Our selection of the best 30.9 Dropper Post
Dropper posts have been widely praised as the most important technological advancement to hit the mountain bike world since suspension technology. Trust us, the 30.9mm dropper is one of the best upgrades you can make to any bike that doesn’t have a dropper.
The lift bar allows the rider to sit in a comfortable position for efficient pedaling uphill. With the push of a button, the seat can be lowered for a more comfortable and stable descent.
Almost all mid- to high-end mountain bikes will include a dropper, while cheaper bikes may come with a fixed rigid seat post.
Bicycle with 30.9mm dropper
Series | Car price | Dropper brands |
Specialized Epic Series | From $6,300 | TranzX Dropper |
Trek Session Series | From $7199 | Bontrager Rhythm Elite |
Ibis Ripley Collection | From $5899 | Bike Yoke Revive |
In terms of size, there is a slimmer 27.2mm or a medium 30.9mm, or a more robust 31.6mm.
In this article, we will mainly review the 30.9mm dropper.
Contains:
- RockShox Reverb AXS
- Fox Transfer Factory
- Thomson Elite Covert
- Revive Dropper Seatpost
- KS LEV DROPPER SEATPOST
- Kind Shock LEV
- Fox Racing Shox Transfer Performance Elite
- CRANKBROTHERS HIGHLINE 3
- TRANZX HOT LAP LIGHTWEIGHT
- TRANZX KITSUMA AIR
Learn More: How To Pick Dropper For Mountain Bike?
The best technology-enhanced 30.9 dropper post: $500 plus
RockShox Reverb AXS
Rating Chart
Specification
No cables required, easy to install, more stable performance than regular versions, excellent remote | |
Weight | 768 grams |
Itinerary | 100/125/150/170mm |
Diameter | 30.9/31.6/34.9mm |
Suggested Retail Price | 861 USD, including remote control and batteries (price source: sram.com) |
Reviews
This RockShox Reverb AXS dripper skips the cable and opts for an electronic drive. And this allows for wireless communication between the cockpit’s stylish button and the drip post. So the result is a hose-free, wired, and energy-wasting setup. Accordongly, all of this is made possible by SRAM’s AXS technology, bringing a whole new level of interaction, personalization, and connectivity to your ride.
The column itself moves more smoothly and requires less downward pressure to descend than in previous generations. And it can stop at any position between its bottom and highest range.
It uses a new low-friction IFP for a faster drive on the riser. Prevents slow kickback when you need a saddle on the full mast for a powerful pedal frenzy at the bottom of the drop.
New venting valve technology is used for super simple maintenance. While RockShox builds columns to accommodate rigorous use. But there is no doubt that sometimes things don’t go as planned and being able to perform quick fixes is a must.
The battery provides 40 hours of battery life and can be recharged in less than an hour The battery is compatible with the SRAM AXS chain paddle and RockShox Reverb AXS dropper.
The most comfortable and durable 30.9 dropper post: $350 – $500 range
Fox Transfer Factory
Rating Chart
Specification
Tool-free quick disconnection of the drive’s cables for easier installation and removal | |
Weight | From 2.1lb |
Itinerary | 100/125/150/175/200mm |
Diameter | 30.9/31.6 mm |
Suggested Retail Price | 359 USD (price source Amazon) |
Reviews
Transfer Factory Dropper is Fox’s top-of-the-line dropper column, offering superior reliability on the track. and butter-smooth operation thanks to its Kashima-coated pillars. Building on the success of the original, the new Transfer is lighter, more compact, and now performs service easier than ever before.
The insertion length is 30 – 50 mm shorter than the original, allowing many riders to opt for longer travel posts. Especially if their previous one bottoms out in the frame. Even when the saddle is weighted or unweighted, the Fox Transfer Factory’s low leverage force provides consistent drive pressure, using levers to easily adjust return speed.
Thomson Elite Covert
Rating Chart
Specification
Easy setup, damped return speed, no saddle play, consistently smooth performance | |
Weight | From 690g |
Itinerary | 100/125/150mm |
Diameter | 30.9/31.6 mm |
Suggested Retail Price | 480 USD (price source Amazon) |
Reviews
The Thomson Elite Covert Dropper seat post stays smooth, and this one is big enough to wear the Thomson badge. And the upgraded version is made of strong, lightweight 7000 series aluminum with cables attached to the very bottom. Additionally, it uses the bike’s internal cable routing to keep the frame nice and clean. Of course, the Elite features Thomson’s signature engineering and reliability, including Thomson’s remote handlebars. Because it’s one of the smallest and most ergonomic on the market, with a short stroke for quick height changes.
In addition, the classic Thomson seat clip makes it quick and easy to adjust the seat and hold your saddle in place. Top quality, well-designed, and consistently and reliably works on the go. This is evident in every carefully crafted detail. It also features a unique damping return in the last 15 mm of its extension, providing a soft, user-friendly experience.
Revive Dropper Seatpost
Rating Chart
Specification
Unique design eliminates common causes of failure | |
Weight | From 696g |
Itinerary | 125/160mm |
Diameter | 30.9/31.6 mm |
Suggested Retail Price | 379 USD (price source: bikeyoke.de) |
Reviews
In a saturated post-drip market, it takes something special to make a new product stand out, and Bike Yoke’s Revive Dropper seat post does just that. Indeed, the Revive represents a different take on the dropper function. Namely, a dropper post that operates with an internal floating piston (IFP) design to keep oil and air separated in the hydraulic system.
Revive gets rid of burdensome shackles in many ways. The number of dynamic seals was cut in half, from four to two. So the result is a much simpler system.
KS LEV DROPPER SEATPOST
Rating Chart
Specification
Zero cable movement during seat post actuation | |
Weight | From 468 g |
Itinerary | 125mm |
Diameter | 30.9mm |
Suggested Retail Price | 329 USD (price source kssuspension.com) |
Reviews
The versatility of the LEV design allows for clean cable routing on bikes that are not used for droppers. When the remote is pushed, there are zero movements of the cable as the post is cycled. Moreover, this keeps the housing away from the legs and linkage. Otherwise, the external alignment allows for easy removal of the post, benefiting riders who travel frequently.
Also, adjustable gas spring pneumatic cartridge, high compression carbon fiber head clamp using titanium bolts, and seat post head design that can be adjusted to change alignment direction.
The best feeling 30.9 dropper post: $200-$350 range
Kind Shock LEV
Rating Chart
Specification
Adjustable air spring hydraulic cylinder | |
Weight | From 576g |
Itinerary | 80/100/125/150/175mm |
Diameter | 30.9/31.6 mm |
Suggested Retail Price | 339 USD (price source kssuspension.com) |
Reviews
The Kind Shock LEV Integra Adjustable Drop Seat post features 150mm of adjustability and an ODI locking compatible remote control with alloy bars for instant changes to off-road slopes or terrain.
The KS LEV Integra is designed for internal cable routing, so your bike will stay sleek and fast. Because it features forged alloy and a micro-adjustment head with shiny stainless steel bolts to make saddle pitch adjustment a breeze. Certainly, an adjustable air-spring-operated hydraulic cartridge immediately drops and returns to the seat post.
Fox Racing Shox Transfer Performance Elite
Rating Chart
Specification
Lightweight and light bike specificity breaks the mold | |
Weight | From 0.92 Pounds |
Itinerary | 75/100mm |
Diameter | 30.9/31.6 mm |
Suggested Retail Price | 329 USD (price source Amazon) |
Reviews
Reduced overall length, insertion depth, stack height, and weight for all stroke options And with the same reliable, smooth performance, it’s a major upgrade from older versions. The redesigned saddle clamp performs double duty by reducing the stack height to allow for more drops. while allowing for much less saddle mounting than most standard two-bolt clamps. The catch bar pairs perfectly with Fox’s new lighter, more ergonomic 1x remote bar. It is one of the best tie rods we have ever used.
Along the way, we found the same smooth, fast movements that we used to love. The column moves quickly and easily through all the strokes of compression and extension. Once you use the lever, it doesn’t take much weight to get the seat down. And there is virtually no resistance during the descent. When the trail returns uphill, the saddle quickly returns and peaks with a satisfying thud. We found this to be a good signal to release the lever and sit down. Although the return rate is not adjustable, you can adjust the lever to raise the seat more slowly if you wish.
The best budget 30.9 dropper post: under $200
CRANKBROTHERS HIGHLINE 3
Rating Chart
Specification
Lightweight and light bike specificity breaks the mold | |
Weight | From 475g |
Itinerary | 80/100/125/150/170/200mm |
Diameter | 30.9/31.6 mm |
Suggested Retail Price | 199 USD (price source: crankbrothers.com) |
Reviews
The Crankbrothers Highline 3 Dropper Post offers infinite adjustment, a smooth feel, and easy installation for any bike.
It has a shorter insertion length to accommodate more bikes. There are also exclusive Igus LL-glide bearings as well as Jagwire cables and housings.
Otherwise, the independent hydraulic box is of reliable quality and the quick-connect mechanism makes cable installation a breeze.
Also, the Highline 3 is available in a variety of travel lengths and diameters. Perfect for off-road, all-mountain, enduro, and DH.
TRANZX HOT LAP LIGHTWEIGHT
Rating Chart
Specification
Lightweight, short stroke, everything to do with speed. | |
Weight | From 475g |
Itinerary | 50mm |
Diameter | 30.9/31.6 mm |
Suggested Retail Price | 159 USD (price source: tranzx.com) |
Reviews
TranzX Hot Lap Lightweight Dropper Post Lightweight and short travel. Everything has to do with speed, perfect for gravel and XC riding. A 50 mm drop is enough to keep the saddle out of the way when descending.
The Hot Lap features sealed cartridges, internal cable routing, and infinite adjustment. So you can set the saddle in any position within the travel range.
TRANZX KITSUMA AIR
Rating Chart
Specification
Lighter the weight uphill, the more drop downhill | |
Weight | From 535g |
Itinerary | 150 / 170 / 200mm |
Diameter | 30.9/31.6 mm |
Suggested Retail Price | 185 USD (price source: ranzx.com) |
Reviews
TranzX Kitsuma Air Seat Posts are designed for maximum drops at the lowest weight without compromising structural integrity.
Additionally, it upgrades Kitsuma with a lightweight alloy cartridge. On account of Grams have been reduced and rebound adjustment has been added to create our premier performance dropper.
Generally, Kitsuma Air is suitable for professional tracks and will help you achieve your endurance racing dreams. Because lighter weight on the uphill and more drop on the downhill.