RockShox Reverb Adjustable Seatpost Review

Going into 2012, I could count on one hand the number of rides I had taken on an adjustable seatpost. After an entire year on the Specialized Command Post BlackLite and subsequently a month on the RockShox Reverb, I’m definitely a fan.

RockShox Reverb Seatpost Features:

• Infinite seat height adjustment
• Available in 100 or 125mm travel
• Available in 30.9 and 31.6 mm diameters
• Lengths: 355mm (100mm only), 380mm, 420mm
• MSRP: $370

My Experience

Included on the Rocky Mountain Element RSL BC Edition I tested earlier in the Fall, the RockShox Reverb adjustable seatpost was a key part to the function of that bike. With it’s on-the-fly adjustments, the Reverb allowed the BC Edition to live up to its intent as an a true all-mountain slayer.

Most of my adjustable seatpost saddle time this year has been on the Specialized Command Post BlackLite, which only has three set adjustments. While I like that simplicity, the Reverb offers infinite adjustments. Those infinite adjustments allow for a bit more flexibility (obviously), but it does make it difficult to find that right spot every time. The smooth action both up and down is not lightning-fast (though adjustable), so I was able to anticipate when I’d need a taller post and at the opposite end, understand just how much to drop the saddle when needed.

The smooth hydraulic action is very predictable and the bar-mounted trigger was easy-to-use and natural. It should feel familiar as it is identical to the one on my RockShox SID XX fork. And, saddle adjustments were easy on this zero setback post as I was able to easily access the allen bolts for adjustments.

On the trail, the Reverb felt as solid as a regular seatpost and never exhibited even a smidge of lateral slop. Timing of the thumb trigger does take a bit of time getting used to. After a few rides, I did get better at dropping it to an ideal height for descents. However, many times I inadvertently dropped it too much. That’s where Specialized’s fixed position system shines, but many riders will really like the infinite adjustments. I could honestly go either way and extended time on the Reverb may tip the tables.

One thing to note is that due to the hydraulic design, the saddle will extend upward when pulled from a lowered position. This happened to me on occasion when I picked my bike up by the saddle and I was met with a g0-go-gadget post feel as it would extend and retract on me.

The Good:

• Infinite adjustability
• Integration with my typical full SRAM cockpit
• Solid, wiggle-free connection to the bike
• Easy saddle adjustments
• Adjustable return speed

The Bad:

• It was often difficult to get it to drop to just the right height
• When lowered, you can pull the bike up by the saddle and it will extend

The Bottom Line

The Reverb performed very well on the Rocky Mountain Element RSL BC Edition and was the perfect match for that bike’s penchant for trail gobbling. Its smooth action and predictable movement was met with wiggle-free performance on the trail.

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