First Ride Review: RockShox Reverb 1X Remote

There have been whisperings around race pits for some time now, but as of today, RockShox is finally able to pull the wraps off its brand new 1x specific remote for the Reverb dropper seatpost. Designed as a separate option for the Reverb alongside the existing push-style remote, the 1x option uses a paddle-style action to deliver improved ergonomics for those who run 1x specific drivetrains.

Want to know more? You can read the full press release from RockShox here.

Lucky for us though, we’ve had a chance to play around with one…

RockShox’ new 1x specific remote for the Reverb dropper post.

Unlike the existing push-style button, the new Reverb 1x Remote uses a paddle to activate the hydraulics. The lever uses a similar shape to SRAM gear shifters, with a large flat paddle that offers a nice easy target for your thumb to hit.

The remote attaches to your handlebars via a separate hinged clamp (just like the current Reverb remote), or it can be mounted via the MatchMaker X system to be used on the same clamp that a SRAM brake lever would use (as shown in the above image).

The 1x remote comes with its own clamp, or you can fit it direct to a SRAM brake lever with the MatchMaker X system.

The rest of the dropper post is exactly the same – this is purely an additional lever option that you can get on its own for £90, or with a Reverb Stealth dropper post for £375.

For the weight weenies: SRAM claims the new Reverb 1x Remote comes in just over 20 grams heavier than the existing remote, with a total weight of 69.2 grams.

The paddle style trigger is much, much easier to hit.

In terms of action, the new Reverb 1x Remote is a huge step up from the existing remote. With the paddle placed underneath the left-hand brake lever, it’s in a far more friendly location for your thumb to hit without having to wrestle your hand off the grip just to reach it. The paddle has a small amount of texturing for grip and a slightly concave shape to it, which feels comfortable on the thumb.

The action of the paddle is smooth, though it still has that same hydraulic feel as the current push-style remote. However, as the paddle is on a longer lever, your thumb has more leverage to engage the mechanism, and therefore it feels easier. As a result, I found myself using the Reverb dropper a lot more on the trail. It helps that the Reverb 1x Remote has an identical lever shape and action to the right hand shifter on my test bike, so both thumbs perform the same motion, and your brain doesn’t have to process as many unique movements when in the thick of it on a slightly out-of-control descent. Just as I’ve experienced with other ergonomic dropper post remotes (like the Specialized Command IIRC and the Wolftooth ReMote), when the paddle is easier to hit, you think about it less and use it more – simple.

Underneath a rubber cap you’ll find the bleed port and the rebound speed adjuster.

Unlike the current Reverb remote, the 1x Remote won’t come with tools-free rebound adjustment. You’ll have to use a T25 torx key to make such adjustments, which is fine with me as it’s not something I play around with once finding the right return speed for the post.

Use a T25 torx key to adjust rebound speed.

In the case of the new 1x Remote, the available range of return speed is quite large, so you’ll have plenty of scope for getting it dialled in. And once you’re happy with the return speed, then pop the rubber cap back in place, and you’re all sorted.

The Reverb 1x Remote features the new Bleeding Edge system for easier bleeding.

In the above image, you’ll be able to see the main piston assembly running left to right, with a steel spring helping to return the plunger back to its resting state. There are two bores below that main plunger; to the right is the rebound speed adjuster, with the T25 bolt head allowing you to increase or decrease oil flow. To the left of that, an angled bore provides you the bleed port for bleeding the remote. This bleed port comes with a new syringe that features the Bleeding Edge system that SRAM first developed for the Guide Ultimate brakes. It makes bleeding a lot easier.

Another point to note is that the hose and barb sit further inside the remote body, rather than on the outside like the old remote. We’ve occasionally had hoses rip out or barbs break off in the event of a rapid bar twist during a crash, so the added protection of the countersunk barb insert on the Reverb 1x Remote is welcome.

The Reverb 1x Remote is compatible with B1 and A2 generation Reverb dropper posts.

As I mentioned above, the rest of the Reverb post remains the same as before. The 1x Remote is compatible with the latest B1 generation Reverb, and the A2 Reverb as well. Only the original Reverb posts that use a silver rebound adjust dial at the lever aren’t compatible with the new 1x Remote.

Nestled underneath the left-hand brake lever, the new Reverb 1x remote offers plenty of adjustability to get the position dialled in.

Overall

The new 1x Reverb Remote offers a huge step up in ergonomics for those who run 1x drivetrains. It’s smoother in action and easier to hit than the current Reverb trigger, and as a result, you’ll find you will use it a whole lot more. Unless you’re using a front derailleur, then there’s no reason to use the old push-style remote – this one is far, far better.