Do I want dropper post?

you don't have to go 1x there are options of over-bar dropper levers or under the saddle nose (not the option I'd suggest though).

The main thing to consider is how cables are going to be routed, Does the frame already have holes for internal routing of a dropper cable? if not some people choose to drill them, other people (including me) choose an externally cabled option.

Yes. Probably more than one, assuming you own more than one bike.

Of course I own more than one bike, although its not so much of a issue on gravel bike - at least for the riding I do.

I put an X-Fusion on my Mk1 Cotic Soul with front mech and external cable routing and it worked a treat.

The older geometry meant that I had to remind myself to lower the seat before each tricky drop, whereas with a newer LLS bike it just felt instinctive and I guess I was using it much more often. Funny that.

I've put one on my Diverge gravel bike which is a good upgrade. I tend to value the ability to drop say 15mm from a road position to a slightly lower off road height as much as the full drop for big drops.

Thanks Cookeaa. I didn't realise the were options. That's all very helpful.

Do you drop the saddle manually for some descents? Try it and see what difference it makes.

Personally a dropper makes a huge difference for me, far and away the best thing since suspension or disc brakes.

The ability to drop it partially for bumpyish ground is not to be underestimated either, it's not only for all the way up or down.

It's one of the few components that rightly deserves the constantly overused title 'game changer'.

The ability to drop it partially for bumpyish ground is not to be underestimated either, it’s not only for all the way up or down.

Yes, this is why all my bikes have them, including my commuter. Once you get used to having one, you use it constantly.

If asked, you can have suspension or a dropper post? I’d chose dropper post all day long.

Well that's pretty unanimous. Thank you everyone.

They are game changers when it comes to descending, they just inspire confidence.

I’d take a dropper over suspension and gears TBH. Gravel commuter included.

Definitely... On some rides I use the dropper lever more than the gear levers 🙂

Yes! Absolutely!

Even my old 26" pub bike has a dropper.

If it weren't for the fact I also have a dirt jumper I would say I'll never have a bike without one.

Like others, I'd take one over suspension. And generally the longer the better.

Brand X did a lever for 2x/3x systems -

https://www.highonbikes.com/products/brand-x-ascend-dropper-lever-kit-2-x-x3-gears

As above go for the longest drop that can fit in your frame, depending on the frame you may need to go for external routing or be brave and drill a hole to get a cable into your seat tube.

Of course I own more than one bike, although its not so much of a issue on gravel bike

I've got one on my gravel bike. It's brilliant.

Is this the only thread on STW with all the posters agreeing?

Brand X did a lever for 2x/3x systems

Presumably you could just run a 1x dropper lever upside down on the right hand side, above the brake lever?

Eldest's Scott has an arrangement like this for the suspension lockouts (on the left though).

Yes. No question. One of the best mtb accessories after suspension.

Yes. They’re the best thing to happen to mountain bikes since working disc brakes.

Yes. Haven't even read the OP!

Definitely one of those "Holy shit! How did I ever manage without one?" components.

“Is this the only thread on STW with all the posters agreeing?”

I was thinking that. And thinking about all the past threads where some of us were saying this whilst others were still saying “no, I don’t need a technique compensator” or words to that effect. Progress!

Yes. Which dropper? That's where the arguments start.

Without reading the replies. Yes.

I was thinking that. And thinking about all the past threads where some of us were saying this whilst others were still saying “no, I don’t need a technique compensator” or words to that effect. Progress!

And people have finally stopped posting THAT photo of Nino doing a whip with his saddle at chest height, as if it's somehow relevant to the riding experience of normal humans.

 I will be speaking to the LBS but wanted to benefit from some of the wisdom here first.

I'd give up suspension before I gave up a dropper post for mountain biking now.

Honestly.

And people have finally stopped posting THAT photo of Nino doing a whip with his saddle at chest height, as if it’s somehow relevant to the riding experience of normal humans.

Nino Schurter riding the old model Spark with a fixed seatpost:

Nino Schurter riding his current bike with a Reverb AXS

Case: rested.

Yes, but keep your gears the same. I still have triple on my Mk1 Soul and it all works a treat.

I still have triple on my Mk1 Soul

Hold your horses before going and spending £100's

1. Do you have a quick release on the existing seatpost and use that to lower the saddle when you know a steep decent is coming?

2. What is the geometry like ie is it XC geo which is more inclined to send you over the bars?

3. Is your fork serviced/working correctly ie not just diving in to its travel with no rebound?

I currently ride a 2012 XC bike, and get the over the bars feeling alot ! I lower the saddle on steep techy decents, but it doesnt change the fact the geo is old and steep angled, and my fork is knackerd.

My next bike that I hopefully get in a couple of weeks will have a dropper post and they are so much more convenient, but they dont change the over the bars bit. The newer geometry and decent fork will solve that for me.

As others, the suspension and gears go before you prise a dropper out of my cold, dead hands.