Bontrager Drop Line Dropper post.
Of all the new stuff spotted in the pits of the Sea Otter Classic, the product that stood out the most was a new dropper post from Bontrager. Over the last few years, we’ve amassed a rather large selection of adjustable height seat posts. When pausing to consider how much money we’ve spent on seat posts, it’s disturbing — here’s a hint: it’s a lot.
We simply want a post that can be easily serviced and used for a few seasons before having to replace half the parts — is that too much to ask?
Bontrager really nailed it with their remote cable actuation lever- it feels great, and looks solid.
My conversation with the product manager at Bontrager revealed they felt the same way. Developing a post that improved on all the existing designs in terms of ease of service, simplicity and reliability was their goal, and it looks like they may have achieved it. It isn’t just marketing spiel either — the post is backed up with a three year warranty.
When you consider almost every other dropper post manufacturer only offers a year of warranty coverage, this speaks volumes.
A closer look at the post seals, bottom of the post and the on-bar actuation lever option.
Almost as importantly, they did it and are offering it for less than everyone else. The Drop Line is priced at a extremely competitive $299.99.
The post features internal routing and uses a standard cable and housing that actuates an air-sprung hydraulic locking cartridge that provides infinite adjustability within the rage. The seat head is a reliable 2 bolt design with zero offset. As you can see in the photos, they nailed the remote cable actuation lever too— the under-bar lever is ergonomic and has a great feel, just like a left side shifter. It paired well with the Shimano brake on their display model. An on-bar lever is available separately for riders still rocking front derailleurs as well.
No more hacking your front shift lever – this thing feels great, and cable tension is easily adjusted via the barrel adjuster.
The only downsides to date? If you’re looking for more drop, the Drop Line only goes to 150mm at the moment, (a 170mm version is being tested though) and is will only be available in one diameter. And unless your local shop is a Trek dealer, you won’t find them there, though they are available online direct from Trek. You’ll have to hunt down a Trek dealer for service parts down the road as well.
The Bontrager Drop Line Dropper Post will be available in a 31.6mm diameter, in 100mm, 125mm and 150mm lengths starting in June for $299. Check it out at TrekBikes.com
