Crankbrothers Highline: More Drop, Lower Stack and a Broad Size Range

By MTBSA contributor

Crankbrothers has redesigned the Highline dropper with lower stack height, a shorter actuator and travel options spanning 60–230 mm. Every variant was announced at ≈ R4 166, excluding the remote, making fit and available insertion depth the main questions for prospective buyers.

Choose the diameter before the travel

The range covers 27.2, 30.9, 31.6 and 34.9 mm seat tubes, but not every travel option is available in every diameter. The 27.2 mm post uses an IFP cartridge and tops out at 125 mm travel. Larger diameters offer options extending to 230 mm.

Most adjustable versions allow up to 20 mm of travel reduction in 5 mm steps. Some short-travel models are not adjustable, and the 27.2 mm range is listed as non-adjustable. Versions marked “L” provide a longer post for riders who need a high saddle position without maximum drop.

Revised internals and easier fitting

The 30.9, 31.6 and 34.9 mm versions use a revised gas-and-oil emulsification cartridge. Crankbrothers says this improves smoothness and return speed. Trelleborg seals are part of the update.

The actuator is nearly half the height of the previous Highline 3 and 7 design, while head stack is listed at 45 mm. The 230 mm version has 327 mm insertion length and 602 mm overall length. A revised clamp allows the rear bolt and nut to slide into place without complete separation.

Published weights include 646 g for the 30.9 × 230 mm post, 666 g for the 31.6 × 230 mm version and 732 g for the 34.9 × 230 mm version. The stated warranty is five years for other parts and one year for the seals.

A fit check for your bike

Before ordering in South Africa, measure both saddle height and the frame’s usable insertion depth. Budget for a compatible remote as well. The launch price is in US dollars; rand pricing and local availability remain unconfirmed in the supplied article. Claimed improvements still need an independent riding test.

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About these rand prices

Amounts marked ≈ are approximate rand conversions of overseas prices, using SARS reference rates dated 12 October 2026, rounded to the nearest rand. They are not South African retail quotes and exclude additional shipping, import charges and local retailer costs. Confirm current local pricing with a South African dealer. Unqualified dollar prices in US-market reporting are treated as US dollars; explicitly identified currencies use their corresponding rate.