reviewed by:
edlopsOnly have the Reverb post for a week & I love it! I would not go back to a fix post ever again. The 1 lb or so weight penalty to have a drop post is well worth it. The post came in a nice box packaging that displays the post & remote. Inside had everything you need to install and re-bleed the system. The user guide was short & simple but the additional usual languages made it a little thicker. The air valve is located at the bottom end of the post & setting the psi was easy. It only took me about 15 min to install the post & remote actuation, remount my saddle, & route the cable. Out the box, the post worked like a charm & didn't have to bleed the system unlike some user reviews.
For bikes like the new Enduro SLs, take note that it is strongly recommended to clamp on the lower post below the top cap when using a repair stand, so if you are securing the Reverb from being stolen with a bolt seat collar, it's extra work to get enough clearance for the clamp. You can always use a quick release seat collar & cable up your saddle. It is also not recommended to stand the bike on it's handlebars to prevent remote damage. There is also no setback model options for those shorter top tube bikes. Another good deatail, is the 125mm of infinite seat-height adjustment is a huge plus & it operates very smooth & quiet.
Since I was using an Avid Matchmaker for my brakes & shifter, and the way I have them setup, I had to use the standard brake clamp & move the shifter to the remote actuation. Even though a left-handed remote is available as a separate purchase, by default, the Reverb comes with a right handed remote & no left option during the order. I tried moving the remote to the left side & flip it over for more protection but the left shifter was in the way. The shifter mount can easily adjust to the desired position on the remote, however I wished they have the shift mount directly aligned straight with the remote clamp instead of flushed to the side making the shifter too close to the handle grip. Another thing is that if you need to loosen the remote clamp, the shifter has to be removed first to get access to the clamp bolt, however I do like the single bolt remote clamp that makes it easy to install on the handlebars without removing the grips.
Although it didn't come with instructions, shortening the hose & just re-bleeding the remote side was easy & fast. After double checking the desired hose length & making sure there is enough slack on both post & remote sides just in case you decided to change saddle heights, cutting the hose & reconnecting it to the barb on the remote was a breeze. It only took 3 cycles of the actuation to get the bubbles out & the bleeding port was easy to access. The bleed kit also came with a torx tool, extra barb o-rings, & suspension oil. I wouldn't recommend using the same kit to bleed your brakes unless you really clean it & not contaminate either one.
As for performance, the Reverb has not failed me so far. As soon as the remote actuation is activated, the post will easily drop with your weight & extend to the speed you set on the remote. I think the slap n tickle feature is a plus, I've been hurt before with other brands & it's not funny especially when you're in a technical section. The post does not extend when lifting the bike by it's saddle & it feels strong & sturdy. There is very minimal side to side play but feels solid & not noticeable while riding compared to other brands. The remote actuation also has a solid feel when pressing but yet easy with no resistance like most cable remotes. Also loved the dual-bolt micro-adjust saddle clamp, just like the Thompson post, it was very easy to get the right forward & saddle angle. The hose guide was a great idea to control hose movement & avoid cable rubs. Lastly, the seal, like all their forks & shocks, is easy to clean & keeps moisture & contaminants out.
Pros:
- Rock Shox = High quality products
- 125mm of infinite seat-height adjustment - Slap N Tickle speed seat return
- Reliable hydraulically actuated remote
- Doesn't extend by lifting by the saddle
- Very minimal side play & feels solid
- Comparable weight to other drop posts
- Micro adjust seat clamp
- Well thought hose guide
- Bleed kit included & easy to bleed
- Matchmaker shifter mount
- No sticky cable to deal with
- Proven custom rubber seal
- Operates smooth & quiet
Cons:
- No setback model options
- Possible remote damage if bike standing on handlebars to fix a flat tire
- About 1/2 pound penalty against fix posts
- Shifter blocking the remote clamp bolt