MTB Tech Rumors and Innovation

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3/15/2025 8:11pm
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.

Buckets Up wrote:
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...

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.

I hear you, but being 6 foot I’ve had to sell every dropper post on all my size large bikes because they’re far too short. I argue, and this isn't to say I don’t understand where you’re coming from, there is a larger subset of the large bike population that could use a longer dropper. There have been some strong opinion pieces on the other site to sell stock bikes with non crap brakes, tires, and longer droppers. Although this wouldn’t be necessary or appropriate for all for everyone, I still support the idea that bikes should be stocked with longer, and adjustable, droppers. 

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MrDuck
Posts
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Location
CA
3/15/2025 9:51pm
Buckets Up wrote:
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...

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.

Interesting, thought that frame would take it.

I'm 173cm, running a 200mm dropper in a small Warden, and while the frame allows more insertion than I run, the 200mm hits the sweet spot.

I'd argue that instead, more brands should pay attention to insertion depth. While there certainly is such a thing as too much drop, the first issue that needs to be solved is the insertion. The Enduro is one of the best examples of a bike that could have been good, but the insertion is the most common complaint I hear a lot.

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Uncle Cliffy
Posts
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Location
Medford, OR, USA
3/15/2025 10:05pm

I don’t get paid by Norco or anything, but I feel like they have the dropper post sizing pretty dialed. Here’s a screen cap from the specs of a 2025 Sight;

IMG 9937 0
15
Primoz
Posts
4677
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
SI
3/16/2025 12:23am
Buckets Up wrote:
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...

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.

MrDuck wrote:
Interesting, thought that frame would take it.I'm 173cm, running a 200mm dropper in a small Warden, and while the frame allows more insertion than I run...

Interesting, thought that frame would take it.

I'm 173cm, running a 200mm dropper in a small Warden, and while the frame allows more insertion than I run, the 200mm hits the sweet spot.

I'd argue that instead, more brands should pay attention to insertion depth. While there certainly is such a thing as too much drop, the first issue that needs to be solved is the insertion. The Enduro is one of the best examples of a bike that could have been good, but the insertion is the most common complaint I hear a lot.

SJ 14 entered the chat. 

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3/16/2025 12:47am Edited Date/Time 3/16/2025 12:47am

I’m just under 5’11 and have massive amounts of seatpost showing on my s3 Enduro. But I agree, they should come with the shorter posts rather than the absolute max. 

We can all ride with a saddle that doesn’t quite drop as much as “you’d” like, but you sure as hell can’t ride a bike with a seatpost is too long. 

Showing my age but I was riding before droppers - they never stopped us having fun. I can’t think of a single bike on the market that doesn’t have at least a 100mm drop. If you can’t ride with only a 100mm drop I’d invest in some training. 

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3/16/2025 6:58am Edited Date/Time 3/16/2025 6:59am

^this. You can always ride with a “too short” dropper but you physically can’t pedal a bike with too long of a dropper. It’s better to allow people to ride their bike out of the box. Keep in mind the majority of people don’t care about a super long dropper, and that majority also doesn’t have the wherewithal to deal with finding a substitute post. Whereas, you keeners have the capacity to sort that out easily to get a longer dropper. 

I just bought a medium bike with a dropper that was too long to ride and it took weeks to find a shop that had a suitable one of the same make to trade with for a shorter one. 

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wims
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Oslo, NO
3/16/2025 7:14am

You don't have to fully extend your dropper tho. You can extend it lets say 80% and ride just fine

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23
TEAMROBOT
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Los Angeles, CA, USA
Fantasy
3/16/2025 7:20am
wims wrote:

You don't have to fully extend your dropper tho. You can extend it lets say 80% and ride just fine

Different seat height every time I extend the dropper, and having to micro-tune seat height with the lever every time? Hard pass, for me and especially for beginner riders.

17
wims
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Oslo, NO
3/16/2025 8:36am
wims wrote:

You don't have to fully extend your dropper tho. You can extend it lets say 80% and ride just fine

TEAMROBOT wrote:
Different seat height every time I extend the dropper, and having to micro-tune seat height with the lever every time? Hard pass, for me and especially...

Different seat height every time I extend the dropper, and having to micro-tune seat height with the lever every time? Hard pass, for me and especially for beginner riders.

It's not comfortable, but its rideable. It's less of a problem than not being able to put power into the cranks due to a too long dropper post

13
seanfisseli
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Santa Cruz, CA, USA
3/16/2025 10:41am

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

spam us i wanna hear it

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3/16/2025 10:48am

Not a clear screen shot, but Orbea DH in the wild with a cover. From Tahnee instagram, looks like it’s working well

IMG 5936IMG 5937.jpeg?VersionId=TOiRIMG 5938
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3/16/2025 10:58pm
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.

I thought you were right so I built one! dropperchecker.com

Doesn't solve the missing frame insertion info. But still makes it a bit easier to make a call.

Snipaste 2025-03-17 01-54-26.png?VersionId=2zRlcHZ5PUyYaj3
 

45
krabo83
Posts
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Location
AT
3/17/2025 12:40am

great, now this has turned into dropper post/insertion rumors… Sad

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4
3/17/2025 2:21am
Not a clear screen shot, but Orbea DH in the wild with a cover. From Tahnee instagram, looks like it’s working well

Not a clear screen shot, but Orbea DH in the wild with a cover. From Tahnee instagram, looks like it’s working well

IMG 5936IMG 5937.jpeg?VersionId=TOiRIMG 5938

I want to confidently say that it probably won't look like a Session. But I'm also wrong about 9 out of 5 times on things! 🤣🤣

How many races will that thing stay undercover? Is there a rule regarding how much of the bike can be covered and we're going to see everything but the parts that go squish or can they run the Scuba Steve look for the whole season and keep us guessing?

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3/17/2025 3:51am
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.

Vincent P wrote:
I thought you were right so I built one! dropperchecker.comDoesn't solve the missing frame insertion info. But still makes it a bit easier to make...

I thought you were right so I built one! dropperchecker.com

Doesn't solve the missing frame insertion info. But still makes it a bit easier to make a call.

Snipaste 2025-03-17 01-54-26.png?VersionId=2zRlcHZ5PUyYaj3
 

Color me impressed.  Love it when people take initiative and go get something done.  Why not you?

Couple of thoughts that might be helpful.

- Instead of inseam, I'd prefer to measure the distance from BB to top of saddle on an existing bike.  I think this would make it more accurate as well by accounting for pedal/shoe, personal preference on saddle height, and (if the same saddle was used) the stack of the saddle?  Maybe you could keep both and let people choose?

- Maybe add some fine print on how the measurements are taken.  For example, specify that you're measuring from the middle of the BB spindle.  

 

6
Primoz
Posts
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Location
SI
3/17/2025 4:09am

Seat rails instead of saddle height. But yes, BB to rails should be used instead of inseam. Seat height is a common measurement used for bike fitting. It does need to be adjusted for crank length and/or pedal thickness too though. 

3
smelly
Posts
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Location
Colorado Springs, CO, USA
3/17/2025 6:59am

I think you guys who are this picky just need to not buy stock bikes. Or not expect perfection. I recently bought a complete bike. Changed out the dropper, handlebar, grips, and rotors. After spending $500 on that it was STILL cheaper than if I’d pieced it together myself  

Now shut the fuck up about dropper length and show me shiny new bike parts. 

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5
MTBrent
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Concord, NH, USA
Fantasy
3/17/2025 7:05am

What's the latest intel on a production Demo/Enduro?

kperras
Posts
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CA
3/17/2025 9:51am
Vincent P wrote:
I thought you were right so I built one! dropperchecker.comDoesn't solve the missing frame insertion info. But still makes it a bit easier to make...

I thought you were right so I built one! dropperchecker.com

Doesn't solve the missing frame insertion info. But still makes it a bit easier to make a call.

Snipaste 2025-03-17 01-54-26.png?VersionId=2zRlcHZ5PUyYaj3
 

Missing minimum insertion depth as well. It's a minor one, but it can affect fitment if you have long legs and don't want/can't get long drop options. Sorry for spamming, I couldn't quote this into the Dropper Post thread.

1
3/17/2025 9:53am

Yes Commencal is on RS and testing with remote shocks, but they also are using a new link with flip chip at the top now where stock bikes only have chip at the bottom of the shock. Second photo is just to add flavor!

IMG 5959.jpeg?VersionId=hq6NIMG 5960
4
Suns_PSD
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Austin, TX, USA
3/17/2025 10:13am
Fred_Pop wrote:
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...

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.

Not sure how you are going to get a 250mm dropper, to fit into 400mm total length, when the 250 has to fit into the lower half (150mm in this case), plus the seat mount, the collar & the mechanism at the bottom.

 

Would need to collapse like an old timey telescope like sailors used to use!

3
4
chriskief
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Fantasy
3/17/2025 10:36am
Yes Commencal is on RS and testing with remote shocks, but they also are using a new link with flip chip at the top now where...

Yes Commencal is on RS and testing with remote shocks, but they also are using a new link with flip chip at the top now where stock bikes only have chip at the bottom of the shock. Second photo is just to add flavor!

IMG 5959.jpeg?VersionId=hq6NIMG 5960

That link was in use last year.

IMG 0981.jpeg?VersionId=wKEzkiuwTsIMG 0980.jpeg?VersionId=lK1Bu
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Big Bird
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Oceano, CA, USA
3/17/2025 11:08am

Wooo! This page goes out to all you Santa Cruz riders! Give it a rip down Crack Shack for me if it's still open.

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4
3/17/2025 12:35pm
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. 

"why do bike companies spec such short dropper posts on their bikes?”

Brands have to spec a post that functions when fully inserted, or else folks will fully insert it, have it not work, and complain. Maybe attempt to sue them when it comes up while riding, and they get hurt. Thank your local Lawyers. 

 

So they have to spec to the smallest rider, not the tallest. 

 

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4
Glory831Guy
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Santa Cruz, CA, USA
3/17/2025 3:09pm Edited Date/Time 3/18/2025 7:27pm
Big Bird wrote:

Wooo! This page goes out to all you Santa Cruz riders! Give it a rip down Crack Shack for me if it's still open.

 

🤘🤙👍

3
1
Nobble
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Location
Lakewood, CO, USA
3/17/2025 3:11pm
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. 

"why do bike companies spec such short dropper posts on their bikes?”Brands have to spec a post that functions when fully inserted, or else folks will...

"why do bike companies spec such short dropper posts on their bikes?”

Brands have to spec a post that functions when fully inserted, or else folks will fully insert it, have it not work, and complain. Maybe attempt to sue them when it comes up while riding, and they get hurt. Thank your local Lawyers. 

 

So they have to spec to the smallest rider, not the tallest. 

 

Also, websites like this tend to be an echo chamber populated by a minority. The vast majority of people don’t care.


I’m 6’3” and honestly, if the post is 170mm+ I don’t even think twice about it.

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1
Etney
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Location
Frankfurt, DE
3/17/2025 4:20pm

Saw this earlier today, didnt think much of it - Thought it was just a Fox transfer kashima dropper where colors might have been altered or some filter.

But after looking at some comments, and digging around a bit more it does indeed seem like its something new from Intend BC, matching the rest of the components on her bike.

 

So possibly getting a new Intend dropper in the future.

 

Another pic of her bike, and Cornelius Cduro bike, both running the dropper, as well as prototype trail brake from intend. Hopefully something they'll release soon. Will probably be as difficult to get as the trinitys though. Cornelius bike also sports the prototype carbon fork.

IMG 5687.jpeg?VersionId=NZpdJDWRLHo1U3eXQjWQdy8Qlos MEj
11
dolface
Posts
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Location
USA
3/17/2025 4:54pm
Etney wrote:
Saw this earlier today, didnt think much of it - Thought it was just a Fox transfer kashima dropper where colors might have been altered or...

Saw this earlier today, didnt think much of it - Thought it was just a Fox transfer kashima dropper where colors might have been altered or some filter.

But after looking at some comments, and digging around a bit more it does indeed seem like its something new from Intend BC, matching the rest of the components on her bike.

 

So possibly getting a new Intend dropper in the future.

 

Another pic of her bike, and Cornelius Cduro bike, both running the dropper, as well as prototype trail brake from intend. Hopefully something they'll release soon. Will probably be as difficult to get as the trinitys though. Cornelius bike also sports the prototype carbon fork.

IMG 5687.jpeg?VersionId=NZpdJDWRLHo1U3eXQjWQdy8Qlos MEj

Interesting she's using a Wolftooth lever, I wonder if that's a placeholder or Intend thinks it's not worth making their own...

1
Etney
Posts
120
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Location
Frankfurt, DE
3/17/2025 5:01pm Edited Date/Time 3/17/2025 5:02pm
dolface wrote:

Interesting she's using a Wolftooth lever, I wonder if that's a placeholder or Intend thinks it's not worth making their own...

Yeah I noticed that too. But I zoomed in on Cornelius (founder of Intend for anyone not in the know) bike - And he runs a different lever. 

Looks silver/gold-ish, and the same hollowed out machined shape of intends levers. He runs red levers, so difficult to see if the color matches up, but looks similar to the fork in the background.

So either they only have a few sets out, or Lena might just prefer the loam wolf lever due to ergonomics etc.

Bad pic but can see its a different lever, and I cant recognize it, chances are its their own version

a5f89dd1aa72c7b5839481379985c4e9
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