One of the best things about a dropper post cover is that there is basically nothing to it. No tools, no removing the post, no cables to fiddle with. If you can wrap a sandwich, you can fit a Dropper Saver. Here is how.
What you need
A Dropper Saver and your bike. That is the list. It helps to give the seat post a quick wipe with a rag first so you are not sealing dirt in with it.
Step 1: Drop the post
Put the dropper at full extension. You want the whole stanchion exposed so the cover protects the full travel of the post.
Step 2: Wrap it around the post
Open the Dropper Saver flat and wrap it around the exposed seat post with the seam facing the rear. The elastic edges should sit snug against the post at the top and bottom.
Step 3: Secure the velcro straps
There are velcro straps at the top and bottom. The top strap secures to your saddle rails, and the bottom strap attaches to the frame near the seat post collar. Pull them firm but not drum tight. The elastic does the sealing; the straps just hold everything in place.
Step 4: Cycle the post and check
Run the dropper up and down a few times. The cover should flex with the post without bunching, rubbing the tyre or pulling at the straps. If it twists, loosen the straps, straighten it up and refasten.
That is it. Realistically it is a 3 to 5 minute job the first time, and faster every time after.
Does it fit my dropper?
Dropper Saver is one size fits most. It is 350mm long and 170mm wide, which covers the exposed stanchion on the vast majority of droppers from 100mm to 200mm travel, and the velcro straps adjust to suit different saddle and frame shapes. It does not care about brand either. RockShox Reverb, Fox Transfer, OneUp, BikeYoke, KS, Brand-X and the post that came stock on your bike all present the same problem: an exposed stanchion in the line of fire. The whole thing weighs 26g, so you will not notice it on the scales.
Mistakes to avoid
Three things cover most of the install questions we get.
Do not strap it drum tight. The straps only hold the cover in place; over-tensioning makes the cover pull sideways as the post cycles.
Do not seal dirt in. Wipe the stanchion before fitting the cover, especially after a muddy ride. The cover keeps dirt out; it cannot fix dirt that is already on the post.
Do not forget the dropper still needs servicing. A cover stretches the time between services, but the schedule in our maintenance guide still applies, just with friendlier intervals.
When should you take it off?
Removal is just the reverse, and the velcro makes it quick. Pull the cover off after wet rides to let everything dry, hose the cover down when it is caked in mud, and take it off whenever you want to wipe the stanchion or check the collar. Because it comes off in seconds, there is no excuse for not having a look at the post every so often. If you spot any of the warning signs we cover in 5 signs your dropper post needs a service, deal with them early.
How do you clean the cover?
Hose it off or rinse it in a bucket and let it air dry. The 3 layer waterproof breathable material does not need anything fancier, and there is no padding to hold water. If it cops a properly filthy ride, a soft brush gets the caked mud out of the velcro.
Protect your dropper post for $15.95
Dropper Saver stops the dirt that causes $200+ dropper failures. Worldwide shipping $7.95.