Short dropper posts

Gerard Vroomen - 12-Apr-2018
Update Aug 2021: The new Rockshox Reverb AXS XPLR post is another good option for this purpose, especially if your bike is equipped with AXS parts.

From time to time we get asked to recommend a dropper seatpost for the UP/UPPER or for the ONE+. While both Andy and I have mixed feelings about dropper posts, they can serve a purpose. We would suggest using a limited amount of drop though, to still keep a properly-pedalling bike at all times (after all, we like riding, not just bobbing along).

People with long legs can use almost any dropper post (assuming of course it has the 27.2mm diameter to fit our frames) but with a lower saddle height, it can get tricky to get a post that goes into the frame far enough (or really, one that doesn’t stick out too far at the minimum setting). Our favourite post for that purpose (and which also work for others of course) are the KS LEV Ci, which is very nice, carbon and light and offers 65mm drop. Secondly, there is the Specialized Command XCP, which has less drop (35mm) so it fits even shorter saddle heights. But it is a bit heavier than the KS.

Comments & Questions

OPEN
I´ve just put the KV post to mi open and life has just become much easier downhill. The urge to buy a full suspension has been severely diminished. Surprising how a mere 65 mm makes such a difference
Post #1 of 25. Posted by alex on 12-Apr-2018 07:17:47 GMT in reply to blog [0<--11655]
OPEN
Thanks for this. In the UK a lot of the time if you want to join up Gravel sections on a ride you either need intersperse with tarmac, or more mtb type trails [of course depending on where you live] I do both, but prefer the latter. The dropper helps when these transitions get a bit more ... adventurous.

I run an old KS manual dropper which does the job, but I'd far from ideal.

Would you consider making one of your video tutorials at some point, to show how to set this up with a 1x configuration on an U.P. please?

I can't believe i've had my Rapha U.P - "Devilfish" - for a year already. Time,alike the trails and tarmac have flown by! Nearly time for the second Fred Whitton on it, just after the diversions of Moors & Shores, and then The Dirty Reiver.

I'm loving it.

Thanks so much for all your help in the past and advice into the future!
Post #2 of 25. Posted by Tony Oswald on 12-Apr-2018 08:20:08 GMT in reply to blog [0<--11658]
OPEN
Can you put a KV on an open with DI2?
Post #3 of 25. Posted by Dodie Moats on 12-Apr-2018 08:21:13 GMT in reply to blog [0<--11659]
OPEN
You mean KS? You can, check the May 2016 gallery in the Gallery section of the U.P. product page.
Post #7 of 25. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 18-Apr-2018 13:03:29 GMT in reply to post #3 [11659<--11681]
OPEN
Hi, you forgot these creative guys from Poland - 65mm dropper post, 315g. Not really cheap, cable slightly cumbersome, but light!
http://jbg2dps.com/
Post #4 of 25. Posted by Dirk Gehl on 12-Apr-2018 08:27:55 GMT in reply to blog [0<--11660]
OPEN
We didn't really forget, that post requires a lot of extension, probably the most of any post on the market.
Post #8 of 25. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 18-Apr-2018 13:05:00 GMT in reply to post #4 [11660<--11682]
OPEN
I have the Specialized Command Post XCP on my UP. Love the 35mm drop, but the quality of seals is severely lacking. It needs a seal rebuild kit after 15 or so uses. Not rides, USES! I gave up on the airspring and just pinch my thighs together and pull up when I actuate the cable.
Post #5 of 25. Posted by San Walker on 12-Apr-2018 09:10:33 GMT in reply to blog [0<--11662]
OPEN
That's disappointing. Let's see if others have the same experience.
Post #9 of 25. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 18-Apr-2018 13:05:23 GMT in reply to post #5 [11662<--11683]
OPEN
Thanx Gerard,
Very timely info for me!
A bonus with a dropper post might also be that it could simplify the packing in an air transport bike bag; by perhaps eliminating the need to remove the post?

Two questions regarding installation of a KS Lev Ci post (or any other post with a remote) on my "classic" UP:
1. How/where would you suggest me to install the remote cable? As I run a front derailleur, I already have 3 cables in the entry hole on the down tube.
2. My frame is size S. The shortest KS Lev Ci post is 340 mm long, which seems to be long enough. Do you agree?
Post #6 of 25. Posted by Bengan, Sweden on 12-Apr-2018 12:54:42 GMT in reply to blog [0<--11667]
OPEN
1) If you already run 2x, it's not possible to run the dropper internal. With 1x, you can, for example shown on my U.P., which is the May 2016 bike in the Gallery section on the U.P. page.
2) In all likelihood yes. Probably is often not that the post is too short, but that the adjustment part is too long.
Post #10 of 25. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 18-Apr-2018 13:06:47 GMT in reply to post #6 [11667<--11684]
OPEN
I'm setting up a new U.P. and was told a dropper would add a pound to the bike weight; but it seems the variance between an EC90 post and the 27.2 KS post is 200g vs 375g. Is that correct?

Also; can I use the 100 mm drop or does only the 65 mm drop fit in the frame?

And lastly; as I'm using a 1X; can the cable run inside the tubes and up to a SRAM spare shift lever?
Post #11 of 25. Posted by bob on 10-Jun-2018 16:21:26 GMT in reply to blog [0<--12789]
OPEN
I have the same question about 100 mm drop. There is a drawing on the KS website (http://www.kssu....pdf) that appears to show the 27.2 x 100 post extending a minimum of 155 mm when fully extended. If I will have that much or more of my post extending from the seat tube, I should be OK, right?

I haven't been able to find the KS LEV Ci 27.2 post in 65 mm drop anywhere, but the 100mm drop version is available. Looking at the photo of your May 2016 BOTM, it looks like that might be a 100 mm drop post. Is that correct?
Post #12 of 25. Posted by Frank S. on 10-Sep-2018 22:09:26 GMT in reply to post #11 [12789<--13989]
OPEN
That May 2016 bike is mine, but I long since ditched the dropper post (unnecessary) and I can't quite remember. But I am sure back at that time, 100mm was all there was for this application
Post #13 of 25. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 11-Sep-2018 10:40:32 GMT in reply to post #12 [13989<--14000]
OPEN
Gerard, can you post a link to the May 2016 bike? I'd like to see how the internal routing was done; I just purchased an UP and would like to run 1X with an internally routed dropper post and can't figure out what accessories I might need, etc. Thanks
Post #14 of 25. Posted by Nelson on 10-May-2021 01:48:25 GMT in reply to blog [0<--23134]
OPEN
I don't think we have it up anymore, but all you need to do is take the headtube cable insert for 2x and drill out the stop of the FD. So then you can run the full housing of the dropper through that hole.
Post #15 of 25. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 17-May-2021 15:39:36 GMT in reply to post #14 [23134<--23137]
OPEN
Thank you - yes, I figured that out after I picked up a 2x multistop and stared at it for a while. Thank you!
Post #16 of 25. Posted by Nelson on 17-May-2021 16:42:18 GMT in reply to post #15 [23137<--23139]
OPEN
What do you think about the new SRAM XPLR as a dropper? https://www.sra...lr-a1
Post #17 of 25. Posted by P T Withington on 10-Oct-2021 17:47:23 GMT in reply to blog [0<--23317]
OPEN
Hi PT, if you like droppers, then yes thats a good choice
Post #18 of 25. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 11-Oct-2021 09:50:33 GMT in reply to post #17 [23317<--23321]
OPEN
What I am *really* thinking about is making my Wide into a more “off road” gravel bike and adding an UP to my stable for graveling when I don’t expect rocks, stumps, roots, and Class IV conditions. Wondering if the Wide frame would also accommodate the XPLR suspension fork?
Post #19 of 25. Posted by P Tucker Withington on 05-Sep-2022 12:04:03 GMT in reply to post #18 [23321<--24666]
OPEN
It certainly fits, in fact I rode SBT GRVL last month with an XLPR dropper and suspension fork. Total overkill for that course of course but just to try. Fits fine, bike rides fine, although it hasn't removed my hesitations about the usefulness of either yet.
Post #20 of 25. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 05-Sep-2022 14:51:11 GMT in reply to post #19 [24666<--24668]
OPEN
I just tried a buddy's XPLR 400mm / 75mm dropper in my OPEN UP and it gets stuck on something... it's only a few mm away from my ideal ride height. Is this normal / 400mm too long? Or is there something / some setting I can adjust?
Post #21 of 25. Posted by JP Roth on 08-Nov-2022 11:00:03 GMT in reply to post #20 [24668<--24719]
OPEN
If the seatpost goes in that far that it goes past the reamed depth, then indeed it would be better to get a 350mm seatpost instead of 400g (also a bit lighter).
Post #22 of 25. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 08-Nov-2022 13:35:53 GMT in reply to post #21 [24719<--24720]
OPEN
Seems the XPLR fork needs a different bottom bearing? The steerer is not beveled like the Open fork. Can you share the details of how you swapped in the XPLR fork?
Post #23 of 25. Posted by P Tucker Withington on 19-Nov-2022 13:10:09 GMT in reply to post #20 [24668<--24721]
OPEN
So forks used to have a fork race that you hammer onto the steerer and that is part of the headset package. On our own forks, this fork race shape is integrated into the carbon (the beveled shape) to make it lighter, avoid the hammering and make the angles of the carbon better. For the XPLR fork, you would need either the fork race for a 1.5" steerer (most likely your headset is Cane Creek but the bearing will say so) or a new headset but as a "complete package", not just the bearings without the fork race. The fork race you need is the BAA0010S. Either at Cane Creek or all over the web: https://canecre...aces/
Post #24 of 25. Posted by Gerard Vroomen on 21-Nov-2022 04:20:03 GMT in reply to post #23 [24721<--24722]
OPEN
Thanks Gerard!
Post #25 of 25. Posted by P Tucker Withington on 25-Nov-2022 14:52:48 GMT in reply to post #24 [24722<--24724]
Content
From:
About: