Test / Vario post: With the SDG Tellis V2 there is now another exciting alternative for those who are looking for a new Vario post. Thanks to the many variants and stroke lengths, the robust and service-friendly support should be of interest to many mountain bikers.
SDG took six years to introduce the successor to their first dropper post. To date, the SDG Tellis has been a hot tip for a robustly constructed, attractively priced support with very low operating forces and in many variants. The successor, the SDG Tellis V2, is based on exactly these strengths, improves what is already known in some places and, thanks to the adjustable stroke, now offers even more options - depending on the area of use, leg length and frame height.
At the top of the specifications when developing the new support was a simple and robust structure. The result is a dropper post that can be completely disassembled within a few minutes without any special tools, even by less experienced screwdrivers. A closed cartridge from Wintek works inside, which can be easily replaced in the event of a defect. To ensure that this is not necessary, the support on the collar is protected from external influences by four seals, and an Igus plain bearing is intended to ensure play-free operation even after a few years.
To ensure that everyone who is interested in the support can find a suitable model, the Tellis V2 is available in three diameters - 30,9 mm, 31,6 mm and 34,9 mm - and in seven different stroke lengths between 75 and 230 mm. This can now be reduced by 5, 10 or 20 mm after purchase using the included spacers.
The head of the support is completely new: the rather large, clunky unit on its predecessor is now replaced by a clever design that is not only much easier to use, but also offers a tangible advantage on paper: a whole 10 mm You can save height here, which means that the support is slightly lower when fully retracted.
A small disadvantage of the robust and simple design is the weight: At just under 700 g for the version with a diameter of 31,6 mm and a stroke of 230 mm, the Tellis V2 is somewhat heavier than comparable supports from the competition. However, if you don't pay attention to every gram, you should be able to cope with it - especially since the price of 219 euros is extremely fair.
First impressions of the SDG Tellis V2 from practice
We received an SDG Tellis V2 with a diameter of 31,6 mm and a stroke of 230 mm from the German distributor Cosmic Sports before the release. Even if the long-term experience that is particularly valuable for vario supports is still missing, we have already been able to gather a few first impressions, especially with regard to installation and construction.
In our test bike, the support replaces a Fox Transfer - the replacement was completed in just a few minutes. What was immediately noticeable here, however, was the considerable length of the support: the variant with a 230 mm stroke measures a total of 612,5 mm. If you want to completely recess the dropper, the frame needs an insertion depth of at least 336 mm. You should definitely keep this in mind when purchasing and, if in doubt, choose the version with less travel. This should also have a positive impact on the weight: our test support just barely cracked the 700g mark (702 g).
Since we couldn't completely retract the Tellis V2 due to the mentioned insertion depth, we had to reduce the stroke slightly to get the right seat height. As promised by SDG, this is extremely easy and can be done in just a few minutes thanks to the helpful how-to video. The support can also easily remain in the frame.
We were thoroughly impressed by the clever design of the head and its great handling. Above all, the screws, which are slightly angled to the side and are used to tighten the saddle and adjust its inclination, are a small but highly appreciated detail: This means you can easily place the Allen key on the side and screw comfortably.
After the first few kilometers of trail, the support is still completely free of play. We will keep an eye on how this develops in the future. What is noticeable compared to its predecessor is the slightly increased operating force. While the predecessor played in a league of its own and the thumb lever showed almost scary little resistance, you now have to press a little harder. In terms of extension speed, the support is on the comfortable side compared to the competitors, but in our opinion it is still absolutely in the green zone.