SDG Tellis V2 Dropper Post Review: Durable, Reliable, Simple

  

When it comes to dropper posts, we all know there are a myriad of options out there from electronically actuated to kashima coated and everything in between. SDG knows this as well, and their new Tellis V2 has some key features that make it stand out from the crowd and make it more appealing than the others. With some appreciated details like adjustable travel, a unique infinitely adjustable saddle clamp, and a lifetime warranty, this dropper post is definitely a worthwhile candidate when looking at options for your bike. 

 

SDG offers the Tellis V2 in the widest range of travel options available on the market, ranging from 55mm to 230mm, all adjustable in 5mm, 10mm, or 20mm increments via travel adjust shims that don't require any tools in order to install. The post comes in the three main MTB seatpost diameters of 30.9mm, 31.6mm and 34.9mm so riders everywhere have an option no matter their bike or stature. The Tellis V2 utilizes a Wintek cartridge for its actuation and four main seals in order to keep the elements at bay. This all results in a very reliable dropper post that's been proven day in and day out even in the worst conditions in which you'd consider riding your bike - down to -5 degrees Celsius according to SDG. To add to the user experience, SDG even offers a bunch of very well done videos explaining how to adjust and service your post on their site - something we wish more companies did with their products.

  

 

When it comes to improvements over the V1, SDG went back to the drawing board and thought of how they could improve the Tellis in every way possible. The design team reworked the saddle clamp area to reduce stack height and make saddle installation quick and easy which happens to be a very unique feature of this post as well. The area in which the saddle clamps rest look somewhat I-Beam-esque and features the aforementioned infinite saddle angle adjustment (or at least as much as you'd want to adjust a saddle before becoming very uncomfortable). The saddle clamp is also uniquely angled which makes installing and changing saddles very easy and intuitive, and this redesign reduces the post head stack in the process. This key feature is certainly something that sets this post apart from the others and it's very cool to see a practical, original take on this part of a dropper post. SDG also increased the stanchion diameter and IGUS bushings of the post to a robust 26mm which aids in reducing play and adding strength.

  

  

We've had this post in for test for the better part of a year and our experience riding it has been uneventful in the best way possible. There has been no unusual wear, it's been easy to service, and it's been as reliable as it was on day 1. We've been running the 230mm dropper post on our Revel Rail 29 test bike and even this extremely long travel post has had zero issues or hiccups which is certainly saying something. The increased stanchion diameter and improved bushings over the V1 could have something to do with that impressive durability and reliability, even though the V1 was a stellar post as well. SDG sent us their dropper post lever to test with their post as well, which offers a slightly longer lever than some others and that leads to a super light lever action which is quite nice. It requires a tad more lever action to actuate due to this increased length, yet it proved to be a nice experience overall when compared to some others that require a bit more thumb force to actuate the post. Overall, this has been a great, no fuss dropper post experience and can absolutely recommend it to other riders looking for the same.