RockShox Reverb AXS Dropper Seatpost B1 [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

Here at Worldwide, we love wireless dropper posts, and we were ecstatic when RockShox came out with the B1 Reverb. Cheaper price and easier to maintain! But don't take our word, see what our customer thinks! 

Overview

I bought the RockShox Reverb AXS dropper for my Santa Cruz Blur build. I saw from reviews that SRAM/RockShox had fixed the issues with the first version. I chose it for convenience over weight savings and because I was already using an XX SL AXS drivetrain.

Installation is stupid easy. No running cables or adjusting the lever. Just drop it in and press a few buttons. The dropper has worked flawlessly for the first dozen or so rides, and I’m still on the initial battery charge. I check battery levels through the app before rides and carry a spare battery on longer rides for the same reasons I bring a flat kit and multitool. The app is really helpful and has quick links to manuals and service recommendations.

I did run out of battery once on another bike’s GX AXS rear derailleur. Pro tip: If you remove the battery and put it back in, it will give you enough juice for one shift. I did this a few times until it completely died, but I was able to get into a decent gear to power up the hill back to my house. True story. I’m not sure if the same trick will work on the dropper post, as I haven’t drained that battery yet.

The action of the post is immediate and snappy. There’s no lag like with cable droppers that need the lever pushed far enough to actuate the post. This is my favorite thing about it. I have complete confidence in quick action with the press of a button.

Maintenance is key for long-term use with any dropper. Keep the stanchion and seal clean, and add a little lube now and then. SRAM provides clear directions and videos for everything from installation to maintenance on its website. They also have a guide for selecting the right size dropper post. I did all the measurements and thought I needed a 175mm, but they recommended a 150mm. I should have gone with my measurements. 175mm would have been perfect, so go with your gut on that.

The dropper comes with a battery and charger, but not a controller. SRAM offers several controllers, and any of them will work. They’re a bit bulky when all you need is one button for a dropper. The Blur has a remote lockout, and I have the lever on the left side as well, which makes things a bit cluttered. It works, but it took time fine-tuning placement and orientation.

I’m using the SRAM Bridge to reduce cockpit clutter a bit. It attaches to the SRAM Motive brake clamp and can slide left to right and up and down on the clamp. The controller can also rotate 360 degrees, giving a lot of options. It’s still too big for what it does, in my opinion.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I’m very happy with the performance. It’s completely worth the weight on my light XC Blur build, and I think I’m done dealing with finicky droppers. All my bikes will get the new improved Reverb in the future.