Seat Posts

Specialized Command Post Blacklite review

I’ve been testing the Specialized Command Post Blacklite for the past couple of months (it came on the Camber Expert bike I recently reviewed), and it’s absolutely faultless with silky smooth performance throughout the test period.

Specialized’s second generation Command Post is one of the most reliable mechanical dropper posts I’ve tested.

The Command Post offers 125mm of drop with air sprung internals and a mechanical remote lever. You can either slam the saddle, or drop it just 35mm. More limiting than a post with infinite adjustment, but in use that 35mm drop proves very useful for a lot riding. For instance, those trails that don’t need the full 125mm drop, but you want the saddle a little out of the way, it’s in these situations that it is very useful.

Weight is 550g, which puts it in the same ballpark as other mechanical dropper posts. It uses an expanding collet design to lock the post into position, and the cable is attached to the activation arm at the front of the seat clamp. Two bushes are located inside and it has proved well sealed from the elements. It’s been ridden through horrific mud and jet washed repeatedly, yet it’s still sliding up and down very smoothly.

The remote lever for the dropper post – it’s fitted to the grip collar to save bar space

There’s no hint of saddle play even after all the abuse it’s received. The low pressure of the air spring means it’s easy to drop the saddle down when needed, you’re not fighting much force. Some may prefer an unlimited drop option, like the Crank Brothers Kronolog or RockShox Reverb, but you get used to the three positions options quickly.l I have to admit to really favouring the middle option for a lot of my local trails.

Up top is a neat single-bolt saddle clamp. It’s easy to use and only takes a few minutes to get the saddle in and set up correctly. The remote lever is reasonably ergonomic but it’s not as nice to use as the Kronolog’s lever, plus there’s no split clamp so you need to remove the grips to slide it into place first. An in-line barrel adjuster makes it easy to remove any slack in the cable as it stretches.

It’s available in 30.9mm and 31.6mm sizes, and you can choose from three drop options; 125mm, 100mm, and 75mm.

At £250 it’s the same price as the Crank Brothers Kronolog, and every bit as good in terms of performance. It’s worth shopping around though, I’ve seen it for around £200. Both are still cheaper than the market leader, the RockShox Reverb. The latter’s hydraulic remote push button is still a clear performance benefit though.

Verdict

One of the most reliable mechanical dropper posts currently available.

More information: Specialized Command Post BlackLite
Price: £249.99

What Specialized says:

All-new Specialized Command Post BlackLite uses 3 remote-actuated saddle height position to maximise climbing and descending performance. Modern cross-country riders realise the benefit of the perfect riding position achieved by utilising the on-the-fly saddle height adjustment for a more fun, safer and hassle-free riding experience.