Pragmatism first

120 millimetres of drop stroke, a total weight of around 620 grams, screw-in saddle clamp, internal cable routing through the frame, total length 420 millimetres: These are some of the characteristics of the Koryak dropper post, which Shimano carries in its component program called Pro. These are key data that will hardly make parts fans revel - and this much in advance: the Koryak impresses above all with its pragmatism and little bling bling.

The available diameters of 30.9 and 31.6 millimetres have been chosen pragmatically, and the stroke of 12 centimetres is at the lower end of the current scale. For the remote levers, Pro offers the choice between a handlebar lever (as tested) and a trigger that can be positioned on the left of the handlebar like a gearshift. The latter can be easily married to the brake lever with Shimano's I-Spec II system, which makes for a tidy look. If you brake with Sram, you can help yourself with a Trickstuff Matshi adapter.

The assembly

The first thing you notice: The release mechanism at the bottom of the support looks familiar. Anyone who has ever held a Kind Shock post in their hands will notice little difference. This has advantages: On the test bike, the Kind Shock remote and the connection for at the bottom of the post were compatible with the Koryak, so it was virtually plug and play. Of course, the original remote, cable and coupling were fitted for the test. This assembly went quickly, even if the small cable clamp and its threading on the release of the post is a little fiddly, as with the vast majority of mechanically released dropper posts. The Shimano cable in the outer casing is remarkably smooth-running, which of course contributes to low operating forces.

The Koryak is very user-friendly and pragmatic when it comes to mounting the saddle. There is just one horizontal Allen screw to operate and the clamping shells open, the saddle can be inserted and fixed in place.

The function

Is 120 millimeters of travel enough? This is the first question that arises on the first ride. At first, it doesn't feel like much compared to the usual 150 millimetres. After a short period of getting used to it, this is sufficient for the vast majority of applications. Only on very steep sections does the saddle squeeze into the trail and you would like it to be a little lower. The extension speed is pleasant and quiet, the dropper post lowers smoothly, and the preset and non-adjustable speeds fit very well. The seatpost shows no lateral play and is not offended if you lift the bike by the saddle when the seatpost is lowered. The saddle can be infinitely adjusted over its 120 millimeter adjustment range. The remote doesn't win any ergonomics awards, but here too it feels pragmatic and practical. If you want more comfort on the handlebars, you should definitely opt for the shift lever version of the remote.

A (easily replaceable) gas/hydraulic cartridge operates inside the Koryak, which continues to do its job unimpressed even after several months in wet, muddy and wintry conditions. The saddle holds its position stably. There is no permanent sagging of the extended seat post when you sit on it, as is the case with some competitor products. Speaking of the competition: with an RRP of CHF 249, the Koryak makes many competitors look old. That's really not a lot of money for so much function. The only thing you have to come to terms with is the 120 millimetre stroke.