The Race Face Aeffect-R is the cheaper of Race Face's two dropper post model range, the other is the £360 Turbine-R, and straight out of the box the Aeffect-R endeared itself to me with its straightforward fitting process.
The cable nipple simply drops into a receiver at the base of the post, so there's no need to fiddle with the more traditional gub-screwed barrel.
I also found the long-stroke remote gave plenty of leeway for cable tension, while the two-bolt saddle clamp, with zero offset, is easily adjusted and held my seat in place without a peep throughout testing – it's one of my favourite, no nonsense setups.
There are four lengths of travel available – 100, 125, 150, 170mm – and two diameter sizes – 30.9 and 31.6mm. I tested the 170mm version.
From the start, the post was solid and stable, with no play, and stayed that way through wet Scottish weather. No doubt a result of the new DU bushing positioned just under the upper nut, which Race Face is keen to push in its literature.
There is no way to adjust the cartridge pressure, but I did find it was pitched pretty much perfectly anyway – not too slow and not too fast to frighten your rear end.
The under-bar remote has a large paddle that’s really easy to use and find with your thumb, even when things get rowdy. An over-bar option is available too (£60) – or you could choose to use another brand's or even an old one, if compatible.
My only issue with the Aeffect is that it bears an uncanny resemblance to the Brand-X Ascend II in looks, hardware and function, yet that post costs £100 less and includes the remote, which Race Face charges £50 extra for, and it also looks very similar to the Brand-X remote.
It is a great post, but when you can buy a very similar version with a remote elsewhere for much less you would need to really love the Race Face brand to ignore the penalty.
However, if you do decide to stump up the extra cash you won’t be disappointed, this a solid and reliable dropper.
Product
| Brand | race_face |
| Price | 413.00 AUD,289.00 EUR,240.00 GBP,288.00 USD |
| Weight | 628.0000, GRAM () - without remote/cable |
Features
| br_material | aluminium |
| br_remote | Not included. Costs extra £50 / US$60 / AU$86 / €61 |
| br_travel | 170.0000 |
| br_travel | MILLIMETER |
| Features | Sizes Available: 30.9, 31.6mm Travel: 100, 125, 150, 170mm |