Vertical Helium Race dropper post: A dropper has never been so light

With the Helium Race, the Spanish component manufacturer Vertical presents a new telescopic seatpost that is said to be the lightest of its kind on the market with a record weight of just 263 grams. Developed in Sant Cugat del Vallès, the seatpost has been specially designed for use in cross-country and marathon competitions and is not intended to compromise on performance, reliability or durability. The Helium Race therefore surpasses the manufacturer's previous flagship model, the Helium. Professional athletes such as reigning Olympic champion Tom Pidcock, who used the new seatpost for the first time during the 2024 Andorra Championships, are already relying on it. According to Vertical, the Origine Racing Division Team is also already using the first production units in competitions.

Innovative technologies for maximum weight reduction

The Helium Race is characterised by several special technological features, which together ensure its exceptionally low weight. A central element is the size-specific design: each seatpost is precisely adapted to the required length, whereby the thickness of the carbon tube is optimised. The short clamping area is reinforced with 90° fibres to prevent deformation. These measures are intended to achieve a weight reduction of 15 to 30 grams.

Also noteworthy is the small difference in weight between the 31.6 millimetre and 30.9 millimetre diameters, which is said to be just 3.5 grams. Another innovation is the special coating with abrasive particles in the clamping area on the frame. This improved coating should ensure a better grip without the need for high tightening torques. This increases safety and prevents the seatpost from slipping unintentionally in the frame.

Carbolink system and optimised surfaces

A special highlight of the Helium Race is the newly developed Carbolink saddle clamp system. This system, inspired by the Thomson design, uses carbon fibre straps to connect the clamps. Compared to the original model, this should reduce the weight by a further 14 grams. According to the manufacturer, the customised M6 bolts improve reliability and make it easier to adjust the saddle position.

Vertical is also breaking new ground when it comes to surface treatment: the aluminium tube of the seat post has a natural hard anodised mirror finish surface. This is not only resistant to wear and corrosion, but its smooth texture also allows the seatpost to glide smoothly. The combination of these technical solutions means that even the longest version with the largest stroke of 120 mm barely reaches 325 grams - a value that is significantly lower than other telescopic seatposts on the market.

Wide range of sizes for optimum customisation

The Helium Race is available in different lengths and with different suspension travel to provide suitable solutions for different bikes and bikers. The range extends from the shortest version with a length of 320 millimetres and 60 millimetres of travel to the longest version with a length of 410 millimetres and 120 millimetres of travel. Vertical emphasises that choosing the right length is essential for optimum installation. For correct dimensioning, cyclists can either consult the dimension table provided by the manufacturer or use the configurator on the product website.

The weight differences between the various models are relatively small: the lightest version with a length of 320 millimetres and a stroke of 60 millimetres weighs 263 grams (30.9 millimetres in diameter) and 266 grams (31.6 millimetres in diameter), while the heaviest version with a length of 410 millimetres and a stroke of 120 millimetres weighs 322 grams and 325 grams respectively.

Technical specifications:

• Diameter: 30.9/31.6 mm
• Stroke: 60/90/120 mm
• Weight: from 263 g
• Sizes (length/stroke): 320/60 mm, 350/60 mm, 350/90 mm, 380/90 mm, 380/120 mm, 410/90 mm, 4210/120 mm
• Price: 540 €
• Mechanical control via classic remote lever

Price and market positioning

Both models, the Helium and the new Helium Race, are positioned in the Vertical catalogue as the lightest options on the market. At 540 euros, the Helium Race is significantly more expensive than the standard Helium model, which is available for 440 euros. With their special design and specific size selection, both supports are aimed at race specialists.