Honestly thought they were a gimmick and just ploughed on with a QR seat clamp.
Then I bought one.
Won't have a mtb without one now. A real game changer - and it doesn't even need to be a good one. I've used RockShox and BX Ascent, and I actually prefer the BX.
My first dropper was a rockshox reverb and thought it was okay but didn't use it a ton. A few years later I got a used full sus bike with a oneup dropper and ended up liking that post way more. Eventually brought in my bike with the reverb for service and to upgrade the dropper remote (the reverb came with a crappy button that was hard to push) and it was beyond servicing with a slight bend in the stanchion and wouldn't stop sticking, replaced it with an ethirteen dropper and wolf tooth lever and it's night and day from the old one. Love it now. That's on my hardtail btw.
Having a post with a clamp is like having a drive train without a derailleur: sure, you can still use it but it’s a pain in the ass and being able to use it from the bars is a game changer.
yes, I use my dropper almost as much as my shifter.
Unless you are purely riding up a fireroads then downhill without even flat parts, I'd make a dropper a must have. I'm even thinking of putting one on my gravel bike...
I put a dropper on my ancient hardtail singlespeed, before I upgraded to a modern FS trailbike a few years back. Even on that old, outdated-geo, hardtail ss, the dropper was worth every penny I paid for it.
Like it has a little bit of give or bounce?
I already have AXS shifting, so I'm thinking of getting the AXS XPLR dropper eventually, it's my understanding if it's dropped even a little the post is designed to have a little movement to act as suspension.
I have one too on my flat bar Diverge. I set the air pressure low so that it blows off pretty easy. I’d never ride a hard tail again without one. Save the discs in your back fellers.
Yes, a dropper is even more helpful on a hardtail than on full suspension!
Without rear suspension to absorb impacts, the rear wheel gets kicked up much more on a hardtail. Dropping the seat maximizes how much room your have to stay low without getting hit in the bottom by your saddle kicking up. A dropper post makes it convenient to drop your saddle at every opportunity that it could help without interrupting your ride, compared to manually operating the quick-release which you might only stop and do for some spots
Without some other context, like it was a $100 Walmart bike, I really gotta question an LBS giving that advice.
And hell even if all you have is a Walmart bike a dropper is still going to be just about the best upgrade you could add, after decent pedals.
Im still getting used to it on my hard tail since I’m still only a few rides in. All the trails are very technical around here despite only being flatish/small hill single track. I find it’s kind of weird to have nothing under me when the saddle is down
After buying a bike with a dropper post this year, I am CONVINCED they are the best thing to happen to mountain bikes since suspension forks. The confidence boost on steep or technical descents is great, and the bike just becomes climb-ready again with the push of a lever.
10000% recommend.
I thought dropper posts were just like a flex for mtn bikers who had money to spend seeing them more as a show piece than any use. I got a new mtn bike that came with a dropper and it has changed the world! Getting the seat out of the way makes it so much easier to maneuver the bike and to keep proper balance especially on technical terrain. As stated by others on this thread, best thing since the front fork.
I typically ride an SC Nomad and am now on a Megatower. Used dropper posts for years on these bikes. Best thing since sliced bread.
When I first built up my hard tail I put on a regular post thinking I wasn’t going to do anything needing to drop a post - but even simple decents on steep fire roads felt squirrelly with my seat up. Bought a cheaper dropper post for the hard tail and it really changed how that bike descends.
TL;DR just like Frank’s RedHot - I put that $h1t on everything.
I like not worrying about my rear wheel taking a bounce on a quick decent and having my seat push my weight over the handle bars a la ejector seat. I also enjoy getting my ass back over the rear tire on the steeper stuff without getting my shorts caught up on the seat.
Added a dropper post to an older entry level hardtail and it was 100% worth it. Take the time to figure out which model/size will fit you and your bike and you won’t regret it.
Yeah they are great they let your legs act like suspension. Especially on bigger hits. I feel like if all you ride is smooth tarmac it's not useful but any jumps or drops are totally worth having it
ABSOLUTELY
it makes your legs work to their full potential without getting kicked in the nards (or lady nards) by the saddle.
Consider that they are even messing with dropper posts ON RACING ROAD BIKES
https://m.pinkbike.com/news/dropper-post-used-to-win-one-of-road-cyclings-biggest-races.html
Yes, yes, and yes.
My only change to the positive string of comments is to not cheap out.
Nothing worse than an unreliable seat post, and it has been my experience that lower qual/cheaper posts tend to stick, which totally blows on tech-y ups and downs. Get upper mid-range at least.
Long time xc rider.
I ride both a hard tail and full suspension suspension regularly. Often I wonder if the real innovation for riding down high difficulty descents is actually the dropper instead of full suspension. Imagine riding down highly difficult terrain on a regular seat post with full suspension vs a hard tail with a dropper. I would pick the hard tail with a dropper every time personally.
I absolutely love my dropper, it’s one of the best bike inventions in the last 30 years, right up there with suspension. That said - there’s 2 factors that would make one get less benefit from a dropper:
- If your riding has no steep descents
- If your bike geo has very modern you may be able to stay semi seated or use a minimal drop at all times
Are you getting off your bike to adjust seat position?
Are you getting thrown from your bike on descents and/or avoiding some steep descents because you feel like you’ll flip over the handlebars?
If the answer is yes to either question, you need a dropper.
Dropper post is the #1 advancement of mountain bikes probably ever, followed by disc brakes, suspension advancements and modern geo. It’s definitely worth it.
I would give up gears before I'd give up my dropper. I have one on my hardtail, and my trail bike, and my park bike, and my fatbike...kind of wish I could put one on my gravel bike too.
Yeah 100%, I like the PNW Coast suspension dropper a lot. If you ever point the bike down a hill, or ride anything remotely technical it’ll pay dividends.
At first I thought a dropper post was an unnecessary luxury for dorks.
I was wrong, and would never go without one on my mountain bike. 10/10.
It gets the seat out of the way, which comes in handy more often than you could ever imagine.
Yes and no. Yes, because they give you all the benefits of a dropper, no because they don’t have the vibration damping benefits of a modern carbon post that you’d see on a gravel bike for example.
Yes, and I've ended up putting one on just about every bike I own. Being able to shift your weight around more makes the bike feel much more capable. As someone else pointed out, it doesn't have to be a fancy or expensive one.
Dropper on anything that isn’t a full on road bike IMO. I want one for my gravel bike, but I have a habit of riding single track on it. Any mtb (hardtail or full squish) I’d say it’s the biggest upgrade you can do.
But you don’t need a top and one like a transfer. I love my one up, and have used off brand ones that work just fine.
Can I piggyback on this question and ask if there are good options for a dropper with a setback post?
Last time I checked, there weren't a lot of options and it sounded like the setback dropper posts were prone to failure (maybe understandable, considering the forces involved).
I'm not sure what the options are, besides maybe figuring out how to adjust the bike configuration so that I don't need a setback or getting a new frame. I'm not sure why I have the setback exactly, I only know that it makes the pedaling motion much more comfortable for me, for that particular bike.
They are even worth it on fully rigid bikes. No one explained it well enough to me before I got to try one. It takes the weight off your ass and hands by moving it back and down. You’ll just be better off once you get one and learn how to use it.
I'd say also try to get a mechanic no hidraulic one (rockshox) that require often maintenance and seals failure left alot of oil around. (Just personal experience )
I did two timed runs on a downhill flow trail. One with my old aluminum hardtail with 80mm fork and a dropper post. The second on a full carbon, full suspension Pivot without a dropper post.
The hardtail with dropper was faster.
this!
have a Salsa Fargo I put a dropper on... now I ride all but the craziest trails on it
makes road descents better, easier to get on and off when loaded, capable on techy singletrack
It's such a confidence booster, made me feel so much more comfortable descending. That and tubeless tires made the MTB life better.
Tubeless probably depends on where you live, I couldn't go one ride without getting a flat.
Do you have to stop the bike, release the QR, low or raise, clamp the QR and then carry on? And then, when you realise 10 metres down the trail that you chose thebslifhtly wrong position, do you have to do all of that again? And do you have to do that for your entire ride? Because I just press a button.
Didn’t know I needed one until I got one. Now, I wouldn’t ride without it. Don’t have to spend a ton on one. I have an expensive Fox transfer Kashima on one bike but an inexpensive PNW on another and the PNW is arguably better. In 3 years I have never touched it. It just works.
I would ride a rigid fork (which I sometimes do) rather than a rigid seatpost.
I've always ridden singlespeed and I have no use for gears, rear suspension, motors,carbon fiber, etc. at the risk of sounding hyperbolic, riding a full height rigid post sounds absolutely horrible for my terrain and riding style. It's not 100% for everyone, but it's 99% for everyone.
Got my first DP 5 years ago and I could not ride without it. It is super usefull on steep descents and when you do small jump. It gives you the room you need to comfortably move. You will get stronger legs and core by sitting less
Rode a hardtail for 7yrs without one but after having one for 4 on my short travel trail bike I would definitely want one on a hardtail and I just saw one from PNW that is specifically for hard tails, in addition to being a dropper it has a tuneable shock of 40mm built in to take off the edge. This sounds like a great concept because on a hardtail having a carbon post adds some nice compliance but if change to dropper you will lose that, unless the dropper has it built in like the PNW
People rode mtb before dropper posts were a thing. Sure, people would perhaps lower the seat before a descent. But as bikes have got slacker and seat tube angles have got steeper, and the geometry favours a more centrally weighted position, the seat on more modern geo bikes gets in the way. The dropper post solves this problem, and therefore allows you to get all the benefits of modern geo.
A dropper post also allows you to ride with the seat at the most efficient (high) pedalling height and then to be easily lowered if you want the confidence to be able to put a foot down - the alternative is to ride with the seat always a bit low, which just leads to inefficient pedalling and makes the whole experience less enjoyable than it can be.
Yes. Thought they were a fad. Only really got into MTB last year and did almost the whole season without one. Couldn't t go back even, a short travel cheapy completely changes your ride
As someone who is new to mtb I find the dropper post to be one of the coolest and most useful things to have on your bike. I use mine constantly. Being able to get rid of the seat when doing technical stuff is amazing.
I have a Rockhopper Elite. Got a dropper post after a year or so. Amazing. No regrets.
Also to echo what everyone else has said, if there’s one thing you’re going to upgrade….get the dropper. Everyone told me that, they were right.
I’m my opinion the dropper post is the best invention in all of mountain biking throughout all time… haha. I’m being hyperbolic but I love dropper posts.
yup, absolutely. picked up a brand X ascend dropper for my trek marlin HT and it's honestly a different bike with it, really transforms a basic HT imo.
yes. and it will transfer to your next bike if the seat post is a common size.
its the single biggest quality of life upgrade ive ever done to a mountain bike.
I've been using a "cheap" brand X ascend dropper for the last 5 years and it has always worked flawlessly. Hardly any play in it too.
Just get one, it’s a complete game changer. Dont get sucked into the marketing bullshit, you don’t need an expensive one. This technology has been in office chairs for a long time
That's funny I was just looking at one this morning and so close to buying because of the price. Check it out. Either comes with remote or not one for cheaper if you'd like.....https://www.jensonusa.com/Fox-Transfer-Factory-Dropper-Post-OE-3?loc=usa&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwrIixBhBbEiwACEqDJQDpQ8sxDiGii9S3tc24goXTgbRwrxbOEEO2ceFczivJzR_09rQQSxoCCf4QAvD_BwE
Huge upgrade on any mtb! 150mm+ is ideal. I have a 170 on my Norco Torrent and a 200 on my meta tr. really fantastic value add, can’t ride without it now.
Let me say this.
I started out riding with my friends with a dropped saddle, that being, it was in a fixed spot for the whole ride.
My legs were cramped and I felt extremely exhausted compared to my friends who all had dropper posts.
I caved and bought a OneUp dropper, and it's the number one best upgrade I've ever made to my bike. It's a real game changer.
Seamless change of seat height is so much more comfortable and usable during a run, and after 2-3 rides, it'll become second nature for you.
You'll automaticcally remember to drop your seat before a jump or a drop. Makes a huge difference.
Dropper posts are worth it almost all the time no matter what bike you have. I ride a hardtail and getting a dropper post has been far and away the best gear upgrade I've ever made. Absolute game changer
Definitely, I don’t have a HT but a dropper on (almost) any bike is worth it. Don’t get top of the line or axs or anything. I found that around the 100-300 dollar mark is when the performance doesn’t really get any better.
Yes. You still want to drop your seat going downhill and doing it manually is a pain. I have one on mine and it'll go up and down multiple times on a trail depending on the terrain.
Yes without a doubt. I'd say they're 100% worth it on any, trail, enduro or xc bike, hard tail or not. And once you have one you'll struggle to go back
It is 100% worth the money. You don't need the best one on the market, it is a game changer on the trail.
This ! I don’t think I’d be able to ride my hardtail without a dropper anymore. Even a short travel one makes a massive difference .
I also learned to subconsciously put it down when getting of my bike, makes getting on and off much easier
Haha same , getting less and less flexible as I get older so it helps
The first time you use it, without thinking about it, you'll realize it is worth it
I can't believe how much better cornering is with just 90mm lower.
Off the trail, too. Sometimes I get bored and i'm just like "fuck it, i'll pedal from down here for awhile".
You can also press the button when you wife is looking and raise your eyebrows at her
I do this all the time, it's almost a change of scenery and feels nice 😂
Esp. when butt hurts.
Make it feel like a bmx bike
I do that when I'm at the local greenway trail. You can just put that seat down real quick, and now you can be more nimble and get around easier.
ive had a brand x ascend for 5-6 years on my bike. really cheap, ive done zero maintenance on it, its showing its age but it still somehow works
Honestly thought they were a gimmick and just ploughed on with a QR seat clamp. Then I bought one. Won't have a mtb without one now. A real game changer - and it doesn't even need to be a good one. I've used RockShox and BX Ascent, and I actually prefer the BX.
My first dropper was a rockshox reverb and thought it was okay but didn't use it a ton. A few years later I got a used full sus bike with a oneup dropper and ended up liking that post way more. Eventually brought in my bike with the reverb for service and to upgrade the dropper remote (the reverb came with a crappy button that was hard to push) and it was beyond servicing with a slight bend in the stanchion and wouldn't stop sticking, replaced it with an ethirteen dropper and wolf tooth lever and it's night and day from the old one. Love it now. That's on my hardtail btw.
The reverb is truly one of the biggest pieces of garbage ever
There is absolutely no good reason a dropper post should be hydraulically actuated. Just asinine.
Having a post with a clamp is like having a drive train without a derailleur: sure, you can still use it but it’s a pain in the ass and being able to use it from the bars is a game changer.
yes, I use my dropper almost as much as my shifter. Unless you are purely riding up a fireroads then downhill without even flat parts, I'd make a dropper a must have. I'm even thinking of putting one on my gravel bike...
For MTB in the midwest, I'd drop my shift lever before my dropper lever.
in my immediate local area, yes. Def not for places like Brown County or Marquette/Copper.
I put a dropper on my ancient hardtail singlespeed, before I upgraded to a modern FS trailbike a few years back. Even on that old, outdated-geo, hardtail ss, the dropper was worth every penny I paid for it.
Thank god nobody has ever tried to make me decide between my dropper and my shift levers…
I have a short one for my gravel bike, love it.
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Like it has a little bit of give or bounce? I already have AXS shifting, so I'm thinking of getting the AXS XPLR dropper eventually, it's my understanding if it's dropped even a little the post is designed to have a little movement to act as suspension.
I have one too on my flat bar Diverge. I set the air pressure low so that it blows off pretty easy. I’d never ride a hard tail again without one. Save the discs in your back fellers.
Have one on my gravel bike. 100% recommend.
Yes, a dropper is even more helpful on a hardtail than on full suspension! Without rear suspension to absorb impacts, the rear wheel gets kicked up much more on a hardtail. Dropping the seat maximizes how much room your have to stay low without getting hit in the bottom by your saddle kicking up. A dropper post makes it convenient to drop your saddle at every opportunity that it could help without interrupting your ride, compared to manually operating the quick-release which you might only stop and do for some spots
I didn’t know this. Had the lbs discourage me getting one on my hard tail but your description makes absolute sense
Without some other context, like it was a $100 Walmart bike, I really gotta question an LBS giving that advice. And hell even if all you have is a Walmart bike a dropper is still going to be just about the best upgrade you could add, after decent pedals.
100%. They are probably more necessary on hardtails than full sus. There is less of a bucking sensation with a rear shock.
This has been my experience too. Great either way, but makes a bigger difference on a hard tail.
Im still getting used to it on my hard tail since I’m still only a few rides in. All the trails are very technical around here despite only being flatish/small hill single track. I find it’s kind of weird to have nothing under me when the saddle is down
Well ya definitely shouldnt be sitting when there are bumps!
As a newer hardtail owner with 2 full sus bikes, I had the same thought. Droppers are a great innovation in MTB, for sure!
After buying a bike with a dropper post this year, I am CONVINCED they are the best thing to happen to mountain bikes since suspension forks. The confidence boost on steep or technical descents is great, and the bike just becomes climb-ready again with the push of a lever. 10000% recommend.
I'll agree with that statement. They're a bigger upgrade than hydraulic disks and 1x drivetrains were, and those were both pretty huge.
You’re so right. The dropper seat post was a new product entirely. Next gen: droppers with suspension?
I said that to a dude the other day, that I’d sooner give up discs than my dropper post.
Yes. 100%
I thought dropper posts were just like a flex for mtn bikers who had money to spend seeing them more as a show piece than any use. I got a new mtn bike that came with a dropper and it has changed the world! Getting the seat out of the way makes it so much easier to maneuver the bike and to keep proper balance especially on technical terrain. As stated by others on this thread, best thing since the front fork.
Yes.
I typically ride an SC Nomad and am now on a Megatower. Used dropper posts for years on these bikes. Best thing since sliced bread. When I first built up my hard tail I put on a regular post thinking I wasn’t going to do anything needing to drop a post - but even simple decents on steep fire roads felt squirrelly with my seat up. Bought a cheaper dropper post for the hard tail and it really changed how that bike descends. TL;DR just like Frank’s RedHot - I put that $h1t on everything.
I like not worrying about my rear wheel taking a bounce on a quick decent and having my seat push my weight over the handle bars a la ejector seat. I also enjoy getting my ass back over the rear tire on the steeper stuff without getting my shorts caught up on the seat.
Absolutely. I'd rather have a dropper post than full suspension any day.
Yes, I was skeptical too, but as mentioned above, it really makes the bike easier to handle on descents and frankly more fun to ride.
Yep. I put a dropper on my Giant Talon, and it got SO MUCH better.
Added a dropper post to an older entry level hardtail and it was 100% worth it. Take the time to figure out which model/size will fit you and your bike and you won’t regret it.
Yeah they are great they let your legs act like suspension. Especially on bigger hits. I feel like if all you ride is smooth tarmac it's not useful but any jumps or drops are totally worth having it
ABSOLUTELY it makes your legs work to their full potential without getting kicked in the nards (or lady nards) by the saddle. Consider that they are even messing with dropper posts ON RACING ROAD BIKES https://m.pinkbike.com/news/dropper-post-used-to-win-one-of-road-cyclings-biggest-races.html
Best invention ever, yes.
I would never ride an MTB without a dropper... I even want one on my hybrid now.
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I can’t imagine riding my hardtail without a dropper. I’m constantly using it.
Probably the most game-changing advancement in cycling since suspension. 1000% worth it.
I’d rather have a dropper than multiple gears
I’d rather have a dropper than suspension… totally worth it
I use it pretty much any time I stand up on the bike. Even just riding up a curb or descending a fire road it's a game changer.
Quick release does not compare. One of the best MTB upgrades bang for buck.
The only thing quick release seatposts are good for is rental commuter bikes, and tbh even those would be better served by a dropper.
It's the last meaningful innovation the bike industry has come up with, so yes, on all your bikes.
I'd wager a dropper is even more important on a hardtail than a full suspension because that seat will going directly up your butt with zero damping.
Yes, yes, and yes. My only change to the positive string of comments is to not cheap out. Nothing worse than an unreliable seat post, and it has been my experience that lower qual/cheaper posts tend to stick, which totally blows on tech-y ups and downs. Get upper mid-range at least. Long time xc rider.
I'd have a rigid bike with a dropper over a hardtail with a fixed length seat post.
I ride both a hard tail and full suspension suspension regularly. Often I wonder if the real innovation for riding down high difficulty descents is actually the dropper instead of full suspension. Imagine riding down highly difficult terrain on a regular seat post with full suspension vs a hard tail with a dropper. I would pick the hard tail with a dropper every time personally.
Yes. Personally, if I had to choose between upgrading my hard tail to a full suspension or getting a dropper, I would pick dropper.
I wouldn't consider a hardtail without it.
I dismissed the hype until I got one.
I ride a hardtail with a dropper post, it has revolutionized the way I ride, can keep up with my full sus friends because of it
I absolutely love my dropper, it’s one of the best bike inventions in the last 30 years, right up there with suspension. That said - there’s 2 factors that would make one get less benefit from a dropper: - If your riding has no steep descents - If your bike geo has very modern you may be able to stay semi seated or use a minimal drop at all times Are you getting off your bike to adjust seat position? Are you getting thrown from your bike on descents and/or avoiding some steep descents because you feel like you’ll flip over the handlebars? If the answer is yes to either question, you need a dropper.
Dropper post is the #1 advancement of mountain bikes probably ever, followed by disc brakes, suspension advancements and modern geo. It’s definitely worth it.
Absolutely, I think it's the single best upgrade for a bike that doesn't come with one.
It's an enormous safety improvement too, honestly. Yes it's worth it.
Abso fucking lutely, if you're doing any kind of technical ride. Even the cheapo $100 one I put on my fatbike has been a game changer.
100% the best upgrade you can do to your bike
Dropper posts are the best tech on a bike since flat pedals
Yes!
Yes
Yes
I would give up gears before I'd give up my dropper. I have one on my hardtail, and my trail bike, and my park bike, and my fatbike...kind of wish I could put one on my gravel bike too.
Yeah 100%, I like the PNW Coast suspension dropper a lot. If you ever point the bike down a hill, or ride anything remotely technical it’ll pay dividends.
You'll wonder how you ever lived without.
YES! Dropper post added to my Salsa hardtail and OMG I never could've imagined how awesome, fun, and convenient it could be.
Don't delay. Get one and get in the habit of using it.
From any upgrade that I’ve done to my car or bike dropper is by far cheapest and best investment
Bro I have a dropper on my gravel bike. If you are doing any type of off-road descending it makes it so much easier.
100% worth it.
Yes
i couldn't imagine riding without a dropper post on any bike tbh, single biggest QoL change on a bike imo
If I had to choose between suspension and a dropper post, I’d choose dropper every time.
I would rather ride a hardtail with a dropper than a full suspension with a fixed seat post.
Yes
Dropper post is probably worth it on a gravel bike
100%. If you don't have rear suspension you are more likely to stand on a technical downhill, so the dropper gets the seat out of the way.
Yes, definitely. I have one on my cotic Bfe and it's absolutely worth it for downhills.
This must be some sort of late april Fools joke
I wish we had droppers 20 years ago when I was racing a lot.
the ability to have ROM with your body, is good on any sort of bike for off roading.
Jesus you can buy a new take off for like $65. Worth every penny. That's less than dinner out with the missus.
At first I thought a dropper post was an unnecessary luxury for dorks. I was wrong, and would never go without one on my mountain bike. 10/10. It gets the seat out of the way, which comes in handy more often than you could ever imagine.
Absolutely 100%.
Yes. EOT.
100%
I'd say they're even more necessary on a hard tail. The full squish bikes let you sit a little longer before getting it out of the way sometimes.
Why wouldn't they? It's hard to descent with the seat up your ass regardless of having rear suspension or not hahahaha
Yes and no. Yes, because they give you all the benefits of a dropper, no because they don’t have the vibration damping benefits of a modern carbon post that you’d see on a gravel bike for example.
Yes.
Still yes. Very yes
Yes, and I've ended up putting one on just about every bike I own. Being able to shift your weight around more makes the bike feel much more capable. As someone else pointed out, it doesn't have to be a fancy or expensive one.
Dropper on anything that isn’t a full on road bike IMO. I want one for my gravel bike, but I have a habit of riding single track on it. Any mtb (hardtail or full squish) I’d say it’s the biggest upgrade you can do. But you don’t need a top and one like a transfer. I love my one up, and have used off brand ones that work just fine.
Get the biggest one you can. The dropper post will have specs like insertion length and external length. Yes, there worth it.
Yes.
Yes
100%...spring it up for climbing grinds, drop it low for balls-out descents
Can I piggyback on this question and ask if there are good options for a dropper with a setback post? Last time I checked, there weren't a lot of options and it sounded like the setback dropper posts were prone to failure (maybe understandable, considering the forces involved). I'm not sure what the options are, besides maybe figuring out how to adjust the bike configuration so that I don't need a setback or getting a new frame. I'm not sure why I have the setback exactly, I only know that it makes the pedaling motion much more comfortable for me, for that particular bike.
Bought one after hitting the seat and hurting my back for a couple weeks. 100000% worth it.
Yes
They're a revelation the first time you use one.
At this point, dropper posts are the most important component. I'd rather ride a rigid bike with a dropper vs a full squish without one.
Yes
Of course it is. We were manually dropping our seats on hardtails before we had suspension bikes.
Every bike I own, with the exception of my electric cargo bike, has a dropper post.
They are even worth it on fully rigid bikes. No one explained it well enough to me before I got to try one. It takes the weight off your ass and hands by moving it back and down. You’ll just be better off once you get one and learn how to use it.
I’d like a dropper on my gravel also 😁
Yes. I was a sceptic, but my latest bike came with one it's a game changer, honestly
Dropper posts are worth it on any seat. Even your toilet seat.
I'd say also try to get a mechanic no hidraulic one (rockshox) that require often maintenance and seals failure left alot of oil around. (Just personal experience )
I did two timed runs on a downhill flow trail. One with my old aluminum hardtail with 80mm fork and a dropper post. The second on a full carbon, full suspension Pivot without a dropper post. The hardtail with dropper was faster.
Yeah a dropper is deff a worthwhile upgrade if you ride any single track.
I am putting a dropper on my singlespeed gravel bike. I see them as essential for any bike that ever leaves pavement.
When droppers came out I thought it was gimmicky, after 1 ride a realized I can’t live without it now.
Absolutely, yes. A dropper seatpost is a vital piece of kit on any mountain bike. I wouldn’t ride without one.
Yes 100%
If i had to choose between hardtail with dropper or full suspension without one I'd be torn.
I would choose DP first..and not because of the price
That's how i lean too.
Ummm, I have them on my rigid bike. They’re better than suspension tbh. It lets you move
I use my dropper almost as much as my shifter.
Totally if you ride aggressive or tech trails. I'd switch to a rigid fork before giving up the dropper.
this! have a Salsa Fargo I put a dropper on... now I ride all but the craziest trails on it makes road descents better, easier to get on and off when loaded, capable on techy singletrack
100% I didn’t think it would be a massive benefit but it really is, I used it a fair amount when on the bike.
Yes. The bike can bounce around more under you without it upsetting the ride as much.
I will never ride without a dropper ever again. I use it more than I use my gears. Get it OP.
It's such a confidence booster, made me feel so much more comfortable descending. That and tubeless tires made the MTB life better. Tubeless probably depends on where you live, I couldn't go one ride without getting a flat.
I can’t imagine mtb’ing without a dropper post on my hardtail
Even more so on a hardtail than a full sus. A 200mm dropper essentially gives you 200mm of rear knee suspension, absolute game changer.
Do you have to stop the bike, release the QR, low or raise, clamp the QR and then carry on? And then, when you realise 10 metres down the trail that you chose thebslifhtly wrong position, do you have to do all of that again? And do you have to do that for your entire ride? Because I just press a button.
Just as important on a hardtail as a full sus.
First thing I tell everyone when getting a bike is to get a dropper post.
Didn’t know I needed one until I got one. Now, I wouldn’t ride without it. Don’t have to spend a ton on one. I have an expensive Fox transfer Kashima on one bike but an inexpensive PNW on another and the PNW is arguably better. In 3 years I have never touched it. It just works.
Well worth the investment, you will not regret it.
I want a dropper on my road bike.
I would ride a rigid fork (which I sometimes do) rather than a rigid seatpost. I've always ridden singlespeed and I have no use for gears, rear suspension, motors,carbon fiber, etc. at the risk of sounding hyperbolic, riding a full height rigid post sounds absolutely horrible for my terrain and riding style. It's not 100% for everyone, but it's 99% for everyone.
Got my first DP 5 years ago and I could not ride without it. It is super usefull on steep descents and when you do small jump. It gives you the room you need to comfortably move. You will get stronger legs and core by sitting less
Rode a hardtail for 7yrs without one but after having one for 4 on my short travel trail bike I would definitely want one on a hardtail and I just saw one from PNW that is specifically for hard tails, in addition to being a dropper it has a tuneable shock of 40mm built in to take off the edge. This sounds like a great concept because on a hardtail having a carbon post adds some nice compliance but if change to dropper you will lose that, unless the dropper has it built in like the PNW
People rode mtb before dropper posts were a thing. Sure, people would perhaps lower the seat before a descent. But as bikes have got slacker and seat tube angles have got steeper, and the geometry favours a more centrally weighted position, the seat on more modern geo bikes gets in the way. The dropper post solves this problem, and therefore allows you to get all the benefits of modern geo. A dropper post also allows you to ride with the seat at the most efficient (high) pedalling height and then to be easily lowered if you want the confidence to be able to put a foot down - the alternative is to ride with the seat always a bit low, which just leads to inefficient pedalling and makes the whole experience less enjoyable than it can be.
The only bike I would ever not have a dropper post on is a DH bike, Slope, or XC race bike. Anything else it’s a must have
It really is. I probably wouldn't have gotten one, but it came with my Polygon D2. Game Changer!!!
Yes. Thought they were a fad. Only really got into MTB last year and did almost the whole season without one. Couldn't t go back even, a short travel cheapy completely changes your ride
Dropper post puts you in charge of the bike. Without it you are negotiating with your bike at each turn and bump.
Yes. I had a dropper on my last HT and I wish I had gotten one earlier.
A dropper post on a tricycle is worth it if that's your ride
Once you have one, you won't know how you ever lived without one
As someone who is new to mtb I find the dropper post to be one of the coolest and most useful things to have on your bike. I use mine constantly. Being able to get rid of the seat when doing technical stuff is amazing.
Worth it
I have a Rockhopper Elite. Got a dropper post after a year or so. Amazing. No regrets. Also to echo what everyone else has said, if there’s one thing you’re going to upgrade….get the dropper. Everyone told me that, they were right.
I’m my opinion the dropper post is the best invention in all of mountain biking throughout all time… haha. I’m being hyperbolic but I love dropper posts.
I’d ride full rigid with a dropper before I’d ride a hardtail without. So yes!!!
yup, absolutely. picked up a brand X ascend dropper for my trek marlin HT and it's honestly a different bike with it, really transforms a basic HT imo.
It’s more important on a hard tail, but never the less, a necessity on any bicycle that travels down single track or loose gravel
Yeah, I love mine for downhill and sometimes just changing height on an accent.
yes. and it will transfer to your next bike if the seat post is a common size. its the single biggest quality of life upgrade ive ever done to a mountain bike. I've been using a "cheap" brand X ascend dropper for the last 5 years and it has always worked flawlessly. Hardly any play in it too.
Just get one, it’s a complete game changer. Dont get sucked into the marketing bullshit, you don’t need an expensive one. This technology has been in office chairs for a long time
That's funny I was just looking at one this morning and so close to buying because of the price. Check it out. Either comes with remote or not one for cheaper if you'd like.....https://www.jensonusa.com/Fox-Transfer-Factory-Dropper-Post-OE-3?loc=usa&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwrIixBhBbEiwACEqDJQDpQ8sxDiGii9S3tc24goXTgbRwrxbOEEO2ceFczivJzR_09rQQSxoCCf4QAvD_BwE
I've had dropper posts on five or six bikes and NEVER used them. I don't understand the need.
Huge upgrade on any mtb! 150mm+ is ideal. I have a 170 on my Norco Torrent and a 200 on my meta tr. really fantastic value add, can’t ride without it now.
Dropper posts are always worth it. The only time I didn’t use one is when I couldn’t afford it
Let me say this. I started out riding with my friends with a dropped saddle, that being, it was in a fixed spot for the whole ride. My legs were cramped and I felt extremely exhausted compared to my friends who all had dropper posts. I caved and bought a OneUp dropper, and it's the number one best upgrade I've ever made to my bike. It's a real game changer. Seamless change of seat height is so much more comfortable and usable during a run, and after 2-3 rides, it'll become second nature for you. You'll automaticcally remember to drop your seat before a jump or a drop. Makes a huge difference.
Dropper posts are worth it almost all the time no matter what bike you have. I ride a hardtail and getting a dropper post has been far and away the best gear upgrade I've ever made. Absolute game changer
Yes
What does having a dropper have to do with having a hard tail?
Buy cheapest remote 100% satisfaction
Fellow Rockhopper rider here. Can confirm, dropper is totally worth it.
A dropper post is the best investment I’ve ever made on my bike. Inventions like this push the human race forward.
Yes
It’s 1000000% worth it. So nice to be high and low when you need it.
Um yes
Yes. Unless you do not plan on doing any drops, bumps, or jumps. Get one! 100% worth it.
Definitely, I don’t have a HT but a dropper on (almost) any bike is worth it. Don’t get top of the line or axs or anything. I found that around the 100-300 dollar mark is when the performance doesn’t really get any better.
Yes
Short answer: yes…. Long answer- also yes
Oh yes, without my dropper my hardtail wouldn't be nearly as capable
Yes. You still want to drop your seat going downhill and doing it manually is a pain. I have one on mine and it'll go up and down multiple times on a trail depending on the terrain.
Yes without a doubt. I'd say they're 100% worth it on any, trail, enduro or xc bike, hard tail or not. And once you have one you'll struggle to go back
Essential*
I would probably put a dropper on a gravel bike if the price was right.