Before the modern marvels of mountain biking technology graced our trails, the ancient riders of yore engaged in a time-honored tradition. This wasn't a ritual of speed, nor a contest of endurance but, rather, an unspoken game of “one-upping”—a quest to possess the most ingenious contraption that the era's technology could muster. It's said that in these bygone days, having a wheel rounder than your neighbor’s could elevate one’s status to that of village hero.

Since then, the spirit of innovation has brought forth a feat of engineering: the OneUp Components V3 dropper post—born not from the necessity of outdoing one's fellow rider in the endless cycle of gear acquisition (though it inadvertently might contribute) but from a genuine desire to elevate the biking experience one smooth, satisfying whoosh at a time.

“Every product we make has to be something that we'd ride on our own bikes at a price we'd pay with our own money,” said Jon Staples, OneUp's CTO and co-founder. “We've had test posts on staff bikes for three years and countless iterations as we got to the final product. Everyone here is tremendously proud to stand behind our new dropper.”

The standout feature of the V3 dropper might just be that there is no standout feature—it’s that well-rounded. This post is exceptionally lightweight, super smooth, ultra-reliable, has adjustable travel, and is easy to service. I love to see just how well this product is put together because I remember the first iterations of dropper posts, and they would make me laugh just as much as they would make me cry—especially in my role at the time as a mechanic.

Let’s start with what perhaps matters most: The fit. The V3 allows riders to fine-tune their seat height in 10-millimeter increments. And, with six stock travel options, this means no more compromising on seat height or sacrificing comfort for control. Whether optimizing for a steep descent or adjusting for a long climb, the V3 allows every rider to find their sweet spot.

Further enhancing fit, the V3 boasts a low profile that’s aesthetically pleasing and practical in design. Its minimal stack height and overall length mean more riders can enjoy the benefits of increased drop, even on bikes with restrictive frame designs. OneUp even has a handy sizing page that shows customers how to measure their bikes to ensure they are optimizing for their particulars.

OneUp didn’t just stop at adjustability and design—they also redefined the dropper post's operational smoothness. Thanks to a redesigned, nitrogen-filled cartridge and low-friction IGUS bushings and SKF seals, the V3 is effortless in its movement. When paired with their V3 remote, it’s hard to imagine how this setup could be any smoother.

Durability is another strength of the V3 dropper post. Its robust construction is paired with an improved sealing system designed to keep the elements at bay. The cartridge's being filled with nitrogen instead of air also lengthens the service time. Moreover, the post's serviceability is a boon for riders who prefer to maintain their gear. With its user-friendly design, maintaining the V3 is a straightforward affair, ensuring it remains in peak condition ride after ride.

Between the longer service time and the ease of maintenance, OneUp wanted to design a post engineered to push performance and minimize its environmental impacts simultaneously. The in-house-designed cartridge should last years before needing replacement and, when it is at the end of its life, you don’t have to throw it away.

“Once depressurized and drained of mineral oil, it is recyclable as 98-percent aluminum or mixed metal depending on the regulations of your local metal depot,” Lanzon said. “We have a link on our website that provides detailed instructions on how to decommission and recycle a V3 cartridge at the end of life."

Putting the V3 to use, I found it nothing short of miraculous. During my winter test period with this post, the Pacific Northwest did not hold back its typical rainy self. Covered in mud was the way I ended every ride, and the V3 dropper diligently and effortlessly continued to glide up and down no matter how caked in grit it became. I quickly realized that it was one of those products that I immediately knew was good because of how quickly it faded into the background and let me focus entirely on the trail ahead.

With the V3 dropper post, OneUp Components has not only crafted a dropper that meets the needs of the modern rider but has also paid homage to the spirit of innovation that fuels the mountain biking community. A company obsessed with riding, its dedication shines not only through amazing products but in its commitment to sharing one percent of profits with organizations that enhance the community and the environment. 

So, if you’re shopping for a new post, I can guarantee that the V3 dropper will not only make a positive contribution to your riding but will also benefit others—now that’s a win-win.

OneUp V3 Dropper Post

MSRP: $269.99 USD

Learn More: www.oneupcomponents.com