Hi all, thanks for taking a moment to look over my question regarding a dropper seatpost. I did a bit of searching but didn't see very many dropper post topics at all.
There are a few options out there and I'm fortunate enough to have enough clearance on my bike to support up to 120mm.
I tend to take trails that may potentially be mountain bike territory (I just picked up some oracle ridge tires to help tackle it) but when descending I find myself wanting the seat a bit lower so I don't accidentally kick myself over the handle bars.
I guess my main question would be, for those of you running 50-80mm dropper posts, do you yearn for more travel?
I was considering the following because they would fit perfectly in my frame:
KS LEV Integra 65mm
KS LEV Integra 100mm
Oneup Components 120mm
I could get the 65mm length for a pretty affordable price used, but the 120mm isn't that much more but is a smidge heavier (not that weight is that big of a deal at this point, but I guess you can call it a pro for the shorter dropper)
I run the 90 mm PNW Pine dropper on my Salsa Vaya -- the most drop that I could get given my saddle height and seatpost dimensions. I feel like if you've made the decision to get a dropper, weight should hardly be a concern, at which point more drop is always better. No one says you have to drop it all the way down, but it gives you the option. I love my dropper, and it definitely ups my confidence on more challenging MTB-type descents. For me, it's almost always all the way up or all the way down. The only time I have it in an in-between state is on more technical, rocky climbs, where it's nice to be able to put a foot down if things get hairy but I can still get decent power when pedaling.
I'm running the BikeYoke Divine SL with 80mm of travel on my single speed mountain bike and I haven't been left wanting more. Would more travel be nice? Probably, but it definitely isn't needed. I hoped to put the same one on my gravel bike but the cable runs in the wrong direction so it won't work with GRX levers. I ended up with the BikeYoke Revive 125mm and it's been stellar. I could easily get by with less drop but this is the best option from BikeYoke that is compatible with my setup. And it really is nice being able to stand flat footed on the ground when I'm stopped for any reason.
All that being said, I'd go a long as possible. You've already accepted the weight penalty so might as well go for 120mm.
Agreed, more is better. I have 105mm travel on mine and I use it all, all the time. The most unexpected benefit was faster, safer, and more confident road descending, along with all the expected trail benefits.
I run A PNW Rainier with 100 mm of travel on my Diverge. I ride a lot of steep fire road and technical single track, so the dropper is awesome for me. I wouldn't mind more travel, but I don't have much room. As a rule, I suggest running the most drop you can fit.
I say go with the most drop you can get. I went with a FOX Transfer 100 mm on my Ibis. If I could have gotten a 120 mm, I would have. Unfortunately do to sizing that was a no go. Next to disc brakes the dropper post is one of the things that once you have it on one bike you don't want to ride without one.
