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The real utility of the dropper post for me is in climbing.

On XC courses I would set my post height at some compromise height, like I would on a CX bike. I’d always feel it in my knees on the climbs though when it was just a bit too low.

Now it’s perfect for decents and for climbs. Such a useful addition to an MTB.

Even being able to adjust the height without the bloody thing twisting from the centre line is a win for me. :)

Back in the early-mid 80s, we used to race on MTBs with quick release on the seatpost clamp, and precisely the right lube to make sure the seat would drop on demand. That didn't deal with the "how do get it back up to the regular height", but before the 90s rolled around there were already several spring-based solutions to that. Dropper posts work better, but they are not a new idea.

Yeah absolutely. Dropper posts are a total game changer, don’t know how you could think they’re gimmicky