Drop down seatpost

[nirtiger]

Hi all
Looking to buy a drop down seat post but when looking at reviews on line it seems like none of the posts currently on the market is trouble free.
Any recommendations?
Thanks

[woody7795]

And anything worth buying is gonna be about $200. I hear the gravity dropper is the better out of them all.

[Mongoose]

I've been watching the Specialized Command Post. That seems to be the most reliable post. It uses a mechanical lock which works even if the seals leak. I think it's a collet that spreads out into a groove in the seatpost. Air pressure is only used for raising the post. The first version had trouble with the air seal leaking, but I hear they fixed that. It's not infinitely adjustable like the joplin, it has three positions, 0mm, 65mm and 100mm. I want to get it for my Bullit, mmmmm....

[Jisch]

I have a Maverick Speedball - currently sold as the Crank Bros Joplin. I've had it for almost 2 years now. From a functionality stand point, it really does change the nature of your bike. I am not much of a hucker, but even dropping your seat an inch for descents makes a huge difference.

I ride a lot of rollers and on the steeps or even a single rock in the trail I can drop my seat 3" ride the rock/roller and be back in XC mode without even thinking about it. If you get one, make sure to get a remote for it. Yes its extra stuff on your handlebar, but in NE where the hills are short, you want to be able to quickly move the seat up or down. I actually think they are way more functional here than out west where you climb and descend for extended periods of time, you might only move your seat up and down 2 times in a ride.

It's become so much a part of how I ride that I really hate riding my other bikes that don't have an adjustable post. I have no problems with my post, it has never leaked, and has worked flawlessly (when its warm - see below). I did have to switch to a non-QR seat collar, I just couldn't seem to get the QR tight enough to keep it from slipping. I don't need a QR on that bike now anyway.

That said its not perfect:
- There is some side to side wiggle on the seat, which looks bad when I stand next to the bike and wiggle it, but when riding I hardly feel it - its gotten a bit worse over time, but again I don't feel it when I ride.

- It adds to the list of things to maintain, 3 or 4 times a year I pull it apart, clean and grease. Really a 20 minute job, so no big deal. The seals are not great at keeping water out of the post, so keeping it greased is key to it working well.

- In cold temps (below 25 degrees or so) it doesn't work (i.e. it won't return to the "up" position). I was told that was because I used the wrong type of grease. I just did the clean and grease thing and used the right grease (Slick Honey), but I, HOPEFULLY, won't be riding in that cold weather again for 7 or 8 months now to test it.

I like the concept of collets to hold the seat in place like the Specialized version. I spend some time over on the Specialized forum at MTBR and there are no shortage of complaints about that seatpost. Knowing Specialized they will get the issues worked out, but it might be good to wait a bit longer before buying one.

John

[nirtiger]

Hi mongoose
I was looking at the commend post too, the big Q: did they fix it right?
Cause everybody is bitching about the first generation.I don't feel like spending over $200 and find out they are having the same problem!!

[nirtiger]

Thanks for the advise JISCH
Very helpful !!

[beauster1]

i too have the speedball and everything that has been said about it in that last post is pretty much spot on. although i dont have any experience with it in the cold temps. has a little bit of wiggle but it's not noticeable. other than that i love it. definitely get the remote, it's just easier to have especially when on tech trails.

My dad has the gravity dropper and he seems to like it as well. but personaly i think i would prefer the speedball. the remote on the GD isnt as durable and it's not as easy to engage.

just keep in mind that the speedball/joplin is only made for 30.9 and thicker.

[dirtrider2]

just keep in mind that the speedball/joplin is only made for 30.9 and thicker.

Not the new one. They've got a 27.2 now. BTW, I have a Joplin and really like it so far.

Dave

[skunkty14]

Not the new one. They've got a 27.2 now. BTW, I have a Joplin and really like it so far.

Dave

There've been rumors of a 27.2 for almost a year now but I haven't seen one offered anywhere yet, you have a source (Jeff?) who actual has a part number to order one? Crank Bros. website doesn't even list it as a size.

To the OP, Gravity Dropper is another option, if you get in touch with them they'll even do multiple custom drop points that you spec. up to 5 inches. Downside is that GD isn't infinitely adjustable like Joplin/Speedball or the Spec. post.

[Mongoose]

The specialized post isn't infinitely adjustable either. It only has 3 positions.

I saw a video of the gravity dropper and it looks better than I originally thought. It has a sturdy build and is user serviceable. No air or oil to leak.

[btf95]

We've been running RASE seatposts on a bunch of our bikes. No problems, work flawlessly, and local NH guys.
http://www.rasebike.com/rapid.htm

[Jisch]

Wow 9" of drop! Personally I can't imagine needing to drop the seat that much (I don't think I even have that much post out of my bike!), but it is cool. The thing that would concern me is how much seatpost goes into the bike - I think my Enduro SL needs more tube in the bike than that, could be wrong though and I didn't look at the specs.

John

[nirtiger]

I understand they are developing a 6" too

[woody7795]

i just ordered a gravity dropper classic brand new from bikewagon( they are on ebay). i got it for 229 with free shipping. i should have it by weds or thursday.I'll let you know what i think about it once its installed. being kind of a newbie i think it will help with the lack of ballz factor.( that will change real soon though)

[radair]

A Maverick Speedball came on my (used) bike when I bought it. It has no remote, just a lever under the nose of the saddle. I love it and will probably always have one from now on. It has a little lateral wiggle but it's not noticeable when riding.

[Shodan]

I have a gravity dropper and I think the infinite adjustablity of the others is a drawback not a plus. Mine drops 1 inch and 4 inches more than enough and you dont have to mess around trying to find the sweet spot, flip the lever and it clicks into place, every time. It really depends on the bikes though, I loved it on my Enduro, but find I dont need it on my Rip9.
If youre interested I will sell it send me a pm

[woody7795]

Just got mine haven't ridden it yet, but can definitely see the benefit of it.

[redridercr250r]

I have heard good things about the Crank Bros Joplin.

[fellsbiker]

My Maverick has a Maverick Speed ball. Mine is the "cheaper" one with the lever under the seat, rather than the lever that mounts on your handlebar. It's really great. Any time you are not sitting and pedaling, it's so nice to have the seat down and out of the way. Even standing and pedaling is better with the seat lower. Any downhill coasting is better, the lower seat gives you better balance. And drops.... anyone who does a drop with a high seat is just betting to endo.

So while everyone else on the rides stops and plays with their quick release lever to adjust their seat, I just hit my lever and without stopping, lower the seat, do the drop, then raise it back up.

The only downside is that it looks like i'm always grabbing my junk, because the left is right under the front of the seat :-D

[Jisch]

The only downside is that it looks like i'm always grabbing my junk, because the left is right under the front of the seat :-D

Doesn't that make you look "normal" in certain parts of the Fells :-D

John