2nd Look: 2011 Rock Shox Reverb adjustable seatpost

Product: 2011 RockShox Reverb Adjustable Seatpost 

Intended use: XC, Trail, AM, Freeride, DH

Rider: 6’, 165 lbs.

Bike: 2010 Santa Cruz Blur LT2 (140mm travel), Fox 36 Talas (160mm Travel), Sram X9/X0 Build, Enve AM wheelset.

Test Locations: Salt Lake City, Park City, Moab, UT; Jackson. Everything from super buff XC, large jumps, and super tech DH. All in dry conditions, dust, loose, heat, and more dust.

Test Duration: 4.5 months

There are few things you can add to your bike that will improve your riding experience as much as an adjustable height seatpost. If you haven’t already made the purchase, I would highly suggest adding the 2012 Reverb to your Christmas wish list.

Yes, this is a review of the 2011 model, and as we pointed out earlier this summer, it is not perfect given its air spring issues. Still, it is far better than any other dropper post I have been on, and until just last week, my 2011 Reverb has worked flawlessly for 4.5 months of continued abuse.

Marshal Olson wrote a fantastic review of the Reverb in late July. I’ll try not to be too redundant with this 2nd look but our findings have been quite similar; when the Reverb works, it is fantastic. But sometimes (more for Marshal then for me), it blows up, and you spend a bit of time back on the ol’ stand-by post while your Reverb gets some attention back at the factory.

So what makes the Reverb better then the competition? Well, as Marshal pointed out, it is a smidge lighter then the other brands’ 100mm and 125mm models. Personally, I don’t feel that if you are adding an adjustable seat post to your ride, a few grams are going to be the decisive factor that determines which model you purchase. Performance, feel, and reliability are going to be the most important considerations, and it is in the combination of these criteria that the Reverb truly shines.

Let’s face it, as complex as these seat posts may be on the inside, all we riders care about is how quick we can change the seat height up or down; that we can set the seat any place we’d like and it stays where we place it; that it doesn’t develop an insane amount of annoying side to side play (I’m looking at you, Joplin!); and that it doesn’t require an absurd amount of complicated maintenance.

The handlebar mounted actuation lever of the Reverb, along with the hydraulic system, has worked perfectly for me. With a small tap of the thumb, I am able to get instant freedom to move the seat up or down.

There also is a return speed adjuster at the lever that lets you control the speed at which the saddle returns to its full upright and locked position. Quickly change seat height? Check.