Thomson show dropper seatpost at Eurobike
I’m probably one of the few riders in our group not to ride with a dropper post of some form or another, or at least be considering the idea. Not necessarily because I can’t see the benefits, I can; it’s just the problems are not easy to circumvent.
The great looking Thomson dropper seen at Eurobike is unlikely to change that for me either, which is a pity as it’s going to give the Rock Shox Reverb a run for it’s money.
Thomson dropper post pics from Pinkbike
So what’s my problem? Basically, my Orange Five is now so old skool that it has a 27.2mm seattube so not a lot of quality droppers fit. Added to which, for me there’s a definite weight penalty (at least 500g) which I just can’t ignore. If I had a modern, lighter frame with a bigger seat tube then perhaps I’d be more keen but for now I’m just an interested observer.
If I were to go for a dropper post though I reckon this Thomson prototype would be on the list. I run Thomson posts on all my main bikes and have done for a long time now on the basis that they have never let me down. I’m pretty confident in Thomson quality so if they say their dropper is up to scratch I’d believe them.
This prototype you see here has a special profiled section on the lower part of the stanchion which fits a similar reverse profile in the outer tube to avoid the notorious side to side wagging that droppers have a reputation for.
There’s also clever system that keeps lubrication entirely separate from the up and down mechanism of the post.
My only niggle is one that many will have spotted – the remote is cable operated and sits on the upper, movable part of the post which means five inches of cable flappage when the post is fully lowered, something that many people find quite irritating on existing posts. The post, despite its refinements, still manages to be 550g (with the remote switch) too so we’re talking about a well-executed, potentially reliable but not ground-breaking post here.
Which is probably how Thomson would prefer things anyway. It’s just a shame no-one yet does a carbon dropper…
More information on the Thomson dropper post can be found on Pinkbike and indeed, on the Thomson website itself.
About the author
Matt is one of the founding Molefathers of the Muddymoles, and is the designer and main administrator of the website.
Having ridden a 2007 Orange Five for many years then a 2016 YT Industries Jeffsy 29er, he now rocks a Bird Aether 9 and a Pace RC-627.
An early On-One Inbred still lurks in the back of the stable as a reminder of how things have moved on. You can even find him on road bikes - currently a 2019 Cannondale Topstone 105 SE, a much-used 2011 Specialized Secteur and very niche belt drive Trek District 1.
If you've ever wondered how we got into mountain biking and how the MuddyMoles started, well wonder no more.
There are 8 comments on ‘Thomson show dropper seatpost at Eurobike’
We love to get comments from our readers - if you've spent a few moments to comment, thank-you.
If you haven't had a chance yet, jump to our comments form if you have something to say.
Leave a comment…
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
LordOnOne says:
Let the guinea pigs have a go first I think. Bionicon’s B-Post answers the weight issue at 300g…the catch being that it’s integrated into the frame!
Lots of nice stuff coming out of Eurobike this year, as there is every year. Unfortunately I’ve just made the mistake of looking up the price of those Pinion gear box equipped frames, which reminded me how expensive a lot of this hardware is.
Add a new comment, or
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 1:39 am
Dandy says:
I think my most reliable dropper post (I have three!) has been the first one I bought. A Gravity Dropper which fits neatly into my OnOne’s 27.2mm dia seat tube.
I think if you try one regularly, you won’t go back. As for the weight? Well, with mud tyres, waterproof boots, baggy shorts, and plenty of spares and water in the backpack; I personally don’t think the extra pound will make much difference. (Says the rider known for his lightweight backpack and sprightly, gazelle-like progress up every local climb).
Add a new comment, or
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 9:46 am
Tony says:
I’ll have one of those helium Thomson posts you are using Matt! The Thomson dropper only weighs 500g.
However there is a very cheap 27.2mm alternative to try out droppers. Review to follow!
Add a new comment, or
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Matt says:
You might have a point Tony!
Of course the weight penalty is the delta between what I have now versus the dropper post, which would be around 260g (or just over half a lb) using Thomson’s own figures, assuming I used the remote. Only 160g without.
Since I’ve knocked off at least three pounds off the bike since 2007 (new wheels and non-UST tyres, switched the Pike for a Rev) it’s probably a moot point.
But I still only have a 27.2mm seat tube! So am precluded from ‘premium’ dropper posts…
Add a new comment, or
Posted on August 31, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Dandy says:
Picked up these details from the DOAMB site.
http://www.zawione-group.de/fahrradzubehoer/variostuetze-variable-sattelstuetze-mit-remotehebel-sps400-vario-27-2/a-5001575/
27.2mm & 500g. A purchase has been made by ‘Leed’, so let’s see what he thinks …
Add a new comment, or
Posted on September 2, 2012 at 7:26 pm
Dandy says:
… forgot to add, only €120 😉
Add a new comment, or
Posted on September 2, 2012 at 7:27 pm
tony says:
Hi D’Andy not being very observatant today? Did you not notice the seatpost on my Five?
Add a new comment, or
Posted on September 2, 2012 at 8:20 pm
Dandy says:
Doh, I was too far back to even notice what bike you were riding, let alone the seat post 🙁
Add a new comment, or
Posted on September 2, 2012 at 9:30 pm