CRANKBROTHERS HIGHLINE 11 DROPPER SEATPOST £374.99

Crankbrothers has a new dropper post out, crammed with tech, exotic materials and a longer length, it has us wanting to take the high line on our next ride (sorry). Dreadful jokes aside, the new Highline 11 begins with totally reworked guts that now feature an internal floating piston hydraulic cartridge that Crankbrothers says is smoother in action. It also continues that theme with Igus Ll-glide bearings and keys, and Jagwire cable and housing. In fact, so confident is Crankbrothers it’s dishing out the post with a four-year warranty, reassurance that’s rare on a dropper post, a piece of kit historically prone to reliability issues.

The Highline 11 features a smorgasbord of high-end materials, including a carbon head, carbon quill (the smaller of the telescopic tubes) and titanium mounting bolts. Naturally then it’s the lightest post CB has ever made, coming in at 488g for the longest 170mm drop available, in 30.9 diameter. That’s a really impressive weight-shaving exercise, making it one of the lightest posts out there. Incredibly, the price isn’t astronomical either, given those posh parts.

It should be easier to fit too now, thanks to a new two-bolt quick-release head, that naturally also lets you dial in fore and aft tilt adjustments as per normal. CB has also worked in a new linear pull mechanism to extend the post, something it reckons is smoother and more reliable in use too.

The new post comes in 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters and

60, 100, 125, 150 and 170mm of infinite travel to allow for multiple disciplines from gravel to enduro, and a decent spread of bike sizes too. Brands like Bikeyoke and SRAM still have the edge on it in terms of drop length, and it’s slightly disappointing to see no 180mm or 200mm drop options for the growing number of super-low standover bikes.

But if 170mm will cover your dropper post needs it looks like a stellar product. Crankbrothers.com

MIDDLE MANAGER

The Scott Defined Light hoodie is defined as a mid-layer so you can layer up. It’s insulated, features four-way stretch fabric, promises quick drying and feels super soft. Two side pockets, four colours, five sizes. £90.99, scott-sports.com

ONE GREEN BOTTLE

Grangers Footwear + Gear Cleaner is for your clobber that doesn’t do well in the washing machine - shoes, packs, kneepads, etc. Spray on, wipe off and remove dirt and odour. The bottle’s made from 100% Postconsumer Recycled plastic. £5.75, grangers.co.uk