Originally Posted by
PeteHski
After a while it becomes second nature, just like shifting gears. When I first started using a dropper post we were still in the 3x drivetrain era, so the lever position was a bit awkward next to the left hand shifter. With a modern 1x drivetrain, it’s much easier to set up with the dropper lever on the left and gear shifters on the right.
FWIW my technique for tight, twisty singletrack segments is to lower the saddle about 2” where I can still pedal pretty well. I only fully drop it for steep or long descents and fully extend for climbing or non-technical flats.
For years I raced XC on a rigid post, but recreationally rode on an enduro bike with a dropper. My enduro terrain pretty much dictates the use of a dropper, but I didn't
need a dropper for XC. I finally switched to an XC bike with a dropper last year, and now I realized what I've been missing. Now, I'm activating the dropper multiple times a lap...being an infinitely adjustable post, I don't even have to get it all the way down. Besides dropping it for descents, I'll use it frequently for corners...basically allows me to lean the bike deep into a turn, while in a standing position, and not have interference with the seat.
Using the dropper for XC has totally become 2nd nature. Like you said, the prevalence of 1x drivetrains has totally cleaned up the bars. The dropper lever is no longer an afterthought, it's easily reached without changing your hand position.