You may have heard about dropper posts on mountain bikes. But what is a dropper post on a bicycle? Why do you need a dropper? Read this article to find out!
What Is A Dropper Post?
A dropper post is a component on your bike that allows the seat to move up or down with ease. This gadget is controlled by a lever.
Early designs were quite simple, with one end of a spring attached to a seatpost clamp, with the other end attached to the seatpost itself.
Modern dropper levers are often remotes that are located on the handlebar, making it effortless to adjust your saddle height on the fly.
The amount of height variation of the saddle is known as stroke length. A stroke length of 125mm to 150mm is considered adequate for road bikes, while for mountain bikes, anything over 185mm is considered good.
How Do Dropper Posts Work?
Most dropper seat posts come with a lever on the handlebars, which works similarly to a gear shifter or brake. When you pull or push the lever, you control the saddle’s position. The dropper lever is connected to the post by a mechanism inside it.
Inside the seat post, there’s a sliding part that moves up and down. This part is adjustable. It can extend or retract, changing the length of the seatpost. Pushing the remote lever pulls the cable. It tugs on the dropper post actuator and allows the dropper post to move. It’s a clever design that’s both simple and effective for quick saddle adjustments.
Types of Dropper Posts: Hydraulic vs Cartridge
Some dropper seatposts have an internally routed cable system, similar to the one used in bike brakes. Pushing the lever pulls the cable, which tugs on the dropper post actuator and allows the dropper post to move up or down.
Others use electronic systems, which are more high-tech and can be actuated with the push of a button, without any physical cables.
There’s another type of dropper seat post. It has a lever located right under the seat, like the lever on some office chairs. You can reach down, pull it, and adjust the seat height to your preference.
Furthermore, the mechanism of the dropper posts can be divided into two categories:
Cartridge Dropper Posts
These dropper posts have a small self-contained nitrogen-filled cartridge that has a push to release button at the end where the cable meets. When the cable is levered, this allows the nitrogen to flow within the cartridge, resulting in movement up or down depending on the pressure applied to the seat.
Hydraulic Dropper Post
This form of dropper post replicates technology we see used in many different forms of suspension shocks. They use a combination of air pressure, hydraulic oil, seals, washers, pistons, o-rings, and shafts to move the saddle up and down.
Why Would You Need a Dropper Seatpost?
If you are a mountain biker, a dropper post can be a game-changer. It can provide a better riding experience on rocky parts and steep slopes. It is also handy to have a 1x drivetrain.
When the trail gets rough, you can get your saddle out of the way and give yourself more room to move around the bike. More space means better control and less chance of the seat bumping you when you don’t want it to.
On a steep descent, when you drop your saddle, you can shift your weight backward more easily. This helps you feel more secure and also makes the ride more enjoyable.
The lower you descend, the more stable you feel. That’s because your center of gravity is lower. In biking terms, a lower center of gravity means you’re less likely to fall over when going downhill.
When you get to flat sections or have to cycle up a hill, you can raise the seat back up. This way, you can pedal stronger and more effectively, while maintaining a good posture.
Can You Use a Dropper Post on a Road Bike?
Dropper posts are often found on mountain bikes and allow riders to change the height of their seat without stopping. While it’s possible to install a dropper post on a road bike, it’s not always a perfect match.
Road bikes are built for speed, with frames designed to slice through the wind effortlessly. These sleek designs might not accommodate the added bulk of a dropper post. Before you decide to add one, check if your road bike has the right seat tube diameter and enough space within the frame.
Road bikes are also about being light and fast. Adding a dropper post means adding a bit more weight, which could slow you down, especially on long rides or races. Also, road bikes have a certain elegance, and a dropper post might change your bike’s classic look.
Is a Dropper Post Right for You?
A dropper post is a useful tool for your MTB. It can also be used on gravel bikes, road bikes and cyclocross, although for the most part it is still mostly used in mountain biking.
A dropper post can be installed at your local bike shop. The type of post and remote depends on the type of your bike, the drivetrain, and the usage.
In conclusion, you can use a dropper post to adjust seat height for efficient riding. Lowering your saddle gives you more room to move your body over and around your bike.
