Dropper seatposts have been one of the biggest advancements in mountain bike technology this century. They allow riders to drop the saddle out of their way with the flick of a bar-mounted remote, hugely boosting manoeuvrability, and removing the need to fumble with a quick-release lever at the top and bottom of every significant descent. Thanks to their widespread adoption, trails can be ridden with more flow, and enduro riding and racing have been able to flourish. They’re even beginning to achieve gradual acceptance in the world of cross-country racing, as courses become more challenging, despite the increase in weight over a rigid post.
Many modern posts allow you to do more than just have your saddle up or down, with most offering ‘infinite’ adjustment (within their travel range), barring a few lightweight models. This is great for technical climbs, especially on electric bikes, where dropping the saddle allows you to transfer weight from the rear to the front wheel, reducing the chance of looping out on steep ascents.
For this test, we’ve reviewed nine posts – four with wireless remote buttons, and five cable-actuated models. All have around 170mm of travel. Wireless posts sit at the top end of the market, offering easy installation and the ability to be quickly
