RockShox Reverb B1 Dropper Seatpost

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I’ve owned a number of RockShox Reverb Stealth (A2) dropper posts and it seemed that the durability declined with each one I got. This got so bad that I contacted my LBS and filed a warranty replacement (on a post that was less than 2 months old!) Sram sent out a replacement Reverb Stealth and to my surprise, it was the new B1 version.

For those new to dropper posts, the RockShox Reverb Stealth was known to be one of the best performing and smoothest dropper posts out there. Many people began to experience issues with the Reverb’s durability and performance. The most common issue was a defect on the main seal which allowed air to get into the chamber. This issue caused the post to involuntarily compress (up to 1 cm+) when the rider was climbing. This spongy feeling would later lead to even more issues such as causing the post not to reach it’s full extended position. Both issues were completely unacceptable of a dropper post that cost more than a set of new car tires.

Addressing this issue, RockShox supposedly redesigned the seals etc of the Reverb Stealth (A2) to make these issues cease. This is why I was so surprised and excited when I saw that they replaced my older A2 version with the B1.

Out Of The Box

The first thing I noticed when pulling the Reverb Stealth (B1) out of the box was how it looked nearly identical as the precious version minus a new ROCKSHOX decal printed on the stanchion of the post. (Note: That is the only way you can tell that the Reverb is a B1 instead of a A2 version without taking it completely apart.)

From the remote, down to the black “Connectamajig” (yes, that’s really what it’s called) there is very little difference on the outside of the post.

Installation only took 15 minutes. After installing the post on my bike, I noticed how easy and smooth the post was to rise and lower. The major improvement I saw was very little, if any, involuntary compression when applying pressure on the post without hitting the lever. This was a HUGE difference from the A2 version which had up more than 5mm of compressive play right out of the box.

On The Trail

I’ve only had the new B1 version Reverb Stealth on my bike for 3 months so (~75 hours of riding) this certainly isn’t a “long term” review. However, comparing the performance of the B1 to the A2, the B1 is still performs as if it was just installed out of the box. That’s a lot different story with my experience on the A2.

Couple Of Other Things To Consider

Because the Reverb Stealth (B1) uses hydraulic fluid, the speed of return can be effected. This has yet to cause a deal-breaking issue for me. If you live or ride in colder climates or if you are putting one of these posts on a fat bike that will be used in the winter, I would recommend cooling your bleeding fluid in the freezer and then quickly feeding it through the remote line. This will help keep the speed of return from becoming too slow.

If you are experiencing any functional issues with this post, first check the PSI that it is at 250 and then re-bleed the remote line. If the issue continues, swing by your LBS and they can determine if it’s a warranty issue.

If you want a 150mm or 170mm dropper but the post wont lower all the way into your frame, you can remove the black “Connectamajig,” snip off the gray end of the hose, and thread on the Reverb Hose Barb in it’s place. This will allow you to lower your post at least another inch into the frame.

If you’re experiencing that spongy compression described previously and if your post has more than 150 hours on it, chances are your Reverb will need to be rebuilt. Sounds like a scary thing but given the proper tools and keeping your cool, anyone can service their Reverb at home. Below is a video showing, step by step, how to rebuild your post:

For All You Weight Weenies

Below are the weights of the Reverb Stealth (B1) with a 150mm x 31.6 configuration.

Bottom Line

When RockShox announced they were re-engineering the internals of the Reverb Stealth I was anxious to try it out. After 3 months of riding on it, I am pleased to say that the new internals have made the Reverb great again. It is, in my opinion, the smoothest and easiest remote dropper on the market and with the new improvements, one of the most reliable ones too. If you want the best of the best and price isn't a factor, give the new Reverb Stealth (B1) a serious look.