Ready to take the plunge on a dropper post for your gravel or XC bike? If so, there’s a good chance you’re looking for something with a post diameter or 27.2mm. Still a prevalent size for both gravel and some XC bikes, the smaller diameter has been less popular for dropper posts until recently. It’s not that there weren’t any available, just that now it seems that new options are popping up left and right. Today, Crankbrothers is introducing their version of a gravel/XC dropper with an expanded range of their Highline posts.
The best part of this launch is the amount of options that Crankbrothers is offering. Starting at 60mm of travel, there are also 80, 100, and 120mm travel versions available. Not only that, but the 60mm travel version comes in two lengths – the Short at 297mm in total length, and the Long with 387mm in total length. Between these five options, you should be able to find something that will fit your bike while maximizing the amount of travel you can use.
I wanted to try it out on a bike that I have in as a tester, but it has a fairly long seat tube. For my fit, that meant the 60mm Short post was almost the perfect fit. As the chart above highlights, even though the post only has 60mm of travel, there is a minimum of 120mm needed from the bottom of the collar to the middle of the saddle rail clamp. That clamp is a standard two bolt head that is compatible with round or oval saddle rails.
Similar to many new posts we’ve seen recently, the Highline XCG uses a sealed hydraulic IFP cartridge and is cable operated. The bottom of the post features a quick-connect linear pull mechanism that has a pocket for the cable head and a housing stop for easy installation.
The post includes Jagwire housing and a stainless cable, two housing ferrules, and additional grease for the seatpost.
Pricing and Weight
One of the benefits to the 60mm Short post is reduced weight. This one comes in at 367g.
The Highline XCG is priced at just $249.99, but that price does not include the remote. Still, that’s an appealing price for a post with a four year warranty and likely the same great performance we’ve experienced with the MTB versions of the Highline.
The XC/Gravel versions join the other two existing Highline models – the Highline 3 and 7. The 3 is offered in 30.9, 31.6, and 34.9mm diameters with five lengths of travel for $199.99 and includes a two year warranty. The Highline 7 is more similar to the XCG and comes in 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters, four travel lengths, and is priced at $299 with a four year warranty.
Two-Way Drop Bar Remote
The other part of this release is the new Two-Way Drop Bar remote. Designed with a thin steel clamp that goes under the bar tape, the remote sits on the inside of the left hood for the ideal remote location.
The beauty of this remote location is that you can access the dropper while you’re riding in the drops by pushing the bottom lever with your thumb, or when you’re riding on the hoods by pulling the upper lever with your fingers. This style of remote works really well, and it does so in a way that is unobtrusive when you’re not trying to use the dropper.
The back of the lever features a single pinch bolt to clamp down on the end of the cable.
The remote itself weighs in at 42g and includes two extra ferrules and an inline barrel adjuster that you can use to remove cable slack if you’re so inclined.
Obviously, if you’re using this post on an XC bike instead of a gravel bike, you’ll probably want a flat bar lever. In that case, the Crankbrothers Highline Remote is still a great choice with an adjustable ball and socket for awesome adjustability.
Both remotes are sold separately with the Two-Way remote priced at $49.99, and the Highline remote priced at $59.99.
