Long Term Review: PNW Components COAST SUSPENSION Dropper Post

Reasons why I started to rethink the dropper on drop bar bikes. Also a long term review of the PNW Cost Dropper post. PNW Components Coast Dropper: bit.ly/2WPrqgv
*Disclosure: Coast Dropper provided by PNW Components for review.
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[@dant.6364]

So much info on YT is geared toward racers where saving 5 seconds per mile is crucial. It is so rare to find practical info like this that is geared toward me who rides for exercise and enjoyment. Can’t wait until Laura comes on board with her perspective too. Easily going to top 100k subscribers in the near future. Thanks to Russ for hanging in there all these years to make this channel a success.

[@djsaunter]

Every mountain biker: “See” Once you go dropper post, you can never go back.

[@lakishaweaks9784]

Just order 1 on ebay less than retail.

[@dand3975]

I bought that exact dropper post. The suspension part Never held air. It would slip down to lowest position while riding. I returned for refund. Have never received a refund. I Went to a carbon suspension post (no drop) a amazing ride comfort. The regular dropper posts are a great idea but the dropper/suspension post didn't work at all for me.

[@evanbarnes9984]

Dropper posts are fantastic! I bikepacked this year and last year on a few of the same trails. Last year, I didn't have a dropper, but I did have short travel rear suspension. This year, hardtail with dropper. This year's setup is indisputably better! Being able to constantly adjust saddle height to fit the terrain is so valuable.

[@skyfirefly76]

Thank you!!!! I have a dropper post on my gravel bike and I never use it. But, now I'm going to get used to it, because this finally makes sense to me!

[@niner8tangojuliet149]

If you’re sendy enough to need a dropper, please remember that the carbon gravel fork spec’d on your gravel road bike is probably not as sendy as you are.

[@jimbo4203]

Yes the specialized web site says my gravelbike is made for all trails were jumping is not involved

[@eventsdearboy]

like he explains, the main reason for a dropper on a gravel bike is for steep and loose descending in the drops, not necessarily getting air

[@jimbo4203]

@@eventsdearboy ya love my dropper on my Giant mtb, for turns to get low you can really rail them. For going downhill and for just getting on and off the bike

[@eventsdearboy]

@@jimbo4203 sounds fun! i really want one... (on my gravel bike). Just for those steep, hairy, loose descents!

[@TrailFeatures]

Great review! Been really liking the coast. Pairs great with a bike that already has a softer ride (plus tires and/or supple frame). Already great for MTB hardtails to take the bite out out rough seated climbs, or newbies that are still getting used to standing up on the bike when things get rough.

[@bradleycraig9011]

I got a dropper for my mountain bit and found it was most useful getting on and off the bike. Once my 2 year old started riding with me on his Shotgun seat it was a huge help.

[@mikewilander3729]

So glad to see you review PNW! I posted a review of their old Rainier years ago when they were just starting and I still love it. I can also say that PNWs customer service is awesome!

[@gordsimpson8916]

Love my dropper post for every reason you stated. When carrying coffee drop seat to be more stable less spillage.

[@freda.8701]

the PNW COAST is (a) saddle suspension (b) dropper post...am a senior, not in competitive cycling...just needed to (1) lower the saddle when mounting and dismounting, feet on the ground at stops...then (2) raised the saddle in motion for proper leg extension and efficiency...(3) would work on an urban commuter bike...Russ please confirm my understanding...thank you...great source of 'bike the talk' information...subscribed...more power to your channel...just an after thought, the suspension part is a bonus, right?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes. Would work for what you're looking for.

[@Cloxxki]

I used to have a 4" travel parallelogram (elastomer) Canecreek seatpost. Worked really well, felt similar to a full suspension XC bike from that era. I'd love a dropper version of that, to get the seat out of the way more and not slide forward too much throught he 16-18 degree slant of the seat tube.

[@Greenleader1000]

Neat. Have not tried one of these - but your point about gaining a safer aero position on descents for road racing seems like a spot for a 'marginal gain' for those into that sort of thing. Liked your other examples where moving the saddle height can be helpful. Interesting niche - like suspension posts and stems. I focus on tires for the main suspension value for now.

[@djsaunter]

You’d be surprised how much more confidence comes from getting your centre of gravity down and back whether on road, gravel or rooty trails. Bonus of droppers, easier wheelies and bunny hops if you like that kind of thing lol Definately give it a try.

[@theantiqueactionfigure]

@@djsaunter could this post help me be the wheelie champion I was 60 years ago, Lol!

[@ArthurFellig]

Oh man! Just got one yesterday! So stoked to set it up!

[@kentquindt7898]

Enjoy! My dad has one on his flat bar gravel bike and I have one on my mtb. I'm going to get another one for my gravel/bikepacking/commuter bike and my brother and my grandfather have one. So in total, 4 people in my family have a coast dropper post and we all enjoy it!

[@amandapeine6745]

I never saw a suspension dropper before. Looks cool. I love my normal Rainier dropper on my Warbird. Suspension is interesting but I would usually have it down any place suspension post might help.

[@WalfredoCirne]

Oh! I just installed a dropper a week ago. Immediately sold!!

[@socaljoe]

I just did a descent from Camp 9 on Santa Clarita Truck Trail near your old neighborhood of Sunland via way of Little Tujunga Cyn Rd. and was wishing for a dropper post as I have one on my MTB. As you know it's mostly a slog up around here and then a downhill. Riding fireroads is new to me on a gravel bike . Quite honestly I much prefer the MTB because of the suspension and lower gearing but this ride was 70% asphalt & 30 fireroad sandy/rocky descent. I definitely like the idea of the external version as one can swap out as needed, say for something like bikepacking or a ride with a lot of downhill. Never thought of it as a suspension component though. To me a dropper is a game changer on a MTB. Thanks for the video.

[@jamiepeirce526]

I bought a Microshift sword 1x group and it looks like my left shifter has a dropper lever. I haven’t received it yet, but if it does, maybe I’ll pick one up. Greetings from up north in Sask, great channel.

[@snafu0o0o]

I ride in terrain that’s probably close to MT’s on the front range of Colorado. Dropper posts are great for that sudden uphill on your decent that you were bombing down. Also love them on that super steep drop on giant boulder that might have a patch of snow hiding 😬. The suspension part sounds like an awesome feature, especially being more stiff. This one looks awesome all around.

[@TimFitzwater]

Never thought about them from the injury standpoint. Not sure I’d get one but I am struggling with sciatica this summer and getting my leg over the bike is the hardest thing right now(in general feel ok when riding). So definitely something to think about.

[@jat918mrt]

Tim Fitzwater. I know where your coming from I did the Ride London 100 miles a few years back, when I was on the bike my sciatica was ok, as soon as I got off for food or water breaks I was walking like a 90 year old. I think a dropper post would have helped especially getting on and off and when starting off. There is a lot of info for cyclists with injuries. Hope it gets better soon.

[@TimFitzwater]

@@jat918mrt A lot better now - thanks man! Hope you are doing well too!

[@marka6487]

When getting on or off a bike, it's easier to lower the bike rather than lift your leg.

[@chrishurley5711]

Looking at the giant revolts, I want a 1x12 but that comes with a dropper instead of the d-fuse seat post. So something to consider is that unless you have a specific suspension dropper.

[@thskadow]

At a stop sign never thought of that. Neat.

[@stevenreyes3680]

Yes, I love mine. And I do stretches of gravel to get to trails on a hardtail e-mtb. With the post mostly up I can sit where I used to have weight half, half, pedals and saddle. So I save a lot of energy for the trail. And if I use the street coming home, there are some steep downhill sections I drop the seat for. Dropping the seat a stoplights alone would be worth it if I was still commuting. While the suspension may not be the finest in quality, it’s a hell of a lot better than nothing. And at the price, it has well exceeded expectations.

[@mikehayes6803]

I put one on my Norco Search and so far it’s nice. It smooths out the crappy roads where I ride.

[@leerjet18]

I use one of these to make it easier to put my bike in the back of a mini van. And its super easy to lower or raise the seat if a friend wants to take a spin on your bike.

[@bbreakout]

Dustin Klein uses his left shifter as a switch for his dropper post since he’s set up 1x. That’s pretty cool

[@jimqpublic2]

Thanks for this review. This looks like a great upgrade to my 1998 Cannondale F1000 hardtail/Headshok which I plan to convert to all-road touring use. 27.2mm seatpost with ~200mm from clamp to seat rails.

[@hollycow123445]

The biggest benefit to a cropper on a cargo bike is that it can more easily be used by the whole family on the fly. It's why surly has stealth dropper routing on the big easy.

[@kelleyahall]

The review I've been waiting for! How did you decide which lever to go with and where to mount it?

[@BobMaulucci]

Looks like a great cost effective option. If you converted a CX bike to 1x, could you trigger it with the existing left hand lever? Sorry if I missed this in the video. Thank you for a great honest review as always.

[@kevinjfeeney77]

Microshift offers that with their advent drop bar brifters. With or without dropper post remote.

[@kevinjfeeney77]

.....but I don't know if you can modify your current levers.

[@RSJ115]

Lots of people have modified SRAM shifters to do that, never seen a Shimano one, but I've never gone looking.

[@BobMaulucci]

I have seen that before, and I do have Sram shifter. Which configuration of this dropper would work best with that? Any ideas. Thanks!

[@RSJ115]

@@BobMaulucci It's just a cable in some housing that gets pulled against a stop, they'll all work the same in regards to the how you pull the cable. You should choose based on seat-tube size and cable routing preference.

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

Another benefit of the dropper is to lower the saddle height slightly for tight or technical climbs. Shifting your weight down and back a bit on such climbs makes them easier to navigate. Also getting on and off the bike with the saddle lowered is easier and a nice bonus use case :)

[@Cloxxki]

I saw a video of cyclists on the Nurburgring race track, super hilly. Hitting 104 kph without dropper post, and right after the descent there is a climb. Momentum is everything in such conditions and I've noticed on less extreme roads that high averages can be kept playing the momentum game right on rolling hills. 120 kph on a road bike is not my kind of fun, but on less high speeds, I see the advantage.

[@newttella1043]

Dropper might help with all those crashes I've been hearing about. They happen on fast gravel descents. Or, people could just slow down a tad.

[@JulesInfinite888]

New to dropper posts, and I very much dig. I love lowering it for butt clarity positioning, renewed leg strength, and hood value (low rider steez).

[@91722854]

that mom on a cargo bike with two kids and loads, what a mom she is, with Tern GSD now made and tailored to that purpose and most importantly with motor and pedal assist, u can imagine what monster legs those moms have, now that's what I call great parenthood

[@영어레이]

I have a suspension seatpost and I love it, so I can see the appeal there. That said I don't think this is a thing I'd need, I'd also worry about using this plus a seat pack. Also if $179 is on the budget friendly side of droppers... anyway not for me

[@tenchimasaki7319]

Hello! Is the "extended position" adjustable? Or is the post in the "dropped" position at 5:01?

[@gregorioluelzara1468]

bump

[@perserventia]

plus sometimes my kit shirt back pockets get hung on front of my seat coming up from super tucks :o Boy Do I wish I had that on my new Diverge I just road the Cascade Gravel Grinder Bend Oregon last weekend.,.. very sore a$$

[@unchewable1]

More awesome stuff man thanks for making great content

[@Bscott-390]

I love your videos man. I learn so much. Love your attitude. I need help from you and maybe some viewers. I have a MARIN Headlands 1. I want to put a dropper post in it. Internally routed. What dropper post can I put in it. I know it's 27.2. But that's all I know. Help please!!

[@TheOriginalee]

Looks like you paired the dropper with a Loam lever. Where did you source your clamp to attach the lever to your bars? The stock clamp is only 22.2mm. I like the idea of the loam vs the drop bar lever and would love to know what you used to attach your lever. Thanks!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

PNW sells a drop bar mount.

[@JoshuaVanEss]

You forgot to mention that PNW offers a LIFETIME WARRANTY! With an exceptional track record of great customer service!

[@JahBlessd]

Useful information.. thanks!

[@vongdong10]

Ooo, I've been looking for something like this recently. I have the redshift suspension seatpost but it gets in the way and there's no way in hell I'm paying so much for rockshox's new axs seatpost!

[@benjaminmtb84]

Thank you for this review very helpful

[@joshmccullock4996]

Great review Russ. As an Evasión rider, I assumed my post exposure was too short. Can you set a stop to keep it where you’re preferred max saddle height is, or so you just go by feel?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I've been going by feel. They have other seatposts (non suspension) where you can adjust max height of travel.

[@connorshanks9931]

Hi, what lever are you using in this video?

[@henrypretz]

I'm also a shorter rider. On my RLT I have just 160mm from the seat post clamp to the rails. I like the idea of the Coast, but would pass if it means having to drop it every time to get to my chosen saddle height. Any idea on whether or not the Coast is usable out of the box for me?

[@leqin]

2mins48secs - whats that saddle? Have been using one of Suntours NCX seatposts for quite a while, so I don't need to argue the benefits - I'm sold on the idea already and being a dropper is just another benefit. I really see one of these or maybe the redshift post in my future, because the Suntours a heavy thing when all is said and done.

[@leqin]

Found it - Ergon.

[@JohnMcQueen]

Watching this two years after the published date. Do you still use this suspension dropper, Russ? Or was it a passing fancy?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Yes. It’s great.

[@corynardin]

Any thoughts on the coast vs the rainer? I'm not sure about the suspension aspect? They are the same cost.

[@MeriMorMick]

Think about older ebikers who want a seat high enough for leg extension but instantly low enough at stops to touch the ground. This is a potentially big market.

[@coinop7278]

Does it clunk when it resets its height after compression? The ncx has an awful clunk after a bump

[@sameoldcircus]

So cool seeing Madi Carlson on a PLP video again, even if it's in a picture.

[@tome1389]

can you route an external dropper cable along down tube seat tube? rather than along the top tube

[@wackojackho]

How did you adjust the amount of seat post exposure between the 2 bikes?

[@PuddyIzzy]

How about longterm maintenance? How is it since there's an option to change the length of the travel.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

There is no option to change the length of travel.

[@PuddyIzzy]

@@PathLessPedaledTV thank you for the quick response :) I'll still get one ^^

[@xxgg]

Could you share the product/buy link to your bicycle computer mount?

[@mattbaar]

What's that flowered frame bag you have? Looks sweet

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Rogue Panda

[@dannobilly]

I just ride road and gravel with a Brooks Flyer saddle it's all the suspension I need

[@dirtboysteve]

A dropper doesn't provide suspension, if that's what you got on your mind

[@tnelly27]

@@dirtboysteve The PNW Components COAST SUSPENSION Dropper Post does.

[@diogocarvalho6247]

Can it handle a backpacking seat bag?

[@nianonreyes7088]

Hi Russ really I like your review on PnW coastdropper . I want to upgrade my seatpost but my Riv Appaloosa seatpost diameter is 26.8 got any idea need your feedback . Thanks

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Unfortunately no current options other than a Hite Rite if you can find one.

[@bradsanders6954]

I wonder what it weighs? I have 3 bikes it would fit at 27.2,

[@mediuminfinite]

If I went 1x up front for a race scenario - could this be used in conjunction with the open 2020 Shimano 105 hood? I feel that would be the best way to optimize functionality.

[@ajrichie]

I have a dropper post on my MTB and I always miss it when i'm on my touring bike doing any kind of descent. BTW, what front porteur-style rack is that?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

VO flat pack rack.

[@tuckerbanz7956]

Why does seatpost height affect pressure in the seat post? Isn't it a sealed unit?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

I don’t know. It just does.

[@tuckerbanz7956]

@@PathLessPedaledTV I just ordered one and I will update on whether mine does the same thing.

[@sagehiker]

I enjoy and appreciate the healthy skepticism on the "next new things" as product marketing seeks to expand beyond their niches. Like selling hostel sheet sets as sleeping bag liners if you stuff them with Euro-vixens. Well, they are great even without models. After I get my fleet equipped with swept bars or H's, cable brakes, better racks and bags, I will think about a dropper post on the grocery-commuter bike.

[@juanfersan]

thanks! is this compatible with the shimano grx left 1x11 levers? the ones with a dropper post option?

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

I don’t think this lever would work on a 1x front shifter because the dropper cable connects to the lever with the end of the cable that doesn’t have the cable head on it. The dropper cable head connects to the post just below the saddle. I think this is a better design than the posts that have the cable head at the lever because installation and adjustment is easier to do at the lever than at the seat post end of things. This is especially true for an internally routed dropper cable. But the drawback is that I don’ t think you can use a shift lever to activate the dropper post unless there is a hack to add some sort of cable head to end of the cable.

[@mellissanash7517]

This may have sold me on dropper for both my gravel bike and Karate Monkey.

[@drright2410]

whats the weight?

[@markmarlatt1105]

Been wanting a dropper post on my bike but it has a D-Fuse seatpost. Can't find a solution.

[@calvinhoops]

Have you seen the 2021 TCX? It also uses d-fuse but has an adapter for a 30.9 post. I have yet to hear if it can be used on older models. It's unlikely, but I'm holding out hope

[@sheilastallard]

Not going to see on a Brompton?..........But I guess someone with figure one out!! KEEP SAFE!

[@BruceChastain]

they are nice to have, but not at all needed for a gravel bike. I don't have one on any of my bikes right now, but have used them before.

[@mazditzo]

nah I want simplicity on my bike for adventure, just decent slowly is enough for me

[@paolocruz8392]

Dropper posts should be more mainstream on commuter bikes, city bikes, and e-bikes. It just makes sense as you've explained.

[@Dino-qt1mc]

Anyone know if this is compatible with the GRX 810 left shifter (the dropper post version)?

[@senorstokes2895]

You would want to put the factory barrel end of a brake cable thru the left-hand 810 shifter, then use a barrel nut (with right thickness to fit into the actuater rod slot) at the post end, along with an inline adjuster barrel somewhere to re-tension for cable stretch if needed. You will need to trim the cable real short at the barrel nut to clear the bottom of the post body

[@thecheshirecat5564]

I’m covering my MTB to drop bars (hopefully in a few days, as soon as the parts show up) and it has a dropper post. I find it very useful on a bike with flat, wide bars with suspension-specifically front suspension, which inevitably dive while braking hard on a descent. Whereas I don’t really miss it on my adventure/gravel bike (also on very similar gradients)... so, let’s see. I also don’t do tricks: absolutely love your alternative points to a dropper post!

[@tijmen1949]

So what's the experience been like?

[@rolfaalto]

Yes, dropper posts are the bomb ... but you've overdone it here with a cable-release one that lets you switch on the fly. For gravel you usually have a bit of warning before you need to adjust, so why not save weight/complexity/cost and get one of the several options that have simple under-seat lever to adjust?

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

IDK about you but usually when I realize I need to use the dropper its too late to stop. Also descending over rolling terrain that would be a PITA.

[@rolfaalto]

@@PathLessPedaledTV you don't have to stop ... just be able to take one hand off for less than an second. Saves a lot of weight and complexity.

[@Dave435l]

Love to add one but way too vain and every dropper is murdered out black for some reason

[@gilberttiborjakub9890]

Without any sarcasm I kindly ask: someone please explain why the hell we need a dropper post to a bike like this? 95% of the people cannot utilize it even in an All-mountain MTB so putting a dropper post to a light gravel bike is totally unecessary. So why here? Most of the users of the gravel bikes not even go to rough terrain and they use their bikes only on paved surfaces... i know the industry wants to sell us literally everything, but this is a total non-sense. According to my enduro MTB racer friend “if you need a dropper post, that means you are not enough skilled for the chosen downhill” . In my opinion the gravel segment it’s getting look like when a fat kid goes to the all-you-can-eat resturant for the first time: he don’t really need an other dish but it’s too hard to resist - in the gravel segment now they offer dropper post, full suspension...etc. I think it’s totally against the simplicity of the adventure / gravel cycling. What will be next trend in gravel cycling: an aero fat bike? LOL

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

If the video didn't answer your question I can't help you any further.

[@thefeelz5845]

I really enjoy your channel... but ... seems like you just want to convince yourself to purchase more gear ... Just like in photography, photographers purchase thousands of dollars of equipment for barely better shots.. I've been riding all kinds of bikes for over 40 years and let me just say that you don't need 85% of the gear.. just like photography, or raising a child .. too much crap to make you feel better won;t improve the experience by much.. For those who CANNOT afford it, DON'T BUY all these extras unless absolutely necessary. SAVE YOUR MONEY and invest it for your kids or your retirement .. it will be put to better use this way.

[@badenpercarlstrom4149]

Maybe that dropper will SAVE the ability to have kids?

[@eXTreemator]

Don't save money, don't invest in crap. Don't expect to retire. Support outlawing speculation on vital neees such as housing. Any housing speculation should be banned and nobody should be allowed to own more than 2 places to live