How to install a dropper post

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How to install a dropper post | Syd Fixes Bikes

Рет қаралды 149,657

Күн бұрын

Installing a dropper post is one of the best improvements you can make to your bike. And it's quite easy!
What you'll need:
Dropper post: bit.ly/2TGUZ1E
Cable cutters: bit.ly/3eb1MtW
Allen keys: bit.ly/2JqDNLZ
Needle-nose pliers: bit.ly/34KgYeo
Dropper post lever (if it doesn't come with your post): bit.ly/322YTqh
If this is a used post you'll need the following (new posts include these):
Cable bushing (specific to the post): bit.ly/3oH6Lay
Cables, housing, ferrules, cable ends: bit.ly/3jM9xaE
Other things in the shed:
Our toolkit: bit.ly/337LfDf
Work stand: bit.ly/3mTXStc
Tool pegboard: amzn.to/3mTYlLY
Syd's apron: amzn.to/345MbHz
Paint pens: amzn.to/2TpCL4u
00:00 Intro
00:17 What you'll need
00:45 Why should you do this?
01:10 How dropper posts work
03:00 Installing a dropper post
05:04 Measuring the housing length
07:54 Installing the lever
09:30 Common pitfalls and mistakes
11:09 How to install a dropper post in one minute
These links are affiliate links which means we get a small percentage of the sale! The price stays the same for you, but you can support our channel by purchasing through one of these links :)
If this video was helpful and saved you time and/or money, consider supporting the channel:
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Venmo: venmo.com/u/sy...
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Or hit the "Thanks" button above to leave a tip
Our vlogging channel: / sydandmacky
Our Instagram: / sydandmacky

Пікірлер: 160

@sydfixesbikes 2 жыл бұрын

If this video was helpful and saved you time and/or money, consider supporting the channel by hitting the "Thanks" button above to leave a tip.

@netposerx 3 жыл бұрын

At first I wasn't excited about these "fix it" videos but you two figured it out. Putting the "expert" behind the camera and the "novice" in front of the camera was genius. When Syd does something wrong or has a question it provides so much insight. Keep it up.

@downhilldummy8091 3 жыл бұрын

You mean putting the pretty one in front of the camera...? Not to say that Macky isn’t pretty too!

@dfagen1 3 жыл бұрын

Signs that you're making quality content - I am sitting here watching how to install a dropper post on a mountain bike that I don't have.

@downhilldummy8091 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, she’s that good looking.

@downhilldummy8091 3 жыл бұрын

@Merlionno This is the same shit everyone else is starting to do... pair a good riding pro guy with a good looking girl on the channel and what do you get...? Viewers! Such an original idea! If anyone is “simp” Merlionno, it’s you. Nice attempt at trying to insult me to make yourself look better. You’re likely the simple minded fool.

@robf7008 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, Macky I enjoy hearing you helping Syd, but also explaining why she is doing certain things. Thanks for the attention to detail.

@NaoNozawa 2 жыл бұрын

I'm going to install my dropper post tomorrow, so I'm re-watching this video as my prep. Thanks for an excellent video!

@LUKEYMAT Жыл бұрын

The 1 minute video at the end was the biggest help. I would recomend putting that up front and then going into depth after.

@lyndawkswks853 2 жыл бұрын

I know its an older video but keep coming back to your maintenance vids, they are sooo good! thanks a mil just installed my own dropper post thanks to you 😊

@chadlechon9468 3 жыл бұрын

The pause at 5:45 to remember righty-tightly, lefty-loosy - we’ve all done that.

@anttiharing 3 жыл бұрын

How dumb does one have to be to not know which direction loosens a bolt 😂

@johnsonjay60 3 жыл бұрын

@@anttiharing u would be surprised... they get lost in the pedals even lols. I just tell them remember to tighten both towards the front of the bike 😆

@hchaney2010 3 жыл бұрын

Love you guys. Really make it easy to understand what would otherwise be a complicated process. Keep up the good work.

@Yan7001978 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely! "Good job FOX" The clamp for the seat is so easy to work with.👌

@playing_in_trafic 2 жыл бұрын

Super helpful video. Gave me the confidence I needed to buy and fit my own dropper post. Thanks.

@mrowczak1900 3 жыл бұрын

The Emperor's New Groove was awesome in certain way. Especially Yzma. :D

@ThinkyPain 3 жыл бұрын

Why do we even HAVE that lever?

@francmeister420 3 жыл бұрын

i recently got a job at a job in a bike shop.. these videos are helping me so much!

@kenmorris5512 Жыл бұрын

Super helpful video. I had to do this for a friend. It took no time at all just following your instructions. Thx!

@mattkavanaugh5623 3 жыл бұрын

Another great video, thanks! I would suggest a couple of additional points. Leaving the dropper post cable and housing a bit on the long side allows you to more easily put the post out of the frame for maintenance. And if the dropper post isn't operating smoothly, the first thing I try is lubing the post by applying very light, thin lube to the fully extended post and cycling it up and down a few times. This almost always fixes the problem. If it doesn't the post might need more air pressure (shock pump).

@thecappy 2 жыл бұрын

Boom! Just bought my fox transfer and wolf tooth lever. Now I know how to do it myself, and knowing is half the battle.

@cat_glove 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sid this was brilliant. I used your trouble shooting guide at the end to help me. You guys are stars! Rod

@jl-z2461 2 жыл бұрын

Just wanted to confirm that at least one person (myself) got your emperors new groove reference. Just so happened to need help installing a new dropper as well.

@LilRuby1961Bonanza 2 ай бұрын

Such a fun channel you guys have! I learn so much!

@BuddinAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Great videos. I’ve loved watching and learning. I’d like to learn about truing my wheels. Hopefully you can make a video about it for us!

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

✔️ added to the idea list!

@OurMTBJourney 3 жыл бұрын

Once my bike arrives this month this will be one of the first things I do. Great video as always.

@graffix11us 3 жыл бұрын

OK you guys are just reading my mind now. I was literally thinking about this yesterday on a ride and hoping you would do a video on dropper posts. Can't tell you how much I am enjoying this second channel and Syd's Hot Tips :-)

@dystopiaisutopia 3 жыл бұрын

Installed my first dropper last May, 150mm Highline 3. Too short, just upgraded to a OneUp V2 210mm. Perfect fit for my long legs.

@1911Zoey 2 жыл бұрын

210mm?! Are you like 6'8"?

@dystopiaisutopia 2 жыл бұрын

@@1911Zoey Maybe

@Gkam84 3 жыл бұрын

I watched this with the hope you didn't do what I keep hearing about, people setting everything, then cutting the outer without putting the inner back through...A good guide for people who want to install themselves. For routing cables that are awkward, I recommend the Park IR 1.2, especially for internal rear hydraulics.

@dgreensotr 3 жыл бұрын

Love mine. I wouldn't ride without it now. I'm up and down on it like a pogo stick. I've never heard anyone who got one, say they regretted getting it.

@martinschwartz7342 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for another well done and informative video.

@Kio170 3 жыл бұрын

Most excellent! Appreciate the great video. This is going to help with my first MTB- Kona Honzo build. : )

@johnspooner4128 Ай бұрын

Cool video, I'm an old guy so my schredding days are past, I want to completely remove the dropper from my aventon ramblas hardtail, I'm watching these videos to get an idea of what alls in there and if It can be done? Thanks from CO!

@alvinnieves590 3 жыл бұрын

Another thing that may be overlooked if the dropper post is to slow to come back up: some dropper posts also need air like a rear shock. Has happened to me at times and putting air in solves it. Only issue is removing the saddle to access the valve.

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

It seems most manufactures are moving away from this style nowadays, but good point!

@naturallymitch Жыл бұрын

Thank youuuuu! This was very helpful today. Slightly different dropper, but the tips/steps still applied.

@NonLegitNation2 Ай бұрын

yeah, the dropper post I just got yesterday, the cable ends at the dropper post. I am hoping and praying you guys made that other video because trying to install it yesterday and figure out the cable and cable housing length hurt my brain, so I gave up.

@dcproductions7418 3 жыл бұрын

Love the vids & 1min wrap-ups keep them coming.

@jimbo4203 3 жыл бұрын

Nice vid, i really like my dropper for sketchy turns too. Just dropping it a little makes the traction increase so much.

@davidrae8475 3 жыл бұрын

The Park Tool internal routing tool is worth its weight in gold....

@johnb4764 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your videos. They are a huge help.

@carsandguitarss 3 жыл бұрын

Sid is a keeper 👍

@coleslaw71321 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thank you for making this, it was super helpful for me.

@Velo1010 Жыл бұрын

I have a Specialized Camber. Now it does have a hole to route a cable, but tue bike shop said it has to exit right above the shock then to an external dropper post. Yea! I’m not sure about that. However I was searching for external dropper posts. They are so much cleaner than the old dropper’s.

@MrScournoyer Жыл бұрын

Pull the lever Kronk!!!!!

@Andy-xd7ng 7 ай бұрын

thanks for the video…. any chance you have installed a pnw loam post?

@Channel-io1di 10 ай бұрын

Does the cable housing need to go all the way down and be inserted in the dropper? Seem like it could pop out when putting it back in the bike.

@sebastianeigner9461 3 жыл бұрын

If you can‘t route internally and don‘t want to put up with external cables, you might want consider Maguras Veyron elect wich has a battery installed and operates via Bluetooth. I am using a Veyron elect now for more than 2 years and I am really happy with it 😉

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

Cool!

@sebastianeigner9461 3 жыл бұрын

magura.com/de/components/news/2017/veyron-elect/

@johngonzalez1193 2 жыл бұрын

Emperors new groove. Classic kronk.

@sydfixesbikes 2 жыл бұрын

😁

@MaxPowersHedgehog 3 жыл бұрын

One day I would love to see a tour of your shed, from outside to in. It may be the same old shed to you both, but I am interested!

@andrewlittleton7837 3 жыл бұрын

They did a couple of videos on their main channel when they set it up a while ago.

@MaxPowersHedgehog 3 жыл бұрын

@@andrewlittleton7837 Main channel?

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

We're planning to do a tour on this channel soon, but if you don't want to wait 😉 kzfaq.info/sun/PLssWz5AWGkh9xAGOOnehn7SuoVVMmluBV

@Korina42 3 жыл бұрын

I love your videos, even though steel is indeed real. {Boat anchors >soda cans and carpet fiber.} As a retro-enthusiast, I'd love to see you install a Hite-Rite on one of the bikes, just for funsies. 😁

@taylorvice1610 Жыл бұрын

For the two circular (kashima parts at the very top of the seatpost) that The screws go through to attach to the seat mounting hardware, is the bigger more slanted circular part supposed to be in the front or the back? See 7:43. Mine is like this but it seems to tilt the seat back more than it used to, I had to reinstall my dropper post and just wanting to know if I screwed up or not

@simon1976au 3 жыл бұрын

why do we have that leaver ???

@pepegaschnitzel8957 2 жыл бұрын

great video just wondering how you are turning

@patriciamariemitchel 11 ай бұрын

Do you have a video about how to keep fat tires from popping off the rim? I put flat blockers in my son's tires and coming home from his bike ride, his front tire came off. 😮

@user-tw6ho3cc3l Жыл бұрын

I am installing the second post that you showed, where do I find that video?

@targabill 7 ай бұрын

Awesome video

@PhilTaylorPhotog 3 жыл бұрын

Step 1: “Syd on it” Step 2: Push the LEEEEEEver Step 3: We have a lot of “ferals” in Aus....I don’t see any....

@1pho3nixmatt 3 жыл бұрын

Kronk and Yzma lol nice.

@mattiacosta4444 3 жыл бұрын

Great stuff guys, such an interesting channel! I was wondering if you could make a video on Tubeless tyres 101? Things to cover could be: how to install a tubeless tyre, sealant explanation, what to do in case the sealant doesn't seal the puncture, valve problems etc.. Great wee channel again, there's only one thing I hate: Syd's slippers!!! 😂🙈

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

Tubeless explained is definitely on our list of ideas!

@carbern9019 6 ай бұрын

You are frigging awesome

@jhobaugh45 Жыл бұрын

It's actually the left lever, Kronk! 2:14

@z4u68 2 жыл бұрын

I weigh 270 can I use this post Thank you

@reymartvlog7096 2 жыл бұрын

Wow nice dropper post❤

@jonahcarter7705 2 жыл бұрын

If I want to pump the air up can I use a floor pump

@robertspringer9766 Жыл бұрын

Loved your video

@ironman1518. 3 жыл бұрын

YOU two are wayyyy too phunnie but you are teaching us out here, thank you!!

@ClintGriffin1 3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha🐊🎢Why do we even have that lever? Emperor's New Groove is the best!

@HHJoshHH Жыл бұрын

Weird question but: PLEASE tell me what brand of T Allen wrenches you’re using! I’m kind of a tool junkie and I love those shorties. Been looking for them but can’t seem to find them. Also I hate the plastic ones. Lol Love the channel! ❤

@sydfixesbikes Жыл бұрын

Feedback Sports (link in description)

@andrewlittleton7837 3 жыл бұрын

After installing a post where the cable starts at the lever I vowed to never do that again 😆

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, we dealt with those for a number of years and they're a pain!

@misterlarryb 3 жыл бұрын

Great job! I thought "I got this, I can do this" until around 8:20 - If Syd's having trouble, then I'm out of here! And then The All Knowing Voice at 8:29: "You're NOT using the right piece right now!" Not very helpful. How would we know what the right pieces are and where they go? I'd also like to hear less words and see more demo at 9:06. "... you have a couple of adjustments (for what? still talking cable tension adjustment?). You can slide the lever back and forth (why?), you have two attachment points (pretty sure we're past that), and you can rotate the whole thing up and back (you mean down? why?) on the uh, brake lever." Brake lever? Why is the dropper post lever on the brake lever? Just saying, a little confusing, could be more clear by having Syd show what you're talking about. Love Chapter 5 - what could go wrong- very important to know and understand. Great tip and reinforcement about cable housing length. Hope this helps!

@KetansaCreatesArt 3 жыл бұрын

Why isn't the dropper post incorporated with suspension? I mean, level can be adjusted but it will also compress a few inches down from the set point.

@TheClick56 3 жыл бұрын

Your videos are awesome my wife and I watch them together every week! But Syd you need some safety glasses when you’re cutting cables, prying seals out or using a hammer, even just feeding the cable in it could slip and hit you in the face. Please be careful.

@user-wz6wd9nn4w 8 ай бұрын

Does it matter if you crimp that end piece on near the lever????

@sydfixesbikes 8 ай бұрын

The cable end? Not necessarily, but you'll find that the cable tends to fray otherwise

@dimc02 3 жыл бұрын

I know that the dropper pair has required maintenance per manufacturer’s recommendations but is there a suggested interval to replace housing and cable like you would with the deraileur

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

We generally just replace when the lever starts feeling hard to push. Probably once or twice a year depending on the conditions.

@giorgoszamanis6654 2 жыл бұрын

Hi there! Older video of yours.. Hope you will reply.. I want to install a dropper post on my Scott Scale 760 2016, and I'm going for the internal cable routing. I'll run the cable in the down tube but in order to bypass the BB I'll probably have to drill a hole (knowing all the "risks" of doing so). Cable will be externally around the BB area, so.. do you agree drilling a hole on the bottom rear side of the seat tube just above the BB? Any other suggestions?

@sydfixesbikes 2 жыл бұрын

We have also drilled holes to run internal cable routing, so as long as you understand the risks... That is where we drilled the hole for our cable routing too (just above the BB on the back of the seat tube). Good luck!

@Jazzman5 3 жыл бұрын

Is it OK to cut off about an inch from a normal seat post, without causing any issue?? This is on a commuter bike (full rigid)

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, as long as you have plenty of post still in the frame (5+ inches). Assuming you're cutting it down so you can get it deeper into your frame because you can't get it low enough, then you'll be fine cutting off a bit.

@marcel6405 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video and such an awesome channel! Keep it coming! Just got a short question: I want to replace my already installed Transfer with new one with more travel. Now I’m unsure wether I just need to loosen the cable in the lever before trying to pull out the old post or is there something else I should keep in mind? 🤔 Thanks …

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

If you've ridden the current post for a while, this is a good time to replace the cable and housing (use the first method in this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/paeUaq2bm8qUaWg.html). For swapping the post, remove the lever from the bars and slide the lever, housing and cable towards/into the frame while pulling the current post out. Then release the cable from the lever and pull it out. That way you can access both ends of the housing to either replace the cable and housing (which we'd recommend) or just swap the post. Also, make sure to shorten the housing (whether you replace it or not) by the difference in the length of the posts so you don't have a bunch of extra housing sticking out when you put the longer post in.

@marcel6405 3 жыл бұрын

@@sydfixesbikes Thank you so much for your quick and very helpful feedback. I will try that out, maybe first just switching the post, since the current post isn’t that old :-). So let’s see if I can handle it… Cheers…

@luisguevara4113 3 жыл бұрын

How about if I find that my dropper lever is too hard to push at times? What can be causing this? Thanks in advance for any possible reasons/solutions!

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

Most likely you just need to replace the cable and housing. Same process we did in this video, just make sure to mark your post at its current height before you remove it, then you don't have to remeasure afterwards!

@dirtcheck 3 жыл бұрын

hello there! can i use a regular cable cutter that i can buy at home depot? thanks

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

You *can* but they don't work very well for housing and tend to cause the cables to fray so it's better to get a bicycle-specific pair.

@freeridetony 2 жыл бұрын

This frame is super easy, come to fix my please ...🤣🙈

@beckycanode9274 3 жыл бұрын

I want to add a dropper to my bike, but am having a hard time figuring out what size would fit. I'm pretty short and my bike has a curve which limits the seat post insertion. Any advice on how to figure out what dropper will work?

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

The first thing you'll want to do is measure (on your current setup) from the saddle rails to the top of the seat tube (we'll call this measurement A). Then confirm that the dropper post size (amount it drops) is less than A plus 1.5 inches (40cm). Then measure from the saddle rails to the curve in the seat tube that limits seat post insertion (measurement B). Then, when you're looking at dropper posts, check the total length of the post and make sure they're shorter than B. You also obviously need to make sure it matches the diameter of your current post.

@skt4271able Жыл бұрын

i know this is old, but did it not need carbon paste?

@sydfixesbikes Жыл бұрын

Don't remember exactly what we said/did in this video, but yes, there should have been carbon paste!

@terr256 3 жыл бұрын

How do I determine the of my post? I already have one, but I'm planning to match my fox KCs lol I know the diameter, but not sure if it's 100, 120, or 150mm. Thanks!

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

It *should* say on the post (probably on the part that goes in the frame). If not, measure the length of the inner part (the stanchion) that slides into the outer part and round down. Common sizes are 100, 125, 150.

@moneyneeded9912 3 ай бұрын

my issue is i have a headset internal routing so i have no clue how to route one 🤣

@seancunningham1361 3 жыл бұрын

👍

@robwiseman4561 3 жыл бұрын

A mention was made of drilling a hole in the bike. I am considering this on a very heavy aluminum bike. I can’t imagine a small hole will weaken my bike. What has been your experience.

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

We drilled holes in our aluminum Jamis frames a couple years ago so we could run internally routed droppers. Worked fine, no issues and we raced those bikes hard!

@robwiseman4561 3 жыл бұрын

@@sydfixesbikes thanks. I'm going to do it.

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

Good luck!

@APEXPOPPER 3 жыл бұрын

whats the height of the dropper post you have

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

That's a 150.

@blake_t_smith189 3 жыл бұрын

That bee through

@rjahn3000 3 жыл бұрын

My new youtube channel will now be called...." I ride like a Ninny MTB":)

@DanielGonzalez-vh3te 3 жыл бұрын

Greetings, guys. install that droper seatpost, and when you adjust the saddle , this moves a little. it's normal

@darrenhaines1 3 жыл бұрын

This video came about 3 days late for me! Luckily I don't seem to have screwed it up too badly. Biggest concern for me with an external dropper was working out how to best route the cable - and which side to go around the headtube.

@seanflorian4653 2 жыл бұрын

The only time it's ok to clamp on the frame

@sebastianwill9442 2 ай бұрын

3 years later, trying to figure out how to actually route the cable into the lever and that part was like not shown at all, duh!

@sydfixesbikes 2 ай бұрын

It's different for ever lever.

@sebastianwill9442 2 ай бұрын

@@sydfixesbikes yeah, but I have the same as yours :D

@sydfixesbikes 2 ай бұрын

Should be a bolt on the bottom of the lever. Loosen it, thread the end of the cable through, tighten the bolt, cut the end of the cable and add a cable end.

@chocoloco911 4 ай бұрын

lol I just saw the emperors new groove today

@thrdwrld3 3 жыл бұрын

question out of nowhere.....did you guys move to Canada from the U.S.?

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

Nope, grew up in Ohio (Syd) and NM (Macky)

@danielkaz6280 3 жыл бұрын

Great 👍🏻

@georgegande1779 3 жыл бұрын

Sooo many spare parts on the shelves!! I only have a spare chain and brake pads :(

@EMTBonsai 6 ай бұрын

Yeha horrible seat adjustment system on these transfers honestly I just replace my new Emtb saddle with my wtb one them Bolts that unhook dont ever unscrew them completely your have a bad 20 mins getting things back together then the top part never lines up again absolute nightmare lol its my first emtb and first dropper but im old skool DH ridermand Street trails one thing a saddle has never been of any use to me at lights itmwas always slammbed out the way even on a 14in trails bike as trai bike was waht we called the street free Riding back in the day so much has changed lol this new bikemof mine is way different to my Giant ATX ONE 😂

@rgreen1378 3 жыл бұрын

I always feel like “ok, I can do this.” How do you decide what brand of dropper?

@johnsonjay60 3 жыл бұрын

Rockshox reverb or fox transfer 🤙

@anttiharing 3 жыл бұрын

First you need to know what lenght of dropper you want and after that get the most expensive you can for your budget by looking at reviews.

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

We love our Fox Transfers (bit.ly/2TGUZ1E)! Super reliable, infinite adjust, cable actuated (we much prefer cable actuated over hydraulic). They aren't the cheapest, but we think they're the best! 🤷‍♀️

@johnsonjay60 3 жыл бұрын

@@sydfixesbikes agreed!:) crank bros makes a decent dropper too. One up is nice but I've heard hit or miss with the oneup from experience with them. As far as cheap but will still do the decent job. prolly "brand x" or something of that nature🤙

@OjStudios 3 жыл бұрын

Where do all these bots come from? I'm exhausted to report each and every one.. Loved the video anyways!

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

I've deleted them all now...but it's super annoying! 😬

@xalexanderx7342 3 жыл бұрын

Dude my reverb is not working right Please help

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately since the Reverb is hydraulic actuated, they're much harder to diagnose. Hopefully it just needs a bleed, but otherwise probably needs to be sent in for repair 🤷‍♀️

@treesandthings8853 3 жыл бұрын

Why do we even have that lever!?

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

Yes 😂

@EvansMTBSaga 3 жыл бұрын

Mackey is busted. The camera flip around clip in the intro is the same every video!

@sydfixesbikes 3 жыл бұрын

Haha, we have used this one a couple times, but they're not all the same.

@waynemacleod3416 3 жыл бұрын

WD40 using the red nozzle adapter makes the cable install easier, just be careful not to press the nozzle hard. the little red tube will actually fit in most cable sheaths.