Dropper seat-posts, cartridges...

[Stefan Mikes]

As the Forum "Search" feature seems to have stopped working, let me create this thread about dropper posts and related matters.

For a few for you who might not be even aware what the 'dropper seat-post' (the dropper in short) is for, a short explanation:

1. Mountain bikers need to be able to ride downhill on technical trails standing on the pedals with their bottom above the rear wheel to move the centre of gravity rearwards. That allows them avoiding Over-The-Bars, ensures a better control over the bike, and is a must on jumps. As the saddle would obstruct the free body movements, the rider presses a lever on the handlebar and pushes the saddle all way down with their weight; the seat remains dropped until the next lever push is done. The seat-post then returns the saddle to the original height by means of a compressed air cartridge.
2. The saddle may be partly dropped so the rider's body is in a lower position, which makes a ride on a difficult surface (mud, sand) more secure.
3. A dropper allows setting any saddle height between the minimum and maximum position, which allows easy sharing the bike with shorter riders...
4. SUV e-bikes are often equipped with a dropper to make it easy for us -- old farts -- dismount the e-bike

In my opinion, only functions 1 and 2 are essential for the dropper user.

Formerly mine 2020 Giant Trance E+ 2 Pro was originally equipped with Giant Contact Switch dropper. Giant droppers belong to the least expensive and the most hopeless products in the market Suffice to say, mine broke within the first month of use! I bought a replacement OneUp V2 dropper 150 x 30.9 mm immediately; fortunately, the Giant handlebar lever and the cable could be reused. The new seat-post was good for 4 years!

However, the life of the compressed air cartridge is not infinite, and you have to replace it once in a several years. That is the situation of the OneUp dropper now.

This year, I will participate in several E-Sprint gravel races. Because of some difficult singletracks paired with massive descents on the rocks, I will need to borrow the Giant from my brother. However, I will definitely need an operable dropper! Therefore, I ordered a new OneUp V2 cartridge. In a wrong size

Now, I'm returning the unpacked wrong cartridge and ordering a new one in the proper size...

 

[Chargeride]

Therefore, I ordered a new OneUp V2 cartridge. In a wrong size

Now, I'm returning the unpacked wrong cartridge and ordering a new one in the proper size.

Remember measure once, cut twice.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Remember measure once, cut twice.

A stupid, stupid mistake! My brother said "order the 120 mm one" and I was too lazy to search for the original order! I have had an account on EU OneUp since 2020!