Dropper posts have been around long enough that they’re now virtually standard equipment on many mountain bikes. But just because they’re prevalent, doesn’t mean they are all created equal. Unlike a suspension fork, the dropper post needs to be able to instantly lock into place and resist twisting – traits that often lead to mechanical issues. Because of that, when Race Face (and Easton) wanted to introduce a dropper, they didn’t reinvent the wheel seatpost. Instead, they sought the mechanical prowess of a relative newcomer to the mountain bike scene with 9point8. Thanks to their DropLoc technology, 9point8’s posts promised hydraulic feel with infinite mechanical actuation and above average durability. Exactly what you want from a dropper.
After licensing the technology, Race Face and Easton introduced nearly identical seat posts that would use 9point8’s technology, but be manufactured separately to 9point8. We just got our first sample of the new post, and so far it’s definitely worth a look…
Inside the box, you’ll find the dropper post, cable anchor assembly, cable and housing, plus the standard vertical lever remote. In this case we were also sent the 1x Hop-Up lever in purple ano, of course. The seatpost sells for $469 while the 1x lever adds another $60. Available in 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters, travel is offered in 100, 125, and 150mm increments. I’m testing the 125mm travel post in 31.6, which has a seat post length of 375mm. If you’re like me and have less seat post extension than many, you’ll also want to know that for the 125mm travel post, the minimum height is still 190mm to the center of the rails.
To make sure the small anchor isn’t lost in shipping, the cable anchor assembly ships with a piece of spare housing already installed. It’s important to note that this threads into the anchor. Otherwise you’ll be pulling on it to no avail. It’s in there pretty tight, so you might need to hold the housing with a pair of pliers or a vice.