Bontrager Line Elite dropper seatpost review

The Line Elite is the higher-specced of a two-model lineup of dropper posts in Bontrager's range, the lower of which is the entry-level Line.

Bontrager’s Line Elite specifications and details

The Line Elite features Bontrager's MaxFlow cartridge for smoother, faster and easier operation and has a pivoting actuator in the base of the post, to make the lever move with less force or pressure on the saddle (a claimed 20 per cent).

Installing a cable into this actuator and fitting the post in the bike is easy, with all tension adjustments controlled at the remote – which notably comes included in the price, unlike many brands.

The 1x remote has a long shifter-style paddle and is both Shimano I-Spec and SRAM MatchMaker compatible

Stack height (from the base of the post collar to the centre of the saddle rails ) is something that’s a little less compact on the Line Elite than on other dropper posts.

A fairly wide post collar, combined with a two-bolt saddle clamp that tapers into the stanchion, adds up to a stack height of 62mm when the post is dropped, so it doesn’t give as much descending clearance as some.

The 270mm insertion depth on my 170mm post is reasonable considering the travel though, so frame compatibility should be good.

One good additional feature is the option to adjust the post’s travel, which is done simply by unscrewing and lifting up the post's collar and fitting either a 10mm or 30mm spacer.

This offers a useful bit of fine-tuning on top of an already good range of travel options, but unfortunately, the longest stroke 200mm post is only available in a 34.9mm diameter for the time being.

Bontrager’s Line Elite performance

With its smooth, reliable action, Bontrager’s Line Elite post impressed me. While the long-throw 1x remote has a slightly spongy lever feel, the post glides up and down with little effort, so it’s obvious that the MaxFlow cartridge is doing its work.

Return speed is fast too making for quick up and downs as the trail changes gradient.

Apart from lever feel not being the most precise and the above-average stack height not giving as much clearance as other posts, the Line Elite’s operation is hard to fault.

It performed without issue throughout testing and I found both installation and fitting/removing the travel adjustment spacers to be easy and stress-free.