The dropper seatpost is one of the most significant advances in the cycling industry, revolutionizing the way cyclists optimize their performance. Initially, its use became popular in extreme mountain bike disciplines, where the ability to adjust the saddle height in real time offers advantages on technical descents and rough terrain. However, over time, its application has extended to other categories, including road bikes, gravel and urban bikes.
Few imagined that this component would make it to the most prestigious road races, but that changed in the 2022 Milan-San Remo. Slovenian cyclist Matej Mohorič made history by becoming the first professional to win this race using a dropper seatpost on a road bike. His strategic choice was key in the final kilometers of the season's first Monument, surprising experts and fans alike.
The debate about the usefulness of this component on road bikes soon heated up. Is it really functional in road cycling or just a marketing strategy? Although Mohorič has received the most media attention, he is not the first cyclist to use it in competition. Vincenzo Nibali, known for his descending technique, has also resorted to the dropper seatpost on several occasions, especially during his first stint at Astana (2013-2016).
While in mountain biking the adoption of this component is more than established, its incorporation into road bikes continues to raise doubts. However, Mohorič's victory has opened the door to new possibilities and strategies in top-level competition.
Dropper seatpost: what is it and how does it work?
The first thing is to clarify the concept of a dropper seatpost for those who are not familiar with them. The dropper seatpost is a variant of the classic fixed metal seatpost. It arrived to solve a recurring problem for MTB trail or enduro riders. When facing a technical and steep descent, many bikers they were forced to lower the fixed seatpost to facilitate movement. A shorter seatpost also allows the rider to shift their body weight down and back, which increases stability. In this way, it is easier to control the bike on steep descents.
It is activated by a lever or remote control installed on the handlebar.
The introduction of the dropper seatpost came to solve the cumbersome process of manually adjusting this component. A task that until then could only be done while stopped. And how did it achieve this? By introducing a spring or hydraulic cartridge inside, similar to that of a suspension fork. Thanks to this internal cartridge, it is possible to lower part of the seatpost shaft, using the cyclist's own weight. 
The mechanism is activated by a lever or remote control installed on the bike's handlebar. This can be a lever or paddle, cable or wireless, or integrated into the grip. By pressing the lever, the seatpost drops until you release it. And to return the seatpost to its original position, simply activate the lever again, but without putting your weight on the saddle.
Advantages of the dropper seatpost for road cycling
It is, therefore, a simple mechanism to use, which brings a series of advantages related to bike handling, stability, and rider comfort. But also some drawbacks, mainly related to greater mechanical complexity. In a previous article, we already analyzed the main advantages and disadvantages of this system in mountain bikes. In the case of a road bike, new nuances are added to the already known benefits of this type of seatpost. Among them, the following:
Improved aerodynamics
While it is not a very relevant aspect for mountain bikes, on the road it becomes very important, especially in competition. The dropper seatpost allows the rider to lower their body position and get closer to the frame. This change allows for a lower wind impact and, therefore, energy and watt savings. Mohoric himself highlighted this improvement after his victory in Milan–San Remo. The Slovenian, one of the best descenders in the peloton, was one of the pioneers of the so-called supertuck or bicho-bola position. In this position, the rider crouches down, gets off the saddle, and rests on the superior tube. 
Image: Gian Mattia D'Alberto
This position was banned by the UCI in 2021, which opened the door to new ways to achieve an equally aerodynamic position. And this is where the dropper seatpost comes into play, to imitate this aero posture. In this way, it doesn't seem like just another whim of a professional, nor a marketing action. There are compelling reasons for its use.
Precision in turns
On the descent of a mountain pass, the line through the curves is fundamental in two aspects: performance and safety. Straying from it ruins all progress. The dropper seatpost allows you to lower the position of your body and arms, bringing them closer to the bike and handlebars. This allows more control to facilitate any maneuver.
Improved braking
This is another benefit Mohoric cited for installing this type of seatpost on his bike. The lower position made possible by the dropper provides more control over inertia when braking. Let's say it controls the force that throws the cyclist forward when slowing down in curves, crests, etc. Thus, it allows better and faster modulation of speed to handle any technical section.
Comfort
In theory, a dropper seatpost allows a finer adjustment of the cyclist’s position on the bike, regardless of the terrain. It helps to combat the fatigue caused by competition; especially in stage races. In fact, that was the argument once put forward by Vincenzo Nibali, the true pioneer in this field. Likewise, this device can be a great ally in moments when a mechanical issue forces a sudden bike change between teammates. Let's recall, for example, the image of Esteban Chaves in the 2019 Vuelta. An almost surreal scene as he tried to adapt to his teammate Damien Howson’s bike, which was 25 cm too tall for him.
Disadvantages of the dropper seatpost for road cycling
As in other disciplines, installing a more complex seatpost means accepting a series of trade-offs:
More weight
This is possibly the biggest obstacle to the widespread adoption of the dropper seatpost in road cycling. While it’s true that lighter and more compact models are coming to market, the weight increase is noticeable. On average, you can add up to 400 more grams to the bike compared to a conventional seatpost, including the remote control.
Requires extra maintenance
If you choose a seatpost with a hydraulic cartridge, it will be necessary to perform internal maintenance on the mechanism; at least once a year. This involves cleaning, replacing seals, and lubricating. On the other hand, mechanical models can have their cable actuation go out of adjustment relatively easily, causing the seatpost to rise slowly or drop very quickly. 
Low compatibility with current bikes
The frame must be prepared to accommodate the seatpost and the cable routing that connects it to the handlebars. And, in reality, very few bikes are ready even to easily install this component. It is an aspect that could be solved over time if manufacturers see real potential in these seatposts for road cycling. In Mohoric's case, the bike the Slovenian had been riding for these races was the Reacto
, the most aero model from Merida. But in the 2022 Milan San Remo he chose the Scultura
, a more versatile model. The reason is that it is a bike adapted to a conventional round-section seatpost, and not wedge-shaped as seen on the more aerodynamic bikes.
Mohoric's seatpost: from MTB, lightweight and simple
The dropper seatpost that Matej Mohoric chose to attack the Milan San Remo is a model aimed at MTB that was launched on the market in 2021. It is the Fox Transfer SL. A seatpost that became very popular in World Cup XC builds due to its low weight and simple spring mechanism. The Slovenian even chose a mid-range finish: the Performance, with 60 mm of travel (stock is 75) and a weight of 353 grams. It means an increase of 200 grams compared to the fixed carbon seatpost he had used until now. A figure that is quite noticeable in competition. Certainly, at a touring level it does not imply excessive ballast and the benefits it brings can justify the change.
Mohoric operated the seatpost several times, using a Grip Shift lever integrated into the grip.
To operate the seatpost, Mohoric used a Grip Shift lever integrated into the left grip, thus avoiding adding extra clamps and bolts. “Now I think everyone will start using seatposts of this type. It will be like in Formula 1, where years ago cars only had an accelerator and a brake pedal and now they have dozens of buttons,” said Mohoric after winning the race.
And what does the UCI say?
The impact of this issue has led the UCI to confirm the legality of the dropper seatpost in professional cycling. In fact, the approval of this mechanism for road competitions was already granted in 2014. In this sense, it is enough that the builds comply with the regulations. These state that the tip of the saddle must be at least 5 cm behind the imaginary vertical line that passes through the bottom bracket axle. In this sense, the greater or lesser height of the saddle is irrelevant.
Are they worth it for road cycling?
The path opened by Mohoric could have consequences in the market and it is possible that sooner rather than later the first road bikes with stock dropper seatposts will appear. But it is still a step that brands have not confirmed and it is possible that the decision will require analysis and studies deeper about its suitability. Therefore, if you have already considered following the steps of the Slovenian champion and are thinking about installing a dropper post on your bike, we recommend that you think carefully before spending the money. You should also check the compatibility of your bike with the system: check the seatpost diameter, its travel, and the possibility of having a remote lever on the handlebar.
Before you rush to buy a dropper post, check your bike's compatibility with the system.
Finally, consider whether the increased weight and greater mechanical complexity, in addition to the higher investment, will be worse than the extra safety and confidence it will give you on descents. It may be that in the end, due to the type of routes or your descending skills, you hardly use it. Or, on the other hand, it could be a key element to finally overcome your fear of descents.