58% of Mountain Bikers Don't Use a Dropper Seatpost

58% of Mountain Bikers Don’t Use a Dropper Seatpost

According to a recent survey of more than 4,000 mountain bikers, 58% reported they do NOT own a dropper seat post yet. Of course, dropper posts aren’t for everyone–they’re more expensive, heavier, and more complicated than regular posts–but that still leaves a lot of riders who aren’t using dropper posts, but maybe should. If you’re …

By Jeff Barber
July 20, 2016 Last Updated: August 5, 2024

10 comments

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If you’re like me–part of the 58% of riders who aren’t running a dropper post–be sure to read up on what makes dropper posts so effective:

A Dropper Post Is the #1 Upgrade that Makes Mountain Biking More Fun
Buyer’s guide to choosing the best dropper post
Video from Seth’s Bike Hacks: Why Use a Dropper Post?
Podcast: How Dropper Posts Work and Why You Need One
Video: How to Ride with a Dropper Post
Video: How to Use a Dropper Post for XC, Not Just Enduro
Video: How to Install a Dropper Post

Finally, don’t take our word for it–see what the Singletracks community has to say about dropper posts. Within our general seatpost review category, 4 out of the top 5 rated seatposts are dropper posts!

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9point8 Fall Line R is Reportedly the Lightest MTB Dropper Post Available [Review]

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Dropper Posts Are Like Bike Prices... [Cartoon]

10 Comments

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wil040764 Texas // 2023
Mar 26, 2023

20+ year rider, educated myself on dropper post and where they are supposed to help on descents and technical sections and even flat windy sections. And I find them completely useless. Downhill just stand on the pedals and shift your weight back, uphills and technicals I am out of the saddle mostly and the seat is not an issue. And I have never been limited in general manueverabilty by the seat. Just ride the correct size bike that offers plenty of under the crotch movement and you are fine. If it works for you great, but unnecessary and one more thing to be concentrating on.

0 reply

rajflyboy North Carolina // 2017
Jul 16, 2018

Dropper post

Too expensive to bother with

blundar Iowa // 2012
Jul 24, 2018

I don't need it on my bikes where I ride. I tried out some droppers and I can do without them. I have been riding for decades so it is no loss for me to be without one. Now-a-days I prefer to ride more XC than anything else.

mtnryder 2017
Jul 19, 2017

I grew up riding dirt bikes and had them over a 30+ year span. When riding dirt bikes, you regularly use your seat for balance and leverage. Before droppers came out, mountain bikers did the exact same thing and/or hung their back end off the seat....and did just fine. Along comes the dropper and it's like people think it's impossible to ride w/o one. I still only use my dropper on ultra sketchy stuff and would say I use it once or twice per DAY while most of my friends use it 10-15 timers per RUN.

All that being said, I'm actually stunned by that 58% numbers and can't imagine where it came from. Out of the 20 people that I ride with on a semi-regular basis, only ONE doesn't have a dropper post. I just cam back from a trip to Downieville where we were doing shuttle rides each day and there wasn't a single rider that didn't have a dropper post on their bike. I know there are plenty of XC types who don't used a dropper but I'm guessing that 58% number includes s large number of people who have never done what "most" people consider MOUNTAIN biking.

Robert Dobbs New York // 2016
Jul 18, 2017

Loved my dropper posts but I've gone through 4 in 2.5 years (Reverb and KS LEV)....am I cursed or is the lifespan of a dropper post really only a few months?

Dr Sweets Georgia // 2016
Jul 18, 2017

There once was a time when I cared what other people rode. Maybe something they had could help me or perhaps something I had could help. Now I don't give a rat's tuchus. Ride whatever you want. I will do the same and everyone else can go eff themselves. Hopefully, they'll enjoy a bike ride and a beverage too.

When a dropper post drops below $100 bucks and will be durable for at least 2 or 3 years I will buy one

UnsanctionedMTB Ohio // 2017
Sep 9, 2020

real men stand when we ride

Jack Gabus California // 2015
Jul 21, 2016

If you are riding trails in Laguna Beach a Dropper is a must.

-1 reply

Nonsense, I was riding this trails in the 90's with no dropper, no disc brakes and 3" of suspension.

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