(All photos / Crankbrothers)

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Crankbrothers has been making its Highline dropper posts for quite a while now, but they haven’t been meaningfully updated in quite a few years. That changes today, with the introduction of the new Highline, an evolved, refined, and redesigned dropper post that’s made for “every rider, every trail, every day.” Crankbrothers says the new Highline is lighter, smoother, and more reliable, with shorter insertion depths, all of the sizing options, and adjustable travel for the perfect fit. 

“The new Highline was designed to evolve, improve, and simplify our dropper post platform. By reducing insertion length, refining performance, and adding features like internal travel adjustment, we’ve made it easier for riders to maximize drop and achieve the best possible for for their bike and body.”

-Andy Hilliard, Product Line Director

Crankbrothers Highline Details

The new Highline looks a lot like most other droppers on the market, as well as its predecessors, the Highline 3 and Highline 7. But Crankbrothers assures us it is almost an entirely new product. That starts with the “sealed emulsification cartridge that strips away complexity in favor of proven reliability.” The sealed cartridge has a fixed, faster return speed and a simple design that’s intended to boost reliability and longevity.

At the base of the post, the new, low-profile actuator is roughly half the size of the blocky actuators on previous Highline posts. The shorter actuator helps decrease insertion lengths and makes fitment easier on some frames. At the same time, Crankbrothers says it has tuned the actuator and cartridge for easier actuation, a light touch at the remote, and a quick response.

The new Highline also features an internal adjustable travel system so riders can fine-tune the drop length to optimize fit. On the 30.9, 31.6, and 34.9mm diameter posts, travel can be reduced by up to 20mm in 5mm increments with an “easy-to-install key.” According to Crankbrothers, the process requires minimal tools and the post does not need to be completely removed from the bike. Note: the 27.2mm posts use a hydraulic IFP cartridge, and do not have adjustable travel.

The stack height has been reduced by 2mm to a very respectable 45mm (collar base to saddle rail center), and the brand states that insertion depths across all sizes have been decreased, too. The two-bolt saddle clamp has been updated slightly, but still features the quick-release, pivoting rear bolt that makes saddle installation, removal, and adjustments a snap.

More Sizes

Crankbrothers says, “No matter the bike, there’s a Highline that will fit.” It comes in 27.2mm, 30.9mm, 31.6mm, and 34.9mm diameters and travel lengths between 60 and 230mm (depending on the post diameter). With so many options, it does seem like there is a Highline to fit any bike.

30.9mm and 31.6mm Sizes

Size options, measurements, and weight for the 31.6mm diameter posts. The 30.9mm posts come in the same sizes and weigh ~15 to 20g less depending on the size.

34.9mm Sizes

27.2mm Sizes

Specs and Features

• 20mm of internal travel adjustment (excluding 60mm and 80mm lengths and all 27.2mm)
• Shortened insertion length
• Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
• 45mm minimum stack height
• Two-bolt quick-release head for easy saddle installation
• Quick-connect linear pull mechanism for easy cable installation and routing
• Emulsification cartridge (gas/oil mixed) (27.2mm has a hydraulic IFP cartridge)
• Jagwire cable and housing
• Internal routing
• Remote sold separately
• 5-year warranty

Crankbrothers Highline: Pricing and Availability

All of the new Highline dropper post sizes are priced at $249.99 / €249.99. Head to the brand’s website to learn more, pick up a new post, or find a Crankbrothers dealer near you.

crankbrothers.com