PNW Components Rainier dropper post review
The head of the post is quite robust (click to enlarge).
Lowdown: PNW Components Rainier Dropper Post
Dropper posts have risen in popularity over the years as riders have discovered the benefits in almost all aspects of riding. But cost and reliability have remained an issue, as many cost $400 and up with reliability continuing to be an issue. As a result, some riders still hold out, or at least don’t install them on all their bikes due to cost and maintenance.
Weight is 583 grams for the 27.2 model(click to enlarge).
PNW Components is an upstart component maker from Seattle, which has a wealth of bike industry experience. They’ve taken their know-how and overseas manufacturing relationships to deliver a dropper post called the Rainier. The post is infinitely adjustable and has an externally routed cable. They have two posts, one in the hard to find 27.2mm diameter with 80mm travel for $275; the other a 30.9mm with 120mm travel for $270.
| Diameter: 27.2 or 30.9 | Travel: 80mm (27.2) / 120mm (30.9) |
| Total weight: 583g (27.2) / 753g (30.9) | Post length: 330mm / 425mm |
| Price $270 / $275 |
Rating:  4.0 out of 5 for the 27.2 model |
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Review: PNW Components Rainier Dropper Post
Some believe that the dropper post is the greatest advancement in mountain biking. But the category is not perfect, as there are issues such as price, functionality, and reliability. Over the past 5 years, we’ve been plagued with $450 posts that frequently break down. And functionality has not been perfected, with posts that are only three position, are undamped, or exhibit a lot of play.
We mounted our test post on a Trek Fuel (click to enlarge).
The folks at PNW Components aimed to address these issues of price, reliability, and functionality with the Rainier post, which costs $270. Then they followed it up with an infinite position post that locks in place at any position. Light lever action controls the damped rise of the post.
But to offer a product at that price, PNW had to pick their battles. They’ve succeeded in bringing an affordable and functional post to market, but it does have its shortcomings, including the fact that it is external routing only. This can be a problem when the post is dropped and the cable gets in the rider’s way.
Continue to page 2 for more of our review of the PNW Components Rainer dropper post
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