Originally, designed for the enduro rider, the dropper seatpost has started making its appearance in the cross-country scene and is quickly becoming a common thing.

But if you are not an enduro rider, should you still invest in a dropper seat post?

The benefits

Dropper seat posts are designed to lower your seat down so you can move your weight back without the fear of getting hooked on your saddle. Being able to shift your weight further back on the bike improves your ability to navigate steep and rocky sections a lot easier. With the XC courses becoming more and more technical, we see more professional athletes getting dropper posts.

The cost factor

More moving parts on a bike usually means more maintenance and more expenses. It is no different with a dropper seat post. Surface dropper post manufacturer suggests that you service/have your dropper serviced about twice a year. This is unless you ride in very muddy or wet conditions, then it might be necessary to do it more often. Here is an article showing you exactly how to service your dropper post if you wanted to do it yourself. 

 Can my bike take a dropper post?

All bikes are able to take an externally routed dropper post but most modern bike now make provision for an internally routed dropper post. The best way to tell if your bike is able to take an internally routed dropper post is to look out for an entry hole on the seat tube and an entry hole on the headtube/downtube. That said, we always suggest you chat to your local bike shop if you are unsure.

Choosing the right dropper post for you.

Dropper post travel ranges from 60mm to 200mm. The lower down your seat can go, the further back you can shift your weight, this means more fun! Here is how we suggest you choose your travel:

• Less than 100mm – Strict XC riding
• 100mm - 120mm – light trail and cross country
• 120mm – 140mm – Trail
• Anything over 140mm – Enduro

Our recommendation

If you are looking to improve your technical skills, getting a dropper post will change the way you ride completely. If on the other hand you are more into riding gravel roads and there aren’t many technical sections in your local trails, a dropper post is not necessary but still nice to have 😉

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