USE Helix 165mm dropper seatpost £284.99

Available with 125mm or 165mm of drop and in 30.9mm and 31.6mm diameters, this UK-made post should cover most users. At 620g complete, the longer option is light for its stroke too. While the 310mm collar-to-base measurement means it may not fit in some curved or weld-affected seat tubes, that’s a common issue. The lever can be set at lots of different angles and the latest version has polished detailing on the length/leverage-adjustable paddle. It can be integrated with SRAM or Shimano brake levers too, with a £19.99 adapter. While clamping the cable at the lever end theoretically makes set-up simpler, a loose fit at the post end means you have to keep things tensioned while installing/ adjusting to stop the outer falling out of place. The air spring is so progressive that dropping the saddle requires a lot of force, even at minimal pressure (40psi). Setting accurate cable tension for the hair-trigger release is crucial too, but the mechanical ‘Helix’ brake still doesn’t always lock into place, causing a gruesome grinding noise if it slips. After air-seal issues on our first post and bursting our second sample (due to the “inflate to 100psi” directions in older instructions), our third Helix is faring better, although it’s too early to vouch for its long-term reliability. Guy www.ultimateuse.com

Some neat features, but reliability and set-up issues make it a patriotic punt, not a proven performer