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Crankbrothers Highline XC/Gravel Dropper review

Smooth-action seatpost

Our rating

4

300.00
274.00
550.00

Immediate Media

Published: June 19, 2021 at 2:00 pm

Our review
The dual-action remote is a game changer and seatpost performance is flawless

Pros:

Compatibility; dual-action lever

Cons:

Set-up takes time

New to the Crankbrothers Highline Series (and with the clue very much in the name), the Cross-Country/Gravel Dropper seatpost has a 27.2mm diameter and is available in four travel options: 60mm, 80mm, 100mm and 125mm.

The 60mm is also available in a version with a shorter insertion length, to suit short or hard-to-fit seat tubes.

There is a quick-connect mechanism for the cable, which attaches to the bottom of the seatpost for ease of installation. It is straightforward, but in my experience you do need to take your time over the setup to avoid mistakes with the internal cable routing; as always, don’t trim to fit until you are sure you’ve nailed it.

The same two bolts attach and adjust the tilt of the saddle. This is simple and accessible, and just requires a 4mm Allen key.

The Drop Bar Remote is universal to Crankbrothers’ Highline series of seatposts and is sold separately. It has a long lever that’s activated by pulling with the forefingers when riding on the brake hoods or a quick push down with the thumb when on the drops.

This is such an advantage that it’s probably the feature that has transformed my riding style. The complete accessibility, together with its light action, makes for such a seamless transition that I find myself using the dropper when I might not usually have time to engage the brain and make the move. The result is smoother riding when the going gets rough.

Drop Bar Remote for Crankbrothers’ Highline series of seatposts
Immediate Media

Even after several months of wet, gritty winter riding, the seatpost action has remained smooth. Unscrewing the collar (which can be done by hand, so it’s good for servicing) reveals that the seal has done its job very effectively and the inside is still relatively clean.

The return force has remained constant too and is strong enough for me to have run it with a saddle bag attached.

I’ve been riding the Highline on a Santa Cruz Stigmata and, with a few hundred kilometres of trail under the wheels, I can safely say it makes an excellent bike even better.

  • Dropper: £225 / $250 / AU$425 / €250
  • Remote: £49 / $50 / AU$125

Product

Brandcrankbrothers
Price550.00 AUD,274.00 GBP,300.00 USD

Features

br_materialaluminium
br_seatpostDiameter27_2mm
br_remoteAvailable to purchase separately
FeaturesTravel options: 60mm, 80mm, 100mm and 125mm
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