Review: Specialized Command IRCC Dropper Post

In Issue #109 of Singletrack Magazine, we put 10 different height-adjustable seatposts through the grinder as part of our Dropper Post Group Test.

The latest Command IRcc dropper post from Specialized is only available in a 30.9mm diameter in the UK (although the US site also offers 31.6mm options), though you can choose 75mm, 100mm and 125mm travel. Inside, a mechanical locking system promises ten micro-adjust positions, rather than the infinite options provided by some other models. I’ve tested the 100mm version that came on a Specialized Rhyme.

Internally routed, fitting was no problem, with clear instructions for selecting the appropriate cable length. My lever fitted easily under the bars using the SRL on my 1x set-up, although bought as a separate item it also comes with a grip mounted lever.

In use, the mechanical system takes a bit of getting used to, as does the noise it makes – it sounds like a cable-tie being tightened. The ten positions aren’t especially noticeable – my behind is not sensitive enough to feel variations of one centimetre as I bump along a rocky trail – but the fact that there are definite positions rather than infinite choice is. I’ve found that if you want it all the way down, that’s fine, and down it goes, accompanied by the ‘zzzup’ cable-tie noise.

However, if you want it down ‘just a bit’ – for a technical climb, say – you might not end up quite where you expect. Depending on where you release the lever (and your thighs, which you’re going to need to control the descent or return) in relation to one of the ten stops, I’ve found you can get a bit of a ‘pop’ as the seat moves to meet a stop.

The sales blurb promises that a “dual-key system eliminates saddle wiggle”. There’s definitely less wiggle than I’ve experienced on other droppers, but ‘eliminated’ is pushing it a little far – not that you’d notice once on the bike.

I’ve been using this post for four, admittedly summery, months, but during this time the performance of the post has remained the same. You can adjust the speed of the return by adding or removing air – while out of the box it’s offered a pretty spanky and audible return, I’d rather my post got back up quickly than be stood around waiting for it.

Overall

An action that takes a bit of getting used to, but so far it’s been a smooth and very reliable performer.

Review Info

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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