When you're ripping through rolling terrain, cranking the pedals one minute and getting off the back of the bike the next, no seat height is "just right".
This infinitely adjustable seatpost is stupendous, with a silky-smooth stroke, and because of its unique hydraulically controlled remote handlebar lever, it has an easy to operate action, and simple installation. I abused the seatpost for four months, on every imaginable terrain possible, and it has been through rain and snow storms, had sand and dirt tossed at it, and has preformed flawlessly, which is helped fabulously by the custom sealing system. Continue reading →
Weaknesses: non-fixed hose. when it fails, it fails miserably
Bottom Line:
i decided to put my ever-reliable thomson away in favor of the reverb. i used it fairly often and found that it added a new level to my riding. it felt right. no movement, solid action, easy to use. the moving hose was an inconvenience but i was able to find a perfect solution after a bit of trial and error.
one day, with no notice, the internals of the post decided to implode. i understand that nothing is perfect, but this wasn't a quick fix. parts had to be ordered, but they were out of stock everywhere. it would also cost upwards of $100. with so many other options on the market, i may be forced to try something else. i don't want to give a negative review of this post because i really did like it when it worked. it seems, though, that it is still a little unreliable. i didn't have more than a year on the post itself. still better than the joplin i had.
Strengths: no play
lighter than the competition
lever is nice to use
ability to control the speed of the post
Weaknesses: fragile lever
Bottom Line:
I currently own 3 adjustable seatpost on 3 of my bikes. I own Ks i900, Rever, and Speed dropper.
The Best one is undoubtable the Reverb
although it also runs into problems like broken lever but it works much better and it feels solid. the actuation is always constant unlike the i900.
i strongly recommend the Reverb
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Thomasspon
a Cross Country Rider
from Sausalito, CA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2012
Strengths: Cool concept
Weaknesses: Unreliable. Works max 50% of the time.
Had it repaired twice, It still gets stocked in the low position. Not fun when you have 20 miles of climbing left.
Bottom Line:
This is a good idea that has not been tested sufficiently to be taken seriously. It's a toy. If your ride is more than 10 miles you have to think twice about using it.
Submitted by
Kerplunk
a All Mountain Rider
from Bellevue
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2012
Strengths: When setup and bled properly, this product works like a charm and I wouldn't have any other post on a bike that I intend to ride uphill for any length. "Bled properly", you ask? Yes, there is a right way and a wrong way. The right way is unfortunately not in the instructions by RockShox, but read on as I will share some invaluable tips that I have discovered over my numerous frustrating bleed exercises.
Weaknesses: Poor instructions on how to properly bleed the Reverb
The seatpost barb is exposed and prone to damage (make sure you have the new rigid style seatpost strain relief boot!)
1/2 lb heavier than fixed posts
Bottom Line:
Hello fellow mountain bikers! I know quite a few of you out there have purchased the Rockshox Reverb hydraulic seat posts and may have run into some frustrations when having to bleed the system.
I now own two of these great posts, and I've learned a lot of tips to help you out, particularly in the area of bleeding these correctly, which the instructions do not cover fully. Why bleed? Well for one, even directly from the factory, the hydraulic pressure may be low (which is why Rockshox recommends bleeding them right out of the box). While it may be sufficient to raise and lower your seat, and you think its working all fine and dandy, the actuator may feel mushy and the seat may not raise in a snappy manner. Low hydraulic pressure can also cause "sticktion", whereby the seat will sometimes stick in its lowered position and you have to manually raise it making you wonder why you just dropped three bills for your new post. The other reason you may need to bleed it is that you have experienced the all too common failure of the older style rubber strain relief boot. Get this replaced ASAP with the newer hardened style boot either under your warranty or for about $15 for a new kit. Sorry Rockshox, but both of mine failed within weeks of use. And of course lastly, you may need to shorten your cable length to fit your particular bike frame (a good time to get that new boot!). There is good news for all the above. With proper bleeding you can substantially increase the hydraulic pressure and performance of your Rockshox! And best of all, this is a 10 minute, two person job. Yes, one can do it by yourself, but the required dexterity and hand strength will have most seeking out their significant other.
Okay, here we go. These tips are in supplement of the official Rockshox bleed instructions which can be found on their website or by searching for them on PinkBike.com.
1.) Make sure that not only is the remote actuator higher than the seatpost, but also that the hose to the actuator is lower as well (i.e. the natural bend of the hose may make it rise over the actuator). You may need to temporarily secure it lower - this is a big deal as otherwise air will be trapped in the high point of the hose.
2.) You need to ensure that the seat post is extended all the way out. If you were unfortunate enough to have had a hydraulic failure while it was in the lowered position, you will need to bleed the system as per the instructions enough to raise sufficient hydraulic pressure to raise the seat (the plunger will likely still be mushy and the seat will raise slowly). This will require removing both syringes and reinstalling the seatpost and actuator bleed screws while ensuring that the actuator plunger is in its fully extended position. Once the seatpost is in its fully raised position, repeat the bleed process as per the instructions, ensuring that the speed adjuster is in the slow position.
3.) When all air has been removed from the system (don't forget to cycle the actuator plunger and speed knob as per the instructions) remove the seatpost syringe first. You will likely see a bit of airspace which can be taken care of by carefully pressing down on the remote actuator syringe, thereby forcing just enough fluid up and out the seatpost while carefully reinstalling the seatpost bleed screw. When you remove the actuator-side syringe, a tiny bit of fluid should weep from the bleed screw hole. Immediately reinstall the actuator bleed screw. If done right, you will notice that the hydraulic pressure is firm and that when pressed and released the actuator plunger will crisply return to the fully extended position. Also, if you then turn your speed screw to the + fast position, your seatpost will rise substantially quicker than it does directly from the factory. Good luck and happy shredding!
Bike Setup: 2012 Transition TR-250 custom Black-Gold edition with HammerSchmidt; 2012 Transition Bandit 29 custom Pewter-Blue edition with HammerSchmidt; 2011 Norco Ryde DJ; 2010 GT Sensor
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
iBam
a All Mountain Rider
from Roy, UT
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2012
Strengths: - 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
Weaknesses: - 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
Bottom Line:
Only 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.
Summed up: Glad I picked up the Reverb instead of the other brands. No cable hazzle & love the slap n tickle feature. Buy it!
Yes, I would recomend this to a friend.
Likes: Made in the USA, Strong, Looks Good, Strength, Finish, Light, Price, Slap n Tickle
Dislikes: Poor Instructions
Works For: All Mountain, MTB
Submitted by
fatweasel
a Weekend Warrior
from Malibu, CA ,USA
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2011
Strengths: Silky Smooth Action, Perfect Saddle Height due to Infinite Adjustment
Weaknesses: Air cylinder seals leak right out of the box
Bottom Line:
HIGHLY RECOMMEND ONLY PURCHASING NEW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WARRANTY. Well I got my first seat post for Christmas. It is a 2012 Reverb 4" drop 380mm post. The production sticker denotes produced 2011 WK 31. Out of the box the unit had no air in it and the system was not bleed. No big deal since I had to shorten the line and install it anyway. Bleeding was simple and straight forward and did not require multiple attempts. I had a feeling that I was in for it when the post came with no air in it but a few pumps with a shock pump up to 250 psi and I was in business. The seat functioned as it was intended and improved my bicycling experience 100%. I was not really sold on the whole infinite adjustable height however after using it for about 7hrs and about 30mi this advantage became apparent especially because my riding area is constant up and down with flat rolling sections. There is very little play left to right which I was thrilled about. After the second day the seat would not function properly so I checked the pressure in the air cylinder and as I anticipated there was 10psi left in the cylinder. I pumped it back up and it worked great for another ride. So the unit has an air cylinder leak, so I guess I have to pump it up every time I go ride. Rockshox makes the probably most produced downhill Boxxer front forks that have good reliability, why cant they make a seatpost that costs $300 work correctly right out of the box? I mean at least give me 6 months! QUE RANT: My theory is poor overseas machining/manufacturing tolerances and/or switching/multiple manufactures causing a tolerance stack up analysis that is in the negative and therefore producing leaks between the seal/post interface. Why else would they keep track of the year and production week on the box, don't get me wrong great idea for pinpointing the source of the manufacturing issue but why are we the guinea pigs? They probably don't see any problems with their in house testing because all their prototypes are probably made in their in house machine shop with good tolerances. I doubt that they are extensively testing their production models that come from overseas. Great product, cut your profit margin slightly to increase tolerances and improve quality control from overseas manufactures and hold them accountable. In turn more consumers will get a product that works 95% of the time and praise and word of mouth will again start to rebuild the reputation of Rockshox. At least I hear there customer service/warranty is stellar. END RANT Whatever...all under warranty so it will be covered at my inconvenience.
Submitted by
Woodcutter
a Weekend Warrior
from Lincolnshire, UK
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2011
Strengths: Looks, build quality, operation, spare parts with original item.
Weaknesses: I used this post for 40 miles before it let me down. I'd read the reviews and was hoping I'd be different.... I wasn't.
I'm amazed that Rockshox have released a product with so many problems attached to it.
When the post works it is outstanding and does exactly what i require of it. I've heard folks talk about movement in it but mine was a solid as a rock.
However, after two rides round my local trail and fewer than 20 operations it failed to return to it's extended position. The pospost was blead and maintained correctly it just failed to operate.
I'm a mechanical engineer so i decided to strip the post down and fix it. Wrong again, the post was beyond repair and would not seal properly losing all of it's 250psi within 30 seconds.
I've exchanged the item with a 2012 model now and I'm seriously hoping this one does not failt as I think it's got serious potential and is a great product.
Bottom Line:
Stay well clear of the 2011 model as I don't know a single person who hasn't had problems. I'll review the 2012 soon. A real shame as the product and theory are excellent, when it's working it's great.
Bike Setup: 2007 Whyte 46, Full M970 XTR, Hope M4's 205mm f & 185mm r, 2010 Fox 36 Talas RC2, Easton Havoc AM wheels, Nobby Nics
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
ralph reinacker
a Weekend Warrior
from louisville, ky USA
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2011
Strengths: It was free I won the Reverb as a door prize after a Super D race in Brown County In. Easy to set up right out of the box no major bleeding required hose was plenty long enough
Weaknesses: The post is very noisy, doesn't feel real durable and after 3 months and less than 240 miles it refuses to return to fully extended position unless I tap it. I would not consider myself somewhat mechanically inclined... but very mechanically inclined. for the amount of money they are asking for these they should be more reliable. GLAD MINE WAS FREE. Great idea
Bottom Line:
Would not buy this product or even the newer model
Submitted by
Capricorn
a Cross Country Rider
from the Netherlands
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2011
Strengths: 1.) Quick & smooth hydraulic activation.
2.) Making biking more fun; easier climbing & descending.
3.) Proven two bolt saddle clamp.
4.) Straight / no set back design.
5.) Infinite height adjustment.
Weaknesses: 1.) Unreliable; after 4 months of light use & lots of TLC, this post began leaking oil and did not return in its original fully extended position.
2.) Remote does not mix with XT Dual Controls very well.
3.) Attachment of hydraulic hose to seat post interferes with clamp of bike carrier if seat is in lowest position.
4.) Hydraulic hose rubs to bike frame & -parts if seat is lowered, causing wear of paint & scratches.
5.) Infinite height adjustment makes it more difficult to quickly return to that "in between"-trail-riding position.
Bottom Line:
Excellent product when functioning as intended.
I chose the Reverb with the left hand remote, hoping that this later introduced version would not show the problems of the earlier introduced right hand remote posts. I also prefer the remote to be operated by my left hand as I am using my right hand for shifting all the time.
After 4 months of light use in dry sandy terrain:
- the post started leaking oil,
- was pushed in while riding / sitting on it in fully extended position,
- would not return completely in its fully extended position,
- and finaly got stuck in the lowest position.
Within 2 weeks RS returned me a brand new Reverb that is still functioning as it should. I hope it can cope with the mud and upcoming snow.
Unlike I did with my previous Reverb, I will clean my new post with water and / or damp cloth only. Not exposing it to any type of chemical cleaner (mild soap) and / or Brunox Fork Deo, hoping that the seals will keep up at least 1 year.
RockShox should (be able to) remove the bugs from this post. It would be best if riders could service the Reverb themselves. For now 3 chilis for value and 2 for quality.
Bike Setup: Trek Remedy 9.9 frame, 3x9 XT Dual Control, ZTR Flow rims on DT Swiss 240S hubs, Vredestein Black Panther 2.35", Syntace VRO T-stem + Vector carbon bar + Moto grips, Specialized BG Comp Gel saddle.
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Submitted by
denverco82
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, US
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2011
Strengths: Smooth, infinite adjustment
Weaknesses: TERRIBLY unreliable; I've had 4 fail within 4 months
Bottom Line:
I purchased the RockShox Reverb hoping that I wouldn't be one of the unlucky ones to have consistent problems, but my hopes didn't pan out. I assumed that a $300 product from a well-known brand would be good, but this seatpost is consistently unreliable. I've had four Reverbs fail in under four months. The fourth broke today so it'll be going back to RockShox for repair/replacement. All failures have involved the seatposts not returning to the heightened position (one didn't work out of the box). We'll see how long the fifth lasts, but after my experience with the other four I don't expect more than a few weeks of functionality. This experience has soured my impression of an otherwise decent brand. I don't want to eat the $300 I paid, but I may switch to the new Giant Contact Switch in hopes that it'll be somewhat reliable.
Submitted by
M.r.E.D.
a Cross Country Rider
from st-polycarpe by the beach
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2011
Strengths: ability to make you a better ryder,having a seasonned bike mechanic using it.
Weaknesses: for now would be user ignorance(not me) instruction are clear and available, people don't realize how much force go down on a seat and adding a moving part where it was not meant means trouble. so if you were all expecting not to have issues, well,get it? i
I enjoy servicing my bikes,some need more some less. fortunatly the post went on the one that gets the most! LoL. the real weakness is not being compatable with my other bikes.need to order service kits before needing them. I don't think this is a weakness but cold weather(freezing mark) made the post wobble like it was in a crash(?) but came normal inside at heat.I remember oil seals (disk) leaking on a ride @ -5C .these things happen.
Bottom Line:
Buy one if you want more room and fun on the bike,forget it if servicing is a chore.
Bike Setup: Devinci '09 Remix,775 wheels,XT crank,XT dual control (black ones)XTR derailleurs,Yumeya chain,Nixxon I.T. 145mm , Maxxis 2.1 advantage rear, Maxxis 2.35 Ignitor front(both seem like 2.25)perfect paired. Easton carbon monkey lite low rize DH bar(cut a bit),70mm EA90 stem,Ruffian lock-ons,Slr Carbonio seat.(reverb and these carbon rails match well)
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Value Rating:
Submitted by
endoguru
a Weekend Warrior
from Kerrville,TX USA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2011
Strengths: No Cables
Hydraulic system works great
Infinite adjustability
Weaknesses: Bleeding air is a pain
Bottom Line:
I chose the Reverb over some of the others, specificaly the Joplin because of the problems they develop. I tried a friends Joplin 4 and it developed lots of side play and refused to return to full extension very quickly. I have not experienced some of the problems that others seem to be having with the Reverb. I have hammered mine hard for 6 months. I have not tried to be careful in any way with the seatpost and use it numerous times on every ride. I would never ride without this again. Mine has not developed any play or refused to extend, as a fair number of riders seem to indicate. That being said, I did have to bleed mine to get it to return as quickly as I like. It came with a lot of air in the system from the factory. It took me a couple of bleeds to get it working properly. If you follow the instructions on the Sram youtube videos it works well. Make sure you follow them carefully. The first time I bled the system it didn't take. I went back and watched the video again and paid careful attention to the process and it took half as long and the results were very good. I did break the hose barb at the seatpost connection through operator error, but I think this needs to be strengthend in future models. That is about my only complaint. In my opinion, anyone who rides a full suspension bike should have a dropper post. It makes riding more FUN! 3 Chilis for the high price (hopefully they will become less expensive over time). 4 Chilis for the overall. I would give it 5 if it wasn't for the bleeding issues.
Bike Setup: Specialized FSR 29er
Stans tubeless
2X10
X0,X9 mix
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
MTB_Leland
a Cross Country Rider
from Dana Point, CA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2011
Strengths: Loved the integration into the "dash board" so to speak.
Weaknesses: I'm on my 2nd post...a 2012 now. Having sent my 2011 post back to the factory 2x. Rode it the first time for about 3-weeks...before the post wouldn't come back up. 4-weeks to get it rebuilt in Chicago. Rode that for another 3 or 4 weeks...and it bellied up while riding in Wales. I was pissed. This last trip to the factory took over 6-weeks.
But now that I have the 2012 edition, let's hope they've worked out the bugs. Please?
Bottom Line:
Read reviews, and do your homework before forking out big dollars.
Submitted by
vince7870
a Cross Country Rider
from east meadow ny usa
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2011
Strengths: smooth action looks awesome and mounts flawlessly with sram shifter
Weaknesses: very bad design as far as durability
Bottom Line:
I wanted to love this post because it looks and works dialed,,,,,,,only problem is keeping it working dialed has been somewhat of a challenge. it just shoots the bed loses compression and voila you are sidelined. brand new it worked form about 2 weeks worth of riding then failed. bleeding did nothing to cure problem and back to factory it went. they claimed to have fixed problem with new improved gaskets bushings and thingamajigs........they post lasted another 2 weeks and now the dreaded easy up and down started and upon pumping up post all the air exited and the game is over, back to rockshox its going. its really a shame, as i said i really wanted to love this post!
Submitted by
metalcat
a Weekend Warrior
from Betrix
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2011
Strengths: Infinite adjustability, hydrolic remote, adjustable returnspeed, nice finish
Only seatpost that can be safely used by 225lb rider
Weaknesses: I have both 31.6 and 30.9. The 30.9 broke after just 5 rides. All air was gone and when trying to inflate again I could hear it escaping so blown seal
Bottom Line:
Till now, no problem with the 31.6 after 5 months of intensive use. Still works like a charm. However, the 30.9 broke after 5 rides. Sent it back to bike-discount.de and after 2 weeks a brand new post was delivered. Still have to mount the 30.9 again and see how long it will hold up this time. But when it works, it works great.
3 chili' for value because of the 30.9 broken pretty quick
4 chili's for overall because warranty handled very nice by Rock Shox.
Bottom line, would buy again
