Submitted by
Pappy
a Cross Country Rider
from San Clemente Date Reviewed: August 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
SCST
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Lowers my seat when I go down steep downhills
Weaknesses:
Broke in half-almost ending my chance of having another child.
Ugly.
More difficult to use than the Joplin.
Similar Products Used:
Maverick "Speedball" (Joplin)
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Moment with Fox 36R.
Bottom Line:
Used this for 9 months on my Ellsworth. Had to go with it instead of the Joplin I used on my Santa Cruz because of the asinine 27.2 mm seatpost diameter on the Ellsy. I ride flowing singletrack in SC with quick ups and downs, banked turns, etc. No drops to speak of. I also occassionally take the bike to local OC bike parks or Noble Canyon, etc. I'm 6-4' and 205 pounds, but I usually ride my normal trails with my singlespeed to give you an idea of my style of riding.
This post worked fine until today, when it snapped in two on a G out at full speed. There was no warning, no previous issues, just complete failure at a most inopportune time. Luckily my family jewels remained intact (barely) but I was not amused.
I don't ride anything near extreme enough to cause such a failure. Use at your own risk, but I'll be buying another Joplin.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gunnar-man
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: August 1, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
gravitydropper.com
Strengths:
very reliable
Weaknesses:
a little bit of play, the "tap" needed to lower or raise the post but nothing major (you just get used to it)
Similar Products Used:
Joplin
Bike Setup:
08 Banshee Rune, Fox Van RC2, X9 drivetrain, RaceFace Atlas stem, bar, crankset, Easton Havoc wheelset
Bottom Line:
I have loved this seatpost since I bought it. So much so, that when I bought my new frame and had to wait for my the new shim due to a different seat tube size from my previous frame, I didn't wnat to ride it. What a dilemma.
Anyways, I rode this post for two years and just broke it today on a small g-out on a local trail in the city. It was a bit of a shock considering I was basically at the bottom of a 10km trail with no seatpost and did not look forward to riding back up with no seat. I was a little pi$$ed that I would have to try to ride back up but not so much that i wouldn't order another one.
Which I did when I got home. I just hope that this one lasts longer than two years because 275USD is a whole lotta coin to spend on a luxury item like an adjustable seatpost.
I am going to give it 4 chilis because it doesn't seem like there have been a large number of us who have broken their posts and honestly, I really think this is a must have product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RCR
a Downhiller
from Netherlands Date Reviewed: June 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Everywhere in the Alpes
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Gravity Dropper
Strengths:
The simplicity of the design, a remote, a cable, a spring and a seatpost.
Needs almost no maintenance, just lubricate it sometimes.
Weaknesses:
None what I can find, only the sharp edges on the remote and the cable-housing at the seatpost
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
AM - Trek Fuel EX 8, Fox Float 130 / RP2, Avid Ultimates
FR/DH - Cannondale Prophet MX2, RS Domain U-turn, MZ Roco TST-R, Hayes Stroker Trail
Bottom Line:
After reading a couple of reviews and testing one on a friends bike I was sold. Bought one for my Trek and have just ordered a new for the FR/DH bike.
I like to ride single trails and even here in the flat Netherlands I use the GD on every ride. I live in the east of holland and we haven't got propper DH's and nothing remotely compared to the Alpes but even here on the technical stuff or fast flowing singletracks it makes everything al little bit easier and much more fun.
Now having the seatpost for more dan a year I have never had to do much maintenance at it, and I ride during the hole year in every condition possible and it still works due to the simplicity of the design.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BBW
a Weekend Warrior
from Denton Date Reviewed: April 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
anything technical
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
GD
Strengths:
Company CS, fast shipping, easy to install and use. Helps on technical stuff a lot!
Weaknesses:
not yet
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 Spot
Bottom Line:
You will be using this thing more than you think, very easy to use and very useful.I never use to lower the seat unless it was a very long DH (which I don't have here in Dallas/F. Worth area)this thing helps lowering the center of gravity for the technical stuff and the drops.
Very nice, sturdy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jling360
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: February 9, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Cactus Bike
Strengths:
Works as advertised. Adjustability on the fly. 3 different positions works really well.
Weaknesses:
Price.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Titus El Guapo, Fox suspension, DT Swiss wheelset, XT drive.
Bottom Line:
This is probably the best upgrade I have done on my bike. Makes an immediate impact on your ride and gives you the confidence to tackle some technical sections that you might not have tackled before. The only problem I have is that I just bought a Motolite and now have to purchase another GD.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tateb
a Weekend Warrior
from PA Date Reviewed: December 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
from manuf.
Strengths:
Smooth operation - little maintenance needed as compared to similar products
Weaknesses:
somewhat pricey
Similar Products Used:
conventional seatposts
Bike Setup:
07 SC Heckler X9 AM setup
Bottom Line:
Great product for my regular trails - everything's either UP or DOWN - not much in between. Remote lever is a must for getting down short, steep chutes that come up on you in a hurry. Helps to keep the "flow" going on all mountain rides when you need a lower seat height for an obstacle or feature here and there. Maintenance seems to be pretty simple and the folks at GD were helpful with a question I had when ordering. The jury's still out on durability since I've only had it for a month, but friends who have used the GD pretty hard for several years swear by the product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rockymtnrider
a Cross Country Rider
from antioch,ca USA Date Reviewed: September 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
China Camp
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
gravity dropper's we
Strengths:
easy to use, easy to set up. Came in the size I needed 27.2
Weaknesses:
Its expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Non adjustable seat posts
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain ETSX-50 full XT gears and brakes.
Bottom Line:
made the longer and technical downhills feel safer and faster.
Great for downhill switchbacks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bryan123
a Cross Country Rider
from California Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anything at Bootleg Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
All Mountain Cyclery
Strengths:
Ease of Use. And of course, adjustable on the fly.
Weaknesses:
None I can find yet.
Similar Products Used:
Just the standard QR post clamp and a variety of post.
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight
Bottom Line:
Would have to say probably the one component I love most on the bike and will be putting on the future bikes. As far as durability, I'm no twig at 240# and really haven't noticed any rocking while spinning up hill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fredjjjj
a Cross Country Rider
from North Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: June 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Obsession Bikes
Strengths:
Works! Can't ride without one!
Weaknesses:
See below for personal tweaking!
Similar Products Used:
GD Turbo
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper 2008 S-Works
Bottom Line:
Follow up to my review a few weeks ago.
Finally figured out how to get it working!
Adjustment nut under the rubber sleeve needs
occasional adjustment for the pin to line up.
The backplate connecting the magnet/pin housing to the
post has come off on my Turbo as well as the Classic model.
Solution: Epoxy it back on, making sure the pin can move
freely (careful!). Support it with two zap straps to hold in
place. Also, to dampen the 'shock' to the backplate
when on-the-fly slam-dropping the post using the QR, I added a zap strap around the seat post below the backplate.
Now it works like a charm!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fisker76
a Cross Country Rider
from Underhill Ctr, VT Date Reviewed: June 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
the one i'm on
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
gravitydropper.com
Strengths:
This is a review of the 3" classic. The GD is solid, well built and a simple mechanical design. Positive mechanical interlock signals that the seat is properly positioned [up or down]. Easy to install and set up on bike. Does not move or have play in mechanical action. Collar fitting my 30.9mm post tube was precise. Excellent fit and quality machining.
Weaknesses:
Weight, if you're worried about things like that. It is heavy, however that gives it reliability and solid build.
Amazing piece of equipment that immediatelty improved my riding, confidence, and allows the groove to continue without dismounting and changing height on steep technical descents and climbs or stuggling in one height position over varied terrain. The actuating shifter is easy to use, and after only one ride the 'bump' to set the saddle position was intuitive and reflexive. It is the best add-on I could make to my bike. The post is spendy and worth every penny. I will never ride with out one. Concerning an earlier reviewer complaining of injury from a broken post:
1. The product was purchased over ebay
2. Was the product damaged prior to purchase?
3. Was the post a proper fit to the bike?
These questions concerning specific fit to my bike were answered promptly by the people at GD. Call them, they know what they are doing there. I'm 6'2 230lbs, ride 4-5 days/week and so far the post has exceeded my expectations.
I plan on posting in the future regarding overall reliability and longevity.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred Jorgensen
a Cross Country Rider
from North Vancouver BC Canada Date Reviewed: May 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
LBS: Obsession Bikes
Strengths:
So far works as advertised! Magnetic activation seems better than the Turbo version (couldn't be worse!).
Weaknesses:
Bounce needed to activate, but that's worth the inconvenience if it's reliable.
Similar Products Used:
GD Turbo. ( Went through 3 of them. See review. Extremely poor design!!). Current 'Classic' version is warranty replacement.
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-Works Enduro carbon
Bottom Line:
Concern about strength from other posts. Hopefully the current version has been improved from past years! Will definitely improve your riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
madriverskier
a
from boulder,co Date Reviewed: April 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
South Boundary in Taos...mmmm
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
I have the opportunity to own and use the GD and the Maverick Speedball back to back in the last year, so I thought I'd chip in.
Firstly, this is one of the best concepts to come to mt biking in the 2 decades I've been riding. Actually, it's revisiting the "Height Rite" of days of yore, but in a much slicker package.
It's hard to underestimate how much your seat height impact your riding. Not just on the downs, but also in terms of efficency climbing. Watch most riders, and you'll see they've split the difference seat height wise (too lazy, etc to drop/raise seat) and how awkard they look.
The GD pioneered the modern version of this and deserve mad kudos for it. They had the handlbar remote first, and I think GD/Speedball would be worthless without it. The GD has a sturdy feel to it, looks like it was made in serious machine shop, with look and feel to match. Actually, that cuts both ways as IMHO it's pretty ugly.
The biggest flaw of GD is that it isn't infinitely adjustable, your stuck trying to hit the designated 1 or 3 or 4 inch drops, and to me it just was never seemless. I'm actually shocked that more GD reviewers haven't mentioned this. Although maybe other riders haven't used the Speedball (somewhere on mtbr there is an inhouse review of GD vs Speedball, pre Speedball remote I believe). Anyhow it never felt effortless to me, you have to do this semi hesitant click of the lever and bump with your ass (whether going up or down) and it just takes a sec, which is the last thing you want in a tough spot. You have to know exactly where the pins are going to catch on the shaft in order to move the seat to the right spot. Maybe akin to clipping into your SPD in rocky terrain... it can be done, and becomes easier with time, but never a snap.
The Speedball is more like a pneumatic office chair, very smooth to adjust and you can literally set it anywhere, which I like. The lever seems a little cheesier than GD but time will tell. The main rap on the Speedball seems to be that no matter what your seat is going to wiggle ever so slightly (something with the internals), so if this is deal breaker to you, forget it. Aslo the GD comes in many sizes down to 27.2 (possibly smaller), but the Speedball only goes in 30.9 and 31.6 (?).
Finally, despite the last review I always found GD customer service to be SUPERIOR. These are good folks, and if you want to speak to the owner, it's very possible and he seems a very good guy.
Lastly these are both in the neighborhood of 500 grams on my scale, so you're picking up maybe .5 lbs from your stock seat...very worth it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Corona Date Reviewed: April 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with Bike
Strengths:
Allows low center of gravity when riding downhill. Increases confidence on technical sections
Weaknesses:
Maybe Weight
Bike Setup:
'07 Blur LT
Bottom Line:
Lowers center of gravity when riding downhill which improves overall ride. Increases confidence on technical sections
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cooper
a Weekend Warrior
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: February 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$155.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
It worked great.....
Weaknesses:
.....but then it SNAPPED after the first ride... Cutting my leg open! Gravity Dropper did not help AT ALL!
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyll 4.5 in travel with 135mm Lefty. SRAM X-9. DT Swiss rims on Omega and XTR hubs. BB7 brakes with Alligator Rotors. Diabolous 1.5 stem. Nevegals.
Bottom Line:
GRAVITY DROPPER SUCKS! I rode the post for one ride and really liked it. Worked exactly how it was suppost to. THEN IT SNAPPED in half! I popped off a TINY bump in the parking lot and it I hear a loud CRACK, then the pain of the sharp fractured metal of the inner stantion pierced my leg and ruined my week. I had a gash in my leg a quarter inch deep and 2 inches long. SH!TTY!
SO, I email gravity dropper about the problem several times and never get a response. Waste of money. Waste of time. Waste of blood!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LP
a Cross Country Rider
from Mililani, HI USA Date Reviewed: November 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Bike Werx, Mililani
Strengths:
Allows lower seat height without stopping. Very good customer service.
Weaknesses:
Extra weight & pricey
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Transition Covert, Fox Talas fork, Sram drivetrain
Bottom Line:
This product is well worth the cost (it is pricey) and extra weight for the benefit of riding and being able to lower your seat height on the fly without stopping. You get the best of both worlds, downhill seat height for the downhills (more control with no nut crackers) and for the next climb, Cross Country climbing seat height. This post is highly recomended for those who ride technical terrain with lots of up and downhills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Newport Beach, CA USA Date Reviewed: October 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Whiting Ranch/Santiago/Luge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
gravitydropper.com
Strengths:
It works! Easy installation. Solid design. Looks moto.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight.
Bottom Line:
Sunday: took my first ride using the Gravity Dropper post (27.2mm x 350mm; 3" drop). Wow! You have to experience what it's like to adjust seat height on the fly. A bit of "Transfomers" action going on - from tall, efficient cross-country rig to low slung canyon carver in less than a second. On the familiar trails I rode, I was able to anticipate each section ahead of time (climb, descend, carve, etc) and whether I wanted full extension or comression, but without really having to put any thought into what psoition the post was in, etc. The actuation of the seatpost is solid and deliberate and chunky. Nice! What I thought would be a mere convenience device I now believe can elevate the ride to a new level. Contruction, fit and finish seem top-notch and installation was a no-brainer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonah Salloway
a Weekend Warrior
from Taos, NM Date Reviewed: September 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Monarch Crest, CO
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
From the company
Strengths:
Easy to use, sturdy, amazing piece of equipment!
Weaknesses:
Slightly heavy
Similar Products Used:
Other high-end carbon and aluminum posts.
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575 Enduro Pro with FR wheels, Fox DHX 5.0 shock, Fox RC36 fork, Avid Juicey with 7" rotors. e13 bash guard and Gravity Dropper seatpost.
Bottom Line:
Try one of these on your cross-country, all-mountain or Free-ride rig. You won't believe what a difference it will make in your climbing efficiency and downhill bikehandling skills if you can quickly and easily drop your saddle!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil Chandra
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Colorado Date Reviewed: September 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Dealer
Strengths:
Simple yet tough, easy to overhaul, easy to use. No wear from ball bearing on Aluminum- simply plastic on Aluminum.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Thompson but the GD is unique
Bottom Line:
I have a painful knee and have to run my seat high. This lets me do it and lower the seat on a really steep downhill or drop. The post is so easy to overhaul and to use. It is completely mechanical and has no fluids or anything complex. I love it. The AMP looks good but the ball bearings will wear down the post and when disengaged, it feels sloppy. The GD Turbo just rules and has enhanced my feeling of safety when riding the steep stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guy
a Weekend Warrior
from West Yorkshire Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Gravity Dropper website
Strengths:
You can get small diameter seatpost and shim to the size you need, 27.2mm is a popular size and other adjustable seatposts don't fit this size. You can have the saddle higher for better leg extension in pedaling but drop it for confident decending. Handlebar mount ake it very easy and quick to get the post up or down at the last minute.
Weaknesses:
Cosmetically it is a little agricultural compared to the competition, but it works. I have found if you don't get it all the way down with your weight it can comeback up as the lock mechanism doesn't engage, sometimes I've thought I depressed it far enough but didn't quite, that's my only gripe.
Bike Setup:
Global TH1.5, Fox forks, mixture of XTR, Thomson and Hope.
Bottom Line:
I have the Gravity Dropper Turbo post, it allows you to drop the post 3 inches with the flick of the handlebar mount switch and depress the post with your weight on the saddle. Then it pops up when you flick the switch again. I have a 27.2mm diameter seattube so when I wanted an adjustable height seatpost this was my only real choice. I've been able to have my saddle higher for a more comfortable and efficent pedaling position that would feel way too high for decending rocky trails if it was a normal post. When dropped I can get myself low and back over the rear wheel and take all sorts of drops and trials in my stride. I didn't realise quite how useful it was going to be before I bought it, now I change it from bike ot bike so I always have the option of dropping the saddle and shifting my weight over the back of the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Connie M
a Downhiller
from Sandy, UT, USA Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Go-Ride
Strengths:
Easy to use - does it's job and improves your ride more than any upgrade I've ever done to a bike!
Weaknesses:
Not indestructable. But they have phenomenal customer service if you need repairs.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Yeti AS-X with the 3" gravity dropper, Fox 36
Bottom Line:
I honestly think this is the best upgrade you can do for a trail bike. Everyone looks at it, thinks, yeah, that might be nice, but it's too expensive, too heavy, whatever. Then you try it. I've never met anyone who has one that doesn't think it was worth every dime.
Get the one with the remote lever, and you won't regret it. Perfect for anyone who rides trails with rolling terrain. Maybe if you only ride totally flat trails or trails that have one climb and you can stop and adjust your seatpost and not pedal again once the rest of the ride you don't need it. I know before I got this, I use to just adjust my seatpost once or twice a ride and I'd just suck it up and pedal with my saddle too low for short little climbs. You have no idea the power you're missing with this (and the knee pain you could be avoiding).
And if you're an XC racer type who never lowers their seatpost? GET ONE AND TRY IT! There is no way to corner and descend to your potential with that saddle up so high.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: May 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Sparrow hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
their website
Strengths:
Awesome! I used to be seatpost fiddler, stopping at the bottom of hills or at the start of technical terrain. Now I no longer stop riding because the dropper makes adjustments on the fly easy. Customer service was good, after sending me the wrong one they then resent what i ordered. Gives you confidence in technical descents.
Weaknesses:
The seat clamp is ordinary and it is not offset, so it can be a problem if you have your seat a long way back on the rails. They initially sent me the wrong one. Some XC racers will tell you to take it off because it is heavy
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Gravity dropper
Bottom Line:
All my mates want to play with it and I think they have a secret lust for it, even though they think they are too cool for it. They always look at me funny, with a smile on their face and say 'gravity ropper' in a funny voice. I have crashed a few times and it hasnt broken I saw a guy who had bought one without the remote and he wished he had - so spend the extra $$$ Buy one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Downhiller
from Salt Lake City, UT, USA Date Reviewed: May 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything with dirt
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Gravity-dropper.com
Strengths:
On the fly saddle height adjustment. No stoping and messing with quick releases and getting your saddle height to the correct position. Getting the saddle out of the way provides stability on descents and keeps your saddle from impaling your junk. You can descend and corner faster than if your saddle is jacked up sky high. The 27.2 size will work on bikes the Speedball can't.
Weaknesses:
There is a little play that is necessary to get the post to operate properly. You get used to this and it is not noticeable after a ride or two. I like to run the remote inverted rather than on top of the bars, on some OS riser bars there is limited realestate to mount the remote. My biggest complaint with this product (besides the $250 price tag) is that once you own one and get used to using it, you can't live without it. I've purchased 4 in the past 2.5 years and have them on all my bikes. I gave one to my brother and now he is hooked.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing like them.
Bike Setup:
I currently have 3 on all my bikes: 2006 Yeti 'ASX', 2007 Santa Cruz 'Nomad', 2007 Turner 'Sultan'.
Bottom Line:
Parts break. Period. I weigh 195 lbs and still have my first GD post which is still going strong. As far as complaints about the cable not working-just like your derailleur cables, the derailleur cable used to operate the remote stretches so you have to adjust it after a day or two. It's a simple process involving an allen wrench and a pair of needle nose pliars, takes about 2 minutes. For the most part you do have to take care of them and it's really not a mount it and forget it product, but if you take care of it will work well for a long time. By and far this has been the best upgrade I've ever done to any bike. My riding has improved and the convienence of dropping my seat while riding is such a great feeling. Add to that, if you race Super D or endurance DH you have to have this post!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MIKE G. MUNY
a Cross Country Rider
from FOREST HILL, MD Date Reviewed: March 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
JEDI
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
LOCAL IBD
Strengths:
EASY TO USE AND GET USE TO (BECOMES SECOND NATURE AFTER A MONTH OR TWO). GREAT UPGRADE FOR TODAYS 5-6" TRAIL BIKES, PUTS YOU AT THE BEST POSITION FOR CLIMBING AND WITH THE FLICK OF A SWITCH, OPTIMUM PLACE FOR GOING DOWN.
Weaknesses:
FIRST GENERATION HAD SOME MATERIAL WEAKNESS NEAR SEAT CLAMP AREA.
Similar Products Used:
STANDARD QR
Bike Setup:
SANTA CRUZ HECKLER, KING/MAVIC WHEELS, XO DTIVETRAIN, EL CAMINO BRAKES, THOMSON/EASTON BAR-STEM YADA, YADA, YADA.
Bottom Line:
THIS IS A LONG TERM TEST OF TWO PLUS YEARS AND OVERALL IT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST UPGRADES THAT I'VE EVER USED. I KNOW SOME COMPLAIN ABOUT THE WEIGHT (MAYBE 1/2 POUND HEAVIER) BUT ALL THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS POST MAKE THE 'EXTRA' WEIGHT MELT AWAY. BEING A BIGGER RIDER AT 225LBS, I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE DURABILITY, BUT I WAS PLEASANTLY SUPRISED THAT THE POST HELD UP VERY WELL. I DID MAKE IT A POINT (LIKE THE INSTRUCTIONS SAY) TO NOT JUMP, HOP OR DROP OFF WITH THE POST EXTENDED.
TWO ISSUES THAT DID COME UP: YES AFTER ALMOST TWO YEARS THE POST DID SNAP NEAR THE SEAT CLAMP JOINT. I SENT GARIVTY DROPER AND E-MAIL WITH A PHOTO ASKING ABOUT REPLACEMENT COST. TO MY SUPRISE, WAYNE RELPIED BACK STATING THAT ALL I HAD TO DO WAS SEND IT BACK AND THEY WOULD REPAIR AND REPLACE FOR 'FREE'! GREAT SERVICE. A FEW DAYS LATER MY POST COME BACK (WITH THE BEEFIER PART) AND WITH A LAZER ETCHED LOGO. KUDOS ALL AROUND. THE SECOND ISSUE WAS THAT THE MAGNET IN THE PIN THAT HOLDS THE SEAT UP OR DOWN WAS COMING LOOSE. THE MAGNET WOULD SLIDE OUT OF THE PIN BUT NOT PULL THE PIN, SO THE POST WOULD REMAIN STUCK. SIMPLE REMEDY WAS A DROP OF EPOXY TO KEEP THE MAGNET FROM PULLING OUT. (IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE ON THE TRAIL, JUST PULL THE MAGNET OUT AND PUT A SMALL PIECE OF GEL WRAPPER BEHIND AND PRESS MAGNET BACK IN.)
SINCE THIS IS A NEW BRAND NEW ITEM, SOME GLITCHES ARE LIKELY, BUT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS SPOT ON. YOU CAN'T REALLY APPRECIATE THIS POST UNTIL YOU DO A 'FULL' RIDE ON ONE, THEN YOU'LL NEVER GO BACK. THIS IS RIGHT UP THERE WITH A GOOD FORK AND GOOD WHEEL SET AS ONE OF THE BEST UPGRADES YOU CAN GET.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, B.C. Date Reviewed: March 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
always having saddle at the right height
Weaknesses:
broken inner post
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler
Bottom Line:
Great post for the most part. I broke the inner post on a small compression in the trail, and yes, I was JRA (just riding along)... the upside is that I didn't get injured although it could have been disastrous, as the post sheared off and left a dagger like section of post exposed. Haven't heard back yet from Gravitydropper whether or not this will be warrantied, but in my opinion this should not have happened.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie Alackness
a Cross Country Rider
from Eagle Colorado Date Reviewed: February 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Any thing here
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Moon Time Cyclery
Strengths:
Imspires confidence, improves the handling of any bike, easy to use.
Weaknesses:
A little sticky when brand new. It's a little spendy but worth every penny. It's a little heavy but it's the best half pound you will ever add to your bike. I will never own a bike without one!
Similar Products Used:
standard fixed posts
Bike Setup:
Titus Moto lite XTR and XO drive train Mavic XLs Thompson Easton King Kenda and IRC
Bottom Line:
I just got my new MBaction and was pretty fired up that they rated the Maveric speed ball over the Gravity dropper. In a full year of use I have had absolutly no problems with my GD. My friend Jeff also has had a GD for over 2 years with no problems, and he is super hard on bikes, and parts. Mean while a friend of ours has the Maverick speed ball and within the first few weeks of use it blew up. It took maverick a while to return it. Then the seat clamps bent and we had to duct tape the saddle to the post to get home. My friend is only 155 pounds soaking wet with 2 water bottles and tools, and is a relatively conservative rider. So if he can destroy a Maverick speedball in less than one season. I would be very leary of recomending it to anyone.
The bottom line the Gravity dropper has improved my riding and I am riding faster with more confidence and control than ever before. This is the most bang for your buck performance upgrade you can add to your bike even better than a lite set of wheels, buy one and start Smoking your friends!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob Dawson
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: January 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Great to have an adjustable seatpost. Easy to use. Great idea.
Weaknesses:
Post breaks at holes. Fatigue failure at stress points.
Similar Products Used:
Standard non-adjustable post
Bike Setup:
Intense 6.6.
Bottom Line:
Great idea. Flawed in its design. Upper post failure (suddenly) at hole. Needs complete redesign. Planning on trying speedball seatpost. Would only recommend for the lightest of riders, otherwise, DANGEROUS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a
from Sierra Madre, CA Date Reviewed: January 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Lowering and raising seatpost on-the-fly
Weaknesses:
sometimes i try to use the thumbshift rig to try and shift gears
not much set-back. i like to run my seat further back
Bike Setup:
'05 Klein Palomino
Bottom Line:
it's so good, it's like having sex with a different woman each night,
i even like the 1" lower option for casual descending and very technical uphill pedalling. but 4" lower is the shizzzzle
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from St George, Utah Date Reviewed: January 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Technical ones
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Desert Cyclery
Strengths:
Ability to change saddle height on the fly, well made, great clamping mechanism to the saddle, does what it says it will do.
Weaknesses:
did they use sharpie to paint the welds?
Bike Setup:
I have one on my Coiler Deelux and on my Blur LT
Bottom Line:
I figured there are enough reviews on this product praising it, but i love mine so much that GDer deserves the props. I never disliked using my QR but a friend had a GDer and loved his so much. So i tried it. People say they don't need to adjust that much. You don't need 5-6" of travel either, but it sure is nice.
When you have that adjustment it surprises you how much you use it. And it's as second nature as shifting. I can't imagine someone trying it and saying it's not worth it if they ride techy up and down trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Alpine, UT Date Reviewed: December 31, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
I wouldn't ride without it now. Gives you great confidence on the downs. Very easy to shift the seat up and down.
Initially, I bought the 4 inch model, but traded out for the 3 inch later.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dpdsurf
a Weekend Warrior
from pacifica, ca, usa Date Reviewed: December 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
gravitydropper.com
Strengths:
Handlebar mounted remote allows you to easily lower the seat in the roughest of trail sections.
Weaknesses:
1/2 pond hevier then you standard Thomson seatpost. But well worth it and it's not rotational weight.
One more item that will require maintenance.
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
2005 Turner 5 Spot, 29 lbs
Bottom Line:
This post completed the evolution of mountain biking for me. Suspension, disc brakes and now the gravity dropper! If you lower you seat during technical descents, you will wonder why you didn't spend the $250 sooner! It's chicken feed for how it can enhance your riding experience. Gone are the days of sacrificing a quick DH section with your seat jabbing you in the butt. Or those quick flat sections and uphills where you wish the seat was higher.
For those that say a quick release does the same thing don't know what they are talking about. Sure at the top of a long climb where you take a break before the descent it is not a big deal to lower your saddle the old fashioned way via QR. But where the GD excels is those many occasions where you don't want to stop. It keeps your flow and allows you to maintain the optimum setup at all times. I do various single track loops whith mutiple climbs and descents that I may only stop once, twice or not at all.
Those that have no problem with their seat at climbing height all the time need not apply.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from L.A. Date Reviewed: November 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Cheesbro
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Manufacturer
Strengths:
This post does exactly what the MFG says it will do, 100%. It works perfectly........
Weaknesses:
None that I can find
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Trek Liquid 20
Bottom Line:
I have now ridden with this Post for over a year and love it.I would not ride without it. It wouldn't seem that it could get any better but when the MFR kindly upgraded me to the two position Post, well that is what I would recommend to anyone buying this Post.
And as to the previous rider who said that the Post broke, I can't imagine that the MFR wouldn't replace it. The have been nothing but helpful.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a
from Rapid City, SD Date Reviewed: October 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Storm Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
ACME Bicycles
Strengths:
On-the-fly adjustability in the steeps.
Weaknesses:
Mechanism can malfunction and jam your seatpost in the up or down position.
Similar Products Used:
n/a
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Marzocchi, Mavic, Raceface, XT stuff
Bottom Line:
If you like to ride aggressive XC, freeride, etc then this is the post for you. With the flick of a switch you drop 4" from a fully extended seatpost to gain the clearance neede for steep drops or for bombin' the downhill. When you're done, flick the switch and your back to full extension without having to stop!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Snead
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, Oregon Date Reviewed: September 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The bumpy one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
a bike place
Strengths:
Gets down. Just like it should. Makes me go faster.
Weaknesses:
Sometimes won't stick in the down position. I have to twist the little round gizmo on the bottom of the post to make it work. I had to put a little thread lock on the round thing to keep it from slipping. I had to cut the little boot down so I could keep my seat bag on the seat.
Similar Products Used:
Quick release. Hacksaw. Whiskey.
Bike Setup:
Full suspension x-c bike
Bottom Line:
My friends assumed I had a suspension seatpost on top of my rear suspension and thought I was silly until I was able to STOP dropping my seatpost on top o' the helipad for the ride down Whoops.
Other than the little round thing slipping and some play in the post, it works great. I really like the idea.
If you are like me and live in fear of technical descents at speed, this can really help you out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Weekend Warrior
from Weehawken, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
gravitydropper.com
Strengths:
1) Lets you move seatpost up and down on the fly, increasing uphill power and downhill control and providing varied saddle positions for a happier butt 2) Solid construction 3) Excellent customer service from Gravitydropper.com
Weaknesses:
1) Sleeve that protects inner post workings from dirt and water doesn't always stay in its proper place and is a bit cheap-looking
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Modified Kona dawg
Bottom Line:
I recommend this seatpost more than any upgrade except good tires. Once you've got a good grip on the ground, I can think of no better next step than to make sure you're able to get high enough above the ground to crank uphill, low enough to whip downhill, and moderate enough to sail over bumpy flat terrain. This seatpost accomplishes this without forcing you to get off your bike and make a manual adjustment every time the trail changes. The product is very solid, mounts easily, and the switch works wonderfully. Learning to use the product is easy too. I had it under control after just 1 ride. I had a slight problem with the mounting screws in my switch stripping, but Wayne at Gravity Dropper shipped me a replacement the next day. The only thing I don't like about this product is the cheap-looking plastic sleeve that slides around too much. I hope Wayne can come up with something a little better to replace this. But this is really a minor concern and absolutely should not stop anyone from buying the product. The price is high but reasonable for a low volume, high quality piece of equipment. If this goes mass market, I would expect the price to go down, but given the current situation I think it's a good value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Morgan Hill Date Reviewed: May 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Serpentine
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Website
Strengths:
Does exactly what it claims and it does it well. I really like the safety feature of having to bounce on the seat to release. No unexpected suprises.
Weaknesses:
Yeah its heavier. I also have the multi position 1" and 4" drop. Sometimes it takes a bit longer to find the middle 1" drop position.
Similar Products Used:
The Hite Rite. Yeah I am that old. Still got it too on my 1989 Gary Fisher steel hardtail.
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575 with Marzocchi AM1 6" travel up front.
Bottom Line:
Great product that works even better than I expected. Customer service is also very good. I had to send mine back to get a glue joint fixed and it only took 1 week total with shipping ground. Nice people too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duncan
a Cross Country Rider
from CA Date Reviewed: May 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
web
Strengths:
Quality design and construction. Incredible innovation that adapts easily to any MTB.
Weaknesses:
Obviously somewhat heavier than a slick seatpost, but well worth the few extra grams.
Similar Products Used:
Salsq QR
Bike Setup:
Turner Burner with Fox shox and XT groupo with Hayes hydraulic disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
If you haven't seen a Gravity Dropper seatpost, go to their website. If you've seen one, ride one and you won't believe the difference it will make for you on technical terrain. It's awesome!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie Alackness
a Cross Country Rider
from Edwards CO Date Reviewed: May 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Gooseberry Mesa
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Moon Time
Strengths:
Makes riding more fun. It's just better and oh so convient kinda like living at your local trailhead.
Weaknesses:
Had issue with spring sticking on first ride. This was easily solved by taking the post apart. Upon doing so I noticed a shavings inside the post and noticed that there was a sharp burr on the spring. I simply filed down the burr until it was smooth. I then lubed everything up and put it back together. It has worked perfectly ever since. It's almost a half pound heavier than a Thompson It also has a tiny bit of play but you don't notice while riding.
Similar Products Used:
Standard posts. I will never buy another one.
Bike Setup:
A Titus Moto-Lite with all the bells and whistles
Bottom Line:
This thing is a must for every trail rider out there. I find my self popping my seat up and down so many times it's not funny. It just makes riding so much more fun and really boosts your confidence. Now I don't have to ride with my seat set with a compromise between climbing and descending. I can't imagine riding without it now and as for that extra half pound. It's the best half pound I have ever added to a bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ian
a
from staten island, ny Date Reviewed: May 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
gravitydropper.com
Strengths:
works flawlessly, strong, reliable
Weaknesses:
can be a pain to initially adjust seat angle, bolts may have to be ground down so they dont hit underside of saddle
Bottom Line:
great product, great customer service, once you get the hang of it, you can never go back to a reg. post. just alot of fun on the downhills/steep sections. strength of product is impressive. worth any weight penalty for the convenience.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alec Pym
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: April 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
From the front door on
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Strengths:
Goes up and down...really gives you confidence in the down hills.
Weaknesses:
After a year mine wont stay down takes about half a dozen attempts and then it flies up on its own...very dissapointing for such a high priced gizmo.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Kona Dawg
Bottom Line:
Graeat idea needs work for longterm reliability in my experience...i will look at a simalar product but thats a lot of dough for just 1 year of use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Alexander
a Downhiller
from Rotorua, New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
"B rude not 2
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bike Vegas
Strengths:
Everything!! Build quality is second to none, operation is a breeze,(like changing gear on an old skool xt thumbie)
Weaknesses:
Non so far! But if i had to pick one; Looks a bit geeky, But ya soon get over that. Maybe a bit expensive? but isn't every decent innovation?!! I love biking, so who cares!
Similar Products Used:
Nothing compares (..yet?!)
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit, Cross-max Xl's, Marzocchi z150's, Hope mono 4's, Easton carbon dh bars's etc. etc.
Bottom Line:
This product is simply the "shisnaaa"!! I could NEVER go back to a normal seatpost. If you think about it, it just makes perfect sense. Do you like stopping in the middle of your favorite trail to adjust your seat height? ..I don't think so, it ruins the flow right! ..and why compromise your favorite trail by leaving your seat at a non perfect height.(too low for effient climbing & not really low enough for nailing drops and jumps comfortably)
Overtake your mates laughing, while they stop to adjust their seat. Shudder at the ones that leave their seat high. Landing jumps with huckery/awkward style & lack of finese.
It works, beleive the hype!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyson Zwicker
a Cross Country Rider
from Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: March 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
To hard to choose!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
www.gravitydropper.com
Strengths:
Very strong and durable. Easily installed. Easy to use. Lets you ride trails you couldn't touch before!
Weaknesses:
Adjusting the seat angle was a little bit challenging, but not too bad.
Similar Products Used:
Axiom Seatposts (about 4 of them)..
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance - 3, Factory (except for the Gravity Dropper)
Bottom Line:
I got the original "old fashioned" two position one, with 4" of travel.
When the trail got really steep, I used to have to get off and lower my seat. Now I just hit a button, fly down the hill in complete comfort, and pop the seat back up when the descent is over, again with just the push of a button.
The seat doesn't rise or lower too fast- its just right! And don't worry about it hitting your sensitive areas- it rises without a lot of force.
This is simply THE BEST addition I have ever made to any bike, ever. I will never ride without one again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blue Shorts
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: January 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
GravityDropper.com
Strengths:
This post works very well. It's easy to set up and takes almost no time to get used to it. The action is smooth and there is virtually no play in the fully extended mode.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Bike Setup:
2003 Turner 5 Spot
Bottom Line:
This post rocks!!! It's the best accessory that I've ever had on any bike...... by far. The price is a little steep, but they're really the only game out there and they deserve to cash in on such a great product.
The poster from Germany, below, had me confused with the 4", 3" and 0" model. I finally figured out that he meant that he bought the 4", 3-position version (duh). That model has a 0" drop, a 1" drop and a 4" drop.
I got (xmas present :-) ) the 3" drop, 3-position version. That version has a 0", 1" and 3" drop. I use the 0" for most of my climbing unless it's technical. I also use this position for mild singletrack.
I use the 1" drop for downhill, technical singletrack and the 3" drop for very steep downhills and jumping.
I'm going to buy shims so that I can use the post with my other bike.
I highly recommend this seatpost!! I give it 4 chilis for value. It is expensive. It gets a 5 chili overall rating for it superb performance. It makes riding more fun than ever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Hill
a Cross Country Rider
from München Germany Date Reviewed: December 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
München Isar
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
GD.com
Weaknesses:
Inevitably weight BUT It weighs less than a pint of beer!
Bike Setup:
nothing fancy
Bottom Line:
The biz
Have brought a 4“ GD with 4“,3“ and 0“ positions.
4” – 90% of riding – trails ridden ass in the air racer style Full pedal effort required and no risk of wiping out.
3” – 8% of riding – tricky trails Some pedal effort required with a mild risk of wiping out
0” – 2% of riding - for the descents that still scare you! Zero pedal effort required and every chance of wiping out. Point being to get easily over the back wheel, the seat being only sat on in passing.
Ridden with it three times.
What a buzz – descend like a DH bike (almost) reach the bottom intact – push the leaver, your ass goes back up 4” and you pull away with street racer performance (almost).
For XC mtbs and people who ride challenging and varied trails there can be no other option.
Found the quality very good and like the novel idea of the magnetic pin.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Troy Neubarth
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA - US Date Reviewed: December 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
can't read maps
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
Gravity Dropper.com
Strengths:
easy setup. high quality materials. fits 13 sizes of seat tubes. buy 2,3 or 4in. drop. after 8 months it behaves at it did the 1st ride. customer service: i haven't needed to contact them until recently for a new shim to fit the post on a new frame. my email was answered imediately.
Weaknesses:
weight. thomson elite weighs 290g. the GD weighs 450g. w/ cable and switch(weights from internet). wouldn't think about taking it off. has become as vital to me as suspension.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
'05 titus moto-lite set at 5". '05 talas fork. Dave's Speed Dream wheelset(ZTR olympic rim, WTB frt./DT 240 rr.,stiff at 1565g).shimano.
Bottom Line:
if i were offered my absolute dream bike, at no cost, and the only catch was i couldn't run a Gravity Dropper post on it, i would stick with what i've got. hell, less than what i've got. the post makes riding more enjoyable. w/ the thumb switch, you can drop/raise the post at a thought. adds priceless confidence on slow and fast decents. get to the back of the bike w/out raising to get over the seat and then having the seat in your chest. i've got the 4" dropper. i lower it alot to hop logs or small boulders. it allows you to pull the bike up into your body w/out the progression being stopped by the seat hitting your ass. and since you can lower/raise at almost no cost, you will never have to shy away from any challenge because you don't want to stop to lower your seat. suprisingly, it has allowed me to ((CLIMB)) before unclimbable sections of trail. w/ a lower center of gravity, i didn't struggle w/ keeping weight in the rear for traction, and keeping enough on the front to keep my line. aside from all the benefits, this post is very well built. acts exactly as it did the first ride. a million thanks to the builders. nobody reads the 10 chillied reviews, but there's no way around it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: December 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Cheseboro
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
From Mfgr
Strengths:
I have now made three rides with this awesome seat post and I must say that it is everything everyone has posted about it and more. I no longer have to dismount for a technical sections to adjust my seat. What an innovation.
Weaknesses:
Cost is a little steep but worth it......
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Trek Liquid 20
Bottom Line:
First came the hard tail, then full suspension and now......., This awesome seat post.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a
from Oakland, Ca Date Reviewed: December 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Gravity Dropper
Strengths:
I crashed and broke my clavicle a few years back going downhill. This seatpost renews my confidence "bombing" downhill. I need all the confidence I could get to stay young and healthy. It is by far the best upgrade I've done for my bikes. I was thinking of getting 1 Gravity Dropper and 1 SpeedBall for comparison; however, the SpeedBall does not come in size 27.2. After my initial positively fun experience with the Gravity Dropper, I bought 2 more for my other bikes and the fun continues... Their service is also top notch. It's a pleasure dealing with Wayne.
Weaknesses:
1. Heavier than the Thomson 2. Very, very slight seatpost movement 3. $250.00 Its strengths outweighs its weaknesses.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
2004 Truth, 2005 Reign, and 2006? SS WaltWorks.
Bottom Line:
Great product/service. Performs as advertised.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Vernal, Ut Date Reviewed: December 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
This stem instantly made my wife faster. For the first time she could keep up with me on he downhills.
Weaknesses:
Adds one half pound to your bike
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
expensive, and heavy, but worth it. A great product and the customer service was the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO Date Reviewed: November 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Makes your ride even more fun. Simplicity, Ease of Maintenance.
Weaknesses:
Nada.
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 Spot RP3, Float 130 RLC
Bottom Line:
This seatpost will change the way you ride. You don't have to stop for seat height changes, and you'll ride things you didn't attempt before. Wayne and the GravityDropper staff are first class and one of those few companies in the biking industry that will be known because of their excellent customer service, if they aren't already. A completely satisfying experience.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jaco
a Cross Country Rider
from escazu costa rica Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
filo
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
universalcycles
Strengths:
this product is amazing. makes riding more fast and fun. no more getting of the bike to adjust seat height.
Weaknesses:
the descender post which I currently have while I wait for the gravity dropper will not click at times when you want it up again and this can make technical uphills frustrating with the seat in the low position. Ive figured out that when this happens its good to pull on the seat and this will set it into place. im getting a stiffer spring from wayne so this should also help and make whoever buys it from me completely satisfied.
Similar Products Used:
nada, although i hear maverick i supposed to come out with a similar product
Bike Setup:
575
Bottom Line:
worth the $$$. makes singletrack ridin and droppin more fluid and fun. i originally got the descender post cause i didnt want to spend the extra cash on the remote but I shouldve since now Im waiting for the gravity dropper to arrive and plan to get rid of the descender. taking your hand of the handlebar in difficult bumpy tech situations is not the way to go.
Great innovative product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
STEVE
a
from BLOOMINGTON, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Lytle Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
gravitydropper.com
Strengths:
It is as stought as it looks. Tight tolerances. Excellent machining.
Weaknesses:
Not having bought one before now.
Similar Products Used:
There is nothing similar.
Bike Setup:
4-inch GD, Turner 5-spot, XTR, Fox Float X/DHX 5.0
Bottom Line:
Before buying this post I read all the reviews that I could, just as you are now. It can be hard at times to distill fact from rant [mine included ;)]. Therefore I looked for one thing: A trend. I found only good trends and none bad, so I bought it. This is an excellent component so far. It's solid and does the job. If you want all the advantages of having the optimal seat height for climbing and then to instantly drop the seat on-the-fly for the descent then this is for you. Customer service is top notch. I appreciate when a person answers the phone instead of being jockeyed around by a computer. Admitted that this post isn't cheap--if you have ever made a skin donation to the Mtn. gods due to being bucked on a down-hill--it's hard to put a price on a near miss versus an off. As the older I get the more that hurts. I will update later.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan0
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashua, NH USA Date Reviewed: November 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bear Brook
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
direct
Strengths:
it works
Weaknesses:
none so far
Bike Setup:
specialized enduro pro 05
Bottom Line:
just 1 more thing to add, before I had this device I would compromise on saddle height to avoid raising & lowering (keeping it slightly lower than optimum) now I have it raised to perfection, knowing I can drop it at a moments notice. I have no slop at all in the raised position and very little lowered, but who sits on the seat lowered?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tscheezy
a Cross Country Rider
from Kodiak, Alaska Date Reviewed: November 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
All of em
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Unique, and unbelieveably usefulUnique, and unbelievably useful. Once you ride with it for a while, you will not be able to go back to a standard, nonadjustable post. Makes seatpost QRs seem so kludgy and slow. I have beat the poo out of my 3 Gravity Droppers for a long time, and they are holding up very well. The owners of the company are very interested in rider feedback and have addressed my issues quite effectively (see below). Much improved since the first generation. Stainless hardware, better accordion boots, more solid, less play. Also more options now like how much travel and such.
Weaknesses:
Still not rock solid like a Thomson, but then again what is?
Similar Products Used:
Hite Rite. QR seatpost collar.
Bike Setup:
Turner 5-Spot and 6-Pack.
Bottom Line:
This is a one-year followup review to the one I posted below (about the 3rd review from the end). My first seatpost had quite a bit of play and slop in the upper shaft which caused the saddle to rock side to side about 1/2 an inch, and up and down at the nose a good 3/8 of an inch. It was not that noticeable while riding oddly enough, but hardly what I would expect from a rather expensive product. I posted my review and sometime later contacted GD to see if they could remedy the issue. "No problem" they replied and told me they were working on some new shims which should solve my issues. They would be ready in a few months.
Time went by and I sort of forgot about the slop. I bought a second GD post since I loved mine so much despite the play. The new one wiggled too, but I didn't think much of it.
Time went by and a few months later I bought a third (yes I own 3!) GD post, this time the one with the remote (my other two are the knob style). Wow, this one was nearly slop free! It had a very smooth, positive action, and nearly no unwanted movement. It reminded me to get in touch with the GD folks about my other two posts and see if they would still do the new shims. They said "no problem, send them in" so I did, and lo and behold, I got them both back as snug as the newest one.
I do love these things and would venture to say they are about the best single upgrade you can make to your bike if you ride offroad. They will increase your descending speed and comfort because you will lower and raise your saddle much more often than you would have with a simple QR, so your saddle height will always be optimum. I like both the knob and remote styles, and have both the 3 and 4 inch adjustable versions. If you do longer climbs and descents, the knob is fine. If you ride up and down short steep stuff or do a lot of drops in the middle of pedaling sections, then the remote is invaluable.
The post is easy to take apart and lube, but the excellent (though somewhat dorky) accordion boot does a great job of keeping the guts clean. The post is reasonably light weight (about 100g more than a Thomson iirc) and does what it claims. BTW, Maverick is coming out with a similar, air-sprung product soon (they have been saying that for months), but it won't be made smaller than about 30.9mm, so most riders (like us on Turners) are SOL.
All in all, a great product recently made even better. I gave it 3 burning chilis in both categories below, but I am adding chilis now. 4 chilis for value since I still think they are a bit expensive, but worth it, and 5 for overall since you will not find anything better (or even much like it) on the market. Get some.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a
from Jackson Hole Wyoming Date Reviewed: October 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Direct
Strengths:
The same as what others have said. It makes riding faster, safer, and more fun all at the same time.
Weaknesses:
I've broken it twice
Similar Products Used:
A Hite-Rite way back when.
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Id with RP3 and TALAS, both PUSHed.
Bottom Line:
I rank this as more importatnt than any other single bit of equipment--when it's not broken.
It only seems to last from 4 to 6 months for me. Then the post snaps right where the perpendicular rod that holds the saddle passes through the drilled hole.
It broke twice not only in the exact same spot on the post but in the exact same spot on the same trail. It was right at the transition from a flat to a steep, tricky ascent. I had just shifted down to the granny and a large cog and scooted forward on the saddle prepared to make the big effort when SNAP.
Wayne replaced it for free within 3 days both times. He told me the last time that in about 8 weeks he expects to have a beefed up version, slightly thicker around the drilled hole. That will be sometime near the end of Nov. since he was calling me from Interbike.
The version I have now has the hole drilled at an angle compared to the original. We'll see how long it lasts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Weekend Warrior
from Cambridge, England Date Reviewed: September 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Skyline , Afan - Wales
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$256.00
Purchased At:
Riverside Cycles - www.riversidecyclecentre.co.uk
Strengths:
I have the 4" drop three position 375mm post. The three positions being full height, 4" drop and 1" below full height.
At full height you have a perfect pedaling position. At full 4" drop, the seat is removed from the riding equation, so you can concetrate on the terrain. The 1" below full height position, is perfect for mixed terrain where you still need to get the power down while seated, but also need the confidence and stability that the lowered seat gives.
This post delivers as advertised, installation is simple, it fitted and worked first time. So far I have not noticed any of the saddle movement issues mentioned in the reviews below.
Weaknesses:
In terms of function, no weaknesses. There are a couple of minor practical issues that do not effect riding performance. Firstly, the design of the post prevents the use of a workstand that would normally clamp where the height adjustment section of the seatpost is. Secondly, if the switch is mounted on the top of the bar on the righthand side, care must be taken if you invert your bike for maintenance, since the switch lever will probably hit the ground before the grip or shifter.
Similar Products Used:
Is there one?
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 Spot (Large), Fox Talas, King Headseat and Hubs, Raceface X-Type, XTR, Thomson X4, Hope Mono M4, Easton bars
Bottom Line:
I am the type of rider who would rather ride than stop to raise or lower my seatpost to match the terrain. Up until now this has compromised my technical downhill performance.
The Gravity Dropper now makes it so easy to alter the seat height, that I probably change my post height more times per ride that I did all year before. Sections that caused me to stall or fall, are now cleared with realtive ease.
With very little practice the seat height can be adjusted on demand, and near instantly. You will soon find it becomes as easy as changing gear, and just as intuitive.
If you have always believed you have been held back on steep technical sections, and couldn't be bothered to drop your seat height, this product will vastly increase your apparent ability and enjoyment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a
from Coloma, CA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Hole in the Ground, Ward Peak/Stanford Rock, Moab
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
GravityDropper
Strengths:
Re-defines, in the most positive possible manner, how you ride your bike!
Weaknesses:
There are no weaknesses that I can see because the weight and price are more than offset by the enhanced performance and safety you receive. When Wayne becomes a materials and economic magician I’m sure he will cause it to weigh less than a carbon seatpost and only cost $19.95. (-:
Similar Products Used:
Hite-Rite back in the day.
Bike Setup:
2005 Specialized Enduro Pro
Bottom Line:
It is not often that you can say that you were there and participated when a sport experiences a revolutionary jump due to a change in the equipment design or material. It is always a moment when after it happens you wonder why it didn’t happen before the moment it did. If you skied when shaped skis came out or kayaked when planning hulls were introduced you know exactly what I mean. I believe that, with this product, mountain biking is about to go through a similar experience to both of those sports. Shaped skis and planning hulls dominate their respective sports and I believe that it won’t be long before GravityDropper has that same position in the world of mountain biking. The benefits that the product brings to the rider are such that it warrants that level of acceptance. To poorly paraphrase Warren Miller you want to buy one of these now because if you wait you’ll only be a year older when you do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from PA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Works as adevertised... simply awsome piece of gear. Great customer service.
Weaknesses:
You'll need one for every bike.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Mostly used on Bullit.
Bottom Line:
There is just too much to say about this awsome little gizmo so I'll just say this... I can no longer ride a bike without one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J-C
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
direct
Strengths:
It's simple, fairly light and quick. GD customer service is top notch.
Weaknesses:
does not come standard with every bike
Similar Products Used:
none, it's unique
Bike Setup:
Titus Motolite, Talas fork, etc.
Bottom Line:
This is the best thing since sliced bread and adjustable travel forks. Seriously, it makes going up and down a real breeze. At 5'7", I can't hang my butt behind my seat when my seat is fully raised, or if I do, I can't get back on the seat (sort of annoying). The alternative is to get off the bike, lower the seat when going down steep stuff, then later on, get off the bike and raise the seat. Of course, half of the time you raise your seat back, you have to readjust it to the correct height, waisting more time.
Well, with the GD, no more of that foolishness. It's simple, it's quick, it works. It will make the downhill easier, and you'll always have your seat at the perfect height when you raise it back up. It's awesome on rollers. I used at Soquel Demo Forest and Downieville, and both times it shined. The only drawback of the GD is that you have no more excuse to stop and take a break, so you just keep going until you realize that you're tired... :)
Customer service: it's top notch. I ordered the wrong length, so I sent it back and they exchanged it without any problem.
Great product, great company. The price is steep but it's way worth it. Probably the best upgrade on my bike, bar none.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Tacoma Date Reviewed: June 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Direct
Strengths:
Easy to install, works like thumb shifter, will take years of you life...
Weaknesses:
None noticed yet
Similar Products Used:
Original Rite Hite owner 1987
Bike Setup:
Klien Attitude Race Face cranks XT brakes, shifters, Monkey Carbon Bars, Rolf hub, Domilite custom wheels, Serac Tires, Chris King Headset..Road hard put away wet type...
Bottom Line:
I have only put two rides on bike since install and I can say that all weight weenies should take a hard look...I could not tell it wasn't my Thomson post until I hit the trail..First this post will make you faster up hill because you are so amped to use it going down..I had a the Rite Hite back in the day and thought I was a Super D before they came up with front forks on my old 23' stumpy..This Post just took 15 years of my life..Remember before you ever really wiped out how nuts you could go down the hills no fear, maybe just no brian...I thing will put you back into that Nirvana...I was almost yelling out loud with my MP3 going though my training single track..As fast as you can shift your gears is how fast you can lower or raise your seat...I can't wait to hook up with the boys this weekend so I can unleash the can of whoopass..I'm the only one on a hardtail..How embarrassing it will be..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Price
a Cross Country Rider
from Thousand Oaks Date Reviewed: June 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Quadalasca
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Gravity Dropper
Strengths:
This is a follow up on an earlier post.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Quick release
Bike Setup:
SC Blur, Gary Fisher Sugar 3+
Bottom Line:
This seatpost has made a tremendous improvment to my riding. But that's not what I want to comment on. Wayne and the other folks at Gravity Dropper have a customer service policy second to none. After I purchased my seatpost and tried it on my Blur I was so taken that I wanted to try it on my Sugar. However, the seatpost tube is a different diameter so I would need aother shim. I emailed GD and asked how much. Within a couple of days they sent one in the mail - free. I didn't get around to trying it out for awhile but when I did I discovered its outside diameter was not correct for the Sugar. I sent them an email explaining the problem. The next day I got a call from Wayne apologizing for the error and a replacement would be in the mail that same day. You can't beat the product and as important, if not more so, the customer service. Wayne was very gracious and sincerely interested in insuring my needs were met.
I strongly recommend this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rene Hoepelman
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Beach, CA Date Reviewed: May 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Idwilde 24hour course
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
www.gravitydropper.com
Strengths:
ability to drop seat on the fly
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
thompson, easton
Bike Setup:
fuel 100
Bottom Line:
This is by far the greatest piece of equiptment you can purchase for your bike, especially if your a taller rider like myself 6'0 185lbs The seat is slightly heavier but the benifits are far greater then the small amount of weight difference. I promise this will improve your riding skills.
There is a slight learning curve. To lower the seat you have to raise your butt off the seat toggle the handle bar lever till you hear it click then sit back down. To raise you have to sit on the seat toggle the handle bar lever till you hear it click the rise you butt up slowly till you hear the seat post click back to the raise up position. After a few rides you will get the hang of it. After a while this will be second nature.
I used to have to get off my bike and raise and lower the seat several times on a ride depending on the trail. I have never gotten off my bike once since I purchased this seat post. I loved it so much I bought a second one for my klein hard tail.
Price is a little steep but totally worth it. i dont recommend going for the version of the seat post with out the handle bar lever. It can get dangerous to have to take your hand off the handle bar to hit the lever under the seat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: May 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
thin & tricky
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Replacement
Strengths:
Customer service!
Weaknesses:
Breaks when abused
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Morewood Shova
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up from last Deccember when I broke the post as described. Wayne had me a new post withing 3 days and let me know that they are coming up with some new variations for more flexibility. My apologies to Gravity Dropper for being so late on my follow up. I have yet to order the shims for my new bike, so I have been missing out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William Yoshimura
a Weekend Warrior
from Salinas, Ca USA Date Reviewed: April 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Fort Ord
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
direct online
Strengths:
The most immediate improvement and confidence building accessory for technical downhills. There is no single mountain biking product out there that improves your descending abilities like Gravity Dropper. Nothing like it. Works flawlessly in the 6 months I've had it. I've put it on every MTB I own from my freeride bike to my XC bike. It is a must have for those whose confidence has been shaken by unfortunate falls like I experienced. The extra control the 3" drop offers is unbelievable.
Weaknesses:
The slight freeplay/movement of the seat is there. However, I wouldn't exactly call it a 'weakness'. It is noticable but has no relative affect on comfort or riding ability. It is just a feature of the seatpost that is unavoidable due to its adjustable nature.
Similar Products Used:
None. This is a unique product. It is a breakthrough
Bike Setup:
VP Free (888's with 5th Element coil and triple ring), Blur with Fox/Fox and XT, Specialized Enduro
Bottom Line:
If you have had your confidence shaken due to a nasty downhill fall. If you wish to improve your descending skills. If you just wish to feel more confident (lower center of gravity/butt over rear tire position/don't feel like going over the bars)...I am telling you, this product is unmatched. You cannot make such an improvement to your riding as with this simple accessory. I was skeptical at first, but now I have them on all my bikes. This is not a gadget freak product but a bonifide purchase to instantly improve your riding skills/confidence. 5 Chili's in both catagories for this seatpost is in a class by itself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Cross Country Rider
from Thousand Oaks, CA. USA Date Reviewed: March 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Guadalasca
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Manufacturer
Strengths:
Easy installation. Easy to use - I have the handle bar mount switch. Strong. Don't have any play in the post like others have reported.
Weaknesses:
Can't adjust angle of seat. Minor issue.
Similar Products Used:
Tried just about all major vendors.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur - Full XTR, 90mm Thomson stem, Specialized Roll X pro tires.
Bottom Line:
Recently I took a nasty endo and slammed into some hardpack single track. Fractured my collar bone. When the trail gets steep you want to get down and back as far as possible. With my seat all the way up that is tough. Decided to get the Gravity Dropper and it's made a world of difference. Drop the seat, get the butt back, and zoom. With the seat lower I notice I can control the bike a lot easier and essentially pick and hold any line I choose. Great product. Well worth the investment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: March 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Manufacturer
Strengths:
Strong and easy to install. Instructions staightforward. Shim works great. Did not or have not experienced any of the side-to-side that others have talked about. Easy to use. Just press the lever, listen for the click and drop the seat. Press the lever again, listen for the click and pop it back up. But here's the added advantage. With the new full suspension bikes, sometimes there's not enough standover when you dismount. Once you unweight the suspension it pops up an inch or two. Here's what's great. When you need to dismount, just click and lower the saddle and step off or lean over to the side easily. That's a real added bonus. When I'm heading down steep trails, by lowering the seat I can get right over the back of the rear tire. Already has saved me for a sure endo the other day. Heading down through a rock garden and an unexpected loose stone pushes the front wheel into a larger rock that would have stopped the bike cold any other day, but with so much weight toward the back, I was able to pop the front wheel up easily and recover with no problem.
Weaknesses:
None perceived at this time.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Kina Sticky Dee-Luxe
Bottom Line:
If you've already tricked out your ride with the best frame and front fork, then I would suggest that you look at investing in a Gravity Dropper. It will quickly become one of those "can't live without" accessory. Works as advertised and will save your neck at some point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mick
a Racer
from Duluth, MN USA Date Reviewed: March 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim Moab
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
gravitydropper.com
Strengths:
Well built and functions flawlessly. Adds confidence to any ride
Weaknesses:
$250 for a seatpost? It is worth it.
Similar Products Used:
Other seatposts, primarily Thompson. Hite Rite when I was a kid.
Bike Setup:
2005 Specialized Enduro Pro.
Bottom Line:
Get it. Take some to use it in different environments and eventually you can't help but wonder how you survived without one for so long.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a
from F/R CO Date Reviewed: January 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
mtnhighcyclery.com
Strengths:
Goes up and down with a minimum of fuss.
Weaknesses:
Slight side to side motion of the seat when off the seat.
Really, really love the Gravity Dropper. After many years (xc/trail riding) of trying to throw my Butt off the back of the bike without hosing up my steering on the steep descents, I am now cleared for take-off! My confidence on the steeps is slowly climbing and I am starting to clear some of the technical descents that have previously intimidated me. I really hated to stop and adjust the seat height (especially on group rides, and more especially on rolling terrain), but it was either that or get unbalanced. Now I am adjusted and balanced (well, maybe!). Now all those short and steep intimidating sections followed immediately by a climb are fun! I also notice a little (very minimal) side to side movement of the seat (when off the seat), but don’t notice it all when riding. Wayne of Gravity Dropper has said that he will upgrade the bushing at no cost to help reduce this. Even though this is a fault, I love this thing so much I would recommend buying it anyway. If you like hanging off the back of the seat and its potential reproductive impacts you don’t need this product, otherwise this puppy could be one of the best upgrades you make for your bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nat Lopes
a Downhiller
from Berkeley, CA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
A Line, Whistler BC
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
250.00 gravity dropper
Strengths:
Climb big climbs aggressively- Descend in comfort. Even on my stinky deluxe I wont really anything, without dropping the seat first. Even on a mild cross country ride I switch it twenty times or so.
Weaknesses:
Looks and feels super light weight although it has lasted a year on the road as the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew and riding in all twelve western states and BC. From porcupine rim in moab, ut, to tiger mountain in seattle, wa, to Downieville, CA -Cost lots of money.
Similar Products Used:
Power Post- Thing weighed twice as much but it did work- shifter breaks and company is out of business because they sold the post for too much money.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Cake 1 DLX Stinky Dee Lux
Bottom Line:
Great product. Wont ever ride a serious xc or freeride mountain bike without one. Its the future.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tscheezy
a Cross Country Rider
from Kodiak, AK USA Date Reviewed: January 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Love em all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Gravitydropper.com
Strengths:
Unique product. Allows you to instantly lower seat 3" and raise it just as fast. Unbelievably convenient. Makes a saddle-dropper out of anyone.
Weaknesses:
Very annoying amount of saddle slop. The thing has developed so much play in a short amount of time it's amazing. There must be a better design they could come up with. You don't notice it riding much, but it is like the saddle is about to fall off the rails. Bolts are cheap steel and rust fast. Accordion boot works well but looks incredibly stupid. I wonder about the strength of the seat rail clamp mechanism...
Similar Products Used:
QR seat collar
Bike Setup:
Turner 6-Pack
Bottom Line:
I have the on-post knob style, not the one with the remote.
I ordered one from GD and it was sloppy out of the box. I sent it back and they sent me a new one. It was sloppy soon too. Oh well. For the $$ I would really expect a much better engineered product, but it is the only thing like it on the market and it is a very cool idea. I will put up with it now that I depend on the thing, but they really need to think of a better design. I can rock the nose of the saddle almost a half inch from side to side, and almost as much up and down. Give me a break...
I think the thing is worth about $100 tops for the current quality, so 3 stars for value.
The thing needs a revamp to get the slop worked out, so 3 stars for overall.
I'd probably only give it a 2 in each category, but it is unique and very useful, so I'm being generous.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mikehell
a Racer
from Phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: December 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Today, Goat Camp....
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
From a friend who's distributing
Strengths:
Almost like cheating it works so well. Great for the extreme epics and Super D racing
Weaknesses:
The cable housing frays at the post defeating the function (I'd recommend Avid Flak Jacket housing to alleviate this). I broke the post off at the hole in the upper section on a steep chute section by using the seat to jamb the bike into the berm. Since it was in the up position, I was able to pull the cable and drop the post, then wire and tape it into the dropped position. Finished my ride with no injuries.
Similar Products Used:
Seat post quick release.
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 Spot with Romic, Fax Talas, Avid mechanical brakes with Avid's best levers, SUV wheels, Kends Blue Groove F & Cortez R, SRAM shifters & R der, LX cranks XT F der, Speedplay Frogs, CK HS, Mokey Lite DH HB, (one fun bike)
Bottom Line:
I love the post. I hope there is a solution for the breakage, otherwise I will not be able to ride this type of post anymore. I weigh around 185# and ride very aggressive on super tech trails, so I may be out of luck. I may post when I hear back from Wayne. I just sent the note out tonight. I'd highly recommend this post to anyone who has trouble with tech, steep, loose downhills. They may have to excercise a weight riding style limitation. Steve Peats of the world should steer clear.
Note that Wayne replaced my early versions post, no questions asked when he upgraded the bushings and added the boot. Fantastic customer service all around and I anticipate more of the same. I'd buy another if it were made a bit sturdier (but not overkill).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Roberts
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: December 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Captain Jacks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
gravitydropper.com
Strengths:
Easy adjustment, seat up for climbs and level riding, down for technical and descents
Weaknesses:
rusty bolts
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Titus Switchblade, Giant VT1
Bottom Line:
Bottom line: so fricking good I bought two of them! Will never have another bike without one. Totally transforms riding. Will climb better with the seat up and will descend faster and with more confidence with the seat down. Is like having an extra gear.
Customer service is great! Origionally got it with the 3" of travel. Felt it was to much so I sent it back and they adjusted it to only 2.5" drop, ahh perfect!
Reguires some maintenance every couple months (post will stick or not lock in the up or down position) but it's not a big deal to take it apart, lube it and throw it back together.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Kopec
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: October 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
National, south mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Manufacturer
Strengths:
Well Designed, Smooth Operation, Light Weight
Weaknesses:
No failures to Report.
Similar Products Used:
Hurrycat G-Control, Powerpost
Bike Setup:
GT Ruckus, Rohloff Speedhub/ Sun Singletrack wheels, Magura Odin Pro Rear susp., Fox Vanilla 125 Front.
Bottom Line:
This seat post is my secret weapon. It significantly increased my downhill speed and ability to clean the gnarliest rock gardens. My freinds will never keep up until they understand the benefit of a lowered seat on the downhill. I have used it for close to a year, riding 20 miles of rough dirt a week - and it has continued to perform flawlessly. I was sceptical at first - if it could hold up to my 210 lbs and rough riding conditions, but I have not been able to break it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Greenville, MI Date Reviewed: September 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
N Country
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Manufacturer
Strengths:
Ease of operation,durability,simplicity.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur,Fox 125 RLC,Hayes,XTR
Bottom Line:
I was having trouble with drops,log piles,and very steep down hills. The Gravity dropper allows me to instantly drop my seat 3". The lower seat height takes the edge off things that used to scare the heck out of me. When I have cleared the obstacle I push the lever and the seat pops back up to full height for easy pedaling. This seat post is great for fast cornering on down hills and makes any technical riding much easier. Great product,after one years use it works great. I would buy another.
$ 250.00
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