Is a $1000 dropper really worth it? High Low Ep 2

Is a $1000 dropper and seat really that much better?
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Credit to Donut Media & Pinkbike for the inspiration behind this mega series.
Links to the parts seen in this video (affiliate links):
Polygon Siskiu D5 (red one) - bikesonline-us...
Polygon Siskiu D7 (yellow bike, my main) - bikesonline-us...
Rockshox Reverb AXS - bit.ly/3twe346
Selle Italia Seat - bit.ly/3hEnrNv
PNW Loam Dropper - bit.ly/3ttjaSF
ICAN Carbon Fiber Seat Clamp 34.9mm for 31.6mm - amzn.to/2KiwHtW
EC90 Carbon Bike Seat - amzn.to/37GQqvS
Wolftooth Seatpost Clamp - bit.ly/3HTzktX
To buy me a cup of coffee & support the channel: www.buymeacoff...
For business inquiries: [e-mail]
If you'd like to send me something for a future video idea:
Evan's MTB Saga
PO Box 6498
Goodyear, AZ 85338

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks to Nord VPN for sponsoring this video! Get the exclusive deal here: nordvpn.com/Evans

[@codyfournellcsrf5164]

your links dont work

[@angelsouth3864]

@@codyfournellcsrf5164 Nord is getting DDOS'd at the moment lol

[@Goose_is_king]

Hi Evan I love the inspiration u took from donut media

[@sendyseth22]

In my opinion for the low bike I would go with a micro shift advent or advent x drivetrain I have one and I’ve never had any problems. Keep riding

[@kekhrieshuya5479]

The shimano deore groupset is pretty good too

[@sendyseth22]

@@kekhrieshuya5479 I also agree with that too

[@alanfruitcake8815]

My micro shift advent group set works really well as well, and it's lighter than shimano XT (not that I'm a weight weenie)

[@lachlanryan8698]

i’m a bicycle mechanic and have been working with a lot of microshift recently as of shortages in shimano supply. i have been really impressed by that stuff and you get a really good bang for your buck!!

[@chiefboyarr-dee8337]

Honestly if you want to go mega cheap mode acolyte with a different derailleur works pretty well too

[@SSyclone]

I can tell you put a lot of effort into this series. Keep it up!

[@Skycrewers]

when a single dude alone can do a better job than pinkbike

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha thanks Koala!!

[@sarahp4988]

exactly

[@georgeoliver8300]

I love how Chad is like the devil on the shoulder and Evan is the voice of reason

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha it's funny you say that. I tried to explain that on camera but it didn't work out well, then you explain it so well in one sentence haha. Thanks George!

[@jamesvail23]

I dont usually leave comments, but this series deserves all the algorithm-generating love it can get. Awesome work man!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Dude thanks James I appreciate you looking out like that!

[@ryanmichels2981]

Thx for the quality content! I never thought about swapping a post between a few bikes, interesting concept for those that could make it work. As for me I have 3 bikes, 2 with 210 posts, 1 with 170 (210 won’t fit frame), and all diff diameters.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I used to have different diameters too. I wish there was an industry standard!

[@mtus647]

You could always get the dropper that fits the slimmer tube and get shims for the other bikes. STONKS

[@The_RC_Dude]

Love these videos Evan, I love all your videos, at this point they make me as happy as when Seth uploads! All the little jokes...Chad is on full snob mode! 🤣🤣 Why do I foresee Chad buying an electronic SRAM of Shimano drivetrain? And I’ll bet Chad will be the first on the pre order list for electronic brakes, lest just hope those don’t run out of battery mid-run! Has he also got electronic lockouts and stuff planned for his forks and shocks?

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I have a feeling electric drivetrain is in the future too hahah. But I've been wanting for electric brakes for myself! I think it's so cool haha

[@coinmandyl]

@@EvansMTBSaga shouldn’t have to untwist cables after barspins lol but you really don’t want the battery to go flat

[@Ilionio627]

Donut media high-low but with bikes. (Same music and edit style) I love it. Keep up the good work!

[@skooterbrah]

$800.00 for a seatpost? That is actually more than the cost of a good hardtail, with decent quality components. Even if cost wasn't a factor, I just couldn't see myself buying one.

[@nathancheung3601]

I’d only ever get one if I learn barspins and want a cleaner cockpit for that

[@skooterbrah]

@@nathancheung3601 Cool point. But, seeing that I am 55 years old and having had many hip surgeries, I don't think that handlebar spins are I my future. 😜

[@Paledrifter87]

if price wasn't an issue why would you not want one?

[@willjones5816]

I could see the use for an expensive wireless if you didn’t have an existing option to route cables. Never drilled a hole in a carbon frame, hope I never do.

[@lukerisser9163]

Love how you took what is wrong with the pink bike series and fixed it

[@felixfam0481]

I dont really think 2 different droppers would change your time on timed course since they can't really do that, its not a direct performance enhancement like a fork or tires. But this only appiles if both posts are working with no issues of course. But I do think this video does prove a good point about different benefits between the droppers.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yeah an $800 dropper is kind of absurd!

[@matteohardwick1499]

Don't forget it wasn't just droppers, he also purchased new seats for both bikes which could improve the time with comfort and power efficiency and what not

[@johanandersson6812]

My 95 dollar dropper is a fucking champion.

[@felixfam0481]

@@johanandersson6812 my $120 brand x ascend still works better and way more consistantly than my fox transfer ($400) with a kashima coat 💀 it's honestly embarrassing how much better it works

[@noahstewartmtb2131]

Such a great series! I like it way more than pinkbikes because you are actually using reliable components that beginners, and intermediate riders would actually consider buying! Keep up the great work!

[@CoachLo3]

I actually just bought a office chair dropper post and love it! It does look a little weird tho reaching into my growing area on the trails… looking forward to seeing you change the bike into a 29er!

[@MercLilGump]

Did the same thing on my hardtail but attached a brake cable and lever to it. Looks even weirder when I grab the wrong lever

[@lenny3577]

I've been waiting forever for another episode on this series, thanks for uploading

[@mramtb2865]

Funny same day you posted this Seath posted in Instagram that he had forget the battery of his dropper at home while he was in Sedona. So he had to buy one there.....PS I like your videos

[@GhettoSuguru]

Good start can't wait for more from this series

[@fishrideandski4910]

Chad like that 1000% drip

[@croomrider9785]

My oneup dropper v2 is amazing, I know it’s gonna work every time I use it. It’s $200. And I’ve crashed hard and it’s held up perfectly.

[@kuyaanima]

Donut Collab when 🤣, keep up with the series man, lovin it!

[@sportnation8885]

REMEMBER grease is for moving parts and should not be applied for things like seat posts which are not meant to move!!!

[@johndef5075]

A thin layer wont hurt. Been doing it for 30 years with no problems.

[@cl4589]

Your dedication on this was well worth it. I like your acting, I think it suits perfectly on that character 😀 By the way I hope you don't go bankrupt after this series hahah

[@EvansMTBSaga]

It's only getting crazier after this just wait haha. But I plan on selling most everything after so I won't be out much money

[@alanfruitcake8815]

The microshift advent/ advent X groupset would work really well on the low bike

[@drownedgod]

id go with deore 11/12 spd

[@alanfruitcake8815]

@@drownedgod deore isn't as good specs wise for the price and they're nearly both as good as eachother. Also it's cheaper which fits the high V low theme going. People who have bought a budget/big box bike usually don't want to spend a fortune on their bike and microshift is a great option. I just think it fits the series better than deore.

[@harvmoid6065]

I've been subbed to this channel since around 6k subs and the quality of content is amazing. I am so pleased to see you getting the recognition you deserve

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Thanks dude it's been a crazy journey!

[@anthonyscuderi9931]

Yo Evan thanks for the great/fun content man keep it up! Maybe I’ll see ya out on the trails. Ride AZ brotha!

[@valle4045]

Upgraded my dropper today but had to go via external wiring because my bike is not dropper ready works just fine

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yeah external droppers are cool! Better than drilling out your frame lol

[@valle4045]

@@EvansMTBSaga or spending 800 bucks on an wireless one

[@larryisaak6431]

Always a great day when you upload

[@youtubeviewer9523]

I always wanted to see a bike version of hi lo, the gods have answered me lol

[@runner4life779]

This series is so good!!

[@nggaming5196]

Solid stuff man, Can’t wait for more episodes!

[@dallinmaddock5923]

Sweet video Evan. Your acting is super cheesy and that’s just all part of the fun! Keep it up.

[@sim_dude]

Nice episode, can't wait for the fork upgrade.

[@benhockey380]

Love the intro of this series

[@onewheeldrive2645]

This is a good high low comparison for sure. Good one bro! I just rode your local trail a couple days ago. Down from the Christmas tree through kimurls hurl is a fun section over there. Ride safe and keep the shiny side up!

[@mac16a]

Please if you decide to swap tyres, could you go with the same width and thread pattern for both bikes? You know, low end and high end compound versions within the same model. So that we can see the difference between actual rubber.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Can you give examples? I'm open. I bought one set of tires already but always open to changing my mind

[@mac16a]

@@EvansMTBSaga For instance Continental has cheaper tyres with basic compound and more expensive black chilli rubber (x-king). Bontrager has XR2 comp version with single compound and XR2 team issue with multiple compounds. Schwalbe (nobby nic) does the same thing with performance and super trail/super ground versions.

[@bencourter5333]

@@mac16a I would interested in this as well. Tires can have a big impact on performance on a bike.

[@harrybarrett5085]

For example, running wire bead maxis dhf’s vs exo+ max terra dhf’s

[@mac16a]

@@harrybarrett5085 exactly what I mean. But both sets with the same width and runs done on the same pressure regardless if tubeless or with innertubes.

[@kevinhodgins9071]

Great video Evan! PNW also has lifetime warranty and not sure on the fancy one! What about adjustability in dropper height if you were to switch between bikes? Quality production and looking forward to rest of series

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I need to look into that because the Selle seat is taller so the Reverb is about 5mm too tall for me

[@RomansDowntime]

I bought the reverb axs a while ago. I love it, but i also know i won’t buy another ever again

[@BlueDevil1914]

I was considering getting one. Why wouldn't you buy another?

[@RomansDowntime]

@@BlueDevil1914 it works great but the price is astronomical. Many bikes don’t have the same seat post diameter, so swapping it between bikes isn’t always guarantee.

[@AverageGuyBicycleMechanic]

Love the series and the creativity plus some pretty cool camera angles. The Nord VPN ad was a little over the top... Looking forward to the next vid. Keep them coming!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Trying to be creative with it and helps fund these super expensive videos

[@luckyshark3178]

This is exactly what donut media did even the music and the intros

[@purplegarage05]

Man that's actually a really good point with the reverb just have to remember the lever aswell ad the post hahaha

[@ks_bikzzz]

Sick video dude. Could you please do a review on magura mt5 brakes one day please?

[@kekhrieshuya5479]

For the budget fork, a manitou or an sr suntour air fork could do

[@Justin-k6n]

not the sun tour there is already one and they suck

[@henryrodriguez8157]

just found this channel and your videos are awesome! Keep up the good work

[@Aceton_]

I just love the series way better than pinkbikes

[@martinupchurch5360]

excellent video as always. thanks for the content.

[@JoshTaylor]

Evan must have been watching Donut Media -- that other bike network channel did something similar recently, but missed the mark. This promises to be better, at least for entertainment. Subbed.

[@downsouthlouisiana]

That's exactly what this reminds me of!!

[@mtbtoast3884]

ayo the way he greaces the low dropper😳

[@Adrian-dx6yz]

LETS GOO im so glad you finally got a sponsor you make amazing underrated content

[@Oregonfreerider]

Great series!! This is SO much better then the PB version of this. Can't wait for the next episode!

[@IeuanParsons]

it’s a stolen series from donut media with cars it’s literally 1:1 stolen same music format everything fucking plagiarised

[@Oregonfreerider]

@@IeuanParsons he acknowledged that at the beginning. It’s fine. You gotta chill

[@SvenfromKiel]

Thx...exactly what I am looking for...struggling between PNW Loam vs Reverb AXS.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Loam for sure

[@darkomtc]

One question. I'm 2:35 into the video. Are you adding friction paste or regular grease? If it's grease, apply as little as you can, just to stop it from binding, otherwise your seat will rotate and ask for more clamp force which can damage clamp, frame or even seat post. Not trying to be smart, just to help some folks.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Regular grease. I usually grease it up, but I took the glove and rubbed it in super thin this time to avoid creaking. But you recommend friction grease instead? I love learning new tricks

[@FlyingFun.]

I remember using toothpaste to stop my seat from twisting and sinking. Grease had to be cleaned off first, it worked incredibly well, never had a problem since.

[@FlixlyFul]

another all-nighter another banger video

[@GokkunGuru]

Love these type of videos. The acting is great too. Italian leather seat for my sweet cheeks…hold my La Croix. Hahahahaha

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Haha I just had someone comment that the acting is getting worse! Thanks man!

[@diegohonorato8676]

I love this!!!! Donut media do the same thing but with cars. It's called Hi&Low

[@EvansMTBSaga]

For sure man! I credited them in the description. Huge inspiration

[@mintyaviation2376]

Great to see you grow so fast Evan, been here since 1k

[@simplyaverage6025]

Dude, if you work as a nurse to afford all that, you must be working your ass off. Hope this youtube stuff works out for you. Dope content by the way.

[@GokkunGuru]

Reverb AXS is so bomb man. Just wished they made the collar all black instead of silver.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I know exactly why it's silver! To stand out. Status symbol!

[@GokkunGuru]

@@EvansMTBSaga Is that Chad talking? Lol

[@larseastman1567]

Love the donut media parody!

[@WhatsNinePlusTen21]

The mtb version of donut media hi/low I love it

[@triplucox6666]

Man you're doing this better than pinkbike made it, hope you make smart upgrades!

[@nvire5202]

Evan, please remember me when you'll be famous with hundreds of thousands of subscribers 😅

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Will do Envire thanks for the support

[@nvire5202]

@@EvansMTBSaga Thanks a lot! I believe in you! I'm sure you'll make it in the scene like Seth over at Berm Peak

[@vlbz]

Funny how a dropper is the single most important upgrade one can make to a bike that doesn't have it, yet any cheap dropper is perfectly fine as long as it's reliable.

[@jlj547]

For a budget dropper post another good one is x fusion manic dropper. Smooth and is a work horse.

[@MrWhiskeyShits]

Agreed. I have one in my Xtrada 7 and it has been fantastic.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I think most new droppers are pretty equal. Trans X was good to me too

[@jlj547]

@@EvansMTBSaga I agree with the development in technology is the last couple years even the budget parts are of good quality for the average rider. Awesome series you have got going on.

[@astralzombie]

Spending any more than $200-$220 for either a PNW or OneUp dropper is pretty much crazy talk…AXS is neat and all, but the dentists and doctors can buy those!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I've had people encourage me to get a $350+ Fox Factory dropper and I just couldn't pull the trigger yet just for a gold tube haha. One day I'll try Oneup!

[@bapangjay1980s]

I like this video Its like watching Donut media Hi Low,But on a Bike series one.👍

[@nigelbrownwellington6514]

That look like a Loam lever, which adds another $70 on that PNW dropper. I run a brand X and love the dropper, but added a Wolftooth ReMote immediately. THAT adds up to a premium $200 dropper experience!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

It was the cheaper $30 PNW lever which I don't think is sold anymore.

[@yukaira]

this feels like bike donut!

[@benjaminreohr4577]

Love the series so far. High bike really has to get a thru rear axle on its frame though. No amount of high quality parts will fix the QR flex in the rear triangle.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

I have a plan for that!! 🙂

[@benjaminreohr4577]

Awesome dude. I look forward to seeing it. Keep up the good work!

[@jalbrecht55]

Can you add a weight tally for each component on the episodes?

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yes will do! Forgot about that

[@T800-p7p]

actually front derailleur has very nice advantages over 1x. one big thing for me is chainline.

[@angelsouth3864]

Really nice video. Keep it up dude!

[@eugene44569]

5:04 Seth back in 2015 used a front shifter as a dropper lever you should have done that to save the cost on a lever

[@jawg2392]

Cold weather affects a lot of the reverbs

[@eugene44569]

Nice Evan you got a sponsor!

[@liamknee6643]

Idk if u still have the front shifter on but if you do just go to your nearest bike store and buy a 30 tooth front one for like 25$ it’s better than having a big clunky 3 by

[@MrSupermugen]

Droppers are weird, as the oneup is in reality the best one on the market for practical use, lots of travel options, low stack, low insert and good actuation/reliable. the AXS Rockshox is very good performance wise and you get to remove a cable, but for me put it in this perspective: oneup 240 dropper, $320NZD. they last years with rebuilds and bigger shims available for play with one downside of a cable vs the RS AXS, max 170mm travel, battery $1500nzd... two upsides, performs best on market and no cable. Most dream builds dont even bother with AXS reverb. and yes, i can afford one and used to have one on my Enduro bike.

[@luisvitoriocargnini904]

On the 200 bucks range One-Up, hands down the best dropper post, saddle go Ergon.

[@EvansMTBSaga]

One-up coming soon!!

[@hoopman05]

Sick reverb dropper. I have a question though, what if you ran out of charge halfway on tour ride, can you manually control it still?

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Nope. I believe that the battery will allow one more activation and go down, not 100% sure on that

[@hoopman05]

That's too bad. Wouldve been perfect if it had both manual and auto controls. I have a feeling the RD would also be wireless 😜😜😜

[@patrickarts5231]

The carbon clamp seat just snap haha maybe aluminum is the best option I'm every bike

[@EvansMTBSaga]

It worked really good for a year :(

[@patrickarts5231]

@@EvansMTBSaga hahaha damn at least it last for a year I have a road bike but I only use alloy because I'm scared of carbon

[@bikeislife8405]

That Donut media MTB edition!

[@BasicBodThor]

Better version of what Pinkbike did as the budget parts actually make sense

[@AbideinChristFully]

I would like to hear more about the droppers, other than "worth it or not".

[@udxpierre]

If it's not a RS Reverb Axs post don't buy it. Buy a $200 post. Buy a Bikeyoke or even better buy a Fox Transfer and have years of problem free dropping.

[@cartikujo6230]

Your videos are so entertaining

[@BigPaco213]

what toque set is that?

[@nickcowen4565]

Protect donut!

[@dotz833]

At least you gave credit to donut media

[@BenTrenBro]

I really want to see what brakes and drivetrain you will put on low bike hmm

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Low bike is getting mid/upper tier surprisingly

[@EvansMTBSaga]

And it'll still seem like a low price compared to what the high bike is getting

[@jackarnoldy8966]

I think that the low bike should get a set of magura mt thirty brakes.

[@drakes84]

Oh definitely. Why can I never find anything on the mt30s. I have two sets and they’re great, great stopping power, and great price.

[@MRsly68]

Someone's been watching donut media 🤔😂 nice job 👍🏻

[@carrotman2871]

Should I get a 1x or a dropper first? (I have a sram XO 2x and a hope seat post)

[@EvansMTBSaga]

If you are having MAJOR problems with dropped chains and bad shifting, then the drivetrain. If not, get a dropper

[@johndef5075]

Nothing wrong with 2x. Get a dropper.

[@francisraven916]

Is this the donut media of bikes

[@reillys7981]

As silly as it is, that reverb axs is so nice!

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Agreed! It feels very high quality

[@druciaqq3260]

it looks kinda similar to donut media's hi low series with two nissans 370z, hmmm even intro songs are the same

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Yup I mentioned that multiple times.

[@athishmarutharaj6001]

contact points are every thing

[@matejbaca355]

thats like a high low series from Donut media but bike edition :D

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Heck yeah!

[@jopann88]

this is giving me donut media vibes

[@WestonNey]

The hassle of stupid batteries and having to swap over a dropper post makes buying an individual dropper for every bike totally worth it.

[@eugene44569]

Sidenote: the red bike the d5 went up to 1099. Although the 2021 version Is a 100 dollars cheaper and the parts o. Both bikes are the same exact color

[@MessieuxLion]

maybe next year rockshox will make the remote a touch screen just to make it more expencives for the fashion victim