Guidelines

Are all dropper post cables the same?

Are all dropper post cables the same?

Most all dropper posts come in a variety of different options, most usually broken down between the seatpost diameter and the post’s travel. The seatpost diameter is the diameter of the post that gets inserted in to the frame, usually either 27.2mm, 30.9mm, 31.6mm, or 34.9mm.

Is internal cable routing better?

A fully internally routed cable without housing is the better way to go when it comes to aesthetics. Nevertheless, there is no evidence that internal cable routing demonstrably improves shifting or braking performance compared to externally routed cables.

What cable do I use for a dropper post?

For reference, gear outer cable is often 5mm in diameter (some fancy gear outer is 4mm). Dropper Pro is 4mm diameter. Regular gear inner cables are 1.2mm thick. Dropper Pro System inner cables are 0.8mm thick.

What does a dropper seat post do?

A dropper post, commonly referred to as a dropper, is a replacement for your bicycle’s seat post and allows for quick adjustment of saddle height without requiring you to get off your bike or even stop moving. Most droppers work through cable actuation, although there are a handful of electronic/wireless posts.

Can I use a gear cable for a dropper post?

Yes you can. If the dropper uses cable actuation.

Do I really need a dropper post?

The biggest reason you need a dropper post is to quickly go between seated pedaling and standing to navigate steep drops or jumps. Enduro riders need to be able to pedal hard over long distances and varied terrain, but they also need to clear very technical terrain so they get the most use out of a dropper post.

Can you put a dropper post on a Rockhopper?

Updates to the frame include lighter weight, new geometry, internal cable routing, a threaded bottom bracket and dropper post compatibility. Recognising this bike may be used in the city as much as on the trails, Specialized have also added stealth rack and stand mounts too.

Do you have to route a hydraulic dropper post?

Hydraulic dropper posts use oil same as hydraulic brakes. The fact is these cable routing tips and tricks apply to hydraulic dropper posts as well. To route a hydraulic hose you need to pull it through with an already routed cable. I’ve explained the technique in tip #1.

Is it good to use external cable on dropper posts?

There are a number of benefits to internal cable routing including a sleeker aesthetic, reduced risk of contamination from dirt and debris and reduced chance of damage in the event of a crash. External cable routing is common on more affordable dropper posts and for those fitting a dropper post to an older or entry-level mountain bike frame.

What kind of post is a dropper post?

Mechanical ones use a cable to pull the lever which activates the dropper post. This article is mostly about mechanical dropper posts because they are the most common out there. Hydraulic dropper posts use oil same as hydraulic brakes. The fact is these cable routing tips and tricks apply to hydraulic dropper posts as well.

When do you need to re route a dropper cable?

If there is moving tension on a dropper cable while shifting gears then it’s tangled and you need to do it all over again. It’s better to check for it at that point than routing the housing and set it all up and then finding out that you’ve made a mistake.