The DT Swiss D 232 One Dropper stands out for its unique design and it is aimed specifically for cross-country mountain biking and racing with a drop of just 60mm. But, while the drop is short, less often means more and despite excellent performance and reliability, it is heavier and more expensive than many of the best dropper posts.
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The D 232 stands out against other dropper posts due to the upside-down design with a fully mechanical design that DT claims provides a lighter construction and highly reliable functionality.
DT Swiss D 232 Dropper Post – Technical details
DT Swiss produces two dropper seatposts that share the same internals and 60mm stroke, with the sole difference being the materials used. The version we have on test is fully aluminium, and the D 232 One version has a carbon seat clamp and seat tube material. They are available in the same sizes and share the same 60mm stroke with approximately 50g difference in weight and £140 in price.
The D 232 is only available in two diameter options, 27.2mm and 30.9mm, which can be purchased with either the L1 thumb lever, with a very minimal design, or the L1 trigger shifter-style shape that is available either in a matchmaker compatible mount or with a bar clamp.
The D 232 in 30.9mm diameter (pictured here) weighs 419g without cables or remote. An additional 18g (L1 remote) and 72g (cable hardware) will take the total system weight to 509g.
A fully mechanical design means no hydraulics within the post and the UpsideDrop design means the mechanism can be fitted within the larger external section. When pressed, the lever pulls an internal spoke to release and allow the post to move.
Key measurements for the D 232 include a total length of 400mm. A minimum of 90mm of the actual seatpost must be inserted leaving a stack height of 150mm – significantly more than many other seatposts available. What is stack height and does it matter? Well, it is an important factor to get the maximum drop possible for bike setups with limited seatpost heights. The Wolftooth Resolve and Crank Brothers Highline 11 recently tested by Liam have stack heights of 32mm and 47mm, respectively. For more technical trail riding and all-mountain style riding, getting the saddle completely out of the way might be what riders want but it isn’t the same for everyone.
DT Swiss D 232 Dropper Post – Installation and performance
The seatpost was easy to install. The QuickRelease system that holds the cable nipple at the bottom of the seatpost is simple to connect and the most difficult part will probably be the internal cabling, which varies on each frame. The L1 remote is the smallest thumb lever I’ve used and the cable end is connected and secured with a 2mm Allen key. There is a barrel adjustment for cable tension. Once fitted in the frame, there is a small amount of sideways movement but no more than most other dropper seatposts I have used and tested.
Using the seatpost is incredibly easy with the small size of the L1 remote which means it can be placed in convenient placements to suit your handlebar and setup and make it easy to activate. It doesn’t take much effort or a significant amount of cable pull to release the post and allow it to be dropped. The only noticeable concern when compared to some other high-end seatposts is the feel, which is very mechanical and a little rough when dropping down.
When released, the post pops back in place very quickly, helped by the relatively small amount of stroke. The seatpost has a 60mm stroke, which is all-or-nothing but, unlike much longer stoke options, such as the Fox Transfer SL, which is available with up to 150mm, the D 232 never felt too low for typical cross-country riding.
The opposite will be true for many riders but this is designed for cross-country use. The limited stroke means it is suitable for gravel and other bikes with minimal seatpost outside the frame, including youth bikes. There isn’t a lever option for drop handlebar bikes and DT Swiss doesn’t provide details about aftermarket lever compatibility.
The stroke, style and construction of the seatpost have been reliable and the mechanical adjustment should make it cheaper to run long-term with little to no servicing required.
DT Swiss D 232 Dropper Post – Verdict
For many cross-country riders, the 419g weight will pose an issue despite it falling among some of the lighter options in the segment. The £440 Fox Transfer SL with an 80mm stroke in 30.9mm diameter guise has a claimed weight of 353g. The PRO Tharsis 3Five Dropper might not be the most common but it has 100mm infinite drop, a starting weight of 448g and costs £300, making it a genuine alternative. Liam tested the longest 170mm drop version of the Crankbrothers Highline 11 but there are also shorter 60mm and 100mm versions with weights starting from 437g.
The DT Swiss D 232 Dropper isn’t cheap. The seatpost won’t suit everyone with a single 60mm stroke option, limited sizes and a drop action can’t match other seatposts in the segment. For general cross-country or gravel bike use, the DT Swiss D 232 Dropper should make for a reliable long-term option.
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Product purpose:
Cross country tracks with their constant changes between technical climbs and steep descents demand skills in both directions and not only from the rider. Developed specifically for cross country, the D 232 ONE dropper post is super light, reliable and easy to maintain thanks to UPSIDEDROP technology. The D 232 ONE offers 60 mm travel and thanks to the carbon seat clamp and seat tube it weighs just 369 g. Ready to attack.
Build extra:
Net weight – 369g
Max system weight – 130kg
Stroke/Travel – 60mm
Seat tube diameters – 27.2mm & 30.9mm
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