Magura Vyron V3

The unrelenting Bikeboard scale shows a weight of 753 grams (175 mm/31.6 mm including remote control and batteries).
Surprisingly, that's over 100 grams more than the old version brings to the scale, and logically also 100-200 g more weight compared to a cable-connected post.
Nevertheless, the Vyron MDS-V3 does not need to hide from a Rock Shox Reverb AXS (manufacturer's specification) in this respect.

Unlike the previous version, Magura now relies entirely on non-rechargeable batteries - a CR2 behind the post head, and a classic CR2032 coin cell in the remote control.
The Swabians promise up to a year of runtime before the batteries need to be replaced.
Hand in hand with this move away from the built-in battery is greater durability: the post and remote are now waterproof and certified according to IP-67. So, you don't need to worry about rain and bike washes (with low water pressure) in this regard anymore.

While V1 and V2 worked with the ANT+ standard, the current version now uses Bluetooth for a faster and more energy-efficient wireless connection. And also faster has become the actuator motor, which, coupled with a new interior, leads to a significantly quicker response time.

I have been using the V2 version of the Vyron privately for a good four years now. Durable and, as long as you don't forget to charge it, it performs its duty reliably. A major service has not been necessary so far, just check the air pressure here and there and keep the wiper seal clean, that's it.
The stanchion has gotten a bit more lateral play and with hard impacts, the post lowers itself one to two millimeters – by the way, so does the new V3.
A pleasingly positive balance sheet; many other dropper posts could take a leaf out of its book!

However, there were always two annoying things about the predecessor. Firstly, the remote control: Unergonomic and somewhat clunky was the Elect-Remote of the V1 and V2.
It was hardly possible to mount the remote on a bike with Shimano brakes in a sensible way. The clamp collars from Shimano brakes were simply too thick for the old handlebar unit. In the end (very much in the style of MacGyver), a Dremel, adhesive, and a guitar pick solved the compatibility problem and significantly improved ergonomics.
Secondly, there was the slow and quite special functioning of the previous version:
By pressing the remote control, the valve for lowering the post was opened and closed again within a period of about one second. During this time span, one had to remain in the desired position to set the saddle height. Otherwise, it would move back up. This was not really worth mentioning on a leisurely tour, but in the long run, it was tedious and exhausting.

With the V3, the valve now remains open as long as the button is pressed - just as one would expect from conventional dropper seatposts. The electronic unit at the top of the post has become a bit bulkier and a little louder; obviously, that's the price for reaction speed and a replaceable battery.
Indeed, the revised post responds nimbly, the lever's pressure point is crisp, the lever travel is pleasantly short, and the operating forces are low. This is particularly noticeable in technical terrain.
The shape of the control lever could not be better - at least for me. The hand position remains the same, and the thumb only has to be minimally splayed to operate the now trigger-like lever. Especially in competitions and stressful situations, this is an advantage not to be underestimated, which should more than compensate for the extra weight.

With the new remote control, the Vyron has therefore become significantly more ergonomic. Thanks to Magura Shiftmix and Sram Matchmaker compatibility, the lever can also be mounted more elegantly - we say goodbye to the rubber ring! Furthermore, the system is now also compatible with Shimano clamping collars.
Nice: A small LED informs about the connection status.

No unwanted connection interruptions were detected during the test period. The Sleep Mode (details below) could have an unexpected effect on longer tours.
If the durability - a few weeks of testing can't provide valid results for this - matches that of the predecessor model, one will enjoy the new Vyron for a long time.
And thanks to the Travelkit, the post is also more future-proof. So, for example, when buying a new frame, one has to worry 25 mm less about the installation height...

One thing to note is the sleep mode. After two hours without activity, the support goes into standby mode. It cannot be reactivated by using the remote control.
Instead, you must briefly press the button with the white Magura logo on the seat post (which will flash red briefly) to reconnect with the remote.
While this feature saves energy, it can be somewhat annoying if it's forgotten before starting a descent.
Fortunately, the button is also easily accessible during the ride and the post reconnects faster than it takes for the hand to return to the handlebars.
By the way: the same button can also activate the seat post if the remote control's battery is ever dead. The valve opens after pressing for about 2-3 seconds and then automatically closes again.

In addition to easy installation and high-quality workmanship, the function of the Vyron MDS-V3 seatpost is also convincing. However, the advantages over mechanically operated variable seatposts are unfortunately quite expensive to obtain.
Practically every frame nowadays is designed for cable-bound variable seatposts and has corresponding cable guides. DIYers, who can do without the ergonomic plus, will possibly save the money for a wireless dropper seatpost.
However, those who want to upgrade their bike without much effort, and/or want to have as little cable clutter as possible on the handlebars, are highly recommended the Magura Vyron MDS-V3!

The ergonomics of the new remote control is great, this makes for me the biggest advantage of the third generation. Also, the now intuitive and much faster operation are significant pluses. And the fact that the Vyron is now waterproof: a gift!
Only the sleep mode, which can only be ended by pressing a button on the top of the post, as well as the rather high weight, slightly cloud the overall positive impression.