The Reverb dropper post really set the bar when it landed in the shops back in 2011. While not everyone was totally convinced that going hydraulic was the way forward, it was hard to argue with its smooth operation and, especially considering its competition at the time, seriously sleek design.
Part of what made the Reverb cleaner and less intrusive to your controls was the slender hydraulic remote button, used to actuate the post. While it’s easy enough to use, it certainly had its downsides and weaknesses. Ultimately, reaching for and pushing a button just isn’t as easy as pushing a big lever. Over the course of two years the guys at RockShox set about developing the Reverb 1x Remote in a bid to maintain all the benefits of using a hydraulic system, while improving bar ergonomics and overall ease of use.
Before you ask, yes, it’s available as an aftermarket upgrade for £90/$90 and will fit all second and third generation posts (if you’re unsure, it’s the ones that have a black return speed adjuster on the old style remote). It’ll also come as standard on the latest third generation Stealth posts, too, for £375/$399.
The detail
With SRAM keen to do away with the front mech entirely, it seemed only apt that its suspension brand, RockShox, should design its latest dropper remote to sit exactly where the front shifter used to be.
A quick glance and you’ll think that the shifter is still in place, though, and for good reason. In a bid to boost ergonomics, RockShox used the same shape lever paddle as seen on SRAM’s 12-speed Eagle shifter but with a more concave thumb pad due to, according to RockShox, how we tend to use seat post levers differently when compared to gear levers.
The lever itself pivots on a cartridge bearing to keep things feeling smooth and requires the same amount of force as a SRAM shifter to get it moving. RockShox claims to have improved durability, too, having seriously bolstered the hose and remote connection to prevent the two parting ways should you hit the deck or connect with a tree that’s reluctant to move. While we’re talking about the lever body, it’s worth noting that the return speed adjust is still present and on hand should you need it, but this time dialled in using a T25 Torx key rather than the chunky barrel adjuster of old. Under the same rubber flap sits the bleed port which uses SRAM’s rather handy, quick release Bleeding Edge technology which certainly helps remove a load of that fiddly faff when you do need to bleed the system through. The fitting used for this procedure is different to the one that Rockshox uses in its Guide brakes, but usefully arrives as part of the lever kit. Thankfully, according to SRAM, it’ll only need doing once a year to keep the Reverb feeling fresh, which is good to know.If you’re worried this new unit will add a load of extra weight to your ride, all in, the new under the bar lever remote adds a claimed 21g over the old push button system. If you’re still planning on running multiple chainrings, the current component is still in production, though will now cost less.
Should you be tempted to upgrade your current post, that £90/$95 gets you the lever remote, bleed fitting and MatchMaker clamp and discrete clamp.
On the trail
We hit the trails of the Forest of Dean for two days to experience the new Reverb 1x remote for ourselves where it didn’t disappoint.
Getting it set to the right place is easy enough. The Reverb 1x shares the same clamp as a SRAM brake (providing you have them) and, just like a SRAM shifter, can be moved side to side on the bar thanks to the two mounting options on the lever body. You can also alter the pitch of the remote to ensure it’s exactly where it needs to be.
In terms of shape, the paddle does a great job of cupping your thumb and we had no issues slipping or sliding off even with wet gloves while hammering over rough ground. The action is light enough but, most importantly, its size ensures it’s really easy to find, even when the trail starts to get out of hand.
While we can’t comment on durability just yet, we will be putting the new Reverb 1x remote through the ringer over the coming months so stay tuned for our full RockShox Reverb 1x Remote review.
