Magura's Vyron eLect dropper post's standout feature is that it's completely wireless. For riders who pack up their bikes often, or for those who have a frame with no internal dropper-post option, the Vyron eLect's short learning curve is absolutely worth it.
Magura Vyron eLect highlights
- Wireless remote
- Travel: 100, 125, 150mm (in for testing)
- 2-bolt saddle head
- NiMH battery with micro-USB port
- Cycles per charge: 400 claimed
- Actual weight: 573g / remote: 22g
Magura Vyron eLect smart remote
Sure, the remote makes the Vyron go up and down, but it also has two other buttons. For what? That was my question, too.
Arrow buttons are included to control Magura's eLect fork and shock. It's a nice addition should you swap either of your bike's suspension units to a Magura electronically controlled unit.
To limit any confusion or searching for the (way too) small dropper post button, Magura includes a snap-on cover. So no matter how ham-fisted you are, tapping the correct dropper post button is as simple as can be.
So easy to install
Any rider who’s installed or removed an internally routed dropper post knows the hassle. Getting the cable and housing length right, adjusting cable tension, and snaking the housing through the frame, can take way longer than you planned.
However, none of this is an issue with the Vyron. Installation is literally as simple as a rigid post.
Throughout testing, I swapped the Vyron between three different bikes. Doing that with a cable-actuated dropper would have likely seen me run out of cuss words.
Setting up the remote on the bars is equally as simple. It’s held on by an O-ring. It’s not the most snug fit, but I didn’t have any issues. The remote is compatible with either side, if you want it on the right side of the bars.
Ergonomically, I prefer under-bar dropper-post levers, especially those that integrate with brake clamps. The Vyron’s remote definitely takes up a bit of handlebar space, but was able to sit atop of the grip’s lock-on collar.
Magura Vyron eLect performance
It’s all about timing.
Tapping the bar remote results in a short window where the servo inside the post allows the post to move. During this time you can set saddle height to anywhere with the 150mm stroke.
But, unlike cable-actuated posts where the post’s movement is directly dependent on how long you press the lever, the Vyron had a window of time to either slam the post down or set it where you want.
Comparing the initial saddle drop to other posts, the Vyron has a tiny bit more delay than a RockShox Reverb. Cable-actuated posts such as Fox's Transfer, Specialized's Command Post, and others are a bit faster right at the start.
It took a ride or two to get used to as you can hear the servo motor whir open and shut. This won't be an issue if you're completely new to dropper posts, but for me, the slight delay stood out because I have four other dropper posts in rotation on other bikes.
What took more time to learn was remembering to keep weight on the saddle until the window of time was closed. Unlike cable-actuated posts, where there’s a direct connection between the remote and saddle movement, the Vyron demanded weight on the saddle. Failing to do so let the saddle return to height.
Return speed was a bit on the slow side, but there was an audible clunk as it returned to full height, which I appreciated.
Regarding durability, the Vyron remained wobble free. It worked flawlessly with no sponginess at full extension that plagues other dropper posts. In fact, after the initial battery charge and saddle install, I’ve done exactly zero maintenance to it.
Long battery life
Even though there’s a tiny on/off switch by the post head, I never toggled the switch. The post and remote ‘wake up’ when either senses movement.
Magura claims 400 cycles on a single battery charge. I’ve ridden it fairly frequently over five months, and realistically I change my saddle height more than I shift, and it has yet to demand a recharge. Like electronic drivetrains, that’s impressive enough to eliminate battery power as any potential concern.
Magura Vyron eLect vs a regular cable-actuated post
Since I rarely have to pack up my bike for travel, have long legs, and find other remotes more ergonomic, the Vyron eLect probably wouldn't be my first pick — that would go to one of the 170mm or longer dropper posts.
However, if you do, for whatever reason, have to disassemble your bikes often (for travel, to transport in a car, etc.) or ride a frame that doesn’t have internal dropper-post routing, the Vyron eLect is near impossible to beat due to its wireless simplicity.
Magura Vyron eLect dropper post bottom line
This is the dropper post for riders who, for whatever reason, have to disassemble their bikes often or ride a frame that doesn’t have internal dropper-post routing.
It’s easy to install and remove, is reliable, and hasn’t missed a beat in over five solid months of testing over three different bikes.
Impressively, being electric and cable-less, Magura has done an excellent job at minimizing most performance negatives. There's a bit of learning required for the timing, but that's only if you're accustomed to other dropper posts.
Plus, if your bike has Magura eLect suspension, the remote's ability to control the fork and/or shock is also impressive.
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