Bontrager’s Drop Line post is one of the easier droppers to fit, thanks to the narrow, easy-opening clamp on the remote, the well-angled bolts on the head and – our favourite feature – a cable that’s clamped at the lever end, not at the base of the post. Three lengths of drop are offered – 100mm, 125mm, and 150mm – but only one diameter – 31.6mm – so riders requiring a 30.9mm option need to look elsewhere. Overall lengths are reasonable, so there shouldn’t be any frame compatibility issues. In use, the drop of the post is smooth (and improved a little with use) and there’s minimal wobble at the saddle. The lever isn’t the biggest out there, but the shape is good and its action light – so long as the cable routing is good. Return speed is decent, too – not so sluggish that you’re waiting around, but not so fast as to put you at risk of a slap in the nether regions.We have found, though, that it requires frequent TLC to keep the return smooth and reliable. Otherwise, it becomes sluggish too quickly for our liking. It’s easy to service, but, for the money, there are more consistent alternatives.
HIGHS
-Easy to service
-Small but comfortable lever
LOWS
-Sluggish return speed when dirty or cold
When running smoothly, this is a decent dropper, but it needs TLC to keep it reliable
Price $360
