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So - I ordered a 180mm V2 dropper from OneUp. It arrived last week and was fitted last night. The main reason was that it actually works out about the same extension as my 150mm RaceFace but with MOAR DROP! In fact it feels ever so slightly shorter, which was what I'd hoped as even slammed the RaceFace always felt slightly too long. So result on that count.
However, there are a few niggles. One is, as mentioned in the PSA thread, it's really sensitive to how tight the seat collar is. Too sensitive, in fact. When done up past about 3Nm on my torque wrench, it doesn't reliably extend. Past 5Nm is hardly extends at all. I don't think my wrench is wrongly calibrated either, because even done up by hand, it only takes about a quarter turn past "nipped up" to start showing extension issues. Now perhaps this is because it is slammed in the seat tube or something but whatever the reason I'm confident that it'll be too loose to reliably keep the saddle pointing forward. I haven't ridden it properly yet, so we'll see when I do. Perhaps I could improve that with carbon paste, but I always thought (and I'm not sure why...) that carbon paste and droppers are a no-no.
Other niggle is that it has rotational play. Not much but definitely there - this annoys me slightly since the RaceFace was actually damn solid.
Last point is that it doesn't reliably extend when fully dropped. It reliably extends from mid drop pretty much every time, but when fully dropped it doesn't always clunk back into place when it extends. A slight pull up with the lever pressed in gets it there.
I've contacted their warranty so we'll see what the feedback is - I'm not yet clamouring for the Director's personal email address 🙂 It's an impressive bit of kit, to be honest, but once fitted mine really doesn't fill me with the confidence that it'll give me as much hassle-free riding as the RaceFace did, though it's impressive how they can get 180mm drop in such a low stack.
“Perhaps I could improve that with carbon paste, but I always thought (and I’m not sure why…) that carbon paste and droppers are a no-no.”
I’m not sure why either. Carbon paste is a really good idea on dropper posts.
There's no issue using carbon paste with a dropper, it allows you to use less torque to keep the post in place so it's a sensible move if you're having slipping issues or not.
I've used one of these in the past when I had a seat post too sensitive to torque
http://www.hotlines-uk.com/brand-x-double-bolt-seat-clamp
allows you to apply the right amount of torque twice, which I figured grips the post more firmly. Without it my old post was either too loose (could turn the saddle by hand) or wouldn't raise
Ive got a 170mm fitted, I found I needed to pump the pressure up to get it to go up and down properly (which is fair enough, just wish I’d remembered to do it before I fitted the saddle!! 😂) but apart from that the post is clamped and isn’t displaying any of the issues you’ve mentioned mate.
Accidental double!
As above - up the air pressure in the post a bit to aid the rise.
If you use carbon paste you need to remove the post every few months as the 'liquid' bit of the paste tends to dry over time and then you start getting corrosion issues (don't ask me how I know!).
I thought all droppers were delivered with instructions to only use carbon paste, tbh.
I thought all droppers were delivered with instructions to only use carbon paste, tbh.
My OneUp dropper came without any sort of instructions in the box. The "instructions" here :
https://can.oneupcomponents.com/pages/dropper-post-installation
don't offer advice on paste/no paste but do say do it up lightly, but I assumed that was just the first step when all we're doing is measuring the cable/outer for fitment before cutting it. I don't think it actually says that you have to put the post back in again, in fact 🙂
I'll give some carbon paste a try, check the pressure and maybe add a bit more (will mean taking the damn saddle back off grrrrrrr... 🙂 )
All the posts of that type will probably suffer from both underfilling of air from the factory, and sensitivity to clamping near the top of the post just below the collar, so if you're buying one just refill and use carbon paste/assembly grease as a matter of course.
underfilling of air from the factory
I'd imagined that to be the case, so checked and pumped it up slightly before installation already. But will do again.
No-one has made any mention of the slight rotational play - is that to be expected? I'm a bit disappointed because the RaceFace it replaced was fine, and no noticeable movement was there whatsoever.
Happy with mine.
Its done up tight but its about 3 inches higher than slammed.
There is a bit of rotational play but no worse than my Fox Transfer
The lever action isn't as smooth though (slightly notchy) and I'm not that keen on the way that the outer cable is pulled rather than the inner which is probably the cause. I have the post bottomed out on my Mondrakers interrupted seat tube so the outer cable is probably rubbing on carbon when it moves. Not ideal but I am guessing this is one of the ways they got the overall length so short.
Overall I am happy though - I had to shim it down to 170mm but that is still 20mm better lower than the Fox post it replaced.
Can you feel the play while riding?
My One Up v1 had *very* slight play when new - a year, 800 miles, one 10 minute dismantle, clean and regrease later and it's no worse.
Happy with the 210mm version I've got. Had it both slammed and about 1.5" higher and it seems totally smooth.
Small amount of play, but much better than the fox transfer it replaced, and I'm loving the extra drop!
Mine is fitted to a V4 Nomad so I had to swap to the v2.1 actuator which works off the cable inner not the housing. Not sure why they haven't made the 2.1 actuator standard as it's not any longer
had to swap to the v2.1 actuator
I had no idea there was a different actuator.
What is the problem with the nomad?
Is it just an interrupted seat tube?
Would it be worth me getting one for my Mondraker Dune do you think?
Do they hold air though? I'm getting tired of topping up my RF dropper every week.
I’m getting tired of topping up my RF dropper every week
I've topped mine up once when I thought it was an issue, but it didn't need it. Was a cable issue in the end. I've had it over 2 years, never serviced, not looked after at all, just plodded on.
ndthornton - Member
I had no idea there was a different actuator.
What is the problem with the nomad?
Is it just an interrupted seat tube?
Would it be worth me getting one for my Mondraker Dune do you think?
On the Santa Cruz's it because of the low shock I believe. I had an unresolveable issue with my Cotic FlareMAX which meant I passe don my original 170mm. I've now got a 180mm with the V2.1 actuator and it seems fine riding around the block. The lever throw is very small though, if that makes sense.
@orangespyderman mine is about 2.5 years now and was fine for about 2 years too 😉
I'll bother RF about it first, maybe they can suggest something.
The lever throw is very small though, if that makes sense.
Mine too - think it is a result of making the actuator as short as possible - fair trade off.
Iv ordered the 2.1 though - looks like a better design. Hope as you say its the same length as I am very close to the limit of it being too tall
I didn't precisely measure the length of the 2 actuators, but comparing them by eye they looked the same. I was in a rush to swap them over though! If you're running things that close it would be worth checking with them.
The v2.1 actuator is needed on all low shock Santa Cruz bikes as the internal cable routing is tight enough that you can't get the required movement in the cable housing. I never liked the idea of the post being actuated by the housing anyway, so glad they came up with the new design.
The 2.1 actuator is free when you order on their website, just need to tick the box to include it.
Anyone know of you can fit a V2 actuator to a v1 post?
It's 17mm less stack height that I could really use.
I don't think you can fit the v2 actuator to the v1 post. There's a thread on MTBR forums with some replies from oneup, I'm sure someone asked that question.
3 or 4 rides into my 210 v2 and it’s doing what it’s supposed to. No issues with tight collars or any noticeable play. Might let a bit of air out as it’s super fast and the position of the lever on the bars is different to the reverb which was more tucked underneath. All in all a pretty solid bit of kit and great to have such a big drop.
So... There's a (happy) end to this. Short version is it's all my fault. It was air pressure, I don't know why but it was low, probably not fully extended when I checked it the first time. Correct pressure has resolved the issues.
Shout out to OneUp - they replied quickly with an email, with a bunch of things to check, some advice and a clear offer to refund or replace, at my choice, if the checks didn't resolve it to my satisfaction. Perfect customer service, even when they were faced with a numpty. Absolutely spot on.
Marvellous - gotta love a happy ending 😉
Mine 210 is 4 rides in now, must admit that I find it indistinguishable in service from the 170 brand x it replaced, except for the fact that when the saddle is fully dropped, it is like riding a bike without a saddle at all - makes steep and rough bits an absolute doddle (as 5x gold PRs on DH sections on my ride this morning will testify!)
Old post, but hows everyone finding the V2?
Remote is an improvement and the V2.1 actuator is an improvement and much more reliable.
However - I do find there is a little bit of play in the post - especially when in the down position. This was not present in my V1. I think some of it might be that the post has much smaller grooves to keep it straight.
Anyone else notice a bit of movement in theirs?
No more movement in mine than the many reverbs or the Lev integra that I had previously. Dropper posts are pretty much always gonna have a bit of play tbh, and as I don't ever notice it whilst riding, It's never caused a concern.
Mine has similar levels of play as my old reverb within the same time, it looks pretty simple to sort it with the key kits on the website.
Spoke to OneUp and they said that some of the V2 posts do have a bit more movement than others and the oversized pin kit can be used. Currently out of stock for at least a few weeks though.
I bought the v2.1 actuator and then when I went to fit realised I had the v1 post and no it doesn't fit, confirmed by OneUp when I asked them. No rotational play at all on the v1 post but the cable tension has to be pretty bang on to ensure it doesn't sink down when sitting on the saddle.
Possibly the v2 posts with v2.1 actuator deals with this annoying issue but other than that all is good. Anyone got the v2 on a Cotic bike, is it any better than the old one? Which was just too tight to work correctly.
I’m still using a V1 on my Cotics, but I think Cy fitted and tested the V2.1 before ordering them in as new options on the bikes. The lack of moving cable outer is the only improvement I’d like for my older version… it makes it fiddly to set up for sure.
I had the same issue, seemed to have to have so little torque on the seat tube clamp bolt, but it also tuned out to be that the pressure was way too low.
I hope it doesn't need adjusting often, I bloody hate taking saddles on and off - so bloody fiddly!
The play in mine is at an acceptable level but it is a noisy rattle sort of play compared to the more expensive posts.
bungalistic Subscriber
Possibly the v2 posts with v2.1 actuator deals with this annoying issue but other than that all is good. Anyone got the v2 on a Cotic bike, is it any better than the old one? Which was just too tight to work correctly.
180mm V2 with a V2.1 actuator working fine on my FlareMAX. I couldn't get the V1 to work at all so gave up and sold it.
exsee Member
The play in mine is at an acceptable level but it is a noisy rattle sort of play compared to the more expensive posts.
Do you only get rattle with the post fully extended? If so there's a fix for this on the mtbr thread
I've got a 210 mm and it does move back and forth a bit as well as some rotation. Last ride I noticed that the seal part on the top of the outer tube had come loose, as someone reported in that MTBR thread linked above. Twisted it finger tight, but it's time to buy a strap wrench I guess.
Apart from that works fine, goes down, goes up, stays there.
Edit: Thanks to fathomer for linking the thread, I've been meaning to contact OneUp about the loose seal, but hadn't gotten around to it.
If anyone has a random v2.1 actuator spare, I'll happily take it!
isoo Subscriber
Edit: Thanks to fathomer for linking the thread, I’ve been meaning to contact OneUp about the loose seal, but hadn’t gotten around to it.
No worries, it's good when companies post on forums to help people out, the info's in the public domain then and not just in someones inbox. Just like Cotic, Bird, Brant, Smudge and a few others do on here.
Some quick words from Cy about the V2.1 & Cotic droplink frames…
https://www.cotic.co.uk/news/2019/oneupdropper
So I just picked up a 180mm V2 post which arrived yesterday to replace my eThirteen TRS one which has been frustrating me for over a year and all I can say is wow, why didn't I do this sooner! It is night and day difference.
The installation was a doddle since all I needed to do was swap over the saddle and hook up the already fitted cable and put the post in. It's working absolutely perfectly out of the box, goes up to full extension without complaint and is so much smoother, more reliable, more adjustable and just all around nicer than the eThirteen one. And I picked it up for £158.99 which is a steal!
Can't wait to really try it out this weekend.
I've been riding a 180mm V2 this summer. It goes up and down perfectly. It had a little rotational play out of the box, but not enough to be noticeable while riding. However it's developed an awful creak whenever I have to put any pressure through the pedals while seated (so, most of the time on the flat, all the time on a climb) which has become so distracting/annoying I've taken it back to the shop to sort. I have a feeling it doesn't fit perfectly in the frame.
Good service from OneUp.
Sorted me out with a rebuild kit and oversized pin kit - just came back in stock so will update once fitted!
Looks like V2 droppers now all come with the V2.1 actuator fitted as standard. They’ve got the message! Moving cable outer is a pain on so many frame designs.
Does it take less effort at the lever end to actuate it using the v2.1 actuator? Find mine a bit hard to push using the stock actuator compared to the KS Lev I had previously.
I think its better. The post is currently out of stock at OneUp though. The new batch will indeed have the actuator fitted which is a good thing!
Just to confirm: I got the 210mm version yesterday and it came stock with the V2.1 actuator.
Update: the creak appears to be from *inside* the seatpost. Nothing the shop did would solve it. Weird. They're getting in touch with OneUp. Meanwhile, the creak is so bad, my bike's unrideable...
I've had a OneUp V2 for around a month now, it also came with the V2.1 actuator. I've got the 210mm model which I have shimmed down by 20mm to fit inside my XL Sonder Cortex. It's great. Very smooth and fast return. Tiny bit of play as mentioned before but nothing I wouldn't expect. Mine was £158 without the lever as I already had a spare which made it barely more expensive than the 170mm Brand X.
Where is the cheapest for the v2? I'd prefer the 2.1 actuator if its an improvement.. Also fancy an EDC if it's a good price..
Cheers, emailed them but seems the posts the have are the older actuator. Will need to wait till fresh stock trickles through I think.
Odd, the one I got shipped had the V2.1 actuator.
Like this: 
Cheers, will ask again. When did you order yours if you don't mind me asking?
They're back in stock on the One Up website, ships from within the UK and with transfer rate its approx £170 so a fair price and they all come with the new actuator.
Would this dropper work with any lever if it’s cheaper to buy without a lever included? I have a brand x 120mm post with the Bontrager lever on my fs bike (I have a 150mm brand x with newest 1x style brand x lever on my ht) and I fancy more drop but not spending too much cash. So thinking another 150mm brand x or maybe a Oneup as they both seem to be good options without spending crazy cash.
joebristol Subscriber
Would this dropper work with any lever
Can't see why it won't, I've got mine on a Wolftooth and have seen on mtbr that others are using numerous different remotes.
The lever needs to include a cable clamp.
I think the actuator is good, but maybe a little rushed as I have now seen 3 of them and they all sit differently at the bottom so as your cable comes out it can be angled sideways in my case. I'm guessing its all down to them having different threads.
No big deal in reality - but if you are OCD lol.
The Bonty lever works fine BTW.
Oooh that new actuator looks like it has an offset cable - this would be very useful for my Trek Slash, which has the main pivot tube bang across the middle of the seat tube.
I ordered mine in September. I run mine with the sub £20 Bonty lever and it works a treat.
Mine works really well with my Trek.
Mate just bought a new one with the new actuator pre installed and something up top is different.
Mine had a rubber cover over the air valve. His has a screw on cap with the sides exposed. Is this normal or should there be something else there?
bit late to this party but interested in replacing my Reverb.
Couple of questions:-
Does the One-Up suffer from lifting the bike by the seat when compressed like the Reverb does?
Can the V2 be reduced in travel more than the 10-20mm they quote on the site? I'm looking to get as long a post as possible to future proof it and just shim it down to suit current install but I obviously can't do that if the V2 will only reduce by 20mm.
what's the real difference V1 to V2 and are they worth having at double the price?
Gary
Does the One-Up suffer from lifting the bike by the seat when compressed like the Reverb does?
Not that I've found (still have a couple of Reverbs in use)
Can the V2 be reduced in travel more than the 10-20mm they quote on the site? I’m looking to get as long a post as possible to future proof it and just shim it down to suit current install but I obviously can’t do that if the V2 will only reduce by 20mm.
Don't think so, as you need 3 x tiny little metal pins dropped into three little slots around the post to reduce travel by each 10mm. The post comes with 6 or so pins, but from memory, the slots were only big enough to fit a max of two of these little pins into each.
Not that I’ve found (still have a couple of Reverbs in use)
So doesn't suck air in and go all squishy at the top like the sodding Reverb?
I've been using and abusing mine for about 10 weeks now and mine still performs exceptionally. No squish or any other issues.
Not IME. My Reverb on my main bike got screwed by when getting hung off the back of a Nevis Range gondola on an uplift day there last year. A new IFP fixed it, but still makes me nervous doing the same again (with a reverb).
I have a V2 210mm post. Really pleased with it. But... I should have topped it up with air prior to fitting. Once up to the correct pressure, worked well. I have lubed up the plastic bushing around the neck of the post.
Bit of a funny whine/squeek coming from it when going up or down, which i have not sorted yet. Does not seem to affect the operation of the post though.
Black Friday sale on now.
Just got the 180mm that now ships with the 2.1 actuator for £134 including shipping 😁
Black Friday sale on now.
Just got the 180mm that now ships with the 2.1 actuator for £134 including shipping
Si there a code for that? Looks like £184 right now with the 20%.
£134 is $209 minus the 20% converted (roughly). That's the price without lever..
That’s the price without lever..
Ah of course! Reading it quick, I was taking the 2.1 actuator to be the lever not the widget at the bottom
This is just a 2 ride report, but so far I'm very, very happy with this post, I put 250 psi as anything over it was too fast for my liking.
Was expecting a less refined post, but this thing rocks, super smooth up and down, only have 3 reverbs B1 to compare it too, but so far I like it far better.
I've also got the cheap lever from Ebay, I haven't tried the fancy ones, so can't compare against them...but it's just a lever, and it works..
Would I buy both items again? Definitely.
Want a 210mm post but nothing wrong with my 170mm Reverb so waiting for another discount code to crop up. If anyone hears of one post it up!
ISWIDT
I had a bit of an issue with my 210 mm / 30.9 post, so I thought I'd put it in record here for the posterity:
Post has been ridden for about three months, then not ridden for one and a half. I took the bike out on Monday and the post had a sort of sticky spot around mid-travel, where it often needed a tug with the knees to extend past. Come Wednesday and the next ride, it stopped locking at all after a couple of drops, not staying down unweighted or staying up with weight on top. Homewards.
As a side note: Pedalling standing up with a steep seat tube angle and fully extended seat is fairly annoying. I ended up turning my saddle nose backwards.
Anyway, I emailed OneUp, received a reply five hours later saying it was probably a blown cartridge and offering to send me a new one if I was comfortable changing it myself. I received a shipping confirmation an hour and a half ago, so about 30 hours from my initial email.
Bummed that I missed a ride, but happy for the service.
Good service, happy days.
Funnny! I am considering the same swap!
Very frustrating as I bought the E13 thinking it would be more reliable, being mechanic and coil sprung, like my Gravity Droppers which have run for years through daily commutes on heavily salted snow covered roads.
This proved not to be true.
What what was the outcome with your creaking One dropper please? I have just bought one - did 2 rides fine and now creaks like a B*stard! completely unrideable.I have taken post back out, regreased, torqued to 5nm, have tried 4nm - no difference. Appears to be coming internally from post, not the post frame interface.
Get in toch with One Up and they'll sort it for you.
I had a similar problem and they sent me a new post before I'd sent the old one back.
I am going to revisit my review of this post. I've had mine installed since September and it has been FAULTLESS.
I pumped the pressure up to whatever it recommended when I installed it and I've never had to touch it since. I lift up the sealing ring and give it a clean and lube up with some KS Post Paste every month or whenever I give the bike a thorough clean and this seems to be enough to keep it running sweet. The amount of play in the saddle is tiny (you can feel it in the car park, but not when riding) but this amount hasn't changed in the time I have had it.
I would totally recommend this seat post. The quality is excellent and the service from OneUp is apparently very good too (although I've not had any experience of this myself). For reference, mine is a 210mm post shimmed down to 190mm and it has the V2.1 actuator.
I'll revisit mine too 🙂
It's been good. The post is good, and works well, mostly. Mine makes a click/creak when pedalling sat down with the post fully extended, and always has... I recently bit the bullet as coming out of lockdown where I couldn't cycle (I'm in France) and the first ride back on the MTB reminded me what a PITA the noise is. So I ordered a service kit and some of the oversized pins, thinking that might help. The delivery firm says the box has been delivered, it's not in my letterbox. They say to contact the seller, OneUp haven't answered either of my emails since last week. I've opened a PayPal dispute 😐
I'm not particularly happy, all in all...
I've only had my v2.1 for 3 months but I've ridden it a lot and it's been perfect. No noises or play. It's so much better than the brand x model it replaced.
My v1 is 15 months old and is still as reliable as ever. I had a few minor issues with the old actuator but they were easily sorted by playing around with it. It's also been ridden in some proper filth and I was amazed how clean the seal kept the internals.