Dropper posts have boomed in popularity over the last ten years. The ease at which they can be fitted and the extra comfort and practicality they bring to your ride make them a valuable addition for many cyclists. Whilst not a new idea (having been around since the mid 80’s!), dropper posts have recently become much more commonplace and affordable with many mainstream bikes arriving equipped with them fresh out the box.
What is a dropper post?
In its simplest form, a dropper post is a seat post that can be quickly adjusted whenever you need it. No need for tools, no need to stop at the top of a trail to fix your seating position, and most importantly, no getting in the way of your ride. When descending on a mountain bike, you ideally want the seat post and saddle firmly out of your way, to give you room to manoeuvre the bike more easily.
How does a dropper post work?
A dropper post works in one of two ways, they can be cable-operated or fluid-operated (in a comparable way to hydraulic brakes). Regardless of the way it operates, there will be a lever on the handlebars. Pushing this lever will pull on the cable to raise the seat or push fluid into the seat post, achieving the same result. To lower your seat, all you need to do is sit on the saddle, your weight will push the saddle down. The dropper post is ready to be raised again by simply clicking the associated lever.
How a dropper post can change your ride
By dropping the saddle on a descent, you can give yourself a lower centre of gravity as you can get closer to the top tube. This helps improve stability whilst on the bike. You can also more easily move your body weight over the rear wheel which will dramatically reduce the risk of tipping over the bars when you hit a steep descent. It will also benefit you when making your way through tight turns and berms. With the saddle out the way, you are freer to move your body weight to keep yourself firmly planted.
When climbing, raise your saddle again to put the most power into the pedals and firmly transfer that power into traction. Alternatively, you can lower the saddle so it’s out of the way. Quite often, you will find yourself standing up when climbing, and having a seat in the way can hinder you. However, this is down to personal preference and you will discover what works best for you in time.
How to maintain your dropper
You are probably tired of hearing this when it comes to components, but the best way to prolong the life of your dropper is to clean it! Now this will take some time to bed into your post-ride practices as cleaning a seat post isn’t a normal part of riding. Just gently wipe down the shaft to remove any mud or grime. As with other complex parts, it is important not to pressure wash your dropper post or use any degreasers as they may strip the factory grease. Instead, apply a small amount of lube to the seals.
If you have a cable-operated dropper post, then you should routinely check that the cable is still taught when it needs to be and does not show any signs of rust. If you are keeping on top of cleaning, then this should not be a problem as you are already doing a lot to combat it.
If you have a hydraulic dropper post, you may need to service it when you notice that the lever feels spongy or slow to react (in the same way you would notice hydraulic brakes not performing as they should). Each brand has a recommended service interval, so it is always best to check manuals or websites as to when you should be conducting this service.
Do not forget to clean the actuator. Cable dropper posts will have a steel actuator at the base of the seat post that will need checking over. A surprising amount of water can get to this part of the bike, so it is advisable to assess and re-lube this part at least once every season.
Dropper Post FAQs
Can I clamp my bike by the dropper post?
The answer is yes! One thing to keep in mind is that it is always best to use a soft piece of cloth between the clamp and the seat post so as not to damage it. The key reason behind this is so that any dirt in the work stand does not get transferred into the seat post clamp when the seat gets dropped.
How do I store my dropper post?
It’s best to store it with the dropper post extended. This is because the pressure exerted on the spring is much higher when it is contracted and can lead to the internal seals failing.
This concludes our dropper post guide. Explore our range of dropper posts on halfords.com and elevate your ride today.
