Gravity Dropper Original Seatpost w/Remote: Handlebar remote-controlled, height adjustable seatpost drops the seat for descents and returns the seat to the rider's set height for climbing.
Submitted by
freebrd85
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, Ca
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2011
Strengths: Simple easy to install and use, lots of sizes to choose from, and a lot of choices on the drop length and an option for multiple drop leghts
Weaknesses: not the best looking adjustable seat post, not always reliable
Bottom Line:
A pretty good component. I never thought of buying this component for my bike, but I got tired of constantly adjusting my seat post when I come into steep descents and technical areas. Reliability is an issue though. sometimes it just would not stick all the way down nor will it come up right away when you hit the trigger, sometimes I have to sit down and push the trigger to initiate when I want the seat to go up. If I have to keep on doing this I might as well have just bought the classic. Also, the seat sometimes goes up by itself even though I did not want it too, this usually happens when the technical area is really bumpy and steep. Yet, with all of its flaws I still consider it one of my favorite components just for the fact that I can just keep on riding. I like to max out my pedaling efficiency by keeping my post high on flats and up hill but I like to keep my post low on descents and technical areas, so if you are like me, buy it.
Strengths: Ease of use. I was concerned initially that it might be awkward and was pleasantly surprised. Couldn't be easier. I've got my lever mounted inside my brakes and facing inside the handlebars (it's a right-hand lever mounted on the left) so I can hit it with my thumb. It's easy to trigger, works quickly and is easy to adjust between settings. I bought a 4" with 2" midpoint setting.
Weaknesses: Tightness of saddle mount. It's not as easy to adjust your saddle for position or tilt as a standard post. The saddle mount loosened initially while driving to the trail. Once I tightened it a second time it has remained tight with no problems and rode 20+ miles.
Bottom Line:
Very, very happy with this. Easy to use and extremely useful on the trail. You're not necessarily going to adjust every minute or so, but if you're transitioning on long runs you'll appreciate it.
Purchase - the options for setup are great - you'll get your post exactly how you want it (size, drop, etc.) but it can be confusing so I called GD. Great customer service - he walked me through the options best for me and when I wavered on the drop height he suggested that I really can't go wrong because the piece to change from a 4" to a 5" drop is just a $30 part.
I mounted the cable in the rear position - no problems - didn't snag on anything nor did it hang up during wrecks.
4 chilis for value - expensive but probably worth it in the long run. Can't speak to longevity yet.
Bike Setup: Giant XTC Comp and Specialized Phenom saddle
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
firevsh2o
a Weekend Warrior
from Graz, Austria
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2011
Strengths: reliable, nicely fabricated, cable on the lower tube, only 5" dropper post for 30mm seat tubes!,
Weaknesses: sometimes a creaking sound comes from the saddle/post interface, cable should be angled down,
Bottom Line:
I have the 5" multiposition version of the post. Multiposition means you can drop the post 1 or 5 inches down. With its very rare diameter of 30,0mm (not on the website - but available!) it fits my old Dirtbag (and it would fit old Konas, Bionicons, ...). It was really the only solution to get a dropper post on my frame.
Play is there but I don't feel it and even more important I don't hear it!
It works flawless to date and makes a well made impression. The workmanship is not too far off from a Thomson seatpost, only the clamp is simpler in design and the "condom" is not to everybodys tastes, but I like it!
I only wish I had purchased the version with the cable exit on the rear. I will change that with a longer hose. Should be no problem.
For the future I hope for a 6" drop version in 30,9 and 31,6mm! This would be the right length for my 6'2" body. 5" is not enough in the steepest situations especially when I try new steep trails.
When you like a reliable - mechanic - product and 5" of drop is enough for you, then look no further and by a gravity dropper!
Submitted by
targetdrone
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder City, NV, USA
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2011
Strengths: Usefullness, reliability.
Weaknesses: Weight, adjustability.
Bottom Line:
There are two questions I ask someone about a product:
1.) If you could change one thing about it, what would it be?
I would make it able to adjust to an intermediate position. (I am going to take it apart and drill a hole about an 1-1/4" down from the top hole on the inner post.)
2.) If it were stolen/lost/broke would you buy another?
Absolutely. I have been reading the reviews of other adjustable seatposts, and the problems that most people seem to be having are scaring me away from those (except KindShok - and I've never seen on of them).
I am 6ft 220 lbs and have no real problems with mine. I did have to adjust the bottom screw once when it briefly stopped locking in place. I think it was my fault after taking it apart to see how it worked. Others have claimed to have broken post on these. I trust mine completely. I once got a jump rather wrong and came down hard enough to break my seat and bend a seat rail. The GD didn't budge. I give them props for an awesome product.
This product is for people who ride up and down hills, who can afford to spend money on something that isn't absolutely necessary (but is worth it for those who can), and aren't worried about the weight penalty.
Submitted by
Don Mason
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2011
Strengths: It works. Really easy to set up and service.
Weaknesses: I have the 5 position Turbo. Great product but I would get a 3 or 4 position if I were to do it again. Hard to search for mid-point holes on the fly.
Bottom Line:
I bought the Turbo from GD after talking to them directly. They answer the phone quickly and are very helpful. Same for service questions. The website has all the info and videos you need keep the post working smoothly, although it doesn't need much maintenance. I rode 2 days a week all winter, wallowing through the mud in one of the wettest winters on record in the NW, and the post came through in great shape.
Submitted by
dedicatedvoc
a Cross Country Rider
from Bakersfield, CA.
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2011
Strengths: Easy to install. I like the lever better than most of the other brands. Very stiff when locked in the up position. Cable does not move with the seat. Boot helps with maintenence, no debris can scratch or dirty post. Adjustable angles for the seat clamps.
Weaknesses: So far no weekness to be noted. Would be nice with some colored accents.
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2011
Strengths: Made in USA, 27.2 diameter available (in many lengths and configurations), leightweight, ergonomic remote lever, simple to overhaul, parts availability, customer support.
Weaknesses: Hiccups in performance out of the box (15 second adjustment remedied the problem after I contacted Gravity Dropper and followed their instructions--still made my first ride with it annoying).
Bottom Line:
Oh, what a wonderful idea.
Adjustable seatposts will change the way we all ride. Gravity Dropper has been around for a while but the idea of an adjustable post is really starting to take off lately, I feel. They're ugly, they take up precious handlebar real estate, but are--without hesitation--worth it.
I opted for the 400mm 27.2 version with 4" multiposition drop. Install was wonderfully simple and I appreciate that these guys ship the post with Jagwire brake hose 'stick-on' bosses. Made for a clean install, but I wish Jagwire would make these things specifically for shifter housing as they are too big as-is and let the cable flop around quite a lot. I installed rubber bushigns around the cable such that they fit snuggly and no longer move. The lever looks like crap but works perfectly and offers a long reach across my brake/shifter clamps and makes it easy to operate with my hand on the grip.
First ride was frustrating. It started out great but a short 5k in it stopped staying in it's highest position--it'd fall to the 1" down spot. If I pulled up on the seat it would click into place. This was remedied (after I got home) without tools and a simple 1/3 turn of the collar below the shock boot. It now operates perfectly.
I'm an XC/AM rider and really love the 1" down option. I debated over the multiposition but am so glad I opted for it as 99% of my adjustments deal with that upper 1" of movement. Most of my ride is spent in the 1" down position but on the climbs I raise it fully and love the power. Since it's new I've forgotten about it until mid-climb, and it's amazing how when I pop it up that extra inch my legs feel nearly fresh and I'm able to power up the rest of the hill.
I so rarely use the 4" down position that I wish I had of bought the 3" travel version. I think I'd use the full drop more if it were not as extreme of a drop, but hey, live and learn. If I ever need to buy another I'll likely go with the 3" multiposition. People who encounter more frequent and more serious downhill sections will likely be happy with the 4" drop option.
I will add a couple small issues, though I was able to bypass them (barely!).
Firstly, I have about 1/32nd of an inch of extra length to grab my post with my Park Tools workstand. I can't grab my bike anywhere else with the clamp so the seatpost is my only option. Luckily I was able to raise the post high enough that the jaws of the stand have just barely enough tube to clasp. It still requires some finangling to get it to fit, but it's doable!
Secondly, I ride with a saddle bag. It carries my pump, tube, levers, patches, multi-tool, chain-breaker, leatherman and car keys. Well, I can't use it anymore because the velcro has no place to grab on the seatpost anymore. I've ordered a Topeak propack 'clip-on' style but fear it'll not be big enough to hold my pump (will switch to CO2 or frame mount) and have doubts about the plastic clips durability for rough trail use. Gravity Dropper should invent a line of saddle bags... or some company should do this specifically for use with adjustable seatposts. I hate riding with something on my back if it can be avoided!
Bottom line? Buy it. Buy it now. Sure, there will be glittery new offerings from other companies touting 'infinite adjustability' and pretty colours but this thing is simple, reliable, lightweight, and performs fantastically well. USA made with great customer care, too. Blows the doors off the KS i7-R I had prior.
Submitted by
Dougifresh
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO USA
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2011
Strengths: Reliable, quick to raise and trail service friendly.
Weaknesses: Have to search for middle height setting.
Bottom Line:
Great product, Great customer service. Owned 4 of them and few problems were solved with minor adjustment (some on trail).
Website is educational in service, parts come quick and cheap.
Like the Turbos that need no butt tap as I transition quickly from a butt off downhill seat to a climb with out having to butt tap which loses leg power for the climb or technical transition. We are in the Rockies here. Do not like searching for that 1' drop hole I love so much for riding rollers. It may be the only reason I try a hydrolic when they get them working right. Adjustable seat posts are the bomb.
Submitted by
flamencohead
a Cross Country Rider
from Redwood City, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2010
Strengths: Simple three position setup. Remote control. Stability.
Weaknesses: Weight.
Bottom Line:
I went for the GD three position post over others largely because I like the simplicity of three positions. Infinite adjust sounds like "never quite right" to me and I don't want to be fiddling with seat position when I'm going from steep down to steep up.
I use the 1" down position for normal riding, the top position for climbing and fully lowered for descents. I can't believe that a seatpost makes such a difference in overall riding and confidence. I'm a little bit of a weight weenie, but this is the one piece of gear that I ignore the weight on. it really makes a difference.
It takes a few rides to get really dial in the positions and get comfortable with changing them rapidly. Give yourself some time to experiment.
Bike Setup: - Santa Cruz Superlight
- Madura Durin Fork
- XTR deraileurs, shifters, cranks
- light odds and ends
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bkmonster
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2010
Strengths: Solid design, 5"drop, great customer service
Weaknesses: Switch can be hard to press unless you keep the cable length short.
Bottom Line:
I love this seat post except I ran the cable coming out the back SIDS of the post, downward then up- it was a a neat run, except I had to change the cable routing to have less cable ran and less turns in The cable. Otherwise it was hard to activate the switch.
It makes decending SO much better.
Submitted by
giddyupandover
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria,B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2010
Strengths: Quickness, remote lever
Weaknesses: none really
Bottom Line:
Very good product, works well, flies up when you push the remote lever. The extra weight means nothing, mine has the 3 settings, which I like ,1 inch is enough on the lesser descents. I take it off my bike every 3 months or so to clean it and grease it (preventative maintenance).
Weaknesses: Wouldnt lock when i originally bought it.
Bottom Line:
It wouldnt lock in the down position on some occasions. Check out the internet website for easy video soltions. It has the trouble shooting for a range of problems. good after care follow ups.
Submitted by
armada1111
a Weekend Warrior
from Zuerich Switzerland
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2010
Strengths: none
Weaknesses: Seat post is just not staying in the position - gave it back for adjustment to the bike shop and it still slips! I am 240 pounds, 6foot 6 but I think even with this weight the product should work.
Submitted by
tshulthise
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisville, Ky, USA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2010
Strengths: Works well. Makes technical sections easier by allowing me to drop off the back of the seat without it being in my stomach with it down. Better pedaling efficiency with it up. The 1" drop option is excellent for 75% of my riding.
Weaknesses: Cable comes out 90 deg from the post and will fail due to kinking from getting hit. Fix described below. Actuator lever should be under the handle bar instead of on top for easier actuation.
Bottom Line:
I love the function of the seat. I got very tired of lowering my seat for fast downhills and steep technical sections. I have much more control with the seat down. I bought the 1", 4" drop version which I highly recommend. You may like the 1" , 3" drop version if you don't plan on doing many jumps or stunts. I ride with the seat in the 1" down position most of the time. I use the full up position for road riding and long shallow climbs and the down position for steep or fast decents.
The design has one major flaw in that the actuator cable comes out from the post at a 90 degree angle with no strain relief. This means the cable will get kinked in a short time because it gets bent down when you dismount the seat. I fixed this problem by cutting off a 1" piece of tubing from an ink pen, slicing it long ways then taping with the tube slit down onto the cable where it goes into the seat post using electrical tape. This tube serves as a very effective strain relief so the cable can't get damaged nearly as easily.
I would also like to see the actuator lever on the bottom of the handle bars instead of the top. I have to release my grip to actuate the seat which usually isn't a problem but this means I can't put the seat down at any point during a downhill like I would like to be able to do.
The seat did fail to latch down for a while but I went to the website and they have videos to show how to fix any issues the seat might have. A small adjustment of the bottom nut was needed and its worked fine since.
For me, this seat is worth the money. I hate riding steep technical terrain with the seat up so it saves me the 20 seat adjustments per ride I was previously doing. I find that the more experience I get the more comfortable I am riding with the seat up but I still use the adjustment at least 10-15x a ride. Its also funny to watch people's faces when you raise the seat up on the fly if they've never seen such a device. Most haven't. If the cable was designed better and the actuator lever was on the bottom I would give it 5 chilis.
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