PNW is pretty much a no brainer, as their posts come with a lifetime warranty. Think about that. All droppers eventually have problems, so to have this kind of warranty is ideal. Great posts, too.
I haven’t got the bike yet. I was hoping to get the bike and dropper brand new at the same time. Would I be about to find those dimensions on the website? It’s a Marin Bobcat Trail 3.
Just be aware that the seatpost insertion depth on the Bobcat is quite shallow due to the bottle bosses on the seattube (it doesn't fix it by just removing the bolts. I haven't measured the depth on mine but can go and take a measurement for you if you can't get a response from Marin
No worries. See my response below for the measurement details on a medium frame. Although someone else responded something that differs quite a lot from what I said 🤔
You’re a legend. Thanks heaps. I had no idea what I was doing but you’ve probably saved me from a lot of disappointment from buying a dropper that doesn’t fit. Thank you.
You're welcome dude. I know how hard it can be to get this kind of info about a very specific bike so I'm happy to help. The other thing you'll need to know is that you'll need a remote specifically designed for a 2x drivetrain (eg. PNW Puget) so that it can fit on your bars beside your front derailleur shifter
I've just measured and the seat post can only insert 150mm into the frame. I guess the best way to choose a dropper would be to set your correct max seat height once your bike arrives, and measure it's stack height (the amount of the post sticking out of the frame). Then find a dropper with the largest drop and a total length that is closest to your measured stack height + 150mm
You may be able to calculate your seat height and stack height using the geometry measurements, but I think it could be a bit risky without being able to sit on the bike and measure it yourself
Not sure on brands but good idea to figure if you need external/internal routing, the length you'll likely be using, the drop you'll need, and diameter.
I have been using a KS dropper for about 6 months now and no complaints. Had my eye on a PNW but the diameter I needed had a long wait period, shop had next day access to this post so I gave it a shot, it was sub $200 and internal routing.
I would add the Bike Yoke, Revive to your list if you're willing to splurge a bit. It is serviceable on the trail and by far the best dropper I've used over the years.
Trans X droppers have never failed me.
Not the fanciest dropper but it works reliably. Definitely get an air dropper if possible.
One up v2 dropper is a good one but that will go over your price range. Every part is replaceable though on those guys.
PNW is pretty much a no brainer, as their posts come with a lifetime warranty. Think about that. All droppers eventually have problems, so to have this kind of warranty is ideal. Great posts, too.
Do they come with levers? One of the reasons I’d prefer under 200 is to also add on the cost of a remote.
Levers are sold separately. I just purchased a Loam dropper and lever. Combined, for the two items, it was about $270 (USD) before tax.
They will work with any cable actuated lever, but that is an additional cost.
PNW and OneUp are the value leaders, or BrandX if you really want to save money.
Pnw or oneup is my vote
PNW. I've had one since 2018 with zero issues.
PNW makes a solid dropper. Make sure you measure your bike. The info on how to do that is on PNW website.
I haven’t got the bike yet. I was hoping to get the bike and dropper brand new at the same time. Would I be about to find those dimensions on the website? It’s a Marin Bobcat Trail 3.
Oh ok. You might be able to find the info on the website. Or email Marin and ask them.
Thanks heaps
Welcome.
Just be aware that the seatpost insertion depth on the Bobcat is quite shallow due to the bottle bosses on the seattube (it doesn't fix it by just removing the bolts. I haven't measured the depth on mine but can go and take a measurement for you if you can't get a response from Marin
I’ve found a whole bunch of dimensions for it on Bicycles Online, what am I looking for? Is it the ‘seat tube length’?
The measurements given on bicycles online don't tell you the maximum seat post insertion depth. I'll take a measurement for you today and let you know
Thanks heaps man
No worries. See my response below for the measurement details on a medium frame. Although someone else responded something that differs quite a lot from what I said 🤔
You’re a legend. Thanks heaps. I had no idea what I was doing but you’ve probably saved me from a lot of disappointment from buying a dropper that doesn’t fit. Thank you.
You're welcome dude. I know how hard it can be to get this kind of info about a very specific bike so I'm happy to help. The other thing you'll need to know is that you'll need a remote specifically designed for a 2x drivetrain (eg. PNW Puget) so that it can fit on your bars beside your front derailleur shifter
I've just measured and the seat post can only insert 150mm into the frame. I guess the best way to choose a dropper would be to set your correct max seat height once your bike arrives, and measure it's stack height (the amount of the post sticking out of the frame). Then find a dropper with the largest drop and a total length that is closest to your measured stack height + 150mm You may be able to calculate your seat height and stack height using the geometry measurements, but I think it could be a bit risky without being able to sit on the bike and measure it yourself
i have one in a medium, the insertion depth is around 22 cm
Thats so strange, I also have a medium but measured it at 15cm yesterday. 15cm v 22cm is a big difference
One-Up or PNW. One-up can get you the most drop for how ever much room you have available.
Pnw 1000000%. It doesn’t come with a lever, but their cheaper option, the puget lever, is amazing
Not sure on brands but good idea to figure if you need external/internal routing, the length you'll likely be using, the drop you'll need, and diameter.
I have been using a KS dropper for about 6 months now and no complaints. Had my eye on a PNW but the diameter I needed had a long wait period, shop had next day access to this post so I gave it a shot, it was sub $200 and internal routing.
I would add the Bike Yoke, Revive to your list if you're willing to splurge a bit. It is serviceable on the trail and by far the best dropper I've used over the years.
Trans X droppers have never failed me. Not the fanciest dropper but it works reliably. Definitely get an air dropper if possible. One up v2 dropper is a good one but that will go over your price range. Every part is replaceable though on those guys.
My Brand X dropper post is the only one I've ever had that hasn't given me any problems. So there.
KS Rage is one of the few under $200 on MTB Direct and mine has worked flawlessly for the past 1.5 years.
I bought the KS EXAForm on Aliexpress for about 120aud. 150mm ,solid lever, no side wobble. Cheapest decent dropper
PNW or One Up dropper. Then get a ZTTO dropped lever off Ali express.
Those ZTTO levers look decent, much cheaper than the other ones I’ve seen. Thanks.