BikeYoke Revive 2.0 Review

Analysis and Test Results

Bike Yoke's updated Revive 2.0 is one of our favorite dropper posts. Sure, there are some excellent dropper posts on the market that cost a bit less. That being said, we feel the Revive 2.0 offers unbelievable smoothness, build quality, and a killer remote while also including the unique feature called the Revive Valve that helps the post keep operating perfectly should air work its way into the system.

Smoothness and Functionality

The Revive 2.0 delivers a very smooth stroke. This post moves through its travel beautifully and is totally absent of any sticky points, hitches, or anything of the like. It should be noted that this post takes considerably less weight to compress compared to some other air posts that can require a healthy nudge to dip into their travel.

When it is time for the post to return to the extended position, the post actuates quickly, and it rapidly returns with the same smoothness. There is an audible thud when the post returns to full extension that is somewhat muted. This noise is noticeably quieter than some other posts in this review. It is just loud enough to let you know it's ready to sit down and start spinning. If you want a faster or slower return rate, it is easy to adjust by altering the air pressure by way of a valve located under the saddle clamp. We did not find this necessary.

BikeYoke claims the smoothness of this post is due to the hydraulic system not having an Internal Floating Piston and, therefore, a reduced number of seals. Hydraulic dropper posts are known to have a smooth action but can develop sag off the top when air gets into the system. BikeYoke developed the Revive Valve located on the side of the head of the post. This valve takes the form of a 4mm Allen bolt. Should your post develop any sag, simply extend the post to the highest position, open the Revive Valve with an Allen key, cycle the post down to its lowest position, and close the valve. This is an amazing feature that negates the only major downside to a hydraulic post.

Unfortunately, our post had about an inch of sag upon installing it on our test bike. Luckily, the Revive Valve functioned perfectly, and all air was removed from the system immediately and remained that way through our testing period.

The 213mm of drop was simply magical. On paper, 213mm of travel isn't that much more than the older 185mm version. On the trail, there actually is a substantial difference, especially on steep stuff. Unfortunately, only taller riders will benefit from this extra travel. As a result, we will keep it short and sweet: more drop = good.

Saddle Clamp

Saddle clamps are probably the least exciting aspect of a dropper post. With no effect on performance and only a little effect on installation, you likely won't think much about this small yet important piece of your post.

The Revive 2.0 uses a standard two-bolt clamp. These two bolts sandwich the two halves of the saddle clamps around the saddle rail. The bolts are secured with two threaded barrels that sit at the top of the clamp. Nothing exciting here.

Remote

We used BikeYoke's updated Triggy Alpha remote with our Revive 2.0 post. This updated version of the original Triggy remote, which we loved, features increased adjustability and operates on a set of cartridge bearings. The remote can be moved inboard or outboard by choosing between two mounting holes. In addition, the remote can be rotated with the clamp to achieve the most natural angle for your thumb. It is also available in two lengths for different-sized hands and works with Shimano I-Spec systems.

Throughout testing, we were very impressed with the Triggy Alpha. The remote is very ergonomic and has a relatively light action. It requires a light-to-moderate amount of pressure to actuate the dropper, and it pulls on the cable evenly throughout the stroke. This easily makes our list of favorite remotes we have tested.

Weight

Our 213mm Revive2.0 post in the 31.6mm clamp size weighs 639.7 grams. The Triggy Alpha remote weighs 32.5 grams. This 672 gram weight puts the Revive 2.0 in roughly the middle of the road as it pertains to weight. Yes, there are some great options that are a good bit lighter, but this post is by no means heavy. We firmly believe the exceptionally smooth stroke and quality of construction/ease of maintenance is worth a small weight penalty.

Ease of Setup

The Revive 2.0 posted a fairly average score as it pertains to Ease of Setup. This post uses a cylindrical barrel on the end of the cable that sits in the actuator. Installing this barrel adds a small extra step that some posts don't require. Other posts simply have the cable end sit in the actuator.

From there on, installation is about average as it relates to cable-actuated levers. Simply route the cable through the housing and pinch it at the lever. Getting the correct cable tension was quick and easy.

Should You Buy The BikeYoke Revive 2.0 Dropper Post?

Should you buy the BikeYoke Revive 2.0 dropper post? Probably. We feel the quality of construction is apparent with this high-end post. Bike Yoke has developed a slick hydraulic dropper post with a very smooth action that addresses the one major flaw of hydraulic systems… air. The Revive Valve is a clever, easy-to-use solution that effectively resets your post. There are some great droppers at lower price points, but this is one very quality piece of gear. We love it.

What Other Dropper Posts Should You Consider?

If you are on a tight budget, the Tranz-X Kitsuma Air is an excellent, highly functional dropper post. This post may not have any flashy features, but we have found it to be an absolute workhorse of a post at an extremely attractive price. For a taller rider in search of maximum drop, the OneUp Components V3 dropper is a killer choice. OneUp posts are easily serviceable, simple, and have travel options up to a whopping 240mm. Weight weenies will love the Wolf Tooth Components Resolve dropper post. Hate wires? The RockShox Reverb AXS is an amazing wireless dropper post that is clearly ahead of its time. The lack of wires creates a very easy installation process and gives your cockpit a very clean look.