Specialized’s dropper seatpost has been around for a while, but the IRcc (Internally Routed, cruise control) version is new for 2015. While the Command Post of old had just three defined drop positions, the IRcc, which updates from the IR model, has an extra 10 indents within its 75, 100 or 125mm of travel.
Trail Tech: Examining the next generation of dropper seatposts
It’s still easiest to drop the post into one of the three main positions, but once you get the knack you can get it into the in-between positions too, most easily on the way down. Selecting one of the smaller indents on the return leg takes a bit more practice and commitment, and requires you to control the saddle with your thighs. The extra positions make it easier to get the right saddle height, though we found that occasionally the post would miss an indent and fall to the next main position with a clunk.
One of the main features of the Command Post is that you can adjust the return speed by connecting a pump to the Schrader valve just below the saddle and adding or removing air. The working pressure range of 15-20psi is low, as is the air volume, so getting an accurate measurement from a shock or tyre pump can be challenging.
The post comes out of the box pumped up to 20psi, and we found a quick release of pressure was all that was needed to slow it down a touch. If you’re expecting a RockShox Reverb-like gentle return rate you’ll need to change your expectations – it varies from very quick to ‘well, I didn’t want kids anyway’. You have been warned.
That said, once you’re used to it, the quick-fire return and the defined clunk when it’s back up make a lot of sense when you hit an unexpected climb round the corner.
Specialized ships the post with two levers – a standard vertically actuated lever and a SRL (Single Ring Lever) designed to replace the left-hand shifter on bikes with single-ring transmissions. These are both well made and ergonomic, with plenty of leverage. The SRL is our preferred option if you have the bar space.
Installation of the IRcc was fairly easy, though having to set the cable tension at the bottom of the post rather than the lever is a bit of a pain. You have to cut the free end of the cable very close to the set screw in order to stop it interfering with the base of the post during fitting.
