Contec Drop-A-Gogo Variable Seatpost Review
11.05.23 08:38 2612023-05-11T08:38:00+02:00Text: Erwin Haiden (translated by AI)Photos: Ralf Hauser, Erwin Haiden, NoManWe proudly present: The Bikeboard Best Value winner and this year's award recipient in the category of retractable seat posts. This piece doesn't need any fancy marketing slogans, just a lever, a Drop-A-Gogo post and that's it.11.05.23 08:38 4022023-05-11T08:38:00+02:00Contec Drop-A-Gogo Variable Seatpost Review
11.05.23 08:38 4022023-05-11T08:38:00+02:00 Erwin Haiden (translated by AI) Ralf Hauser, Erwin Haiden, NoManWe proudly present: The Bikeboard Best Value winner and this year's award recipient in the category of retractable seat posts. This piece doesn't need any fancy marketing slogans, just a lever, a Drop-A-Gogo post and that's it.11.05.23 08:38 4022023-05-11T08:38:00+02:00
Jaja ihr wilden Leute, wer - so wie ich auf dem obigen Foto - flach wie eine Flunder und immer schön bodennah operieren möchte, der kommt um eine versenkbare Sattelstütze nicht herum. Sie ist meiner Meinung nach Pflicht auf allen Bikes, die mehr Federweg als ein durchschnittliches Rennrad bieten und zweifelsohne, was Fahrtechnik und Komfort angeht, eine der wichtigsten Komponenten am modernen Mountainbike. Punkt.
Prähistorisch kann man sagen, dass es zu "meiner Zeit” im Wesentlichen zwei Optionen gab; nämlich den Weg der Angst (vom Sattel über den Lenker zu gehen) und den Weg des Huhns, der über den Schnellspanner führte, um den Sattel so weit wie möglich im Rahmen zu versenken. Aus letzterem haben sich im Lauf der Jahre hydraulische Lösungen mit Hebel oder Seilzug entwickelt, und in der letzten Evolutionsstufe funkferngesteuerte Highend-Stützen - mit allen Nachteilen, die so ein akku-betriebener Sattelstützencomputer mit sich bringt.
Da tut es richtig gut, wieder mal so ein solides und robustes Teil wie die Contec Drop-A-Gogo unterm Hintern zu haben.
No Frills
The Drop-A-Gogo is reduced to the functional essentials
This black, simple, yet functional part fully embodies the credo of Contec, a brand that enjoys great popularity among specialty dealers thanks to its huge range of accessories, and on the other hand, offers accessible, attractively priced, and straightforward products along with corresponding spare parts supply to the average bike customer.
Tech Specs
| Design: | Variable seatpost |
| Diameter: | 31.6 mm |
| Also available: | 27.2 mm / 30.9 mm / 34.9 mm |
| Length: | 440 mm |
| Other lengths: | 295-465 mm (depending on diameter) |
| Adjustment range: | 150 mm |
| Other adjustment ranges: | 60 - 150 mm (depending on length) |
| Material: | 7075 aluminum |
| Cartridge: | easily replaceable |
| Operation: | via Bowden cable, 2 levers included |
| Weight: | 540 g (BB scale) |
| Price: | € 249.95 RRP |
I was all the more surprised when I first looked at the scale: 570 grams is quite a statement for this cost-effective seatpost, and with the cabling, it is exactly 30 grams lighter than my currently installed Fox Transfer.
The second plus point is the two handlebar levers included, which can be mounted next to or instead of a shift lever, depending on preference or possibilities.
Also included in the package are Bowden cables and a redirect for the same, which is also optional.
The Assembly
The Contec Drop-A-Gogo feels very high quality in the hands: a grippy aluminum body, minimal play, and a well-protected seat for the cable as well as a very classic saddle clamping.
Accordingly, the installation is simple and quick. After threading and cutting the Bowden cable housing to length, I thread the end piece into the recess on the post and, with it "tensioned," I insert the post into the seat tube so that nothing slips at the seat.
At the handlebar, I opt for the shifter-like trigger. I also like the classic clamping for the saddle, which offers no surprises.
All in all, the installation is an endeavor that takes less than ten minutes with a little practice.
Als kleinen Tipp für weniger versierte Schrauber: Seine Sitzhöhe zu kennen (in mm von der Mitte des Tretlagers bis zur Mitte des Sattels) und der Einsatz einer Wasserwaage helfen ungemein und sparen Zeit beim initialen Setup, weil man ohne Probe zu sitzen schon mal eine gute Ausgangsbasis für weiteres Feintuning hat.
Am Ende stehen bei der Contec im Vergleich zur zwei Jahre alten Fox Transfer 30 g weniger auf der Waage.
On the Trail
To claim that the Contec Drop-A-Gogo now rides massively differently than my old support would be almost esoteric. In fact, the Drop-A-Gogo simply delivers what it promises at first glance, making it one of the most straightforward ways to equip your bike with a dropper seatpost.
Pressing the release button allows the post to extend quickly, without fear of being catapulted over the handlebars by the extending saddle. Those who enjoy the thrill of seatpost extension speed will find happiness with other products. For me personally, precise locking without sagging or slipping through is more important.
The control lever is also ergonomically comfortable and provides enough tactile feedback. The installation of the cable (Picture #5) on the seatpost is designed in such a way that it is virtually impossible for pressure to be applied to the release lever due to slippage or tilting of the cable housing - something that we have encountered again and again with various inexpensive rental bikes and their posts, annoying us with sinking or jamming posts.
Maintenance
Another advantage of the Contec Drop-A-Gogo is the easy availability of spare parts through specialist retailers. There are various service kits available for the seatpost, from the tubes and cartridges to the saddle mount or the seals. Here, DIY enthusiasts will find everything they need for minor or major maintenance.
The simple design without electrical or hydraulic components, without batteries that run out and servomotors, and the solid Bowden cable mount also offer little opportunity for defects.
Conclusion
| Contec Drop-A-Gogo Variable Seatpost | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 2023 |
| Review Duration: | 3 Months / 120 km |
| Price: | € 249.95 RRP |
| + | Great value for money |
| + | Functional and straightforward |
| + | Available in many sizes |
| + | Ergonomic levers |
| + | Solid clamping force |
| + | Supply of spare parts |
| BB-Verdict: | Solid reduction to the essentials |
Measure - order - install - be happy: The Contec Drop-A-Gogo is a prime example of simple, uncomplicated, and accessible accessory solutions. Available in various dimensions and equipped with a simple, internally routed cable, it offers straightforward functionality.
Additionally, there is a broad network of specialist dealers who offer Contec products and an excellent range of spare parts, which also provides many self-help options for less experienced mechanics.
In terms of value for money, in my opinion, the seatpost is right at the forefront, especially because it forgoes various questionable linkages, lever constructions, and saddle attachments for a relatively low price.
Simplicity is key, at least in the case of the Drop-A-Gogo. By the way, there's also a version with a 170 mm adjustment range called the "Big Drop-A-Gogo".
