Q: Here’s a mtn bike gear question, especially for women riders.
Do you think the benefits of a remote controlled infinite adjustable seat post, for riders who live in canyon country with endless ups and downs (like we do in San Diego), outweigh the cost of the added weight of the thing, especially for women riders for whom the weight of the bike is a real issue? – J. Cooper
A: Bottom line, I think seat post droppers are game changers if you are pushing yourself in more challenging terrain descending. This can be for a total beginner who’s learning or a real ripper, either way the benefit is the same. Getting the seat out of the way descending allows more confidence and minimized the chance of going over the handle bars. I find it especially useful cornering in tight switchbacks as well because you can lean the bike without your seat hitting your inner thigh. Yes, there is a weight penalty and I don’t use one in races like Leadville, but I would use on in a technical XC race. The gained confidence outweighs the approx. 500 gram penalty.
I also use one when I’m out riding with friends and it’s not a race, but I want to push myself and have fun on my bike. Yes, there’s a weight penalty, but I’m still a huge fan.
In comparing models, I’ve only used the Specialized command post and the SRAM Reverb.
What I like about the Reverb: it’s easy to install, will nestle right in with your SRAM Matchmaker clamp on the handlebar, they are hydraulic, so there’s no rough return bashing you in the butt when they come back up, it’s a very intuitive little push button that’s easy to find, you can get right or left control. With regards to how a seat dropper applies to women, the one consideration that sets the Reverb apart is that it’s offered in two different seat post lengths and two different sizes for drop. This is important for someone small who may not have much seat post sticking out of the bike frame.
Posted in: Equipment/Technology
