There is one piece of equipment that absolutely changed my riding.
It was the difference between being terrified on every descent to…
Seeking out technical downhills.
Lowering my center of mass while riding truly made all the difference in what I was able to ride.
Still, to this day, I credit my seat dropper post for being able to ride so confidently.
Here is the crazy part of the story.
I was the very first professional cross country racer to race a World Cup with a seat post dropper on my bike in 2013.
But that first year, I had more than one mechanic make fun of me for using a dropper.
Droppers were for downhill racers only. Not cross country racers.
At first, I was ashamed and then I decided I didn’t care because it made all the difference for my riding.
Fast forward to 2021, every single cross country rider at the World Cups race with a dropper.
That’s why I tell my clients there is no wiggle room on this point, they must have a seat dropper on their mountain bikes.
So why are they so important?
#1) Dropper posts make riding mountain bikes safer
When you’re descending, it’s important to lower your body and shift back in order to keep your center of mass above the center of your bike. This helps maintain equal pressure on your front and rear wheels. Being in a lower position gives you considerably increased control, is more stable, and significantly decreases the probability of a fall. Without a dropper post, it can be tempting to tackle downhill sections and rock gardens with your seat up high, which is much less safe. You are less safe because your center of mass is higher. Think about a table and a lamp. Which is easier to tip over? A lamp, because its center of mass is higher. A table on the other hand, is stable and very difficult to tip over.
#2) Dropper posts help you ride faster
Especially on trails with a lot of rolling hills and features. Dropper posts allow you to transition in a fraction of a second and keep up with your companions. Being able to adjust your saddle height every few seconds (if needed) helps you keep your center of body mass where it needs to be. This added safety will allow you to ride faster, and let’s face it: riding faster is more fun.
#3) Dropper posts allow you to ride stepper terrain
With a dropper, you can get your seat out of the way. Then you can lower your center of mass to within a centimeter of the seat, thus allowing you to rider super steep terrain while staying balanced over the center of your bike.
Next week, I’ll give you some specifications so you know how to choose the right dropper for your bike.
Keep up your happy pedaling my friends (with your dropper post of course).
