Suspension & dropper cluster · Dropper

Dropper diameter: 30.9 vs 31.6 vs 34.9

Quick answer

There are three diameters: 30.9, 31.6 (the most common) and 34.9 mm. The post diameter must match the inside of the seat tube. You can go up with a reducer shim (fit a 30.9 in a 31.6 frame), but never down: a post thicker than the tube won't go in. The 34.9 is more recent and stiffer, for long-travel droppers. It's the first piece of data for which dropper fits you.

Diameter is filter number one: if it doesn't match (or can't be reduced with a shim), there's nothing more to discuss.

How to know your diameter

Quickest way: look at the engraving on your current post, it almost always reads "30.9", "31.6" or "34.9". If not, measure the inner diameter of the seat tube with a caliper. The 31.6 is the dominant standard; the 30.9 is common on older or gravel frames; the 34.9 is the new high-end option.

Up yes, down no

The practical rule: with a reducer shim you can fit a thinner post in a wider tube (30.9 → 31.6, or 31.6 → 34.9). What you can't do is the opposite: a 31.6 post won't go in a 30.9 tube. So if in doubt, measure before buying.

Key facts

Diameters
30.9 · 31.6 · 34.9 mm
Most common
31.6 mm
Reducer shim
yes (thinner post in a wider tube)
34.9
stiffer · long-travel droppers
Post diameters 30.9, 31.6 and 34.9 mm and a reducer shim in the seat tube
The diameter must match the tube; it's reduced with a shim, not enlarged.
Common mistake: buying by model without confirming the diameter, or believing a shim "enlarges". A shim only reduces: never put a post thicker than the tube.
Don't know your diameter?

Tell us your frame model and we'll confirm the seat tube diameter. Message us on WhatsApp

Frequently asked questions

What diameters exist?

30.9, 31.6 (the most common) and 34.9 mm. It must match the inside of the seat tube.

Can I fit another diameter?

Thinner yes, with a reducer shim. Thicker than the tube, no.

What's the 34.9 for?

Stiffer tube, intended for long-travel droppers on modern frames.

Related

What dropper fits? → Measure insertion and stack → Suspension & dropper cluster →

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BikeLab-pedia · Suspension & dropper cluster / Bicycle compatibility and standards / Carlos Eduardo Ravello Joo · BikeLab Studio · Trujillo, Peru