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The wireless and radio-controlled Rockshox Reverb AXS Vario seatpost has been around for a few years now. So it was high time to give the classic electric seatpost a comprehensive update. Although the Reverb AXS also in our last comparison test was able to secure another victory on points, the telescopic seatpost has been increasingly criticised. In particular, the short stroke of just 170 millimetres is no longer state of the art by today's standards. However, the electronics, which were exposed to the mud on the back of the saddle mount, could also do with some attention from the Sram developers. Now it's here, the brand new Rockshox Reverb AXS and a lot has changed.
Wireless integration into the AXS ecosystem
The new Reverb AXS from Rockshox continues to integrate seamlessly into the existing AXS ecosystem from Sram. The wireless control eliminates the need for cables and complicated routing. Installation is done in a few simple steps and with a multitool. The wireless technology allows the Reverb AXS to be flexibly combined with other AXS components. The SRAM AXS app allows users to freely configure the controls and create their own customised cockpit setup. The Reverb AXS also shares the battery, controller and charger with other AXS components, which further reduces complexity.
Rockshox Reverb AXS - more travel, new design
Previously, the Reverb AXS stopped at 170 millimetres of travel. Rockshox has eliminated this shortcoming and has given the new Reverb AXS adjustment travel between 100 and a whopping 250 millimetres in 25 millimetre increments.
The battery holder has also been completely changed and designed so that there is more space for the tyre. This is particularly relevant for small frame sizes, where the old version could be a bit cramped. In addition, the electronics and battery have been removed from the line of fire of mud and dirt. The new look with the battery mount directly above the seat clamp may take some getting used to, but the orientation of the battery in the direction of travel should ensure that the electronics are hardly affected.
From our point of view, the newly designed saddle mount, which results from the changed position of the battery holder, is a small downer. Previously, we particularly liked the very simple saddle mounting of the Reverb AXS, for which only one screw had to be loosened. Adjusting the saddle tilt was also extremely easy using the separate tilt screw. In the new version, the Reverb AXS has a classic two-bolt saddle mount, which should make handling a little more complicated.
How does the telescopic support get onto the bike? It's actually quite simple. With our step-by-step guide the installation of the lowerable seat post is no problem.
Robust air-over-air design with easy maintenance
The Reverb AXS now comes with an "air-over-air" design, which means that it only works with air and should therefore be significantly more robust and durable. The predecessor, like all conventional seatposts, worked with oil and air. When fully extended, the new air/air design ensures that the rider sits on a specially developed air spring that has virtually no negative air chamber. This creates a rigid and fixed platform for the rider - a slight sinking of the saddle should therefore be a thing of the past. As soon as the intermediate valve is activated and the seatpost is compressed, the so-called ActiveRide starts to work - a type of suspension for the seatpost. ActiveRide enlarges the negative air chamber and equalises the pressure with the positive chamber, which should increase comfort and offer more control during technical climbs.
Extended maintenance interval
The design of the new Rockshox Reverb AXS has been specially developed for long-lasting performance. This means that the Reverb AXS only needs a simple service (rough disassembly, cleaning and lubrication) every 300 hours of riding time, i.e. about once a year, and routine maintenance every two years with the 2-year service kit. In addition, the new design explicitly allows the bike to be lifted by the saddle even when the seatpost is retracted. This often led to malfunctions with previous Reverb models, as the system drew air.
Adjustable air pressure - but only with a special pump
The Reverb AXS is delivered with its maximum permissible pressure of 600 psi. The Sram test riders argue that the post offers the best compromise between resistance when lowering and stable support in the stroke. However, it is still possible to reduce the air pressure. This reduces the resistance when lowering, which should benefit light riders in particular. It also ensures that ActiveRide is even more comfort-orientated. The new Reverb works with extremely high pressures between 400 and 600 psi. A special high-pressure pump that can handle maximum pressures of up to 600 psi is required for the adjustment.
ActiveRide for more comfort and control
With ActiveRide technology, Sram is introducing an integrated comfort function into the Reverb AXS. This system should be particularly advantageous on technical climbs on e-mountainbikes. In the fully extended position, the Reverb AXS provides a stable platform. As soon as the seatpost is lowered slightly, ActiveRide is activated. Similar to a suspension seatpost, the Reverb then allows some movement in the stroke.
Technical specifications: Rockshox Reverb AXS
- Diameter30.9 mm, 31.6 mm and 34.9 mm
- Stroke lengths100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250 mm
- Seat post compatibilityRound/oval
- Cartridge designAir-over-Air
- Control systemWireless via AXS system
- Maintenance interval300 hours (approx. 1 year) for standard lubrication
- Weight: 709 grams (30.9 mm / 200 mm)
- Price600 Euro (without remote) >> available here
Rockshox Reverb AXS - first test
Setting up the Reverb AXS is still as easy as ever. The support can be paired with the controller with just three button presses. An app is not required for this. Only those who want to customise the button assignment to their needs need to be connected to the app.
Fitting and adjusting the saddle is a little more time-consuming. But fortunately you don't do this every day, so it's not a major point of criticism. Nevertheless, we liked the handling of the old saddle mount with its screw-in fastening better.
In terms of function, the new version of the Reverb AXS is absolutely convincing. The reaction speed of the controller is outstanding, there is no noticeable delay. As long as you keep the controller pressed down, the Reverb AXS glides smoothly and easily through the stroke. Our 80-kilo rider wouldn't have needed less air pressure. The extension speed also hits the sweet spot pretty accurately. The post engages in the end position with an audible click.
When extended, the Reverb AXS is now absolutely fixed in its travel. The fact that you can now lift the bike by the saddle without having to worry about the seatpost pulling air is a huge step forwards. Not even a slight crunch was felt during the first test. If you lower the seatpost a little, the saddle sinks a further 1.5 centimetres when seated and acts like a little extra cushioning. In technical passages that you climb in a seated position, this could definitely mean an increase in comfort. How strong the effect is, however, will only become clear in the endurance test. Whether this is a clever feature or a design-related side effect? That remains a matter of speculation.
Stefan Frey
Editor
