Modified at: Mar 31, 2023
Posted at: Mar 23, 2023
The dropper seat post is becoming a "must-have" part for MTB. Here we summarize the lineup, specifications, and features of dropper seatposts for MTB from major manufacturers, as well as a comparison of each manufacturer and points to consider when choosing a dropper seatpost.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
| Manufacturer | Features |
|---|---|
| FOX | leading manufacturer of suspension for MTB. The leading manufacturer of lightweight, high-performance dropper posts. |
| ROCKSHOX | Top manufacturer of MTB suspension, featuring wireless dropper under the SRAM umbrella |
| RACE FACE | MTB parts manufacturer. Easy-to-select lineup is attractive |
| crankbrothers | A popular parts maker for pedals. Features well balanced droppers |
| BIKE YOKE | German parts manufacturer. |
| X-FUSION | Taiwanese manufacturer that produces excellent cosmetic dropper posts |
| Brand-X | Brand-X is a parts brand under the umbrella of Wiggle, a major British bicycle retailer. The overwhelmingly attractive cost performance |
FOX, the leading brand of suspension forks for MTB, produces the Transfer dropper seatpost. FOX’s dropper seatpost has a very high reputation for its stability, which has been developed as a suspension manufacturer for a long time, and for its high maintainability.
The lineup includes “Factory” for MTB and “Factory SL (Super Light)” for cross-country and gravel road, each unmarked is a higher grade, and the cosmetic-oriented model is “Performance Elite.
| Product | Manufacturer | Routing | Reference Weight(g) | Travel(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Factory | Fox | Internal | 568 | - |
| Transfer Performance Elite | Fox | Internal | - | 125-200 |
| Transfer SL Factory | Fox | Internal | 327 | 50-150 |
| Transfer SL Performance Elite | Fox | Internal | 50-100 |
Even the “Factory” model for MTB is extremely lightweight, weighing in the 500g range, so the disadvantage of increased weight caused by the introduction of a dropper post can be kept to a minimum.
Also, the amount of travel available in the lineup can be selected from 50mm to 200mm in increments of about 25mm for each model, so it is a big advantage to be able to choose a dropper seat post that fits the rider’s body.
The price is not cheap, but it is a little higher than the competition. If you are looking for a dropper seat post, this is the first brand you should consider.
ROCKSHOX, the leading brand of suspension forks for MTB along with FOX, offers the “Reverb” series of dropper posts.
As a subsidiary of SRAM, ROCKSHOX offers a lineup of wireless remote dropper posts that use SRAM’s AXS wireless communication technology for MTB, but they are priced higher than the competition.
| Product | Manufacturer | Routing | Reference Weight(g) | Travel(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reverb AXS XPLR | ROCKSHOX | Wireless | - | 50-75 |
| Reverb Stealth | ROCKSHOX | Internal | - | 100-170 |
| Reverb AXS | ROCKSHOX | Wireless | - | 100-170 |
If you are using SRAM’s AXS electric component, this is the dropper post you want to use.
RACE FACE, a manufacturer of contact point parts, wheels, and cranks for MTB, also produces dropper seatposts.
The dropper seatposts are available in the TURBINE and Aeffect grades, which are familiar to RACE FACE users, at relatively affordable prices.
| Product | Manufacturer | Routing | Reference Weight(g) | Travel(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TURBINE SL | RACE FACE | Internal | 352 | 75-100 |
| TURBINE R | RACE FACE | Internal | 520 | 100-200 |
| Aeffect R | RACE FACE | Internal | 602 | 100-170 |
We have a lineup of dropper seatposts that offer a good balance between weight and price and are easy to choose from. The Aeffect R in particular is an ideal first dropper seat post.
Crankbrothers, famous for its binding pedals, produces “Highline” dropper posts. The higher the number, the higher the grade.
| Product | Manufacturer | Routing | Reference Weight(g) | Travel(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highline 7 | crankbrothers | Internal | 475 | 100-150 |
| Highline 3 | crankbrothers | Internal | 635 | 60-170 |
The main advantage is that you can purchase a lightweight dropper post at a price that is not too expensive.
German parts manufacturer BIKE YOKE offers a wide range of dropper seatposts, not only for MTB but also for gravel and e-bikes.
They feature a patented hydraulic system with venting function and products for shorter seatpost lengths, including droppers with 213mm travel, which are not available from other manufacturers.
| Product | Manufacturer | Routing | Reference Weight(g) | Travel(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REVIVE 2.0 | BIKE YOKE | Internal | - | 125-213 |
| REVIVE MAX 34.9 | BIKE YOKE | Internal | - | 125-213 |
| REVIVE 272 | BIKE YOKE | Internal | - | 80 |
| REVIVE | BIKE YOKE | Internal | - | 125-185 |
| REVIVE SL | BIKE YOKE | Internal | - | 80-125 |
| REVIVE SL Rascal | BIKE YOKE | Internal | - | 80 |
The “MANIC” is the most cost-effective dropper seatpost produced by Taiwanese manufacturer X-FUSION, with the MANIC for MTB and the MANIC Gravel for gravel.
| Product | Manufacturer | Routing | Reference Weight(g) | Travel(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MANIC | X-FUSION | Internal | 465 | 100-170 |
| MANIC Gravel | X-FUSION | Internal | 410 | 50-100 |
Ascend” is a dropper post produced by Brand-X, a parts brand under the umbrella of Wiggle, a major British bicycle mail-order company.
The main model is the Ascend (unbranded), and the lineup includes the Ascend CX for cyclocross, the Ascend II with exterior routing, which is rare today, and the XL model with increased travel.
| Product | Manufacturer | Routing | Reference Weight(g) | Travel(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TURBINE SL | RACE FACE | Internal | 352 | 75-100 |
| TURBINE R | RACE FACE | Internal | 520 | 100-200 |
| Aeffect R | RACE FACE | Internal | 602 | 100-170 |
| Highline 7 | crankbrothers | Internal | 475 | 100-150 |
| Highline 3 | crankbrothers | Internal | 635 | 60-170 |
| Ascend II | Brand-X | External | 610 | 125 |
| Ascend XL | Brand-X | Internal | 595 | 170-200 |
| Ascend | Brand-X | Internal | 535 | 100-150 |
| Ascend II XL | Brand-X | External | 670 | 170 |
| Ascend CX | Brand-X | Internal | 530 | 85-100 |
The biggest advantage of Brand-X’s Ascend dropper seatpost is cost - you can get a dropper seatpost with levers for about $50 if you aim for the Wiggle sale period, making it ideal for first-time dropper posts or riders who want to “try it out”.
Next, let’s compare the dropper posts of each manufacturer we have looked at so far.
| Product | Manufacturer | Routing | Reference Weight(g) | Travel(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer Factory | Fox | Internal | 568 | - |
| Transfer Performance Elite | Fox | Internal | - | 125-200 |
| Transfer SL Factory | Fox | Internal | 327 | 50-150 |
| Transfer SL Performance Elite | Fox | Internal | 50-100 | |
| Reverb AXS XPLR | ROCKSHOX | Wireless | - | 50-75 |
| Reverb Stealth | ROCKSHOX | Internal | - | 100-170 |
| Reverb AXS | ROCKSHOX | Wireless | - | 100-170 |
| REVIVE 2.0 | BIKE YOKE | Internal | - | 125-213 |
| REVIVE MAX 34.9 | BIKE YOKE | Internal | - | 125-213 |
| REVIVE 272 | BIKE YOKE | Internal | - | 80 |
| REVIVE | BIKE YOKE | Internal | - | 125-185 |
| REVIVE SL | BIKE YOKE | Internal | - | 80-125 |
| REVIVE SL Rascal | BIKE YOKE | Internal | - | 80 |
| MANIC | X-FUSION | Internal | 465 | 100-170 |
| MANIC Gravel | X-FUSION | Internal | 410 | 50-100 |
| Ascend II | Brand-X | External | 610 | 125 |
| Ascend XL | Brand-X | Internal | 595 | 170-200 |
| Ascend | Brand-X | Internal | 535 | 100-150 |
| Ascend II XL | Brand-X | External | 670 | 170 |
| Ascend CX | Brand-X | Internal | 530 | 85-100 |
When considering weight, product reliability, and availability of maintenance parts, which are heavy with dropper posts, FOX’s Transfer, a major company, would be the first candidate.
It may be tempting to spend $400 for a seat post, but in the case of a dropper post with a drive part, it is also important to deal with any defects.
With FOX, which has a high market share in suspension forks for MTB, it is easy to ask a pro store to perform maintenance and arrange for maintenance parts, which is a major point.
ROCKSHOX, another leading manufacturer of suspension forks for MTB, is also under the SRAM umbrella, and its lineup features wireless operation, making it a must-have dropper post if you are using SRAM’s AXS.
In addition to ROCKSHOX, Magura’s “Vyron eLECT” is another remote-controlled dropper post, but this one is more reasonably priced. However, considering the reliability of ROCKSHOX as a manufacturer and the fact that it works with AXS, ROCKSHOX would be the first one to consider if you want to use a wireless dropper post, which is a new technology.
A dropper post is one of the most expensive MTB parts, but Brand-X offers such a dropper post for “about the price of a regular MTB part,” which is a great help for light users.
Considering the actual retail price, Brand-X can be the first choice for those who want to try a dropper post for the time being, as it is in the price range that “if it breaks, you can go for a higher grade such as FOX”.
Sponsored Link
Shimano MTB Component Grades and Compatibility
The following is a list of Shimano MTB component grades and model numbers. Also includes compatibility with components for road and gravel bikes.
Wire Types and Differences for Road Bikes, MTB, and Hybrid Bikes
This is a summary of the types and differences of wires for MTB and hybrid bikes for road bikes. The interchangeability of each, and how the wires affect your riding.
Choosing a Rear Derailleur for Road, MTB, or Hybrid Bikes
How to choose a new rear derailleur for your road bike, MTB, or hybrid bikes, what to look for in a combination of sprockets, and the differences between different grades.
SENSAH's components for MTB and gravel
This is a summary of Chinese bicycle parts manufacturer SENSAH's components for MTB and gravel. It also includes the equivalent Shimano componentry grade and compatibility with Shimano parts.
Q Factor: Measurement, Determination, and Adjustment
Q-factor is an important factor for improving pedaling efficiency. we summarize what Q-factor is, how to measure it, how to determine the proper value, and how to adjust it.
Gear Ratios: Cross, Wide, and the Deep World
Cross ratios, wide ratios, the world of gear ratios is a deep one. We will take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of changing the number of teeth on the sprocket, and the combination with the chainring.
Summary of electric components for MTB
This section summarizes the types of electric components for MTB and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
MTB Dropper Seatposts: Types and Considerations
The dropper seat post is becoming a "must-have" part for MTB. Here we summarize the lineup, specifications, and features of dropper seatposts for MTB from major manufacturers, as well as a comparison of each manufacturer and points to consider when choosing a dropper seatpost.
Shimano Mechanical Brake Levers for MTB and Hybrid Bike
Shimano mechanical brake levers are now few and far between. The following is a summary of the current model lineup, specifications, and compatible components.
SRAM Component Grades and Compatibility Summary for MTB
This section summarizes the grades, features, and compatibility of SRAM's Eagle series of components for MTB, as well as the electric component AXS and the latest component, Eagle Transmission.
TPU Inner Tube: Features, Pros, and Cons for Road Bikes and MTB
TPU inner tubes are gaining attention as the third force in bicycle tires. We summarize its features, advantages and disadvantages of using it on Road bikes and MTBs, and major manufacturers.
Shimano Mechanical Brake Levers for MTB and Hybrid Bike
Shimano mechanical brake levers are now few and far between. The following is a summary of the current model lineup, specifications, and compatible components.
Summary of electric components for MTB
This section summarizes the types of electric components for MTB and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
SRAM Component Grades and Compatibility Summary for MTB
This section summarizes the grades, features, and compatibility of SRAM's Eagle series of components for MTB, as well as the electric component AXS and the latest component, Eagle Transmission.
Choosing SRAM MTB Sprockets: Compatibility and Key Considerations
SRAM components are being increasingly adopted in entry-grade MTB. In this issue, we summarize SRAM's sprockets for MTB and points to consider when choosing one.
12-speed sprockets for MTB compatible with Shimano Free Hub(HG spline)
We have put together a 12-speed sprocket that is not part of Shimano's 12-speed lineup for MTB. With this one, it is possible to convert to 12-speed with a conventional Shimano Free Hub (HG spline) without upgrading the wheels.
MTB suspension fork interchangeability standard! You definitely want to check when replacing.
When it comes to serious MTB customization, suspension fork upgrades are the way to go. However, there are various standards for MTB suspension forks, and if you choose the wrong one, it may not work at all.
Shimano MTB sprocket and wheel compatibility summary
This section summarizes the compatibility of Shimano's sprockets and wheels (free bodies) for MTB, which are a mixture of old and new standards, the latest Micro Spline and the previous HG spline, and what to look out for when purchasing.
MTB End Standards: What to Consider When Buying
Detailed explanation of MTB end standards! What is the boost standard? What is the end width that fits your MTB, points to keep in mind when buying an MTB, etc.
MTB wheel standards and how to choose one without fail.
The following is an overview of MTB wheel standards, their compatibility, and how to choose the right wheel for you.
What is a Tire Insert? Advantages and Disadvantages
This section summarizes what tire inserts are and the advantages and disadvantages of using them, which have been attracting attention along with the spread of tubeless tires and have recently been used in professional road racing.
Shimano disc brake pad types and compatibility
This section summarizes the types of Shimano disc brake pads, the differences between models, and compatible brake calipers.
TPI, Compound, Tread? Understanding Bicycle Tire Specifications
When looking for items to upgrade your road, MTB, or gravel bike tires, technical terms such as TPI, compound, and pattern appear in the descriptions. At first glance, tire specifications may seem difficult to understand, but if you keep only the important details in mind, your tire selection will be enhanced.
Torque Wrench: Advantages and Disadvantages of Torque Management
A torque wrench is a useful tool to have if you want to properly maintain your road bike or MTB. The following is a summary of what a torque wrench is and the advantages and disadvantages of torque management.
Perfect Guide: How to Raise Tubeless Tire Bead
Bead raising is an essential task with tubeless tires. However, there are times when it is easy to raise the bead, and other times when it does not raise at all despite your best efforts. In this issue, we will introduce a method to raise the bead of a tubeless tire that will not raise, considering the cause.
Bicycle Disc Rotor Distortion: Causes and Correction
If you hear a strange "shuffling" noise coming from the disc rotor area of your disc brake bicycle, it could be disc rotor distortion. This section summarizes why disc rotor distortion occurs and how to correct the distortion.
Tubeless Booster and Air Pumps with Booster: Pros and Cons, how to choose
The booster simplifies bead raising, which is the most difficult part of tubeless installation. We have compiled a list of air pumps with booster(boost functions) that are reassuring to have one.
Hookless Rim: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Considerations
Many "hookless rim" wheels are lightweight and cost-effective. What is hookless? We have compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages of hookless, as well as points to keep in mind when choosing.
What is the ASTM standard for bicycle wheels?
What is the ASTM standard for bicycle wheels? We have compiled a list of points to note when choosing a wheel.
How to Handle Flat Tires with Tubeless and Tubeless-Ready Tires
Tubeless tires have seen a dramatic increase in the number of users over the past few years. Even with tubeless and tubeless ready tires, punctures cannot be reduced to zero. The following is a summary of the causes of punctures and how to deal with them.