot of dirt. Regular maintenance is therefore essential for long-lasting smooth operation. Only then, even after countless rides, will it really still mean: up and down, again and again.

If you already have an electronic drivetrain from Sram, you're unlikely to put a dropper post with a different battery on your bike. The great thing about the Sram Eco system is that the components are compatible with each other. If the battery on the drivetrain is empty, the dropper post can help out if necessary. In addition, the charge status can be checked at any time via the app - the Kind Shock does not offer this option. Battery life and the super-defined controller also speak clearly in favour of the Reverb AXS. Incidentally, the slightly lower marks for both electronic dropper posts are largely due to the high weight. - Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor

Vario seat posts in detail

Pros & cons - Electronic variable seatpost

Pro

I would even save a Rockshox Reverb AXS from my mouth. Installation and removal are absolutely foolproof, lowering with the crisp controller is like playing on a games console and, especially in combination with a Sram AXS drivetrain, the Reverb is an absolutely sensible addition. The higher weight is a minor matter for me. - Josh Welz, EMTB Editor-in-Chief

Contra

I can always replace a defective cable myself or make a makeshift repair. But if the electronics are acting up or the battery is flat, I have a problem with an electric dropper post. I want a bike that is always ready for use without having to check the battery status beforehand. What's more, top analogue seatposts are available for less than half the price. Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor

How we tested the Vario seatposts

• Ease of use: 25 %
  This point includes lever ergonomics and positioning, operating force and compatibility of the lever. We also assess how easy it is to find the right position.
• Function / processing: 25 %
  Extension speed, saddle play, reliability, locking when lifting and train guidance are included in this rating.
• Hub: 10 %
  Full points are awarded for a stroke of 200 millimetres or more. Models with an extra-long version or the option to reduce the stroke score extra points.
• Weight: 20 %
  The lighter, the better. In this test, there are 138 grams between the standard supports.
• Assembly: 20 %
  Is the assembly complicated? Are there detailed assembly instructions? Can the support be separated from the cable without tools? And how well can the lever be positioned on the handlebars?

More on the topic of Vario seat posts

• How does the telescopic support get into the frame? Our how-to guide explains the assembly in just a few steps >>
• Dos & don'ts: These tips will help you enjoy your telescopic support for longer >>
• The right length: Not every support fits every frame. We show you how to determine the right length >>