{"id":146490,"date":"2016-11-23T20:07:34","date_gmt":"2016-11-23T19:07:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mtb-mag.com\/?p=146490"},"modified":"2016-11-26T18:11:48","modified_gmt":"2016-11-26T17:11:48","slug":"tested-crank-brothers-highline-dropper-seatpost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mtb-mag.com\/en\/tested-crank-brothers-highline-dropper-seatpost\/","title":{"rendered":"[Tested] Crank Brothers HighLine dropper seatpost"},"content":{"rendered":"

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When we first laid eyes on\u00a0the new Crank Brothers Highline seatpost back at Sea Otter, we were super impressed with how well the brand re-imagined their vision of a dropper post. \u00a0The Laguna Beach brand had major struggles with past efforts; it seemed they were trying to re-invent the wheel rather than just produce a cut and dry, utilitarian offering. \u00a0With the Highline they got back to basics but added simple but smart features, a couple of which are industry firsts. \u00a0Follow along below to see how the seatpost has worked out for us over the last few months.\"Untitled\"<\/p>\n

Details<\/h3>\n
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\u2022 400mm length
\n\u2022 7075-T6 aluminum
\n\u2022 580g (30.9mm)
\n\u2022 3 year\u00a0warranty
\n\u2022 $350.00
\n\u2022 125mm travel(for now)
\n\u2022 30.9mm(tested) & 31.6mm<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n

Install\/First Impressions<\/h3>\n

Now that manufacturers have conducted a few years of experimenting, dropper seatposts should<\/em> be super easy to install…and remove! \u00a0They seem to be getting more refined these days and the Highline was actually a breeze to work with. \u00a0Its cable actuated and sprung with a cartridge that has a factory set pressure so unfortunately it’s not adjustable.<\/p>\n

\"F75R8979-750x500\"<\/a>At the base of the post a knurled lockring locks in a plastic cable housing stop. \u00a0After unthreading this, you can separate the seat\/post with a twist. \u00a0For those who fly with their bikes or try to fit them in the trunk of a smaller car, this\u00a0is probably a pretty big plus.<\/p>\n

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Anyhow, setting up the remote\u00a0is quite simple, a 2mm set screw pinches the cut end of the cable. \u00a0We prefer posts desinged this way, with the butt end of the cable in the post. \u00a0That way you can make small adjustments to cable tension without needing to remove the seatpost. \u00a0Back to the remote…this was perhaps our favorite design element\u00a0of the Highline, \u00a0The lever’s shape is comfortable and grabby, but what we really like is the spherical adjustment. \u00a0Even those of us with the strangest of cockpit setup preferences should have no problem finding the perfect angle and position. \u00a0By the way, \u00a0it’s available as an aftermarket option<\/a> for use on other posts for $59.99.<\/p>\n

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One detail that might go unnoticed is head of the post. \u00a0It has two screws that adjust the saddle’s angle while also allowing you to choose where it sits fore and aft on the rails. \u00a0We appreciated that Crank Brothers chose a larger 5mm allen as opposed to 4mm. \u00a0It’s simply easier to work with, and easier to dig mud out of when you do need to make adjustments. The designers\u00a0also managed to remedy our one complaint with this classic style of seatpost head: they created a slot for the rear screw. \u00a0This makes it super quick and easy to install and remove your saddle and you won’t find yourself fussing with small hardware. \u00a0Sure it’s a small detail, but something that anyone with big hands and\/or short tempers will appreciate, ourselves included.<\/p>\n

Once we were done with setup(about 15-20 minutes) and everything was in its right place and functioning smoothly it was off to the trails.<\/p>\n

On the Trail<\/h3>\n

The first thing we noticed about the Highline was its buttery smooth action and lack of any side to side play. \u00a0Crank Brothers have gone back to the drawing board completely and it shows. \u00a0The seals and bushings are super high quality and as mentioned, the lever is brilliant.<\/p>\n

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The second thing we took note of was the Highline’s fairly slow & non adjustable return speed. \u00a0It wasn’t problematic on \u00a0the trail, but initially it seems vague. \u00a0So if you prefer a seatpost that punches you where the sun doesn’t shine this isn’t for you. \u00a0We were initially concerned with how the highline\u00a0would operate in colder temperatures so we took our sweet time with this review, waiting for the colder months. \u00a0Below you can see a video of the post returning after being left outside for about an hour at around 40\u00ba F<\/p>\n