MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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3/14/2025 10:37am

Was there a pedal kickback/ochain dedicated thread? Or should I spam all my thoughts here?

2
1
jonkranked
Posts
1207
Joined
5/5/2016
Location
Norristown, PA, USA
3/14/2025 10:40am
JerseyMojo wrote:
T&C's are there to read..  Discounts vary between countries and not all countries will have access to these discounts.Countries with access to discounts includes UK, Europe and...

T&C's are there to read.. 

 

Discounts vary between countries and not all countries will have access to these discounts.

Countries with access to discounts includes UK, Europe and North America.

Certain products sold by discount providers may be excluded from discounts.

All discounts are off RRP prices only.

 

https://www.axessunltd.com/tc-s

another thought i had..... having a discount from that program could possibly be used to give the sponsors a way to more directly quantify the amount of sales they are getting via their sponsorship via that program

5
1
NY_Star
Posts
96
Joined
11/28/2010
Location
USA
3/14/2025 10:55am Edited Date/Time 3/14/2025 11:01am

Is it tech or innovation but saw this

 

https://www.axessunltd.com

 

Intense axess pay to play. 
Is it really that difficult for teams to get the dollars?

 

jonkranked wrote:

so like onlyfans?  

the discounts on the sponsors gear / parts is actually kind of interesting too.  makes for a better value proposition IMO.

It think its a pretty neat idea and I'm sure leverages their QBP relationship with the new Frame First program. It's funny how one side they talk about supporting local shops with the frame first, custom build at your local shop from QBP program but then also totally get around MAP policies by making it a "club" or "team" or whatever.

So its support your shop on one side of their sales card and totally degradate it on the other....

I think a better way to push brand awareness and sell bikes to serious racers would be a solid contingency program. I know a lot of friends that race moto as a hobby will ride Kawi or KTM because of the ability to win money towards parts or cash.

1
3/14/2025 11:24am

New FOX products (specifically shocks), which have been frequently mentioned in this forum, will be released on March 31. Info through the FOX distributor in Chile. Pedro Burns rode a DH race this weekend using the prototype coil shock.

7
Fred_Pop
Posts
248
Joined
11/26/2017
Location
FR
3/14/2025 11:41am
JerseyMojo wrote:
T&C's are there to read..  Discounts vary between countries and not all countries will have access to these discounts.Countries with access to discounts includes UK, Europe and...

T&C's are there to read.. 

 

Discounts vary between countries and not all countries will have access to these discounts.

Countries with access to discounts includes UK, Europe and North America.

Certain products sold by discount providers may be excluded from discounts.

All discounts are off RRP prices only.

 

https://www.axessunltd.com/tc-s

The UK is part of Europe no matter what those Islanders say 🤣

9
4
sethimus
Posts
954
Joined
9/20/2014
Location
CH
3/14/2025 12:07pm
Primoz wrote:
There have to be strings attached. There's no way 100 GBP a year makes it worthwile to have these discounts. One OneUp dropper posts offsets that...

There have to be strings attached. There's no way 100 GBP a year makes it worthwile to have these discounts. One OneUp dropper posts offsets that with the discount they are supposedly offering... 

that's for the distributors to worry about, for the brand a sale is a sale

1
3/14/2025 12:10pm
NY_Star wrote:
It think its a pretty neat idea and I'm sure leverages their QBP relationship with the new Frame First program. It's funny how one side they...

It think its a pretty neat idea and I'm sure leverages their QBP relationship with the new Frame First program. It's funny how one side they talk about supporting local shops with the frame first, custom build at your local shop from QBP program but then also totally get around MAP policies by making it a "club" or "team" or whatever.

So its support your shop on one side of their sales card and totally degradate it on the other....

I think a better way to push brand awareness and sell bikes to serious racers would be a solid contingency program. I know a lot of friends that race moto as a hobby will ride Kawi or KTM because of the ability to win money towards parts or cash.

Well said. 

If Neko started a Frameworks (not to be confused with the new computer company) SubscribeStar or Patreon to support his world cup team, as well as his R&D, no one would be complaining or poking fun at him, and a bunch of us would probably subscribe. 

4
1
TimBud
Posts
544
Joined
2/29/2012
Location
GB
3/14/2025 12:16pm
Fred_Pop wrote:

The UK is part of Europe no matter what those Islanders say 🤣

Mate, France has always been the most vocal against the UK. Even before brexit was a thought.

Enough with the faux humour political bs.

6
overbiked
Posts
87
Joined
10/23/2024
Location
Park City, UT, USA
Fantasy
3/14/2025 12:33pm

Didn’t see it already in the forum, but a pinkbike post with Keegan Swenson gives a very good look at the new reverb. IMG 2289.png?VersionId=Ilr

6
Ryan Burney
Posts
86
Joined
10/20/2024
Location
Richmond, VT, USA
3/14/2025 12:37pm
rhodefab wrote:

That's an interesting cross section. What say @Ryan Burney 

That bike is rad.Teeny L-beam seatstays and pocketed (but larger) chainstays. Looks practical to machine and keeps the chainstay stiffer than the seatstay for more roll...

That bike is rad.

Teeny L-beam seatstays and pocketed (but larger) chainstays. Looks practical to machine and keeps the chainstay stiffer than the seatstay for more roll and less wag. Good pedal stiffness but also good compliance. It will always be heavier than a tube for the same stiffness but (turns out) it's hard to machine a tube so this is a great solution and will be stiff enough for its weight. and it's cooler than a tube. It's neat that they can machine all these parts and still make money per bike... that's a lot of machine time.

Funny enough I'm currently working on an FEA for my buddy Robs bike that has similar chainstays. I'll be able to share that data soon and should be some fun learning.Screenshot 2025-02-20 211742

Took me long enough but here is a FEA of a tubed vs machined CS (take it all with a grain of salt as neither are optimized but its fun to see how the stress goes though the part). Scroll to the bottom:  LINK HERE

7
3/14/2025 3:26pm
rhodefab wrote:

That's an interesting cross section. What say @Ryan Burney 

That bike is rad.Teeny L-beam seatstays and pocketed (but larger) chainstays. Looks practical to machine and keeps the chainstay stiffer than the seatstay for more roll...

That bike is rad.

Teeny L-beam seatstays and pocketed (but larger) chainstays. Looks practical to machine and keeps the chainstay stiffer than the seatstay for more roll and less wag. Good pedal stiffness but also good compliance. It will always be heavier than a tube for the same stiffness but (turns out) it's hard to machine a tube so this is a great solution and will be stiff enough for its weight. and it's cooler than a tube. It's neat that they can machine all these parts and still make money per bike... that's a lot of machine time.

Funny enough I'm currently working on an FEA for my buddy Robs bike that has similar chainstays. I'll be able to share that data soon and should be some fun learning.Screenshot 2025-02-20 211742

Took me long enough but here is a FEA of a tubed vs machined CS (take it all with a grain of salt as neither are...

Took me long enough but here is a FEA of a tubed vs machined CS (take it all with a grain of salt as neither are optimized but its fun to see how the stress goes though the part). Scroll to the bottom:  LINK HERE

Would CNC lugs bonded to drawn tubes be the best compromise between the two?

1
nsp234
Posts
90
Joined
9/15/2016
Location
CH
3/14/2025 3:38pm

Would CNC lugs bonded to drawn tubes be the best compromise between the two?

Interesting thought, if you have access to a set of catalog / open mould tubes this could be real nice. Not sure how precise the tolerances are to get a nice interface though...

 

1
noodlenosteeze
Posts
219
Joined
1/12/2023
Location
Salt Lake City, UT, USA
3/14/2025 4:06pm
Primoz wrote:
There have to be strings attached. There's no way 100 GBP a year makes it worthwile to have these discounts. One OneUp dropper posts offsets that...

There have to be strings attached. There's no way 100 GBP a year makes it worthwile to have these discounts. One OneUp dropper posts offsets that with the discount they are supposedly offering... 

Nah if anything it will drive volume to those suppliers. 

Paying 100 a year to get access to buy more stuff that the rider without the subscription may not consider. 

Not really a loss for the team or the suppliers.

2
Digit Bikes
Posts
186
Joined
9/22/2021
Location
Irvine, CA, USA
3/14/2025 5:30pm

Would CNC lugs bonded to drawn tubes be the best compromise between the two?

I've replied to you over on Ryan's discussion thread.

2
Outlawed
Posts
63
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Location
Vancouver Island, BC, CA
Fantasy
3/14/2025 6:26pm
More brake arm details from Commencal Muc off team camp

More brake arm details from Commencal Muc off team camp

IMG 5893IMG 5898.jpeg?VersionId=svmcr4G

Might be a bit behind on this but I do not recall anyone mentioning radial casing Tacky Chan anywhere, though I suppose it was only a matter of time.

4
3/14/2025 7:31pm
Outlawed wrote:
Might be a bit behind on this but I do not recall anyone mentioning radial casing Tacky Chan anywhere, though I suppose it was only a...

Might be a bit behind on this but I do not recall anyone mentioning radial casing Tacky Chan anywhere, though I suppose it was only a matter of time.

Nice eye. I looked right at it and missed it... the hot patch graphics are different than the current radials.

2
MrDuck
Posts
87
Joined
2/2/2021
Location
CA
3/14/2025 7:57pm
AJW1 wrote:
Problem is, we don't have a system of defining this.There are a number of factors that affect how much drop you can run.Ive got a 210...

Problem is, we don't have a system of defining this.

There are a number of factors that affect how much drop you can run.

Ive got a 210 oneup in my large santa cruz (at 6'0"). got at least 50-60mm showing above the collar. 

that bike could have a 2 inch longer seat tube and I would be all "slammed seatpost brah".... but with no functional difference for me at my height. 

eventually, with the SC shock tunnel, I will be limited by insertion depth. whether thats with a longer drop or with an add on actuator. but that frame statistic is only given as "insertion depth" and isn't immediately obvious. And insertion depth is then tied to seatpost length which is fairly arbritrary as above.

Straight seattube frames can end up with the opposite problem, no issue with insertion into the frame but a seat post will also have a minimum insertion. 

The total seatpost stack for a given length of drop can vary by like 50mm between manufacturers.

And finally inside leg measurement can vary between people of the same height.

Oh and also crank length. shorten your cranks 10mm, seat goes up 10mm, potential for more drop but if for example you are moving to the next size up of one-up and shimming it down, thats ~40mm longer post for that 10mm drop. Will it fit?

what we really need is some sort of calculator where you input your frame's ST length, insertion depth, brand of dropper and inside leg measurement/prefered BB to saddle rail length and it tells you what length dropper to buy.

I think I'm a fairly average 6 footer, so I just buy large frames - but every time a brand tries to be different like specialised S sizing - "you can pick the size based on the reach you want" - I'm like, thats great for descending performance for people who know their preferences, but will I actually be able to physically pedal this thing which is still a fairly crucial function of a trail/enduro bike.

That app sounds very simple tbh, I would whip one up if I currently wasn't kind of useless. The biggest struggle I could see would be sourcing the insertion depth data. It seems few companies actually mention the value. It'd be nice built in to something like geometry geeks where such data is open source.

It's odd how few companies care about insertion depth at a time everyone wants to run a long drop. For my personal preferences that disqualifies some otherwise nice bikes from fitting me.

3
3/14/2025 9:06pm
AJW1 wrote:
Problem is, we don't have a system of defining this.There are a number of factors that affect how much drop you can run.Ive got a 210...

Problem is, we don't have a system of defining this.

There are a number of factors that affect how much drop you can run.

Ive got a 210 oneup in my large santa cruz (at 6'0"). got at least 50-60mm showing above the collar. 

that bike could have a 2 inch longer seat tube and I would be all "slammed seatpost brah".... but with no functional difference for me at my height. 

eventually, with the SC shock tunnel, I will be limited by insertion depth. whether thats with a longer drop or with an add on actuator. but that frame statistic is only given as "insertion depth" and isn't immediately obvious. And insertion depth is then tied to seatpost length which is fairly arbritrary as above.

Straight seattube frames can end up with the opposite problem, no issue with insertion into the frame but a seat post will also have a minimum insertion. 

The total seatpost stack for a given length of drop can vary by like 50mm between manufacturers.

And finally inside leg measurement can vary between people of the same height.

Oh and also crank length. shorten your cranks 10mm, seat goes up 10mm, potential for more drop but if for example you are moving to the next size up of one-up and shimming it down, thats ~40mm longer post for that 10mm drop. Will it fit?

what we really need is some sort of calculator where you input your frame's ST length, insertion depth, brand of dropper and inside leg measurement/prefered BB to saddle rail length and it tells you what length dropper to buy.

I think I'm a fairly average 6 footer, so I just buy large frames - but every time a brand tries to be different like specialised S sizing - "you can pick the size based on the reach you want" - I'm like, thats great for descending performance for people who know their preferences, but will I actually be able to physically pedal this thing which is still a fairly crucial function of a trail/enduro bike.

MrDuck wrote:
That app sounds very simple tbh, I would whip one up if I currently wasn't kind of useless. The biggest struggle I could see would be...

That app sounds very simple tbh, I would whip one up if I currently wasn't kind of useless. The biggest struggle I could see would be sourcing the insertion depth data. It seems few companies actually mention the value. It'd be nice built in to something like geometry geeks where such data is open source.

It's odd how few companies care about insertion depth at a time everyone wants to run a long drop. For my personal preferences that disqualifies some otherwise nice bikes from fitting me.

I agree with this. I bought a Santa Cruz last year after being on a Stumpjumper Evo, on which I was able to run a 210 Oneup dropper. Having gone from 180 to 210 drop on the Stumpjumper felt like I had a completely different bike, and so, when my Megatower came with a 170, my first priority was to try and fit a 210. Unfortunately, insertion numbers aren't posted, and I couldn't test the old dropper (34.9 mm) and had to "guestimate" by holding it up to the outside of the bike and eyeballing if it would fit. I'm not sure it wouldn't be difficult for manufacturers to publish this information. 

1
phof
Posts
6
Joined
2/1/2024
Location
westlake, CA, USA
Fantasy
3/14/2025 9:14pm
I agree with this. I bought a Santa Cruz last year after being on a Stumpjumper Evo, on which I was able to run a 210...

I agree with this. I bought a Santa Cruz last year after being on a Stumpjumper Evo, on which I was able to run a 210 Oneup dropper. Having gone from 180 to 210 drop on the Stumpjumper felt like I had a completely different bike, and so, when my Megatower came with a 170, my first priority was to try and fit a 210. Unfortunately, insertion numbers aren't posted, and I couldn't test the old dropper (34.9 mm) and had to "guestimate" by holding it up to the outside of the bike and eyeballing if it would fit. I'm not sure it wouldn't be difficult for manufacturers to publish this information. 

Might be too little, too late, but Santa Cruz does have a way to figure this out:

https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/pages/dropper-post-compatibility

Listing the max insertion depth would be really helpful, though. 

7
dolface
Posts
1714
Joined
10/26/2015
Location
USA
3/15/2025 6:43am Edited Date/Time 3/15/2025 6:45am
AJW1 wrote:
Problem is, we don't have a system of defining this.There are a number of factors that affect how much drop you can run.Ive got a 210...

Problem is, we don't have a system of defining this.

There are a number of factors that affect how much drop you can run.

Ive got a 210 oneup in my large santa cruz (at 6'0"). got at least 50-60mm showing above the collar. 

that bike could have a 2 inch longer seat tube and I would be all "slammed seatpost brah".... but with no functional difference for me at my height. 

eventually, with the SC shock tunnel, I will be limited by insertion depth. whether thats with a longer drop or with an add on actuator. but that frame statistic is only given as "insertion depth" and isn't immediately obvious. And insertion depth is then tied to seatpost length which is fairly arbritrary as above.

Straight seattube frames can end up with the opposite problem, no issue with insertion into the frame but a seat post will also have a minimum insertion. 

The total seatpost stack for a given length of drop can vary by like 50mm between manufacturers.

And finally inside leg measurement can vary between people of the same height.

Oh and also crank length. shorten your cranks 10mm, seat goes up 10mm, potential for more drop but if for example you are moving to the next size up of one-up and shimming it down, thats ~40mm longer post for that 10mm drop. Will it fit?

what we really need is some sort of calculator where you input your frame's ST length, insertion depth, brand of dropper and inside leg measurement/prefered BB to saddle rail length and it tells you what length dropper to buy.

I think I'm a fairly average 6 footer, so I just buy large frames - but every time a brand tries to be different like specialised S sizing - "you can pick the size based on the reach you want" - I'm like, thats great for descending performance for people who know their preferences, but will I actually be able to physically pedal this thing which is still a fairly crucial function of a trail/enduro bike.

MrDuck wrote:
That app sounds very simple tbh, I would whip one up if I currently wasn't kind of useless. The biggest struggle I could see would be...

That app sounds very simple tbh, I would whip one up if I currently wasn't kind of useless. The biggest struggle I could see would be sourcing the insertion depth data. It seems few companies actually mention the value. It'd be nice built in to something like geometry geeks where such data is open source.

It's odd how few companies care about insertion depth at a time everyone wants to run a long drop. For my personal preferences that disqualifies some otherwise nice bikes from fitting me.

There are a bunch of basic ones out there but how often does the average rider really need one? I'd bet the vast majority of riders just run whatever their bike came with...

1
majorjake
Posts
33
Joined
5/25/2018
Location
Burlington, VT, USA
Fantasy
3/15/2025 6:57am
More brake arm details from Commencal Muc off team camp

More brake arm details from Commencal Muc off team camp

IMG 5893IMG 5898.jpeg?VersionId=svmcr4G

Looks like a new Radial tire available from Schwalbe too, Tacky Chan joining the party.  I haven't seen that mentioned anywhere yet.

8
1
TEAMROBOT
Posts
1577
Joined
9/2/2009
Location
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Fantasy
3/15/2025 10:02am Edited Date/Time 3/15/2025 10:03am
dolface wrote:
There are a bunch of basic ones out there but how often does the average rider really need one? I'd bet the vast majority of riders...

There are a bunch of basic ones out there but how often does the average rider really need one? I'd bet the vast majority of riders just run whatever their bike came with...

I think there's a huge market for an app like this. I'd argue that every customer buying an aftermarket dropper would want to know this info, except maybe those over the height of 6'4/190cm. If an app like that was integrated into the webpage for every dropper post listing on a website or webstore, I think it would get used by 90% of potential customers. Who doesn't want more drop?**

**I don't want more drop, but that's not the point. Almost everyone else seems to want as much drop as they can get.

1
Fred_Pop
Posts
248
Joined
11/26/2017
Location
FR
3/15/2025 1:10pm
AJW1 wrote:
Problem is, we don't have a system of defining this.There are a number of factors that affect how much drop you can run.Ive got a 210...

Problem is, we don't have a system of defining this.

There are a number of factors that affect how much drop you can run.

Ive got a 210 oneup in my large santa cruz (at 6'0"). got at least 50-60mm showing above the collar. 

that bike could have a 2 inch longer seat tube and I would be all "slammed seatpost brah".... but with no functional difference for me at my height. 

eventually, with the SC shock tunnel, I will be limited by insertion depth. whether thats with a longer drop or with an add on actuator. but that frame statistic is only given as "insertion depth" and isn't immediately obvious. And insertion depth is then tied to seatpost length which is fairly arbritrary as above.

Straight seattube frames can end up with the opposite problem, no issue with insertion into the frame but a seat post will also have a minimum insertion. 

The total seatpost stack for a given length of drop can vary by like 50mm between manufacturers.

And finally inside leg measurement can vary between people of the same height.

Oh and also crank length. shorten your cranks 10mm, seat goes up 10mm, potential for more drop but if for example you are moving to the next size up of one-up and shimming it down, thats ~40mm longer post for that 10mm drop. Will it fit?

what we really need is some sort of calculator where you input your frame's ST length, insertion depth, brand of dropper and inside leg measurement/prefered BB to saddle rail length and it tells you what length dropper to buy.

I think I'm a fairly average 6 footer, so I just buy large frames - but every time a brand tries to be different like specialised S sizing - "you can pick the size based on the reach you want" - I'm like, thats great for descending performance for people who know their preferences, but will I actually be able to physically pedal this thing which is still a fairly crucial function of a trail/enduro bike.

MrDuck wrote:
That app sounds very simple tbh, I would whip one up if I currently wasn't kind of useless. The biggest struggle I could see would be...

That app sounds very simple tbh, I would whip one up if I currently wasn't kind of useless. The biggest struggle I could see would be sourcing the insertion depth data. It seems few companies actually mention the value. It'd be nice built in to something like geometry geeks where such data is open source.

It's odd how few companies care about insertion depth at a time everyone wants to run a long drop. For my personal preferences that disqualifies some otherwise nice bikes from fitting me.

dolface wrote:
There are a bunch of basic ones out there but how often does the average rider really need one? I'd bet the vast majority of riders...

There are a bunch of basic ones out there but how often does the average rider really need one? I'd bet the vast majority of riders just run whatever their bike came with...

I have a 200mm dropper with a 415mm length straight seat tube and it sticks out about 3cm for climbing. Tried installing a 240mm dropper but couldn't run it slammed so sent it back. I'd take a 400mm or less seat post and 250mm or more dropper if it were possible because I want my seat completely out of the way when I descend.

1
1
Primoz
Posts
4677
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
SI
3/15/2025 1:55pm
dolface wrote:
There are a bunch of basic ones out there but how often does the average rider really need one? I'd bet the vast majority of riders...

There are a bunch of basic ones out there but how often does the average rider really need one? I'd bet the vast majority of riders just run whatever their bike came with...

TEAMROBOT wrote:
I think there's a huge market for an app like this. I'd argue that every customer buying an aftermarket dropper would want to know this info...

I think there's a huge market for an app like this. I'd argue that every customer buying an aftermarket dropper would want to know this info, except maybe those over the height of 6'4/190cm. If an app like that was integrated into the webpage for every dropper post listing on a website or webstore, I think it would get used by 90% of potential customers. Who doesn't want more drop?**

**I don't want more drop, but that's not the point. Almost everyone else seems to want as much drop as they can get.

The question is, how many people buy aftermarket dropper posts these days?

3
ioni
Posts
32
Joined
1/18/2024
Location
Villa De Alvarez, Col., MX
3/15/2025 2:59pm
dolface wrote:
There are a bunch of basic ones out there but how often does the average rider really need one? I'd bet the vast majority of riders...

There are a bunch of basic ones out there but how often does the average rider really need one? I'd bet the vast majority of riders just run whatever their bike came with...

TEAMROBOT wrote:
I think there's a huge market for an app like this. I'd argue that every customer buying an aftermarket dropper would want to know this info...

I think there's a huge market for an app like this. I'd argue that every customer buying an aftermarket dropper would want to know this info, except maybe those over the height of 6'4/190cm. If an app like that was integrated into the webpage for every dropper post listing on a website or webstore, I think it would get used by 90% of potential customers. Who doesn't want more drop?**

**I don't want more drop, but that's not the point. Almost everyone else seems to want as much drop as they can get.

Primoz wrote:

The question is, how many people buy aftermarket dropper posts these days?

The real question is “why do bike companies spec such short dropper posts on their bikes?”

Give the people all the drop that’s possible. Any bike that comes with less than 210mm drop needs to be upgraded. Obviously, if it’s a light weight XC bike, it may not be necessary. But once a bike hits the trail or all mountain category it should come with lots of dropper travel. 

11
8
metadave
Posts
1263
Joined
2/15/2016
Location
Revelstoke, BC, CA
Fantasy
3/15/2025 4:09pm
TEAMROBOT wrote:
I think there's a huge market for an app like this. I'd argue that every customer buying an aftermarket dropper would want to know this info...

I think there's a huge market for an app like this. I'd argue that every customer buying an aftermarket dropper would want to know this info, except maybe those over the height of 6'4/190cm. If an app like that was integrated into the webpage for every dropper post listing on a website or webstore, I think it would get used by 90% of potential customers. Who doesn't want more drop?**

**I don't want more drop, but that's not the point. Almost everyone else seems to want as much drop as they can get.

Primoz wrote:

The question is, how many people buy aftermarket dropper posts these days?

ioni wrote:
The real question is “why do bike companies spec such short dropper posts on their bikes?”Give the people all the drop that’s possible. Any bike that...

The real question is “why do bike companies spec such short dropper posts on their bikes?”

Give the people all the drop that’s possible. Any bike that comes with less than 210mm drop needs to be upgraded. Obviously, if it’s a light weight XC bike, it may not be necessary. But once a bike hits the trail or all mountain category it should come with lots of dropper travel. 

As someone solidly un the sub 5' 10" category of humans, 210 is a bit much, I tried one on my last bike and very few mediums have the insertion length for a 210 and have the ability for me to be able to sit on it at ride height. I tend to find a happy place between frame and body with a 180mm. However, we know every dropper post can at least be adjustable now and should be. So make them adjustable for 50mm each and...

XS/Small should come with a 150 adjustable down to 100

Medium should come with at least a 200 adjustable down to 150

L/XL should come with a 250 adjustable down to 200. 

That's 3 sku's per post diameter, with a mostly set insert length that manufactures can rally around per size and everyone can easily get a nice fit without swapping out posts. Even better, move all modern bikes to 34.9 so stuff isn't crammed in there. Done. Game over. Users win.

20
boozed
Posts
721
Joined
6/11/2019
Location
AU
3/15/2025 7:33pm

While we're discussing dropper seatpost consumer behaviour rumours, Merida has it figured out.  As anybody who's been paying attention to Merida knows, its current FS models have a straight seat tube so that every single frame size comes with the same adjustable post that can be set to drop anywhere between 30 mm and 230 mm.  I don't think it's available aftermarket yet, though.

14
Buckets Up
Posts
253
Joined
10/18/2010
Location
Hancock, MI, USA
3/15/2025 8:00pm
Primoz wrote:

The question is, how many people buy aftermarket dropper posts these days?

ioni wrote:
The real question is “why do bike companies spec such short dropper posts on their bikes?”Give the people all the drop that’s possible. Any bike that...

The real question is “why do bike companies spec such short dropper posts on their bikes?”

Give the people all the drop that’s possible. Any bike that comes with less than 210mm drop needs to be upgraded. Obviously, if it’s a light weight XC bike, it may not be necessary. But once a bike hits the trail or all mountain category it should come with lots of dropper travel. 

metadave wrote:
As someone solidly un the sub 5' 10" category of humans, 210 is a bit much, I tried one on my last bike and very few...

As someone solidly un the sub 5' 10" category of humans, 210 is a bit much, I tried one on my last bike and very few mediums have the insertion length for a 210 and have the ability for me to be able to sit on it at ride height. I tend to find a happy place between frame and body with a 180mm. However, we know every dropper post can at least be adjustable now and should be. So make them adjustable for 50mm each and...

XS/Small should come with a 150 adjustable down to 100

Medium should come with at least a 200 adjustable down to 150

L/XL should come with a 250 adjustable down to 200. 

That's 3 sku's per post diameter, with a mostly set insert length that manufactures can rally around per size and everyone can easily get a nice fit without swapping out posts. Even better, move all modern bikes to 34.9 so stuff isn't crammed in there. Done. Game over. Users win.

I am 6’.

I ride a large Ripmo AF. I have a 175mm dropper and I have to slam my post to pedal when it’s extended.

I have short legs.

I would probably never be able to ride a 200mm dropper on a full suspension due to packaging constraints. If you could even get a frame designed to have enough insertion and have a short seat tube such that you could have 200mm dropper and still touch the pedals, the seat would most certainly hit the tire.


I dont want to have to immediately uninstall and sell every dropper on every large bike I might buy.

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