IMeasureStuff
Member
There is no issue at all using an extended dropper to clamp your bike into BUT there are a couple of good emtb practices you can adhere too.
1. Remove the battery if it's easy to do so. The reason for this is to make it easier to lift the bike on the stand and to minimise the chance of the stand falling over. The stability of those stands vary alot. If you have a Trek with a side load battery it takes about half a second to pop out that battery.
2. Ensure the Jaws on the clamp and the Seatpost is clean! It's a simple check but important. Because of the weight of an emtb and the fact that your dropper will have a very thin layer of grease on it (if maintained correctly), the bike is like to slide down unless that clamp is super snug. You don't want dirt, grit etc... scratching that stanchion.
3. Setting the angle of the jaws to minimise load on the droper. Sure your dropper can handle the bike in any orientation, but less load on a component is always a good thing on any part. To determine the angle is super easy, with one or two hands pick up the bike by the seat post, lift the bike up until it's completely off the ground, the bike will rotate into its natural position when held by the seatpost, that's about the angle you need to set your clamp at. It's not critical, but it's a nice touch.
Also while I'm here, learn to rebuild your own dropper! With the right tools and a bit of the correct grease it's generally very easy. You don't need to replace any parts unless they are worn or broken. Just strip, clean, lubricate and reassemble and you are good as new, and if you have a cheap dropper it will be better than new!
1. Remove the battery if it's easy to do so. The reason for this is to make it easier to lift the bike on the stand and to minimise the chance of the stand falling over. The stability of those stands vary alot. If you have a Trek with a side load battery it takes about half a second to pop out that battery.
2. Ensure the Jaws on the clamp and the Seatpost is clean! It's a simple check but important. Because of the weight of an emtb and the fact that your dropper will have a very thin layer of grease on it (if maintained correctly), the bike is like to slide down unless that clamp is super snug. You don't want dirt, grit etc... scratching that stanchion.
3. Setting the angle of the jaws to minimise load on the droper. Sure your dropper can handle the bike in any orientation, but less load on a component is always a good thing on any part. To determine the angle is super easy, with one or two hands pick up the bike by the seat post, lift the bike up until it's completely off the ground, the bike will rotate into its natural position when held by the seatpost, that's about the angle you need to set your clamp at. It's not critical, but it's a nice touch.
Also while I'm here, learn to rebuild your own dropper! With the right tools and a bit of the correct grease it's generally very easy. You don't need to replace any parts unless they are worn or broken. Just strip, clean, lubricate and reassemble and you are good as new, and if you have a cheap dropper it will be better than new!
