Dropper Seat Post for Road Bikes - Has Their Time Arrived?
12-02-20, 10:27 AM
#1
Grupetto Bob
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,166
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2555 Post(s)
Liked 5,578 Times
in
2,895 Posts
Dropper Seat Post for Road Bikes - Has Their Time Arrived?
On my mtn bike, a dropper Post is almost required for steep descents. Lowering the center of gravity is key. At 6’2” I am way off the ground on a bike and lowering the seat makes a significant difference in stability. On my road bike I am still way off the ground and it never becomes more evident when bombing down a technical/windy descent with tight turns. Of course I get on the drops, lower my body position, put the outside pedal down, use my inside knee, yada yada, but still feel like an upside down pendulum. Read this article which sounds promising https://www.cyclingnews.com/features...dropper-posts/
Additional weight penalty aside, do you think they will take the serious road riders by storm like they have done in mtn biking? This is more directed to forward thinking tech types rather than the “my bike has had two wheels for the last 100 years and that’s good enough” crowd.
Additional weight penalty aside, do you think they will take the serious road riders by storm like they have done in mtn biking? This is more directed to forward thinking tech types rather than the “my bike has had two wheels for the last 100 years and that’s good enough” crowd.
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
12-02-20, 10:35 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,825
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6927 Post(s)
Liked 10,930 Times
in
4,667 Posts
On my mtn bike, a dropper Post is almost required for steep descents. Lowering the center of gravity is key. At 6’2” I am way off the ground on a bike and lowering the seat makes a significant difference in stability. On my road bike I am still way off the ground and it never becomes more evident when bombing down a technical/windy descent with tight turns. Of course I get on the drops, lower my body position, put the outside pedal down, use my inside knee, yada yada, but still feel like an upside down pendulum. Read this article which sounds promising https://www.cyclingnews.com/features...dropper-posts/
Additional weight penalty aside, do you think they will take the serious road riders by storm like they have done in mtn biking? This is more directed to forward thinking tech types rather than the “my bike has had two wheels for the last 100 years and that’s good enough” crowd.
Additional weight penalty aside, do you think they will take the serious road riders by storm like they have done in mtn biking? This is more directed to forward thinking tech types rather than the “my bike has had two wheels for the last 100 years and that’s good enough” crowd.
Likes For Koyote:
12-02-20, 10:41 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 781
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 479 Post(s)
Liked 277 Times
in
156 Posts
rsbob I can see the dropper post migrating to road and gravel - maybe gravel first. But - and it's a big but - it will be the younger crowd and those new to road cycling.
I'm 52 and have been riding consistently for 47 years - raced BMX then MTB then road, then gravel... For years, I thought dropper posts were a joke - "Man up and ride the &$^@ing bike." Then last year, on a borrowed (badass) mtn bike, after climbing to 12,000' at full post extension, I dropped the post and descended. I was SOLD. For my southeast riding, I'll stick with the fixed post. But, I don't look down on those with the option.
For those road rides in the mountains - climb for an hour, descend for 15 min - It'd be hard to argue the advantages of a dropper post.
But, that first "but"... I'm an old guy... I'll stick with the fixed post ;-)
I've had bike mechanics say they wished my bikes had dropper posts ;-)
I'm 52 and have been riding consistently for 47 years - raced BMX then MTB then road, then gravel... For years, I thought dropper posts were a joke - "Man up and ride the &$^@ing bike." Then last year, on a borrowed (badass) mtn bike, after climbing to 12,000' at full post extension, I dropped the post and descended. I was SOLD. For my southeast riding, I'll stick with the fixed post. But, I don't look down on those with the option.
For those road rides in the mountains - climb for an hour, descend for 15 min - It'd be hard to argue the advantages of a dropper post.
But, that first "but"... I'm an old guy... I'll stick with the fixed post ;-)
I've had bike mechanics say they wished my bikes had dropper posts ;-)
Last edited by Zaskar; 12-02-20 at 10:49 AM.
Likes For Zaskar:
12-02-20, 10:41 AM
#4
n00b
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1,397
Bikes: Surly Karate Monkey, Twin Six Standard Rando
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 428 Post(s)
Liked 466 Times
in
273 Posts
dropper posts for drop-bar bikes are already available. I can see these becoming popular for a certain segment of the road-going population who rides routes like the one you describe, but I think most roadies will not bother with them. I use a dropper on my mountain bike (hardtail) and I'm 5'9", but I can't see any use for it on the terrain I ride on my "gravel" road bike, even on singletrack. maybe I'd grow to appreciate it if I had one, but it's doubtful that it would be a game-changer like it is on my mountain bike.
the other segment I see is urban bikes, especially for shorter riders. when I got my wife, who is quite short, to try out a mountain bike with a dropper post, she was super excited about the opportunity to drop the saddle for mounting and dismounting the bike. PNW is marketing the Coast seatpost to this segment.
the other segment I see is urban bikes, especially for shorter riders. when I got my wife, who is quite short, to try out a mountain bike with a dropper post, she was super excited about the opportunity to drop the saddle for mounting and dismounting the bike. PNW is marketing the Coast seatpost to this segment.
12-02-20, 11:12 AM
#5
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,601
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10943 Post(s)
Liked 7,469 Times
in
4,179 Posts
no.
There is no need for a dropper post on anything that doesnt have steep technical descents. Roadies dont need to get their weight low and over the rear wheel on pavement.
Im still confused as to why droppers are spec'd on some gravel bikes. I get why they are added by some riders, but it seems to be very regional specific and almost exclusively in SoCal where there is no gravel and the bikes are used on steep fire roads that suffer from washout and whatnot. My guess is that they are spec'd on some gravel bikes as stock more for image than need. Since my gravel roads are roads that are gravel, I have 0 need to get my butt low and behind the rear axle.
A bike that is ridden on roads, paved or gravel, just doesnt need a dropper post. I have no idea why someone would want to drop their saddle height while pedaling on a road(straight or twisty).
There is no need for a dropper post on anything that doesnt have steep technical descents. Roadies dont need to get their weight low and over the rear wheel on pavement.
Im still confused as to why droppers are spec'd on some gravel bikes. I get why they are added by some riders, but it seems to be very regional specific and almost exclusively in SoCal where there is no gravel and the bikes are used on steep fire roads that suffer from washout and whatnot. My guess is that they are spec'd on some gravel bikes as stock more for image than need. Since my gravel roads are roads that are gravel, I have 0 need to get my butt low and behind the rear axle.
A bike that is ridden on roads, paved or gravel, just doesnt need a dropper post. I have no idea why someone would want to drop their saddle height while pedaling on a road(straight or twisty).
12-02-20, 11:22 AM
#6
Not a newbie to cycling
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 911
Bikes: Omnium Cargo Ti with Rohloff, Bullitt Milk Plus, Dahon Smooth Hound
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 356 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
199 Posts
no.
There is no need for a dropper post on anything that doesnt have steep technical descents. Roadies dont need to get their weight low and over the rear wheel on pavement.
Im still confused as to why droppers are spec'd on some gravel bikes. I get why they are added by some riders, but it seems to be very regional specific and almost exclusively in SoCal where there is no gravel and the bikes are used on steep fire roads that suffer from washout and whatnot. My guess is that they are spec'd on some gravel bikes as stock more for image than need. Since my gravel roads are roads that are gravel, I have 0 need to get my butt low and behind the rear axle.
A bike that is ridden on roads, paved or gravel, just doesnt need a dropper post. I have no idea why someone would want to drop their saddle height while pedaling on a road(straight or twisty).
There is no need for a dropper post on anything that doesnt have steep technical descents. Roadies dont need to get their weight low and over the rear wheel on pavement.
Im still confused as to why droppers are spec'd on some gravel bikes. I get why they are added by some riders, but it seems to be very regional specific and almost exclusively in SoCal where there is no gravel and the bikes are used on steep fire roads that suffer from washout and whatnot. My guess is that they are spec'd on some gravel bikes as stock more for image than need. Since my gravel roads are roads that are gravel, I have 0 need to get my butt low and behind the rear axle.
A bike that is ridden on roads, paved or gravel, just doesnt need a dropper post. I have no idea why someone would want to drop their saddle height while pedaling on a road(straight or twisty).
I know that on my mini-velo, it could potentially come in handy due to it having such a short wheelbase and rutted trails. Not sure it would be worth it on longer-wheelbase bikes.
12-02-20, 11:36 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,878
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4782 Post(s)
Liked 3,900 Times
in
2,537 Posts
no.
There is no need for a dropper post on anything that doesnt have steep technical descents. Roadies dont need to get their weight low and over the rear wheel on pavement.
Im still confused as to why droppers are spec'd on some gravel bikes. I get why they are added by some riders, but it seems to be very regional specific and almost exclusively in SoCal where there is no gravel and the bikes are used on steep fire roads that suffer from washout and whatnot. My guess is that they are spec'd on some gravel bikes as stock more for image than need. Since my gravel roads are roads that are gravel, I have 0 need to get my butt low and behind the rear axle.
A bike that is ridden on roads, paved or gravel, just doesnt need a dropper post. I have no idea why someone would want to drop their saddle height while pedaling on a road(straight or twisty).
There is no need for a dropper post on anything that doesnt have steep technical descents. Roadies dont need to get their weight low and over the rear wheel on pavement.
Im still confused as to why droppers are spec'd on some gravel bikes. I get why they are added by some riders, but it seems to be very regional specific and almost exclusively in SoCal where there is no gravel and the bikes are used on steep fire roads that suffer from washout and whatnot. My guess is that they are spec'd on some gravel bikes as stock more for image than need. Since my gravel roads are roads that are gravel, I have 0 need to get my butt low and behind the rear axle.
A bike that is ridden on roads, paved or gravel, just doesnt need a dropper post. I have no idea why someone would want to drop their saddle height while pedaling on a road(straight or twisty).
12-02-20, 11:57 AM
#8
Not a newbie to cycling
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 911
Bikes: Omnium Cargo Ti with Rohloff, Bullitt Milk Plus, Dahon Smooth Hound
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 356 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
199 Posts
Many of the gravel roads an easy ride from my door have very steep descents and big time washboard at the bottom. Going down close to gonzo works but doing anything remotely civilized is very difficult. More effective braking power would make those roads far more appealing for a lot of us.
There is no need for a dropper post on anything that doesnt have steep technical descents.
12-02-20, 12:03 PM
#9
Non omnino gravis
All the naysayers should try it sometime. Forget technical descents or any of that faff-- dropping the saddle and just sitting down at a stop light feels almost like luxury. Pedaling while standing feels like a whole different ballgame.
While I do recognize that this is the 41, not every last human on a "road bike" is obsessed with shaving grams or minimizing drivetrain friction losses. To a great number of people, a road bike is one that is ridden on the road. Some conveniences are welcome.
While I do recognize that this is the 41, not every last human on a "road bike" is obsessed with shaving grams or minimizing drivetrain friction losses. To a great number of people, a road bike is one that is ridden on the road. Some conveniences are welcome.
__________________
Likes For DrIsotope:
12-02-20, 12:09 PM
#10
Not a newbie to cycling
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 911
Bikes: Omnium Cargo Ti with Rohloff, Bullitt Milk Plus, Dahon Smooth Hound
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 356 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
199 Posts
Hmm, never considered the stoplight situation. I can't tippy toe on the left side (prosthetic), so I always have to do it to the right. Hmm, now to consider if the extra weight and hoses are worth it for that little bit of extra options.
12-02-20, 01:27 PM
#11
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,601
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10943 Post(s)
Liked 7,469 Times
in
4,179 Posts
All the naysayers should try it sometime. Forget technical descents or any of that faff-- dropping the saddle and just sitting down at a stop light feels almost like luxury. Pedaling while standing feels like a whole different ballgame.
While I do recognize that this is the 41, not every last human on a "road bike" is obsessed with shaving grams or minimizing drivetrain friction losses. To a great number of people, a road bike is one that is ridden on the road. Some conveniences are welcome.
While I do recognize that this is the 41, not every last human on a "road bike" is obsessed with shaving grams or minimizing drivetrain friction losses. To a great number of people, a road bike is one that is ridden on the road. Some conveniences are welcome.
I haven't been at a stoplight and thought 'man, I wish I could sit with both feet on the ground.'
How is pedaling while standing different with a dropped saddle? I'm not using the saddle in both instances.
It may be one of those things where I have to try it to understand.
12-02-20, 01:34 PM
#12
Not a newbie to cycling
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 911
Bikes: Omnium Cargo Ti with Rohloff, Bullitt Milk Plus, Dahon Smooth Hound
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 356 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
199 Posts
I just looked for some to see how heavy they'd be. The lightest ones are around 515 grammes, which seems a tad heavy to be honest - and some even don't count the weight of the "trigger".
Add to that, that people report rattling with most dropper seatposts I looked at, which is something that would drive me absolutely crazy, because that means the saddle will move around when you sit on it - to add to the noise issue. I can see the point in mountainbiking, despite the rattling and whatnot.
Add to that, that people report rattling with most dropper seatposts I looked at, which is something that would drive me absolutely crazy, because that means the saddle will move around when you sit on it - to add to the noise issue. I can see the point in mountainbiking, despite the rattling and whatnot.
12-02-20, 01:52 PM
#13
Senior Member
I may be crazy, but I prefer to stand at a long traffic light. Gives the ol' sitbones a break.
12-02-20, 01:56 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,926
Bikes: Colnago, Van Dessel, Factor, Cervelo, Ritchey
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3933 Post(s)
Liked 7,256 Times
in
2,935 Posts
12-02-20, 02:23 PM
#16
Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 31
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I'm begrudgingly shopping for a dropper for the MTB because I can't deny how sweet it'll be to have one. The price tag and 300g weight gain kills me though.
So that's a no for me on a pure road bike, don't feel the need.
So that's a no for me on a pure road bike, don't feel the need.
12-02-20, 02:51 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,825
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6927 Post(s)
Liked 10,930 Times
in
4,667 Posts
I'm really trying here, I just don't grasp what the conveniences are.
I haven't been at a stoplight and thought 'man, I wish I could sit with both feet on the ground.'
How is pedaling while standing different with a dropped saddle? I'm not using the saddle in both instances.
It may be one of those things where I have to try it to understand.
I haven't been at a stoplight and thought 'man, I wish I could sit with both feet on the ground.'
How is pedaling while standing different with a dropped saddle? I'm not using the saddle in both instances.
It may be one of those things where I have to try it to understand.
At a stoplight, I want to be straddling the bike, with one foot on a pedal in the forward position, as that allows me to accelerate rapidly when the traffic starts to move.
Likes For Koyote:
12-02-20, 04:16 PM
#19
Senior Member
Likes For Reflector Guy:
12-02-20, 04:33 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,926
Bikes: Colnago, Van Dessel, Factor, Cervelo, Ritchey
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3933 Post(s)
Liked 7,256 Times
in
2,935 Posts
12-02-20, 07:22 PM
#21
bike whisperer
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Posts: 9,537
Bikes: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=152015&p=1404231
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1523 Post(s)
Liked 716 Times
in
508 Posts
On a bike like a Zipp 2001, a dropper mechanism would have very little weight penalty. And then you could ride that puppy off a two foot dropoff.
__________________
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Likes For noodle soup:
12-02-20, 07:46 PM
#23
bike whisperer
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Posts: 9,537
Bikes: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=152015&p=1404231
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1523 Post(s)
Liked 716 Times
in
508 Posts
Sifn't trackstand like a champ
__________________
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
Sheldon Brown's bike info ~~~ Park Tools repair help
Half-step triple, using double gear ~~~ 6400 STI rebuild walkthrough ~~~ Want 8/9/10s @126mm OLD? OCR. ~~~ Shimano cassette body overhaul ~~~ Ergopower Escape wear repair ~~~ PSA: drivetrain wear
List of US/Canada bike co-ops ~~~ Global list
12-02-20, 08:27 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,825
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6927 Post(s)
Liked 10,930 Times
in
4,667 Posts
12-03-20, 06:28 AM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: TC, MN
Posts: 39,505
Bikes: R3 Disc, Haanjo
Mentioned: 353 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20791 Post(s)
Liked 9,436 Times
in
4,663 Posts
I would consider one for the gravel bike, but the cost (both in terms of $ and weight) vs benefit wouldn't be there for me on the road bike.
