Best Dropper Seatpost: Riding in Comfort No Matter the Terrain

Don’t you just hate how the seat gets in your way when shifting weight on your mountain bike while switching from downhill to flat ground rides? Wouldn’t it be great if your seat could be instantly adjustable by the press of a switch? Well, such a thing is actually possible if you choose the best dropper seatpost the market has to offer.

A dropper seatpost is a gadget that actually allows you to adjust your saddle height on the fly with just a simple flip of a handle remote lever. However, the choice of dropper seatposts on the market is huge, and not all models are that good. So, we decided to write this guide to help you in your search for a perfect model.

In this article, we will discuss five important buying tips to consider before buying, so that you end up with a model that is made exactly for your needs. Then we will review six high performing dropper seatposts you can buy today.

But, before all of that, take a look at the table of the products we reviewed, so that you have a better insight on what to expect.

Note: We get commissions for purchases made through links in this article

Product Name Weight
(lb)
Diameter
(mm)
Range
(mm)
Price
Thomson Elite Covert 1.0830.9, 31.6100, 125, 150Check price on Amazon
RockShox Reverb 125 0.4530.9125Check price on Amazon
Kind Shock LEV1.130.9, 31.6100 - 150Check price on Amazon
KS LEV DX 1.930.9125Check price on Amazon
RockShox Reverb 100 2.230.9100Check price on Amazon
Race Face Turbine 1.730.9, 31.6100, 125, 150Check price on Amazon

Best Products on Today’s Market

You can easily ride on any terrain, including mountain and road terrains. However, you will need top-quality dropper seatposts to avoid discomfort. Each of the seatposts we reviewed in this section, will provide you with high-quality performance.

Thomson Elite Covert Dropper Seat Post

Weight: 1.08 lb

Diameter: 30.9 mm and 31.6 mm

Specific features: Damped return speed, 5 mm of setback, ergonomic remote lever, short throw for height changes, and handlebar mounted remote

Best use: Mountain biking and high-end trail biking

Description: The Thomson Elite Covert Dropper Seat Post is well-built for superior performance. This seatpost has proven to be exceptionally resourceful, reliable and a better option when compared to other seatposts on the market.

The seat post is available in a black lower tube and a gold-tone upper. The post has a fixed speed, at 3 m per second. It cannot be converted to external cable models, but you can effectively increase the control of the dropper.

It comes with all the components needed, which are durable and easy to install.  It is usually fast and affordable in terms of maintenance or repairs if needed. It is a good post for your bike and comes with a bar mount remote.

It has proven to be much easier to use with the handy post and improved the ability to drop when stopping. The initial fitting should not take more than 5 minutes and with no fuss. Generally, you can expect the post to work perfectly with your bike.

PROS:

  • Cartridge-based system offers the longest service life
  • Return speed damping is gentle on the seating area
  • Short throw and ergonomic remote lever
  • Durable, top-quality custom-made components
  • Seatpost’s action is even during the course of its travel
  • Installation of the seatpost is simple and quick

CONS:

  • It lacks a barrel adjuster
  • Remote lever structure may present some problems

Related: Thomson also sells the Thomson Seat Post Clamp. You will need the clamp for better installation of the seatpost, especially when the seat keeps slipping down regardless of how tight you fasten it.

Check the price on Amazon

RockShox Reverb 125 Dropper Seatpost

Weight: 0.45 lb

Diameter: 30.9 mm

Specific features: Left and right-handed remote options, infinite seat height adjustment, remote adjustable return speed, 1650 mm hose length and two-year warranty

Best use: Mountain biking

Description: The RockShox Reverb 125 Dropper Seatpost is remarkably easy to install for all-mountain and downhill riding. It includes travel limiter clamp, reverb bleed kit, and the MMX clamp or shifter mount. It is also compatible with MMX brakes.

It is a great seatpost for mountain bike riding as it features adjustable and comfortable components. It performs flawlessly with a custom sealing system that gives it a plush and consistent feel of the seatpost.

Whether you will be traveling on a rocky terrain or downhill, the seatpost will deliver superior performance. The height of the seat is adjustable and allows the rider to get better geometry in the saddle. The saddle clamping is simple and very easy to adjust for saddle angle perfection.

Everything about the sea post works well as promised and the rider can easily move it up or down in small amounts to any position desired. This product is recommended for mountain-biking and downhill riding.

PROS:

  • Adjustable return speed
  • Easy initial setup
  • Left lever sits conveniently above or below the handlebar
  • Unmatched durability
  • Restructured internals and SKF seals at acute locations
  • Comes with dedicated post length for every travel length
  • Gravity dropper is micro-adjustable and has no offset

CONS:

  • It is not infinitely adjustable
  • Remote is left or right specific

Related: To successfully set up the seatpost and the seat, you will need the Crank Brothers Multi Tool. This nineteen-function, multi tool is integrated with side grips for a firm and a more secure handhold.

Check the price on Amazon

Kind Shock LEV Dropper Seatpost

Weight: 1.1 lb

Diameter: 30.9 mm and 31.6 mm

Specific features: Travel of 100 to 150 mm, aluminum material, zero cable movement, adjustable rotational orientation, integrated with a high compression head clamp, ultralight remote, recourse cable system and a sleek design

Best use: Mountain and enduro biking

Description: The Kind Shock LEV Dropper Seatpost is discreet, reliable and efficient. It features a modern design with an adjustable air suspension cartridge that is highly effective. It also has a built-in CNC internal system for ultimate precision.

The operation is very ergonomic and the outbreak of the seatpost is quite fast, even if some friction can be noted in the beginning. After one or two outputs, the movement of the plunger stem saddle, can be really fast and you can easily adjust the height of the seat. Also, the carriage of the seat post has no side. Therefore, you may need to tighten the two screws that will hold the seat rails.

The incredible feature that is also included is the internally routed cable that significantly cleans up the look of your bike. The remote lever can substitute an internal ODI lock on clamp. It can also be mounted as a stand-alone.

PROS:

  • Features the latest suspension dropper technology
  • Adjustable rotational orientation
  • Zero cable movement allows for silky smooth travel/ range
  • Patented one-way roller bearing provides play-free movement
  • High compression head clamp
  • Ergonomic carbon fiber remote
  • Black hard anodized stanchions

CONS:

  • Installation is a bit challenging

Related: You can best maximize the performance of the dropper seat post by purchasing a top-quality saddle, such as the Bikeroo Bike Seat. This is a universal bike seat that provides comfort by minimizing riding pain, whether it is mounted on a mountain bike or a road bike.

Check the price on Amazon

KS LEV DX Dropper Seatpost

Weight: 1.9 lb

Diameter: 30.9 mm

Specific features: Travel of 125 mm, adjustable air sprung pneumatic cartridge, hard anodized stanchion, standard cable system, alloy remote and alloy head clamp

Best use: Mountain biking, downhill riding

Description: The KS LEV DX Dropper Seatpost is recommended for mountain biking. It is made of aluminum material and it measures 30.9 mm in diameter. It is one of the most cost-effective options, making it perfect for those who are shopping on a budget.

It features a fixed cable box at the lower collar and the best part of it is that it helps the cyclist achieve a fixed cable position. It is a solid and durable product with static friction after a few minutes of inactivity, but it is easy to free it up while riding.

It is engineered with a great thumb switch along with an excellent cable routing option for those riders who don’t have the internal routing and do not want the cable bouncing about under the seat when dropped.

The dropper may help improve one’s riding experience, which is an ultimate upgrade for all bikes. The design allows more customization of the cable placement and it is topped with a zero offset head to allow for minute saddle adjustments for perfect riding.

PROS:

  • Aluminum material is lightweight and durable
  • Fixed cable box allows for a fixed cable position
  • Alloy head clamp holds tightly
  • Standard cable system and alloy remote allow for better performance
  • Excellent cable routing options for the rider
  • Zero offset head
  • Uses high-quality adjustable air sprung pneumatic cartridge

CONS:

  • Static friction after a period of inactivity

Related: The included alloy remote may prove to be somewhat annoying and frustrating; so, you will need the KS Remote Lever for better performance. The remote is remarkably easy to install and the barrel adjuster is excellent for achieving the ideal tension spot.

Check the price on Amazon

RockShox Reverb 100 Dropper Seatpost

Weight: 2.2 lb

Diameter: 30.9 mm

Specific features: Travel of 100 mm, Connectamajig hydraulic coupling and decreased friction for superior durability

Best use: Downhill riding, demanding terrain riding

Description: The RockShox Reverb 100 Dropper Seatpost is engineered for an incredible biking experience. Its seal has been re-engineered, using brilliant SKF seals at basic areas. It comes with a hose that makes the set up easy, fast and convenient.

It has expanded bushing covers for enhanced post-execution and solidness. This is the fresh out of the new model that is designed for the cutting edge mountain bikers. It also has a newly dedicated post length per travel length.

It includes a bleed kit and matchmaker x mount. Not to forget its Connectamajig coupling hose, this makes the initial setup of the hydraulic system easy. You can use the remote to adjust the return speed in order to restrict the saddle from flying up.

The performance of this dropper seatpost is remarkable and worth the money. By flicking the remote lever on the handlebar and putting your weight on the seat you can drop the post all the way down to the frame. Flick the lever again to return the post to the ideal position.

PROS:

  • Stress-free initial setup
  • Hose length of 1650 mm provides superior adjustability
  • Smooth adjustable return speed
  • Increased bushing overlap provides more stiffness and less friction
  • Completely redesigned internals improve durability

CONS:

  • Remote lever is left or right specific
  • 100 mm maximum drop

Related: You may face some performance challenges with the available remote lever; therefore, you should consider buying the Wolf Tooth Remote Lever. This remote is integrated with a barrel adjuster that allows on the fly changes.

Check the price on Amazon

Race Face Turbine Dropper Seatpost

Weight: 1.7 lb

Diameter: 30.9 mm and 31.6 mm

Specific features: Travel of 100 mm, 125 mm and 150 mm, quick connector, infinite adjusts within stroke, internal cable routing and functions at full capacity

Best use: Mountain biking, downhill rides, winter riding, competitive downhill riding

Description: The Race Face Turbine Dropper Seatpost features a hybrid design that combines mechanical and hydraulic locking technology. It supports the weight of the rider well with its solid connection and operates faultlessly during ascend or descend.

It features an actuation cable and tool-free disconnected with quick connector. Do expect the Race Face Turbine Dropper Seatpost to deliver optimum performance with its actuation mechanism that allows control and provides a great reliability.

It features infinite adjustment functionality with left and right mount thumb remote lever included. The patented hybrid design offers unrivaled performance and the turbine allows it to function within below freezing temperature.

Unlike conventional droppers, this particular model features redesigned components that improve its already renowned performance. Installation of the dropper is super easy. But, you should expect some challenges when accessing the air-port.

Also, the remote lever fits snugly onto the handlebar for easy accessibility and adjustments.

PROS:

  • Combines hydraulic and mechanical locking technologies
  • Mechanical lock provides a solid connection without failures
  • Static seals and lower air pressures allow for superior performance
  • Below freezing temperature operation
  • Easy and tool-less disconnection
  • Infinite adjustable within stroke
  • Push a button operation allows for quick flicking of remote lever

CONS:

  • May fail to perform excellently as advertised

Related: The included remote lever may fail to perform excellently, and you may need to replace it with the Race Face Turbine Remote. This remote lever will deliver remarkable performance and smoother rides.

Check the price on Amazon

Things to Consider Before Buying

There is no better way of improving your riding experience than customizing your bike. One of the most important improvements you can make is installing a dropper seatpost. The following are the major points to consider when shopping for a dropper seatpost.

Type

There are two types of dropper seatposts you can buy: infinitely adjustable and multi-position. An infinitely adjustable dropper post allows you to adjust the height of the seat to your comfort. You can choose the travel or range from 0 mm to 150 mm.

With a multi-position dropper post, you can choose from different positions: fully dropped position, middle position or the fully extended. The middle position is usually fixed and cannot be changed, so some people may prefer this type of dropper post.

Material

Dropper seatposts are normally made out of aluminum, but there are others that are made out of carbon or steel. Aluminum droppers are cheap, lightweight and reliable. Carbon models are lighter and more expensive.

Steel dropper seatposts are strong; therefore, great for dirt jumpers, but they are a little bit heavier. Steel is also better if you want to use an extra-long post. You should choose a material that will not only fit the budget but offer you superior performance.

Length

The most common lengths of dropper seatposts are 350 mm and 400 mm. You need a seatpost that gives plenty of material in the frame. Most posts are embedded with a line that indicates the maximum height.

The maximum height should not be exceeded in order to protect the clamp area and seatpost from excess strain. You should always have at least two inches of a seatpost extending below the point at which the top tube joins the seat tube.

Size

The size of dropper seatpost you select matters a lot. It is extremely important to get the ideal size of seatpost for your bike’s frame. Unlike conventional bikes, modern bikes have largely standardized their sizes to include: universal, 30.9 mm and 31.6 mm.

Most frames are 30.9 mm or 31.6 mm. There are also plenty of exceptions, but you need to get the size right. If the post is too small it can damage the collar and if it is too big it can be impossible to fit or remove.

Range

The travel or range of your dropper seatpost is very important. In most cases, the travel of a seatpost is associated with the frame size selection and saddle height. Usually, you can find both short and long travel dropper seatposts on the market.

Based on the frame size range, you can choose between the shortest and longest travel post that you are able to operate. Your saddle height should fall between the minimum and maximum saddle height measurements.

A low stand-over height, along with short seat tubes, can allow the use of long travel seatpost for a wider range of rider size. However, there are limits that each seatpost can allow for each frame size with respect to the rider’s saddle height.

Remote Lever

High performing dropper seatposts are fitted with top-quality remote levers for stress-free adjustments. A remote lever may be positioned under the seat or on the handlebars for easy access and operation.

A remote lever activates the release mechanism, allowing the seat to be lowered while riding in effortless descending. To raise the seat to pedal height, all you have to do is flick the remote lever.

However, remote levers differ from one brand to another. So, you have to be extremely choosy in order to avoid faulty levers that may fail to perform excellently. In most cases, you may be forced to buy a more capable aftermarket model to replace the manufacturer’s model.

Return Speed

This is normally the speed the saddle takes to return to its initial height. As far as most modern dropper seats are concerned, the return speed is usually adjustable, which is obtained by flicking the remote lever/ switch.

You can tune the remote lever to have a fast or slow return speed by regulating the pressure in the seatpost. With some dropper seatposts, the return speed can be damped for a given height, so as to be gentle on the seat area.

Wrap Up

The Race Face Turbine Dropper Seatpost marks the end of our article. The six reviewed droppers are the best the market has to offer with respect to our findings. These products offer reliable performance for smoother rides.

Dropper seatposts are a new technology that has remarkably transformed mountain and road biking. However, choosing the ideal model may be challenging, especially if you are new to the technology. The buying guide tips should help you make a perfect choice.

Always choose a dropper post that features a remote lever on the handlebars. With a remote switch, you can easily and conveniently adjust the seatpost. The obvious benefit is that your seat will be adjusted for tricky ascending or descending.

Was this information helpful? Were you able to find the perfect dropper seatpost for your bike? Please share your experiences, concerns and thoughts with us in the comments section below.

8 thoughts on “Best Dropper Seatpost: Riding in Comfort No Matter the Terrain”

  1. My KS LEV DX was a bit of a trick to install, but there is a well done video that explains the process. However, I would highly recommend this seat post! It has a great thumb switch, excellent cable routing option for those of us who don’t have internal routing, and don’t want the cable bouncing under the seat when dropped. 🙂

    Reply
  2. In choosing the best dropper seatpost, after service is also necessary. Make sure they have great customer service so if you have any problems with the seatpost, you can easily reach them for repairs or replacements.

    Reply
  3. The RockShox Reverb is definitely well worth the price! I’ve noticed a big difference in my riding from using this. Allows me to be more technical whilst, at the same time, forcing me to ride more aggressively too. Smoothly alternates between the lower position – when going downhill and/or riding sections of technical difficulty – and higher position, which I use for riding uphill. A perfectly reliable dropper post!

    Reply
  4. My brother swears by this dropper seatpost since he’s left handed and the RockShox Reverb have left and right handed remote options. The adjustable components work seamlessly and you get excellent value for that price.

    Reply
  5. I purchased KS LEV DX Dropper Seatpost a couple of months ago and so far, I am really liking it. I cannot compare it to other brand because it’s my first, but I do not regret getting it. Without a doubt, it helped improve my riding experience. Two thumbs up for me.

    Reply
  6. Thanks for this article Daniel. Just wondering what you think is better between Race Face Turbine Dropper Seatpost and RockShox Reverb Seatpost? I am really having a hard time choosing what to get because both seems to be good. I really want one that is easy to install.

    Reply

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