SEAPOST THOMSON ELITE INTERNAL CABLE ROUTE DROPPER 31.6 DP-E104

Thomson might be a latecomer to the dropper post world, but they wanted to make sure their entry was as close to perfect as possible before its release. The company has a reputation for manufacturing high quality, well designed products, and understandably didn't want to sully their name by rushing a hastily created seatpost to market. We reviewed the Elite Dropper to see if it was worth the wait.

Construction

The Elite Dropper post uses a cable actuated cam to control its 125mm of travel. Pushing on the svelte-looking aluminum remote pulls down on the lever mounted to the side of the post, which in turn activates the centrally located cam inside the post. The motion of the cam pushes down on an internal plunger, allowing oil to flow through a valve and for the post to move downwards. A nitrogen return spring is used to control the post's upward motion. The post's rate of return is adjustable depending on how far in the remote lever is pushed – push it further in and the post returns faster.

One of the most noticeable features of the Elite Dropper post is its lack of side to side or vertical play, a common trait on other dropper posts. This is achieved by using three keyed slots on the inside of the post. Thomson experimented with different designs, but chose this one because it allowed them to increase the wall thickness of the outer tube and increase the seatpost's strength. In addition to the lack of side to side play, the post also remains in place even when lifting the bike by the seat. The post's internals are not user serviceable, but durability was high on Thomson's list of priorities, and they back it with a two year warranty.
A side mounted, cable actuated lever controls the cam found in the center of the post (the rubber plug that keeps dirt and grit out has been removed to show the internals).

Details

• 125mm of travel, can be stopped at any point
• Sizes: 30.9 x 400, 31.6 x 400
• 5mm setback
• Passes EN seatpost test
• Weight: 592 grams including lever, cable, housing