We think every mountain bike, and even some gravel and road bikes, needs a dropper post. You may disagree, but you’re wrong. Just kidding. Sorta.
Dropper posts allow riders to sit in a comfortable position for efficient pedaling uphill, and at the push of a button, drop the seat down for more comfortable and stable descents. Almost all medium- to high-end mountain bike builds will include a dropper post, while less expensive bikes may ship with a fixed, rigid seat post. Trust us, a dropper post is one of the best upgrades you can make to any bike without one.
Singletracks has written about and tested dozens of dropper posts from all the major brands over the years and in that time we’ve noted all the things that make for a great seat dropper. Below you’ll find our recommendations for the best dropper posts, a list of features to consider when choosing a post, and answers to frequently asked questions about dropper posts.
- Recommended dropper posts compared
- Best dropper posts
- Lever recommendations
- What to look for in a dropper post
- Frequently asked questions
The best dropper posts we recommend
There are a lot of great mountain bike dropper posts on the market, and choosing the best one really comes down to weighing what is most important to you as a rider. For some, the best dropper post is the one that’s durable enough to last season after season with very little maintenance. For others it’s the one that performs the best when it’s time to race, or the post that weighs the least. And everyone wants a good value for the money.
- Best dropper post overall: Bike Yoke Revive. Runners-up: SDG Tellis and Rockshox Reverb AXS
- Best value dropper post: PNW Rainier. Runner up: Brand-X Ascent
- Most reliable and consistent dropper post: Fox Transfer
- Longest travel dropper post tested: OneUp V2 (240mm travel)
- Lightest dropper post tested: 9Point8 Fall Line
The following list of best droppers considers performance, reliability, feature set, and overall value based our own tests and research. If a dropper post is not listed here we cannot recommend it.
Dropper post comparison
| Price | Diameters | Travel | Standout features | |
| 9Point8 Fall Line | $424* | 30.9, 31.6mm | 75, 100, 125, 150mm | Lightweight design |
| Bike Yoke Revive | $350* | 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm | 125, 160, 185, 213mm | Bleed valve, highly serviceable |
| Brand-X Ascend | $134** | 30.9, 31.6mm | 100, 125, 150mm | Good value |
| Crankbrothers Highline 7 | $299* | 30.9, 31.6mm | 100, 125, 150, 170mm | 4-year warranty, easy-to-use saddle bolt system |
| Fox Transfer | $299* | 30.9, 31.6mm | 100, 125, 150, 175, 200m | Reliable, solid feel, proven design |
| FSA Flowtron | $281.50** | 30.9, 31.6mm | 125, 150, 175mm | Comes with a high quality remote |
| OneUp V2 | $229.50* | 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm | 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240mm | Up to 240mm of travel, short overall length gives riders max travel |
| PNW Loam | $199* | 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm | 125, 150, 170, 200mm | Adjustable travel and air pressure; color options |
| PNW Rainier | $179* | 27.2, 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm | 125, 150, 170, 200mm | Tool-free travel adjust, great value |
| Pro Koryak | $250** | 27.2, 30.9, 31.6mm | 70, 120, 150, 170mm | Very little rotational play, single bolt head |
| Rockshox Reverb AXS | $861** | 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm | 100, 125, 150, 170mm | Wireless |
| SDG Tellis | $269.99** | 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm | 100, 125, 150, 175mm | Easy rebuild, little side-to-side wobble, smooth/fast action |
| TranzX Kitsuma | $159* | 27.2, 30.9, 31.6mm | 90, 110, 125, 150, 170mm | Offered in 27.2mm diameter, 2-year warranty, low price |
Bike Yoke Revive
The Bike Yoke Revive dropper is many riders’ favorite thanks to its smooth action and fast returns. But what makes this dropper post unique is a reset valve that expunges any air that enters the oil-based hydraulic circuit. Air infiltration is pretty common with dropper posts over time, leading to a sluggish, squishy feeling. The internal cartridge is completely serviceable as well, unlike other posts that may include a sealed cartridge, making this post a top choice for home mechanics.
In our tests we found the Bike Yoke Revive works well in the cold as well, remaining responsive and snappy even in low temperatures. While the Revive costs a bit more than other posts on this list it’s also one of the most reliable and best performing. Read our full review of the Bike Yoke Revive.
- Price: $315-380*
- Diameters: 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm
- Travel: 125, 160, 185, 213mm
- Standout features: Bleed valve, highly serviceable
- Available at Competitive Cyclist and other retailers
PNW Loam
In mountain bike culture, loam is revered as a trail surface for its ability to provide velcro-like grip and a soft landing for big sends. Similarly PNW reserves the Loam name for their top-tier products including the Loam dropper post. We like the PNW Loam dropper post for its adjustable travel, which allows more riders to fit longer-travel posts, and also the ability to adjust the internal air pressure and therefore the return speed. The Loam is also unique among dropper posts for the colorful silicon bands that can be attached to add a bit of style.
One of our testers is still running this post after two years of continuous use and abuse and it continues to operate smoothly and reliably. Read the full review of the PNW Loam dropper post.
- Price: $199*
- Diameters: 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm
- Travel: 125, 150, 170, 200mm
- Standout features: Adjustable travel and air pressure; color options
- Available at Jenson USA and other retailers
SDG Tellis
The SDG Tellis is a workhorse of a dropper post that performs just as well as those that cost much more. The replaceable cartridge is favored by novice mechanics while more experienced wrenches will have no problem servicing and rebuilding this post after every 400 hours of use. This post also gets high marks for developing very little side-to-side wobble over time and also its smooth, fast return action. Unlike many of the best dropper posts we recommend, the SDG Tellis price includes a remote lever, and a really nice one at that.
Our review tester sums it up best saying, “I would recommend the Tellis to any good friend, regardless of their bike budget.” Read the in-depth review of the SDG Tellis dropper post.
- Price: $269.99**
- Diameters: 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm
- Travel: 100, 125, 150, 175mm
- Standout features: Easy rebuild, little side-to-side wobble, smooth/fast action
- Available at Amazon and other retailers
OneUp V2
If maximizing the amount of travel you can get out of your frame and your legs, the OneUp V2 dropper post is the one to get. The brand currently offers one of, if not the longest, dropper posts on the market with 240mm of up-down. We found the cartridge-based system offers smooth action and it returns at just the right speed out of the box. The post is also shimmable to reduce the travel by 10 or 20mm allowing riders in between sizes to make a longer-travel post fit.
Gerow says, “If you want a quality post that can handily accommodate a variety of frames and riders, this is the one I would recommend.” Read his whole review on the OneUp Dropper Post V2.
- Price: $229.50*
- Diameters: 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm
- Travel: 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240mm
- Standout features: Up to 240mm of travel, short overall length offers riders maximum travel for height and frame size
- Available at Jenson USA and other retailers
Fox Transfer
Take a look at any top-of-the-line mountain bike build and chances are it’s running a gold-stanchioned Fox Transfer Factory dropper post. (Or a RockShox Reverb AXS, which is on our list too.) We’ve tested both the Kashima-coated Factory and lower-priced Performance Elite versions of this post and can say buyers will be more than satisfied with Performance Elite which shares the same internals. Similar designs and tech can be found in the RaceFace Turbine and Marzocchi Transfer posts so we are confident recommending those posts as well.
The Fox Transfer dropper post works reliably on the trail and provides a solid feel thanks to its proven design. In theory the post is serviceable but most buyers will want to send this one in for service. Read our review of the Fox Transfer dropper post.
- Price: $299*
- Diameters: 30.9, 31.6mm
- Travel: 100, 125, 150, 175, 200m
- Standout features: Reliable, solid feel, proven design
- Available at Competitive Cyclist and other retailers
PNW Ranier
It’s hard to believe that the PNW Rainier is already on its third generation. The brand has clearly honed the design over the years to ensure both a reliable and affordable dropper post that fits a wide range of bikes from gravel to enduro. The Rainier features a sealed cartridge and a unique tool-free travel adjust system so riders can get just the right fit.
Watch this PNW Rainier review video or read our review of the second generation Rainer dropper post.
- Price: $179*
- Diameters: 27.2, 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm
- Travel: 125, 150, 170, 200mm
- Standout features: Tool-free travel adjust, great value
- Available at Amazon and other retailers
Rockshox Reverb AXS
The Rockshox Reverb AXS gets our recommendation for the best wireless dropper post on the market today. The lack of a cable or hose makes it easy to install and easy to swap between bikes. The wireless action is quick and responsive, though that’s not to say the system isn’t without its drawbacks (namely short battery life and a battery that tends to buzz tires on some frames, not to mention high cost). Since there’s no actuator sticking out of the bottom the Reverb AXS has one of the shorter overall lengths to fit more frames and legs.
The included wireless remote features a push button that’s nearly effortless compared to a mechanical lever. Like the Bike Yoke Revive, the Reverb AXS has an easy-to-use bleed valve for keeping the action snappy.
- Price: $861**
- Diameters: 30.9, 31.6, 34.9mm
- Travel: 100, 125, 150, 170mm
- Standout features: Wireless
- Available at Competitive Cyclist and other retailers
Brand-X Ascend
Priced well under $150USD with a remote, the Brand-X Ascend is the cheapest dropper post on our list of recommendations. But it’s not just the price that’s appealing about this post; more than 1,300 reviewers on Chain Reaction rated the Ascend an average of 4.6 stars out of five. Typical reviews of this post mention its smooth action and minimal play after months or even years of hard use.
Like most other basic dropper posts the Brand-X features a sealed cartridge with no way to adjust the air pressure. This isn’t the lightest post on the market or the most fully featured, but it does come with a 2-year warranty
- Price: $134**
- Diameters: 30.9, 31.6mm
- Travel: 100, 125, 150mm
- Standout features: Great value
- Available at Chain Reaction Cycles
Crankbrothers Highline 7
The Crankbrothers Highline 7 sits in the middle of the brand’s dropper post lineup, offering buyers a good balance between features and price. In our testing we found the post has a nice, linear return rate and works well even in cold temperatures. A 4-year warranty offers reassurance that the post will last at least that long, and Crankbrothers sells a service kit for those who want to do their own maintenance.
One of our favorite features is the two-bolt system Crankbrothers uses on the Highline 7 that makes it easy to install and adjust the saddle. Read our full review of the Crankbrothers Highline 7.
- Price: $299.99*
- Diameters: 30.9, 31.6mm
- Travel: 100, 125, 150, 170mm
- Standout features: 4-year warranty, easy-to-use saddle bolt system
- Available at Jenson USA and other retailers
TranzX Kitsuma
The TranzX Kitsuma is the least expensive of the dropper posts we recommend, and while it may not have all the bells and whistles the others include, we can say it is reliable and works well for mountain biking. The post even comes with a 2-year warranty. This dropper post also stands out for being offered in a 27.2mm diameter which is compatible with many gravel bikes currently on the market.
The sealed hydraulic cartridge promises low maintenance and the internal coil spring offers consistent action without needing to be topped off with air. Read the complete TranzX Kitsuma review.
- Price: $159.99*
- Diameters: 27.2, 30.9, 31.6mm
- Travel: 90, 110, 125, 150, 170mm
- Standout features: Offered in 27.2mm diameter, 2-year warranty, low price
- Available at Amazon and other retailers
Pro Koryak
The Pro Koryak dropper post is a solidly reliable post with a couple standout features that earn it a spot on our list of recommend posts. For starters, the single-bold head makes addle installation a simple, one-handed affair. We also found very little — practically zero — rotational wiggle even after a year of testing which is impressive. Like many others on this list, the post uses a replaceable cartridge system that produces reliable returns at a speed that’s not too fast, and not too slow.
Read our full review of the Pro Koryak dropper post.
- Price: $250*
- Diameters: 27.2, 30.9, 31.6mm
- Travel: 70, 120, 150, 170mm
- Standout features: Very little rotational play, single bolt head
- Available at Backcountry and other retailers
9Point8 Fall Line
The 9Point8 Fall Line R dropper post is one of the lightest on the market which makes it a solid choice for saving weight. Internal spacers allow buyers to reduce the travel to maximize the amount that will fit. With adjustable air pressure the 9Point8 Fall Line can be set to return nearly as fast as you like. We found this post more difficult to install than some others and its action slows noticeably in cold temperatures, though for those looking for the lightest dropper post these are likely minor annoyances.
Read our full 9Point8 Fall Line R dropper post review.
- Price: $424*
- Diameters: 30.9, 31.6mm
- Travel: 75, 100, 125, 150mm
- Standout features: Lightweight design
- Available at 9Point8.ca
FSA Flowtron
The FSA Flowtron dropper post sits solidly in the reliable-performer category. We can recommend this one for its all-weather performance and for the fact that it includes a high-quality remote for those who are interested in upgrading both post and remote in one fell swoop. The three-pin brass keyway helps this post stay pointed straight ahead with very little noticeable wiggle based on our tests.
Read more about the FSA Flowtron dropper post and lever.
- Price: $281.50**
- Diameters: 30.9, 31.6mm
- Travel: 125, 150, 175mm
- Standout features: Comes with a high quality remote
- Available at Moosejaw
House-branded dropper posts
Over the years we’ve tested and researched some of the house-branded dropper posts from big bike brands like Trek, Specialized, and Giant and have not found them to work as well as those recommended above. If you’re not stoked with the performance of the dropper post that shipped with your frame, consider upgrading to any on the list above. We do not recommend purchasing aftermarket dropper posts, new or used, from any of the bike brands at this time.
Best value dropper: PNW Ranier
The PNW Rainier is our pick for the best value thanks to its reliable performance and travel adjustability. The Brand-X Ascent is a close second for best value thanks to its overall low price, great reviews, and for including a remote.
Best performance dropper: Bike Yoke Revive
The Bike Yoke Revive is one of the best performing dropper posts we’ve tested and comes with an impressive feature list. The SDG Tellis and Rockshox Reverb AXS deserve runner up mentions in the performance category as well.
Most reliable dropper: Fox Transfer
The Fox Transfer is the most reliable dropper post we’ve tested, offering solid performance in all conditions for months and even years on end.
Longest travel dropper and best fit: OneUp V2
The OneUp V2 dropper post is our favorite for offering the maximum amount of travel for a given rider height and bike size.
Dropper post levers
Not all dropper post levers and remotes are created equally, and since many posts don’t include a remote in the box, buyers will need to choose their own. All three of the levers we recommend below feature a pinch clamp at the lever for easy cable installation.
SDG Tellis Dropper Lever
The SDG Tellis dropper post remote is highly adjustable and has a smooth action. It’s compatible with SRAM and Shimano brake levers for a clean cockpit setup and the shape is easy on the thumbs.
- Price: $49.99 – $65.99
- Available at Jenson USA and other retailers
PNW Loam Lever
PNW was one of the first to create a truly premium dropper post lever, and the PNW Loam remains one of our favorites still today. The rubberized thumb pad feels great and remains slip-free, even without gloves. Overall this lever provides smooth action and quality construction.
- Price: $69 – $74
- Available at Amazon and other retailers
Wolf Tooth ReMote
Like the SDG Tellis lever, the Wolf Tooth ReMote is available to fit SRAM and Shimano brake levers, and also those from Hope and Magura as well. The ReMote comes in various colors as well and promises smooth, reliable action.
- Price: $69.95
- Available at Wolf Tooth Components and other retailers
Dropper post buyers guide
As you can tell there are plenty of great mtb dropper posts to choose from so you’ll need to narrow things down to find the best one for your bike. These are the key factors to consider.
Seat post diameter
The first thing to check when shopping for a new dropper post or an upgrade is the diameter of the seat tube on your bike. Mountain bikes commonly have either a 30.9mm, 31.6mm, or 34.9mm inner seat tube diameter while gravel and road bikes may have a 27.2mm diameter. Dropper posts are available in all four sizes, though not all models and not from all brands. If you’re not sure what size your seat post is you may be able to find out by checking the markings on the seat post that’s already installed. Or you can use a set of calipers to measure; just make sure you’re checking the inside diameter of the tube, not the outside.
It’s technically possible to run a smaller diameter post on a bike with a larger diameter seat tube using a properly sized shim. However, this is not ideal and in some cases may void your frame warranty. In fact we cracked the seat tube on a test frame running a shim years ago and haven’t tried since. As tempting as it may be to save a few bucks on an odd-sized post, play it safe and order the diameter that fits your bike. There are plenty of models and price points to choose from.
Overall length
In addition to the diameter, the other main frame-related constraint to consider is the length of the post. For example, some seat tubes have kinks in them for suspension pivots or wheel clearance which limits the length of post that will fit inside. There are also differences in seat collar heights that will affect the length of post that will work. Of course riders come in all sizes too, so those with shorter legs will need to pay special attention to the overall length of their dropper post.
Most brands will have sizing information for their posts listed, and many like One Up offer an easy online fit calculator. Basically you’ll want to set your existing seat post at the maximum height where you generally like to pedal, and measure the distance from your saddle rails to the seat tube collar. Remove the seat post and measure from the collar inside the tube to the first obstruction, be it a kink or the end of the tube. Add the two together and you’ll have a rough estimate of the maximum post length you can fit. Most riders will want to buy longest post they can get for maximum travel (see the next section), so choose the first one that’s shorter than your max length. For example, if the saddle to collar plus collar to obstruction length on your bike is 460mm, and a post is available in 480mm, 440mm, and 385mm lengths, choose the 440mm model since it’s less than 460mm. Again, this is a rough guide so double check with the sizing information provided.
Dropper post travel
How much travel should your dropper post have? When it comes to the amount of a travel a mountain bike dropper post offers, more is almost always better. Modern posts are generally infinitely adjustable — that is, you can set them at any height between the maximum and minimum — so maximizing travel gives riders more options during the ride.
When it comes to longer travel posts, tall riders are at a fit advantage and can utilize the longest posts which currently offer up to 240mm of travel. Bike brands tend to spec different travel posts based on the frame size, and every dropper brand has their own set of lengths to choose from. There are even dropper posts on the market with as little as 60mm of travel designed for kids or road bikes.
We’ll say it again: get the longest travel dropper post that will fit your body and your bike frame.
Remote levers
A key part to any seat dropper system is the remote lever, though these days many posts don’t actually ship with one. This seems to be a cost saving measure, but it’s also good for those who already have a post and are simply upgrading. There are three main types of dropper remotes.
Mechanical levers
Mechanical levers are by far the most common and utilize a shifter cable running from the remote to the post for activation. There are generally two styles of levers — shifter or one-by style and over-the-bar — though the former is much more common today. Over-the-bar remotes can be awkward to use and are generally only a good choice if you’re running a shifter for a front derailleur. It’s OK to mix mechanical levers and posts so for example, you don’t need a PNW lever to use with your PNW seat post.
Since mechanical remotes generally involve a shifter cable, one end of the cable will need to be cut and secured at one end with a set screw. Ideally the set screw is located at the lever end, rather than at the actuator on the bottom of the post. Clamping the cable at the lever ensures ease of installation and minimizes fit issues inside the seat tube. It seems most manufacturers are moving toward this setup, though some posts still require a barrel style set screw at the post.
Wireless remotes
Wireless dropper post remotes use electronics (and a bit of magic if you ask us) to set the seat height and offer some advantages over mechanical systems. For starters they’re easier to install and to move between bikes since there are no cables to route. However, these systems do have batteries which need to be charged regularly. Posts from SRAM and Magura feature proprietary remotes which are included with the post at purchase.
Hydraulic remotes
Very few posts feature a hydraulic remote, though the Rockshox Reverb is a well known post that does. The lever and hose system works similarly to a disc brake, with all the same bleeding and potential leakage hassles involved. Our recommendation is to choose a post with either a mechanical or wireless remote.
The quality of dropper post remotes vary widely, and most offer a distinctive feel. This is one of those areas where you generally don’t want to buy the cheapest one, but you also don’t need to go for the most expensive either.
Cartridge type
Now we’re getting into the nitty gritty technical features so if you don’t care about this stuff you can skip ahead to the next section. Dropper posts use a pressurized cartridge to pop the seat up, and some allow you to top off and adjust the pressure for a slower or quicker return, or to lift a heavier seat (like if you’re running a seat bag). Those that allow for pressure adjustments typically feature a schraeder valve which you can charge with a high pressure shock pump.
Dropper posts with sealed cartridges don’t offer any adjustment, and out of the box some offer faster return speeds — how fast the seat post raises up — than others. A post with a fast return can take some getting used to and may result in some early surprises, but in the end most riders will prefer a snappier post.
Some brands use additional tricks and features to optimize return speeds, like Fox which uses a low-stiction Kashima coating on the premium Factory Transfer post.
Serviceability
Dropper posts are very similar to suspension components so if you’re comfortable taking apart your fork or shock, you may want to choose a dropper post that’s serviceable. Some brands use replaceable cartridges or may offer service kits for home mechanics. Otherwise your local shop should be able to help with any maintenance issues and if not, you can mail your post in for repairs.
Seat post head
Maybe it’s just us, but it can be really frustrating to install a saddle on my seat posts. OK, it’s probably not just us. Those things are annoying.
Some styles of post heads are more annoying than others and the designs can vary widely. A single-bolt head offers simplicity while the more common two-bolt arrangement is usually easier to adjust. Don’t stress too much about the head style, especially if you’re like most riders who rarely swap saddles.
Internal vs. external
This section is really just here for historical purposes, or for those who are hoping to run a seat post on a frame that isn’t drilled for internal routing. Most mountain bikes, and even some road and gravel bikes, feature a hole near the bottom of the seat tube for routing a dropper remote cable inside. By default, dropper posts these days are designed for internal routing, however some brands may still offer external options.
If your seat tube doesn’t have a hole, an externally routed post will allow you run a dropper post. Of course you could go with a wireless version instead, which is much easier to install and looks cleaner too.
Side-to-side play
Most dropper posts will develop a little side-to-side play over time. A degree or two of saddle rotation isn’t a big deal, though any more than that can get annoying quickly. Most post stanchions are internally “keyed” to fit within a channel that prevents rotation.
Weight
It seems like around the time that dropper posts were invented, mountain bikers stopped obsessing about weight. These days there isn’t much focus on designing lighter weight dropper posts but it’s certainly something you can consider and compare if that’s important to you.
Frequently asked questions
As with any moving part on a bike, things can and do go wrong with dropper posts, and sometimes they are just plain wacky. We’ll try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions; if you have one we haven’t answered, please ask it in the comments below.
Can I run a longer dropper on my bike?
It depends. Be sure to read the section above about post lengths and measure your existing setup to see if there’s room for a longer post. If you’ve had your current post for a while, check out the latest version; most brands are finding ways to pack more travel into shorter overall lengths. Newer bikes tend to have shorter seat collar heights and longer tubes so worst case, you have an excuse to buy a new bike. 🙂
Why isn’t my dropper post working?
There are a number of reasons why your dropper post might be stuck in the up or down position. The first thing to check is whether your seat collar is tightened too tightly. Also inspect the cable to ensure it has proper tension. Add more air pressure if your post has a valve (usually located at the saddle head) or consider swapping out the cartridge. A slow post may be in need of a rebuild. Check out this article for more tips on troubleshooting and fixing a slow or stuck dropper post.
Can I use another brand’s lever?
Most if not all mechanical dropper post levers are interchangeable. If you already have a lever you like keep it when you upgrade your post. However, note that some levers have a set screw on them, while others are designed to fit the barrel end of the cable.
What is a dropper post for?
Chances are if you’re reading this you already know why dropper posts are a good choice for mountain biking and even gravel, but just in case, here’s a recap. Dropper posts allow riders to quickly and easily drop the bike saddle out fo the way for descents, and return it to pedalling height at the push of a button. A lower seat position makes cornering easier too, while a raised seat makes for more efficient climbing. On rolling trails riders can easily find themselves dropping and raising their seat post hundreds of time during the ride.
