Thomson Elite Dropper Seatpost - Review

Oct 22, 2013

by Mike Kazimer

Thomson Elite Dropper Seatpost

Thomson might be a latecomer to the dropper post world, but they wanted to make sure their entry was as close to perfect as possible before its release. The company has a reputation for manufacturing high quality, well designed products, and understandably didn't want to sully their name by rushing a hastily created seatpost to market. We reviewed the Elite Dropper to see if it was worth the wait.

Details

• 125mm of travel, can be stopped at any point
• Sizes: 30.9 x 400, 31.6 x 400
• 5mm setback
• Passes EN seatpost test
• Weight: 592 grams including lever, cable, housing
• MSRP: $449.95

Construction

The Elite Dropper post uses a cable actuated cam to control its 125mm of travel. Pushing on the svelte-looking aluminum remote pulls down on the lever mounted to the side of the post, which in turn activates the centrally located cam inside the post. The motion of the cam pushes down on an internal plunger, allowing oil to flow through a valve and for the post to move downwards. A nitrogen return spring is used to control the post's upward motion. The post's rate of return is adjustable depending on how far in the remote lever is pushed – push it further in and the post returns faster.

One of the most noticeable features of the Elite Dropper post is its lack of side to side or vertical play, a common trait on other dropper posts. This is achieved by using three keyed slots on the inside of the post. Thomson experimented with different designs, but chose this one because it allowed them to increase the wall thickness of the outer tube and increase the seatpost's strength. In addition to the lack of side to side play, the post also remains in place even when lifting the bike by the seat. The post's internals are not user serviceable, but durability was high on Thomson's list of priorities, and they back it with a two year warranty.

A side mounted, cable actuated lever controls the cam found in the center of the post (the rubber plug that keeps dirt and grit out has been removed to show the internals).

The inner post's construction is nearly identical to that of Thomson's popular, non-dropper seatposts. It's constructed from one piece of aluminum instead of having the upper portion bonded on. The seat clamp mechanism design will also be familiar to those who have had a Thomson post before – a bolt is located fore and aft of the post, and the seat angle can be adjusted infinitely from +5 degrees to -29.

The Elite Dropper is available with either a remote lever or an under the saddle actuation lever.

Installation

Installation of the Elite Dropper is quick and simple, aided by the fact that the lever is on the side of the post, which means it isn't necessary to remove the seat to change or adjust the remote lever cable. The remote lever snugs onto the handlebar with one bolt, and the cable is attached to the lever with a small set screw. Thomson also offers an under the saddle actuation lever for those who don't want to deal with a remote or who don't have routing for a dropper post.

Ride Impressions

On the trail the Elite Dropper proved to be a rock solid performer. The post's action is smooth throughout its travel, and the return speed is easy to control with the thumb lever. The post is nearly silent when it reaches full extension, which meant that at first we found ourselves looking down occasionally to see if it had fully extended. Since the post relies on cable actuation there is the possibility of dirt and grit getting in and affecting the lever feel, but we didn't need to change the cable or housing even after a number of extremely wet, muddy rides, and the post still felt smooth even after those mud baths. We also spent time running the post with the under the saddle actuation lever. The shape of the lever made it easy to find, minimizing the time we had to spend riding one handed, and the post was quick to move to its fully extended or dropped position.

A plastic, clip on guide helps manage the loop of housing, and height indicators are found on the moving portion of the post.

Issues

The actual performance of the post was flawless, and it remained wiggle free even after countless up and down cycles and a number of sloppy rides. However, there are a few refinements we'd like to see, the first relating to the remote lever. We liked its trim profile, but it would be nice to have a little larger paddle with more rounded edges. The squared off edges the lever has now are fairly sharp and not so friendly to knees or other appendages. We also found that the lever can get rather slippery and hard to activate in really wet (read: pouring rain) conditions, but this is something that a little time with a dremel tool or some grip tape could easily remedy. It would also be nice to have a barrel adjuster located either on the remote lever or the side of the post to get the cable tension just right. Our final minor request would be to have height indicators on the fixed part of the post – we didn't find having them on the moving portion to be necessary.

Pinkbike's take:

The Elite Dropper isn't a radical departure from what's already out there, but it does bring Thomson-level quality to what has become a must-have mountain bike accessory. Durability and construction are top notch, and the post is certainly worthy of bearing the Thomson name. It would have been nice to see the cable mounted to the fixed portion of the post, but a stealth version of the Elite Dropper is expected to be available by March, effectively taking care of that request. We had a few minor quibbles with the remote lever design and the lack of a barrel adjuster, but those points aside, Thomson has introduced a solid contender into the dropper post market, a strong, low-maintenance seatpost that should remain trouble-free for multiple seasons. - Mike Kazimer

www.bikethomson.com

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Reviews Seatposts Thomson

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204 Comments

222 5

DaltonJaybirdThomas (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:10)

With a price like that I hope its enduro specific.

29 56

lumberjerk (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:20) (Below Threshold)

Crap, I hit the wrong arrow, sorry!

160 10

gavisasav (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:31)

is this compatible with my 650b wheels, also how did it feel with a waist pack?

32 21

shredjekyll (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:35)

Based on my experience with this post it doesn't belong anywhere near an enduro....

Sent first one in for replacement with play, creaking, crunching, and a collar that kept loosening..
Received a replacement (brand new) post roughly 3 weeks later...
I have now been using the the brand new post for a few weeks and it has developed a VERY audible *clunk* EVERY time it is fully lowered.... I do ride hard but I don't even race and I have apparently managed to do what the testers of this post couldn't??? and in barely any time???

52 2

niles1401 (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:40)

this guy^^

44 8

gavisasav (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:42)

I think Thomson should just stay away from moving parts

20 4

mikekazimer Mod (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:01)

@shredjekyll - That's unfortunate you've been having trouble with the Elite Dropper. We have two of them in the test fleet and haven't experienced any performance issues.

35 0

GabrielDugas (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:03)

Still waiting for cannondale to apply the lefty tech stuff to a droper post. If they can hold a wheel with a one side hydraulic system, i'm confident they can do the same for a saddle. It seems no dropper post on the market are truly reliable.

helibike (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:07)

Isn't that what Crank Brothers did?

wakaba (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:44)

No issues here. Works extremely well. Engineering and manufacturing is topnotch. No play, no creaks. Saddle lever is great. But then I also run it on a frame that does not fling tiredirt onto the seatpost aera. Seals, sand and dirt dont mix.

15 44

chochocho (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:55) (Below Threshold)

$550 for a gawddamn seatpost?! no wonder i stopped looking for mountain bike parts. buying car parts are so much better. and chicks dig it. lol. no but seriously... 550 is a lot... but then again. i havent been following the bike scene for a while now. so maybe 550 is the norm. so power to you thompson. idk.

finnrambo (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:56)

crankbrothers didn't make a reliable dropper... so no lefty tech there, my old gen reverb is doing fine, only issue is that when you lift the bike by the seat the seat pulls up as well but not too much of an issue, then again I don't really use my dropper either

Stephen101 (Oct 22, 2013 at 22:20)

Anyways what happened to the
I-Beam seat? Definitely thought that it had potential

Spykr (Oct 22, 2013 at 22:42)

I-beam stuff is still made, just not that big! It's biggest flaw, apart from finding the damn things, is that most seats have the rail in a solid 1-piece carbon structure under the saddle which means it can't flex, meaning...they're rather uncomfortable.

I personally do like the system, and after finding a saddle with open space like a normal railed saddle (SDG Formula MT), I've been very satisfied! It's a smart system, gives a LOOOOOOT of fore-aft adjustability, and it certainly shaves a bit of weight. Your dropper post selection is limited to two options though: Gravity dropper or the KS Ixr (a supernatural with a different clamp head basically). I personally have the KS, and it's pretty good! And rebuildable at home, which is nice.

18 10

timmy00 (Oct 22, 2013 at 23:28)

Thompson Elite Dropper or how to spend $ 450 to heavier your bike about 350 g, and then spend another $ 500 to get back to the previous weight.

22 8

wakaba (Oct 23, 2013 at 1:25)

Or get a 26 and a dropper post and still save 1kg from an overweight 29.

donpinpon29 (Oct 23, 2013 at 2:35)

I used to like I beam designs until my mate cased superhard a drop at chatel. He managed to destroy the seat and a couple of pieces of the post, with his chest!. Normal design seat with rails. We both agree that the impact absortion of the rails and post helped save his ribs and (sternon?) dont want to think what could have happened if either the carbon post broke in half or had he used an I beam design seat. 2 cents?

chyu (Oct 23, 2013 at 4:10)

You are good in standing doesn't mean you are good in squatting.

16 0

sino428 (Oct 23, 2013 at 4:44)

It's easy to say that no dropper posts are truly reliable but I think that term is relative. I think what people tend to do is compare the reliability of dropper posts to that of a fixed post, since that's what it's replacing. But droppers bring in all types of mechanics. Hydraulics, cables, air chambers, seals, etc. All the other parts on your bike that use those things are not 100% reliable either. Forks, breaks, shocks etc all need routine tuning and maintenance to run properly, so a dropper is no different. Expecting to just mount a dropper and forget about it for a few years isn't realistic.

13 0

richierocket (Oct 23, 2013 at 5:08)

A side mounted, cable actuated lever controls the cam found in the center of the post (the rubber plug that keeps dirt and grit out has been removed to show the internals). LOOKS FILTHY TO ME.

11 0

dustyduke22 (Oct 23, 2013 at 8:30)

+1 for the Gravity Dropper Post. Only dropper post I have had that has truly been reliable

tjet (Oct 23, 2013 at 10:33)

If you need a fashionable looking dropper post, buy Thompson's. If you need a reliable dropper post, buy gravity dropper..

12 5

finnrambo (Oct 23, 2013 at 12:38)

if you want reliable use a qr seat clamp and a normal post

63 13

russianredneck (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:06)

"125mm of infinite travel" im pretty sure infinite means something else.

17 3

Conor-J (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:10)

There's infinite possibilities within the 5 degrees and -29 degrees.

25 2

nledwards (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:13)

I think 'infinite' refers to being able to stop the post anywhere within the 125mm, rather than having set points like other posts on the market.

80 1

kleinblake (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:15)

You can't extend the post to the damned moon if that's what you're asking

russianredneck (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:35)

Oh now it makes sense

TJquinn (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:37)

Thanks, Nathan. None of us understood that.

13 5

helibike (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:37)

I think infinite means if you are really, really, really tall you wont have any problems with seat height.

"The moon" now you are just being silly. No seat post can go to the moon, there isn't even gravity to ride a bike there.

41 0

kleinblake (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:25)

About 1/7th earth gravity. Think of the big mountain possibilities. Redbull rampage 2014

23 1

cuban-b (Oct 22, 2013 at 23:45)

^ and they wouldn't have wind delays on the moon.

phinx007 (Oct 23, 2013 at 8:30)

Make sure no one tells the riders about solar winds.... Lol

12 0

dingus (Oct 23, 2013 at 16:21)

Would a Gravity Dropper seatpost work in space?

kaijumps (Oct 23, 2013 at 16:46)

Olympus Mons on Mars for Rampage '14!

32 4

riggadon (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:13)

It's insane how you can buy a used world cup downhill fork for the price of this dropper post. I know the hydraulics are expensive, but surely they don't have to charge half a grand just because everyone else does? Thomson makes high quality stuff, but I cant justify $500 for a seat post.

18 17

shredjekyll (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:54)

Yeah especially when you have to pay for it to be sent back to Georgia every month to be replaced...

15 19

commanderagl (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:04) (Below Threshold)

@riggadon, in your comparison is not valid, the price of a NEW DH fork is around 1100, the price of a new Thomson in 550. the price of a USED DH fork may be 550, and the USED price of a Thomson should be around 250.

shredjekyll (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:07)

At this point a used thomson is a new thomson cause you can just email them tell you have play and send it in for free replacement....

riggadon (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:45)

Commander, forks and seat post droppers are apples and oranges. my point was just to illustrate what you could get for the price of a new dropper these days. I mean, you could get a used XC bike for $500! Doesnt mean the XC bike will be great, but you get a lot more function

kanioni (Oct 23, 2013 at 4:25)

You can also get a 2nd hand Reverbs for 100$ and there's also no need to send it anywhere 'cause it's fully home serviceable. There are also new droppers that cost just over 100$, but I guess everyone needs the most expensive one. But yeah I agree some droppers are quite rip off, but it's the same for all parts. MTB is way smaller business than motoring so the margins have to be bigger, which makes MTB stuff look expensive compared to cars, mx bikes etc..

cyberhawk (Oct 23, 2013 at 6:23)

all in all.. it is a office chair internal.. . it is quite ridiculous if you think about it..
although you have 2 posts.. (outer and inner) so double the cost..
but still 500 is a dear lot. ICT a KS post, does it for half the price.. ?

spot213 (Oct 23, 2013 at 14:10)

Seriously - I'm a big fan of my dropper and all (used Reverb)....but how did we ever get to where asking $500 for a seat post is even on the table?!?! Don't even get me started on $250 flats...I'll pick something up used and buy about 47 beers with the difference every time!

30 3

pinkrobe (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:05)

Not going to be giving up my Reverbs for this...

10 1

gavisasav (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:33)

yeah stealth reverb is where its at!

airsoftesneeto (Oct 22, 2013 at 22:41)

reverb ftw

27 10

shredjekyll (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:52)

I disagree with this review.

First off, there are numerous issues that A LOT of customers are having with this post: play, creaking, clunking, and a loosening collar to name a few...

Clearly if Thomson "wanted to make sure their entry was as close to perfect as possible before its release", these issues would have been identified and fixed. Based on my experience and a lot of others that I have seen posting on various forums It seems to me as though Thomson did "sully their name by rushing a hastily created seatpost to market"....

The one declaration that really got me was "Thomson has introduced a solid contender into the dropper post market, a strong, low-maintenance seatpost that should remain trouble-free for multiple seasons"....... if only that were the case.... how can it be said that this post "should remain trouble-free for multiple seasons" when there are DOZENS of cases of the post not even lasting MULTIPLE WEEKS, forget about "multiple seasons", without developing an issue that cannot be remedied by the owner...

The post is EXPENSIVE to begin with so it absolutely SUCKS having to pay to ship it to Thomson for them to work on it. I simply cannot wrap my head around how an average 175 pound rider who rarely hucks anything over 6 feet and doesn't even bike that often can expose so many issues with a product that testers apparently couldn't....

10 3

tabletop84 (Oct 23, 2013 at 0:23)

well it's a review from guys with the industry. I can't remember any review on pinkbike who wasn't positive about the product. you can't give shit on such reviews. They are pure marketing. Usually I wait a few months after a new product gets released and check forum posts from users and only they point out the ugly stuff.

ride360 (Oct 23, 2013 at 1:33)

blah blah blah blah blah, these guys haven't had any issues but Shred Jekyll has. Who's to say he didn't install it incorrectly? Overtightn his seatpost clamp or use improper cable tension.

What I do know is that Pinkbike is usually fairly on point. They can't be overly critical because they've developed friendships and relationships with the people who make these products not to mention the advertising dollars. That isn't to say they aren't critical at times. You read RC's review of the Syncros pump? www.pinkbike.com/u/richardcunningham/blog/Syncros-FP10-Floor-Pump-Reviewed.html

EpicStormer (Oct 23, 2013 at 3:07)

@tabletop84 You make potentially valid points but lose credibility in saying Pinkbike are never negative about product reviews, there have been several but they don't come out and troll products.
@Circles makes a much more balanced point.

headshot (Oct 23, 2013 at 4:20)

I agree with Mr 84 - PB reviews especially bike reviews are in the main positive and fairly uncritical. The reviewers on Vital (see their 2013 bike reviews) hammer the bikes and expose any weaknesses in the frames, build and handling. Ask Ibis about what happened to the Mojo Vital tested...

On the Thompson - the pic of the internals shows lots of dirt inside despite the rubber seal they say was removed for the photo. In my experience with a cable operated dropper (Giant) dirt is a big problem and if I get another one, Id go the Reverb route for hydraulic activation.

shredjekyll (Oct 23, 2013 at 7:30)

I must add..... I am 99.99% certain I installed it correctly.... also... I have a THOMSON seatpost clamp that I torque to 2.8nm every single time I install it....as for the cable tension I am quite sure mine is fine but even if it wasn't how would that cause any damage to the post???

husstler (Oct 24, 2013 at 8:56)

You are one whiny gash, that's for sure.

Stuuriaan (Oct 25, 2013 at 0:41)

and when was the last time you had your torque wrench calibrated? 2.8 is so loose, when your wrench is off it's bound to be too loose

shredjekyll (Oct 25, 2013 at 6:19)

^Shows how much you know... lol... 2.8nm is the recommended spec.... it literally says 2.8nm on the clamp..... nice try though

Stuuriaan (Oct 25, 2013 at 14:49)

you misunderstood, since 2,8nm is very loose (in general), if it's the case that your torque wrench needs recalibration, the margin is so small that it is very likely that's it's too loose (meaning that the 2,8nm your wrench is showing you, actually isn't 2,8nm)

thanks for laughing at me. I build my own bikes to spec and never have issues so thanks.

22 6

bman33 (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:08)

Just in case anyone on here missed it...shredjekyll apparently had some issues. No body else I know of that has one has, but he has and seems to be a bit upset. Ha!

21 6

shredjekyll (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:13)

Check around mtbr... pinkbike... vital... youll find plenty of people with issues... there is literally a thread on mtbr with over a dozen pages and a bunch of people had issues... I'm not on some anti-thomson tyrade... I enjoy the company Im just providing honest information...

8 21

bman33 (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:17) (Below Threshold)

mtbr...there is part of your problem there. #2, you just proved my point on my other comment.

13 2

brybry (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:10)

Barrel adjusters are so crucial for anything that uses a cable. The fact that you would have to loosen a tiny allen and pull tight the cable every time it stretches is not appealing in the slightest...and really Thompson? Height indicators on the moving part? When I ride trails, I like to get off my bike and check that the post is at "7". For sure....

Save your money and time and get a Reverb, or better yet a LEV

dorse (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:37)

I have not tried the thompson, but I have two gravity droppers two black mambas, thee reverbs, and one each joplin,KSi900.KSi95o and a KS Lev. The Lev is the best of the bunch by a long way. How come most manufactures can't make a dropper post. I would never buy another reverb if I can get a Lev. Wayyyyyyy better.

andrewbikeguide (Oct 23, 2013 at 8:51)

Lev - simple, reliable, can replace the cable anywhere (if you damage it in a crash whilst on a road trip or back country tour).
KS950 for three years - no problems, KS Lev for one season (prefer the fact that the cable no longer moves up and down with the seat) - no problems.

bigtedp (Oct 23, 2013 at 9:27)

LEV for the win!

broccolirob (Oct 22, 2013 at 22:10)

I had one of the first run batches that came with the way to short cable and some play in the post. Talked to them and sent back just the post. A week later I got a brand new set up,everything. So now I have extra parts if I need them. I have not had any problems at all with the replacement post. Great customer service.

13 3

monkyjunk (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:07)

No thank you, I'd rather use my hand.

19 2

Stephen101 (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:19)

That's what he said?

10 2

Bowen1911 (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:38)

and she said...

11 2

helibike (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:40)

Unfortunately, She said that too

helibike (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:43)

Dam! That sucks.

KMH1 (Oct 23, 2013 at 6:01)

No that's my job, so she said!

holtzmichael (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:32)

Love mine, went from a reverb that required regular bleeding and haven't had an issue on ~50 rides. Smooth and the actuator is nice when your thumb gets numb. Love how EVERYTHING should be cheap according to the internet... "yeah it's awesome... but it should be cheap". Glad our economy can only seem to support the lowest common denominator being constructed in the cheapest manner possible. Shows great promise for the future of mtn biking when anything pricey gets ripped. - end rant

XCMark (Oct 22, 2013 at 22:20)

I spent over $400 for a fork and can service that myself. I spent over $400 for wheels and can service those myself. I spent over $400 on an XT/SLX grouppo and can service the drivetrain myself. So why a +$400 seatpost that can't be user serviced? Something does not seem right. If you buy a mechanical product for over $400 and can't service it yourself, but have to pay shipping to send it away for servicing, than it's not a good product.

takeiteasyridehard (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:08)

yeah I will wait until they copy how giant has a flip flop system to go stealth or out the top. understandably different quality, but its missing critical features to keep up with the evolution of these parts. needs stealth route option. I still rock a thomson stem.

erikthefatty (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:26)

Guessing you didn't read the part that said"...a stealth version of the Elite Dropper is expected to be available by March."

notthatfast (Oct 23, 2013 at 13:31)

stealth option doesn't really help those of us that don't have stealth dropper post routing on our frames.... (ie about 99% of us)

skiallday (Oct 25, 2013 at 12:27)

Drill baby drill.

ratedgg13 (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:48)

Or you could spend less on a Kindshock and get a better product...

deeeight (Oct 23, 2013 at 1:11)

For that much money,I'd rather the canadian pulse seatpost with its ratchet mechanism and that they offer the rebuild parts also.

www.9point8.ca

However I'd never drop that much on a dropper post when I can get bulletproof reliability with a QR seatpost clamp, an extra clamp for the seattube just below slotted portion where the QR clamp goes, and a Breeze & Angell Hite-Rite.

a-r-c (Oct 23, 2013 at 1:45)

Sold my hite rites to a guy building classic bikes about a year ago. Though I miss having pieces of history hanging around...I wouldn't trade my Giant dropper for old school tech.

groghunter (Oct 23, 2013 at 7:58)

I want that 9point8... but with a thumb lever. one that works like the fox one would do me fine, one paddle for 5mm steps, one paddle for full drop. Not saying that's what everybody needs, but I am saying it would be perfect to for me, but only because I don't have a front shifter.

deeeight (Oct 23, 2013 at 10:15)

Flip the 9point8 lever around and run it as a thumb lever....

groghunter (Oct 23, 2013 at 12:06)

i think that would be kind of hard to reach with your thumb, you'd certainly have to compromise your hand position to hit it.

deeeight (Oct 23, 2013 at 12:14)

Why? Mount it inboard of the shifters/levers where you'd put a bell. I've used brake levers in that spot before to actuate other things. Hell, one of the best remote's in existence is the old XTR bar-end remote for the rear shifter. Its designed with two paddles meant to work off your thumb which you can apply pressure with to hold open the remote valve on a dropper post (or fork travel adjuster like the IT some Manitou Minutes came with). You can run two cable actuated things with it. They're meant to intergrate to an XTR shifter to control the ratchet mechanism but they're great to repurpose for other roles. I use one as the trigger on one of my paintball guns.

yoda.densan.ca/kmr/paint/marjorie6.JPG

tkrug (Oct 23, 2013 at 14:56)

Aaaand bookmarked...that thing is pretty impressive... not sure about the have to go all the way down in order to come back up part though.

groghunter (Oct 23, 2013 at 17:42)

well, I think that the precision required to partially push the lever vs all the way is harder with a thumb. If you think about it, removing your thumb from holding on to the bars compromises your grip since you've lost the only opposing digit. harder to make precision movements from a less stable base. I believe that's why fox went with two levers for theirs, and why 9point8 went with something activated with your index finger instead of thumb. I dunno, I've also played with the idea of mounting the 9point8 lever underneath the brake lever, so you'd actuate it more like downshift on a shimano shifter.

deeeight (Oct 23, 2013 at 20:28)

I and probably millions of others learned to mountain bike with thumbshifters and that requires lifting your thumb OVER the bar to actuate and I do so without a second thought to the matter. I've run NOTHING but thumbshifters on any of my own personal bikes for 15+ years now. I've done my dabbles with rapidfire (two thumb), rapidfire plus (one thumb one trigger), sram impulse pods, underbar wishbones, and gripshift and pretty much anything else that's ever been offered and I've found nothing beats a good pair of thumbies for precision and reliability.

groghunter (Oct 24, 2013 at 7:21)

Wait... you think old school, non-indexed thumbshifters are better than modern shifters? hmmm, I don't think we're even on the same planet. You could tell me 20 different ways that would work for you with this lever, and none of them would work for me, because you're thought process on what works well is completely different from mine.

deeeight (Oct 24, 2013 at 9:06)

When did I say "old school" or "non-indexed" ? You need to stop reading more into statements than is actually presented. Shimano still makes the shifters, at the Dura Ace 10 speed level no less, and Paul's Components still makes the mounts.

groghunter (Oct 24, 2013 at 9:31)

I've never seen an indexed thumb shifter, so that's interesting, but regardless: If you think moving your thumb on top of the bar is better than hitting a paddle under the bar, our thought processes are completely incompatible. You think that the move to under the bar shifting was a mistake. I've used both, and I absolutely disagree.

deeeight (Oct 24, 2013 at 9:45)

Ok after this I'm done replying because you just refuse to learn lessons. And apparently anyone with their own opinion is incompatible a thought process with you. You must only listen to the same breed of sheep apparently. But at no point did I state that the move to under bar shifting was a mistake.

groghunter (Oct 24, 2013 at 10:57)

I've really tried to be polite here, but you seem to continue attempting to bait me into an argument. Example: "I've found nothing beats a good pair of thumbies for precision and reliability." contrasted with: "But at no point did I state that the move to under bar shifting was a mistake." These two statements aren't incompatible technically, but without the second statement to provide context to the first statement, the reasonable assumption is that you don't like under the bar shifting. Not providing that tidbit of information, waiting for me to wander a little farther down the primrose path, then jumping out from behind the bush and screaming " BUT I DIDN'T SAY THAT!" is childish baiting, not adult conversation. I learn lessons quite well, I just don't subscribe to your particular ideology: that putting thumb-actuated controls on the top of the bars is desirable. I've had plenty of bikes with those style controls, but I LEARNED A LESSON: I don't like moving my thumb above the bar. So that style of control isn't something I'm going to use on my bike if I have a choice. You seem unable to accept that this is an argument of personal preference.

groghunter (Oct 24, 2013 at 11:41)

"Apparently you haven't yet learned the lesson that your opinion on shifters ONLY applies to you and not that others who don't share the same opinions invalidates anything they have to say. " Compared with my statement of: " So that style of control isn't something I'm going to use on MY bike if I have a choice." Emphasis mine. This whole conversation stinks. All I wanted to do was express an opinion that I didn't think a brake lever rotated towards your thumb would work very well, and I've been drawn into argument about who's right and wrong, and been threatened with being banned for doing so. As for re-iterating my point: you seemed to misunderstand my statement the first time, so I tried to re-word it to explain myself more clearly. I should have left off when it became clear that you weren't interested in my viewpoint at all, but only in disproving it because you perceived it as an attack, which was never my intent.

parkkills (Nov 7, 2013 at 17:02)

That thing looks like a pile of shit. Really? An extra lever on your bar? Do you people ride bikes or internet?

jon123rjk (Oct 23, 2013 at 5:24)

Why would anyone use anything other than a KS Lev?

d-wojo (Oct 23, 2013 at 6:46)

Been riding the KS LEV 150mm for a year now and it has been flawless. Everything on it is just perfect, no play, no issues and the cable stops at the collar. Couldn't recommend it enough.

b0cephus (Oct 23, 2013 at 7:51)

I've had this post for months now, no mechanical or performance issues. No play, movement, weirdness, and I CAN PICK UP THE BIKE BY THE SADDLE!! My gripes are small on the post - No option for left or right side cable actuation on the actual post.... My Nomad has dropper post cable routing on the drive side of the bike, and the post actuates on the opposite - no big deal, just a minor detail. Oh, also, the stock housing that ships with the dropper is too short, had to do a new housing length right out of the box. I'd also like to see the post in all black. All in all, better than my past reverb and joplin 4.

gandalfsdad (Oct 24, 2013 at 11:41)

Actually that's a fair point could only fit it on the drive side, but other than that, no play, no issues, still love it.

bubbrubb (Oct 23, 2013 at 5:58)

Stop complaining a bout price. Might as well start a thread complaining about the inequalities of life. If you don't have the $, then the post is expensive. If you do have the $, it's a great contender. 2 issues I have with mine. First, right out of the box i said, "how long until i impale my thigh with that lever?" Well, it took 2 rides, but I didn't stab myself in the leg. Instead, I almost unzipped my knee in what would be a normally simple stumble on the trail. I mean, it wasn't even crash, but I got a 4" gash down my knee. 2nd issues the cable stop at the top of the post. I've broken mine 2x in 26 hours of riding, both due to rider error, but I can't help but think its too fragile. Thomson has been great about getting me parts fwiw. Post movement and actuation is the best I've felt of all post on the market. (I replaced my stock lever with a gutted shifter)

pedalhound (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:24)

I have a few rides on mine and so far it feels WAY better than the KS i950-r that it replaced. Can't wait to see how it holds up long term.

iamsuperficial (Oct 23, 2013 at 2:16)

shredjekyll Hi, I've also had problems with clunking. As soon as the seat post is in its lowest postion and I have all my weight on the seat it bangs. I haven't even had chance to use it yet, it's been sent back for a replacement. Unfortunately I'm not impressed at the moment.

motoman2100 (Oct 23, 2013 at 6:11)

I've seen pictures of brake levers embedded in people's arms and hands before. Brake levers aren't exactly sharp. The Thompson remote on the other hand... aimed straight down and has a nice sharp end to it, asking to tear peoples legs open.

dirtyknobbies (Oct 23, 2013 at 8:10)

I've ran a few dropper posts. Have not tried Thomson's, but they have already failed in my book. Anyone coming that 'late' into the dropper market would know the #1 complaint is the moving housing when attached at the top of the seat post. Crank Bros just feel awful, Specialized also feel awful and is a pain to change the cable. Fox is smooth and would be the one to go with if you want a 3 set position. Reverb is butter smooth and love the at the lever speed adjustment. Also love that it is hydraulic, bleed it once and forget about it. Due to them also having the hose attach at the top of the post, it leaves the hose exposed to possible kinks. My current dropper is the LEV and it is awesome. Works flawless. 360 degree cable mounting option, and most important, cable attaches at the base of the dropper, no excess housing looping under your seat tube rubbing your frame or getting snagged on whatever be it trail brush or bike rack. I want to see a Reverb/LEV mated dropper, that would be the ultimate.

gandalfsdad (Oct 23, 2013 at 23:46)

Had one for two months, in the last month it's been treated to the muddy, coal spoil slop of nottinghamshire riding. Currently I'm exposing it to the puddles and mud of the 7 stanes. No play, no issues. Love it.

iamsuperficial (Nov 2, 2013 at 11:59)

Hi all,

I have recently bought a Thomson dropper seat post as I had read many reviews and there didn't seem to be any negative props.

Unfortunately for me that was a bad mistake. the seat post really doesn't live up to its hype and I can't understand how the reviewers come to the conclusion that these are top notch as my experiences have been anything but.

After unboxing my first seat post, attaching it to my bike and trying out the travel, I noticed a significant knocking sound.

www.flickr.com/photos/iamsuperficial/10331878513

After contacting Thomson direct they asked me to remove the post from the frame as well as the seat, apply pressure to see if the knocking persisted, which it did.

I was asked to send the product back for a replacement. I have just received my second dropper, attached it to my bike, and the knocking sound is even worse.

I have lost all faith is this product, and don't think it lives up to its hype. How can two brand new seat posts have the same problem. Either its bad luck on my part or theres something wrong with the design.

Perhaps Thomson should of got the issues sorted before release, especially when they charge an absolute fortune for this product.

Has anyone else experienced any of these problems? I would be really interested to know.

Thanks,

Dan

Spartanic (Nov 12, 2013 at 4:50)

Whinge whinge, nearly all,of us have experienced the "I can't believe you spend that much on bikes!". If you can afford it and like it, buy it. It's probably worth it. So the same can apply to this product. When the hell did MTB riders become forum nannies. Use that energy whining about a product on riding. You will soon realise forum warriors are mainly average riders who keep in the MTB world through a screen then a bike.. Go ride. its better. This is my second post in one year on pinkbike. Rant over.

rcavero (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:22)

External routing for a thomson product...? internal (stealth) for masterpiece ?

taletotell (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:52)

I can't bring myself to spend even $140 on a post: www.modernbike.com/itemgroup.asp?igpk=2126208368&TID=367&gclid=COfE7POGrLoCFVSZ4Aod13EAwA

10 9

shredjekyll (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:10)

I like how I raised valid and factual points about this post and my comment is immediately down arrowed to the point where its hidden... pretty lame if you ask me... don't understand what was so offensive or derogatory...

13 6

bman33 (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:15)

Stop Whining about it on every other post and or/entry and maybe people will stop neg propping you. You have several posts here and on the Yeti bike review. You sound like a 12 year kid crying about it. Say your piece and shut up or call and bitch at Thomson.

shredjekyll (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:17)

Why even bother saying my piece if it will get hidden? The lengthy post I put together was literally meant as a favor to potential buyers... the post is already expensive to start and its no good having it burn a hole further into your wallet every time it has to be shipped away...

MidgetSaw (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:24)

Ignore pinkbikers most of them dont know there head from there asses, hell just going through the pinkbike polls half of the people on here use apples computers wtf does that say? RETARDS

shredjekyll (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:25)

Iphones as well..... phone of the tard

MidgetSaw (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:28)

yup, they think they know best, they know fk all

bman33 (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:32)

Ha!

MidgetSaw (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:43)

bman go look on shreds page he has a thomson dropper if it doesnt work id be fking pissed aswell.

satn (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:46)

Can't wait for an app to electronically make it go up and down

taletotell (Oct 23, 2013 at 4:39)

The fact that they ise apples says to me they are wealthy. that or they need a reliable machine more than they need versatility. I bet the winning photographers all use apple.
I see apple like audi: they do the same thing as other companies, but they do it in a mechanically complicated fashion for a lot of money.

shredjekyll (Oct 23, 2013 at 7:11)

Wealthy? There are more poor people on iphones than there are on Androids. To me it says they simply got sucked in by Apple's absolutely pathetic and deplorable marketing schemes... Every time some "new feature" for Iphone gets announced it is already a feature on android... other than the stupid fingerprint reader.

MidgetSaw (Oct 23, 2013 at 7:30)

winning photographers use apple??... yeah cus apple make camera dont they.

bman33 (Oct 23, 2013 at 7:37)

How did this turn into an Apple vs. Droid debate? @MidgetSaw. I would be pissed too. But look at all his comments. He is crying like a little kid. Say your piece and take the rest up with Thomson.

shredjekyll (Oct 23, 2013 at 8:03)

This whole "crying like a little kid" thing is absurd... a little kid would be saying "wahhhhh wahhh thomson sux they sent me a broken post and scrweed me over wahhh".... when In fact i actually LIKE thomson... (I own two stems, four seatposts (three of which are non-dropper and GREAT), and a seatpost collar).. all i have done is shared my experience and tried to make it somewhat apparent that this post does have the potential to leave you unsatisfied and dropper-less for multiple weeks if you're at all unlucky... as I apparently am seeing as I have gone through two of them in less than 2 months. Once again, not whining, sharing an experience. I guess the fact you think I am whining confirms that my experience with the dropper sucks big time... lol

taletotell (Oct 23, 2013 at 17:57)

Apple makes computers too, not just iphones. Their machines are more friendly to imaging software. Any graphic designer will tell you. Also, android is more common among the lower middle class and tech geeks. Everyone else uses apple. I don't think apple is better for everything and iphones are definitely not all that great, but you still should learn your stuff.

Final point about apple: reliability is hugely important in many cases. For this reason many universities try to use as many apple desktops as they can.

bman33 (Oct 24, 2013 at 8:59)

@taletotell --"Also, android is more common among the lower middle class and tech geeks." ---I am an android guy working in I.T. but that comment made me spit out my coffee laughing. Ha!!!!

taletotell (Oct 24, 2013 at 9:22)

Just listened to the results of a national poll a couple weeks ago. Glad I could make you grin.

bman33 (Oct 24, 2013 at 11:26)

I guess I am lower middle class. Getting in my 1978 Camaro and headed to my trailer after work. Ha!!!

taletotell (Oct 24, 2013 at 14:36)

And I must be rich with my 3 yearold iphone. I'll take my Session, mounted on my audi and head to whistler from my a frame third home.

bman33 (Oct 24, 2013 at 16:18)

Ha! Awesome! I love how people go nuts about the Android vs iphone or PC vs Mac thing. I have an Android, a new Jeep, two ipods, and work in I.T. Does that make me a little less trashy? Maybe white clutter? Ha!!

Yeti1973 (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:36)

3 bikes with 3 reverbs and 0 issues during the past 2 years. Solid product.

reddirtrides (Oct 23, 2013 at 1:04)

Hey, call me old school, but i still remember how to get off of my bike and lower my post. 500$ is a little rich for the convienance of not stopping for 12 seconds. Now if someone would make a 50$ post, then i might be interested.

shredjekyll (Oct 23, 2013 at 8:18)

Totally understandable but obviously when any type of competition is involved stopping is not an option.

Also, if you tried to match the performance of a dropper post by stopping and lowering/raising your post frequently you would end up wasting A LOT more than 12 seconds. There are a lot of people (myself included) who ride trails where they often fully lower and fully raise their dropper a dozen or more times in a minute or so of riding... perfect example there is a trail I ride often where you have to jump/maneuver over the same rock wall 7 times in under 40 yards of riding and having a dropper post makes areas like that more fun, easier, faster, and safer (less of a chance of going OTB due to XC post height).

reddirtrides (Oct 23, 2013 at 20:57)

I guess to me at some point the bike becomes the focus, not the trail. if you finally design a perfect bike that can ride everything, with the flip of a few switches, what do you begin to loose? I think you begin to loose the thrill first, the challenge second, and finally the passion. i think the dropper seat post is my line in the sand. That is where the bike becomes the focus. And as far as safety goes, you are never "safe" and you don't ride to be safe, at least I dont. I ride to push myself to the next level. I don't want to buy the next level for 500$. I want my ride to reflect what I can do.
Of course, if I was competing, that would be a different story, but I am not.

jasengomez (Oct 23, 2013 at 10:06)

I love this post, I have one on my GT Force and have had 4 others from various brands,,this is perfection and yes I use it for Enduro ! Get one !

bigdan30 (Oct 23, 2013 at 10:14)

I want to see a dropper post that changes the seat angle as it drops. They're a great product, but nobody keeps their saddle level when they have it dropped with a standard post. If saddle could slope slightly back slightly at the slammed position, and then gradually return to level at the maxed position, that's when I'll buy a post.

drivereight (Oct 23, 2013 at 16:43)

I got XC guys bashing on my take LMAO! The top XC riders on the planet don't use a dropper post! Be a boss, learn to ride.

reddirtrides (Oct 23, 2013 at 21:00)

exactly

marvelus10 (Nov 13, 2013 at 11:38)

Why these companies put the cable and mechanism on the back of the seat post right inline with all the mud and spray from the back tire is beyond my comprehension. Just stupid in my opinion.

elchap (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:06)

500 bucks tho?

bigtiga78 (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:33)

Webster Dictionary for: ab·surd adjective \əb-ˈsərd, -ˈzərd\
: extremely silly, foolish, or unreasonable : completely ridiculous

absurd= $450!

mzorich (Oct 22, 2013 at 22:16)

This post did have major problems and they were so much so that Thompson was giving people free stems of there choice because tthey were having so many issues with the post. Yes Thompson makes great parts but they did have tons of issues with this post when it first came out. now they might of work out those problems since then but to give away other products so they dont have to refund all these people having issues ment they were truely having some serious problems with them shredjekyll your in the clear. i have read all the horor storys with them. i wanted one for my stumpy evo but i am very glad i decided to wait.

shredjekyll (Oct 23, 2013 at 7:09)

They were never giving out stems due to issues with the post. They ran a short promotion where you could choose any stem with your purchase of an elite dropper. I was one of the lucky ones who saw the promotion on jensonusa before they took it down and I actually received my 70mm x4 yesterday after nearly 3 months of waiting.

igorgoga (Oct 23, 2013 at 12:25)

pls make the ACTUATION LEVER UNDER THE SEAT SEALED FROM THE ELEMENTS OTHERWISE IT"S A GUTTER THAT WILL COLLECT ALL THE GRIME AND DIRT

meatman (Oct 23, 2013 at 12:38)

Not really light, not really cheap and the cable is mounted to the top of the seatpost. No reason for me to buy that one. Happy with my kind shock lev

readingracing (Oct 23, 2013 at 17:01)

LEV Integra is as good as it gets and the lever is the best design hands down! and seriously a bit of play is hardly a game changer and has no cause or effect while riding!

rgmglglg (Oct 25, 2013 at 21:51)

Dont waste your money on anything else. I have owned everything out there. www.pinkbike.com/news/The-Assembly-of-a-KS-Lev-Seatpost-2012.html

j0302 (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:32)

Half a grand and cabel activated?

madmon (Oct 23, 2013 at 21:42)

rock shox reverbs have leaked oil on almost every part of my 3 bikes

choppertank3e (Oct 22, 2013 at 20:57)

At 6 foot three and lanky as all getout 4 inches isn't exactly gonna get me any leg extension from fully slammed nor is it gonna save my nads from a hammering after being fully raised. Where is a seatpost with 10 inches of travel?

helibike (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:04)

Ahhh... So its 10 inches you are looking for.....

Arnoodles (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:10)

That wouldn't fit in most frames. Being about your height myself I hardly find that much necessary. 6 inches might be justifiable, though.

poozank (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:11)

First of all its 5 inches and at the same height as you thats perfectly adequate.

Arnoodles (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:34)

I wasn't talking about the thomson post when I said 6 inches. I don't even use a dropper. I just figured there could be a market for 6 inch travel droppers for taller guys, since chopper wanted a longer travel one.

zorgote (Oct 22, 2013 at 23:31)

The KS Lev come in a 150mm travel option. Any more than that and you're either weirdly proportioned or on the wrong size frame.

WhatToBuy (Oct 23, 2013 at 6:05)

I've got the 150mm KS dropper, and it flat rocks!! No issues whatsoever.

lubes17319 (Oct 23, 2013 at 7:55)

I've got a 150mm KS & a 100mm XFusion - the 100mm is fine for shorter people, but don't do much for me.
Us sasquatch-sized riders NEED more variability due to our long appendages.
Bike size doesn't matter, it's the differential between extended legs & squatting position, so the dropper length comes down to your leg length only.

dorse (Dec 15, 2013 at 10:58)

The Rase "Black Momba" dropper post has 9 inches of drop. That should work for you.

One more thought on the thumb activated posts. The "Black Momba" only works as an index finger switch. This is a problem if you wish to use the brake. With the thumb activation you will still be able to use your brakes while adjusting your seat height.

scary1 (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:33)

LEV

drivereight (Oct 22, 2013 at 21:54)

All the years I've been mt. Biking, I've never felt the need for a dropper post. Learn to ride.

XCMark (Oct 22, 2013 at 22:12)

So, you DH with your post at maximum? Must be hard to use your hips well if your seat is that high during a descent.

O, you RTR, my bad!

WhatToBuy (Oct 23, 2013 at 6:07)

Wow, this guy is obviously a lycra wearing SLOW downhill rider...

gabriel-mission9 (Oct 23, 2013 at 7:51)

I would imagine he rides downhill after lowering his seat the conventional way. $400 cheaper. 1lb lighter. Infinitely more reliable. Goes 2 inches lower than any dropper post. adds 2-3 seconds to the total seat adjustment time. Seems like a no-brainer really.....