The PNW Range dropper post family now offers a well-rounded, sealed air cartridge dropper post at a competitive price point.
PNW Range dropper post key specs
- Travel: 125, 150, 175, or 200mm
- Diameters: 30.9mm or 31.6mm
- Price: $159 ($199 with lever)
- Buy from PNW Components
The PNW Range Dropper Post is only offered as an internally routed option that will fit seat tubes with a diameter of 30.9mm or 31.6mm. Both diameters will have 125mm, 150mm, 175mm, and 200mm non-adjustable travel length options.
The PNW Range dropper post uses a similar dual chamber cartridge technology that’s used in their Rainier dropper post ($199 retail) while utilizing a 6061 alloy chassis similar to their Ridge dropper post ($140 retail). This combination of higher quality internals inside a robust and durable chassis puts this dropper post in the “bang for you buck” category. This is also a great example of the trickle-down effect, where consumers get tech that is used on higher-end products at a lower price point.
Tall riders will be happy to see the 200mm travel length option. I’m 5’8” and have a mountain bike with a really short seat tube due to a lower shock tunnel. So, I decided to go with a 31.6mm diameter and 125mm travel length Range dropper post, which fits and works fantastically on my Specialized Kenevo SL.
PNW Range installation
The installation process is fairly simple and straightforward if you’ve installed your own dropper posts in the past. If this is your first dropper post install, a good pair of cable cutters and a how-to YouTube video are all you need. Once I wiggled the dropper post to my preferred position, all I had to do is tension the cable and tighten down the cable bolt on the dropper lever.
The Range dropper post has a conventional two-bolt seat clamp. Quick tip: I love using this Topeak Ratchet Tool to install and adjust saddles on dropper posts, especially that front bolt that seems to always be so close to the dropper stanchion. The size of the tool and the ratcheting system make for quick and easy adjustments while out on the trail.
Serviceability
All dropper posts will need servicing after long hours of use. Luckily, PNW made a video on how to keep your dropper post running smoothly. They even made PNW Gold Grease to use when servicing your dropper post. But if you don’t like getting your hands greasy, you can pay $49 to have the nice folks at PNW service it for you. The $49 will include replacement of any necessary wear items including bushings, seals, pins, and internal cables, but will not include replacement of the cartridge or other non-wear items.
Trail Performance
As I rode through my local trails, I couldn’t believe how well this $159 dropper post was performing, with smooth operation throughout my ride. Somehow, this dropper post sat at the perfect height for my Kenevo SL. I did not have to adjust anything, lucky for me! I had previously been riding a 160mm travel dropper post, and it kept getting in the way even when slammed. I felt way more confident riding with a 125mm travel dropper post.
This Range Dropper post was buttery smooth and I never felt it get stuck or get sticky throughout its travel. The dropper post kept up with my riding demands. I did notice some saddle twisting but nothing significant that would affect riding. Although the return speed isn’t adjustable due to there not being an air cartridge with a valve like the PNW Loam dropper post, the PNW Range dropper return speed is above average and has a nice “thud” sound when it extends all the way out. The temperature was in the mid 80s most of the time, and I am not sure if I will be able to test it in lower temperatures for those folks that may live in snowy towns.
I’ve tried cheaper and more expensive dropper posts in the past and this $159 Range performs really well for its price point. If you plan on upgrading to the Range dropper from a cheaper dropper post, you will feel the difference in performance. And if you plan on replacing an old expensive dropper post, this won’t feel like a huge downgrade.
PNW Range lever set
PNW also released their Range dropper lever to accompany the Range dropper post. The Range Lever looks similar to the Loam Lever, but if you look closely you can see it is not CNC-machined but rather is forge-casted. I love machined parts, but this forged lever looks sleek and feels high quality. The sealed cartridge bearing and the lever’s generous throw made each lever push smooth and easy. PNW even added their oversize silicone thumb pad for grip and comfort.
The Range Lever will cost $49, and it will only come in black as pictured. It will also come with a 22.2mm handlebar clamp. After reading the fine print, I learned it also has SRAM MMX direct mount built into it. This made my installation easier! Bonus points to PNW for a clean cockpit look without extra conversion kits.
Share your PNW Range dropper post review
Consumers can buy the Range dropper post and Range Lever separately or in a PNW set. The set will cost $199, and it will include a PNW cable kit. This set will actually save you $25. The cable kit alone is $15 on their website. This is definitely the way to go if you want the best performance from your dropper post right out of the box. A good cable kit is always recommended, and this kit includes Jagwire-branded LEX-SL cable housing, standard cable, alloy cable ends, and PNW housing guides.
Pros and cons of PNW Range dropper post
Pros
- Affordable performance
- No-fuss easy set up
- Easy to service
Cons
- Non-adjustable air cartridge
- No height adjustability
- Some side to side wobble
Bottom line
PNW did a great job at packing and offering the performance of a high-end, dual chamber air cartridge in a robust alloy chassis to riders at such a great price. Do I wish it had an adjustable air cartridge and height adjustability? Yes. Did I need to fiddle with the dropper post after installation? No, and for that reason, the value of this dropper post is hard to beat. For those who want a dropper post to set and forget, the PNW Range dropper post might be for you.
- Price: $159 ($199 with lever)
- Buy from PNW Components
