RockShox Reverb 1x Remote first ride review
RockShox finally unveils its highly anticipated, totally reworked Reverb dropper post remote
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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.
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.
Authors
Rob Weaver is BikeRadar's technical editor-in-chief. Rob manages all of the testing here at BikeRadar and across our magazines, Mountain Biking UK and Cycling Plus. Rob first graced the pages of MBUK back in 2001 when working as a freelance writer and went on to start testing bikes for the title in 2007. In 2010 he joined the team full-time and has been keeping a close eye on all things test-related ever since. Rob’s expansive knowledge of bikes comes courtesy of his passion for racing. He cut his teeth racing cross-country mountain bikes in the early 90s before finding his feet in downhill. After many years competing on the UK national circuit (including a year attempting to race UCI DH World Cups), Rob realised his know-how and passion for bike setup, tech and writing clearly outweighed his racing ability. A degree in sports technology and decades of riding experience all help to give Rob a thorough understanding of what’s needed to create a great bike or product. While Rob’s a mountain biker at heart and never happier than when he’s sliding down a Welsh hillside, he’s more than happy to put the miles in on the road or gravel bike, too.
