Flairing as Suspension, but my question is actually about dropper posts, hope that's okay. Anyway…
I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Last year I got a used 2021 Specialized Rockhopper Expert, and have been enjoying it so far. My seat height is ~260 mm, and I have ~230 mm of insertion in the tube. 30.9 mm seatpost, bike comes ready for internal routing. I want to install a dropper post on the bike, and I think I've narrowed it down to 3 potential options, but I would appreciate feedback from a standpoint of value and reliability.
- OneUp V3 bundle, available on their website as a bundle for $395 CAD and free shipping. Based on my measurements, OneUp recommends 180mm travel.
- PNW Loam Dropper, available as individual components from bikecomponents.ca, Loam lever $95, Cable $21, Loam dropper $330, total cost $446 CAD and free shipping. Based on my measurements, PNW recommends 175mm travel on the Loam.
- PNW Range Dropper Bundle, available from bikecomponents.ca for $275 CAD and free shipping. Based on my measurements, PNW recommends 150mm travel on the Range. Unlike the first two, the Range is not adjustable.
I've done as much research as I can, and it appears that the OneUp V3 has a slightly hit-or-miss reputation for reliability, the Loam has a reputation for very good longevity and reliability, and the Range seems to be so new that there are not many comments on it yet, but mostly positive.
I guess I'm trying to determine what will serve me well at the most affordable price point that's still good quality. At the same time I don't want to "cheap out" now and wish later on that I had spent a couple more dollars on something better.
Advice, feedback?
by DGIngebretson
4 Comments
I’ve had two Oneup v2’s and several different PNW droppers (and multiple reverbs that came stock on bikes that have all ended up with problems really quickly). I had issues with both OneUp’s getting slow and sticky. Mine might have been defective or something because people tend to have really good experience with them. Seemed like the little metal travel adjustment pins were biting into and deforming the plastic seating they were in making the dropper feel scratchy. I had great experiences with the PNWs I’ve had.
I personally think that dropper levers are one of the most overpriced bike parts. They are a tiny piece of machined aluminum with a pivot (or at best a small bearing) and it’s crazy how much they cost. I have a Loam lever, it’s excellent, but it’s kind of absurd that they’re charging $95 CAD for it. I also have a wolf tooth which is fine and a random lever I got on aliexpress (i think it is branded as ZTTO which is a common generic brand there) for $12 that works completely fine. If I was on a budget I’d get the lever and cable housing on Aliexpress and the dropper from PNW. PNW also has a pretty good refurbished store (called PNW cycled) but the selection of diameters and lengths may not have exactly what you are looking for.
Loam but find a better deal on a lever and cable.
My 2 year old oneup V3 is perfect. 30.9 240 drop so probably the worst case when it comes to flex but no issues.
As far as levers and cables most options on the market are quite overpriced… Not sure about US availability, but Shimano SL-MT500 dropper lever comes in a bundle with cables and can be found for 20-25 here in EU. There should be both clamp and I-spec (direct mount to higher level Shimano brakes) options.
I just got myself the Ranger at 150 mm because that is as big as my small Canyon bike can take, it should get delivered in 2 days so I can’t say if its any good. Paid $199 USD for the bundle that comes with the lever and cable kit. The PNW has a lifetime warranty and the service kit to rebuild the dropper is at a very decent price. Also its great that you can buy any part of the dropper on its own. I know its not adjustable but I really don’t see a benefit to limiting the drop on a dropper post, I am also not the most experienced biker, so there is that.