3 BEST DROPPER POSTS
Dropper seatposts make trail rides way more fun – but some are notoriously unreliable. We tested 10 models: these were the three that popped to the top.
FOX TRANSFER PERFORMANCE SERIES
PRICE: R4 450 POST, R1 100 LEVER WEIGHT 643 GRAMS (30.9MM DIAMETER, 150MM TRAVEL) SUPPLIER OMNICO.CO. ZA The Transfer offers two lever options – a left-side under- bar mount for 1x drivetrains, and a left- or right-side bar- mounted lever for 2x or 3x set- ups. Infinite height adjustments can be made through the travel; and although return speed is fixed, it can be modulated at the lever – the further you push, the faster the return. It offers excellent overall performance at a relatively low price.
The only caveat: it’s 10 to 15mm longer than many popular posts, potentially limiting how far it can be inserted into some seat tubes. ROCKSHOX REVERB STEALTH
PRICE R7 600 WEIGHT 609 GRAMS (30.9MM DIAMETER, 150MM TRAVEL) SUPPLIER CAPECYCLES. CO. ZA Other than a new, gold logo at the top, the second- gen Reverb looks just like the original. And it still has infinite adjustability, very little side-to-side play, and good resistance to extension when you’re lifting your bike by the saddle while the post is compressed. Return speed (still adjustable) is slightly faster.
But you’ll notice the biggest improvement months later, as updated internals keep the dropper from becoming a squishy ‘suspension’ post, a weakness that plagued firstgeneration Reverbs. Thus far, between several testers over three months, it seems to be more reliable.
However, we
KS LEV INTEGRA PRICE R6 550 TO R6 850 WEIGHT 557 GRAMS (30.9MM DIAMETER, 125MM TRAVEL) SUPPLIER INTLTRADE. CO. ZA
The LEV Integra is available in most popular sizes and drops, is reasonably light, has minimal play, and is smooth in its travel, with adjustable return speed. The cartridges that control the up and down movement have held up well in most cases, the bushings have a decent life, and it doesn’t gum up too easily. Routine maintenance is easy, too: it pops apart with basic tools, and the remote system uses commonly available derailleur housing and cable.
The post comes stock with a rocker-switchstyle remote that can be stacked next to shifters without interference, but a 1x-specific remote like Specialized’s SRL (R940) is worth looking at: It’s ergonomically superior, and because it sits under the bar like a shifter, it’s easy to actuate, and won’t get damaged if you turn your bike over.