Not many components on mountain bikes over the last few years have been more frustrating than dropper posts to me. I am demanding of my droppers and use them more than your average fella, but I hate dropper failures. A reasonably priced smooth and reliable dropper under $250 has been calling and its great to see the options coming. I’ve been hearing good things about the dropper posts from PNW Components so I figured it was time to give the Bachelor a try. The PNW Bachelor checks the boxes with a sub $250 price (with Loam lever), long drop options and user serviceability.
But how does it compare to other droppers? After several months of wet western North Carolina riding, I can confidently say quite well! I have enjoyed stabbing the lever of this more than any other lately and have been impressed by how its been holding up to heavy use in demanding conditions.
PNW Components Bachelor Dropper | $249 | 30.9 or 31.6mm | 150 (tested) or 170mm Drop | 565 grams | Internal Routing only | Loam Lever 0ption
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- Super smooth and light action – The actuation is consistent meaning that return speed feels the same no matter where you are in the travel of the post. I mention this since the OneUp Dropper doesn’t seem to possess this trait and the return rate slows near the top of the stroke. The 9Point8 Fall Line is very similar. Although I really like both of those posts, the varying return rate is annoying.
- Reasonable overall length for a 150mm drop – pretty much the exact same as the Fox Transfer (457mm for Fox vs 458mm for PNW). This is a reasonable length although not as short as the Oneup or 9Point8 if you really need a short post.
- Excellent 3-year warranty and fully rebuildable without sending the post back.
- The Loam lever ergonomics are excellent. The lever itself is in a great position – not angled in or out too far and is very easy to reach. The large shape is super nice with comfy rounded corners.
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- With only a few months of use, not a thing rubs me wrong with the Bachelor. If I *really* had to nitpick I might say that I don’t care for the looks of the large spirally ribbed collar. I do like how easy this collar makes it to loosen for lube-age though. Other posts require a rubber strap wrench to loosen.
- The $69 Loam Lever is expensive if bought separately from the post.
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The Bachelor to me feels very close to the Fox Transfer. That is a good thing since the Fox feels about the best with a very smooth, consistent and light action stroke. The Loam lever has a much larger and more comfortable feel overall though. I love its consistent feel and return rate. Side to side wiggle is nearly nonexistent and better than posts than most other posts. With a few months of heavy use, the action has remained the same with zero maintenance or issues. The PNW Bachelor is simply the post I would put my money into right now.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
