My external version arrived today. Not had a chance to use it in anger yet, but initial impressions are pretty good. Compared with the external Reverb I’ve got on another bike the fixed cable position on the Brand-X is nice.
Installation was pretty straightforward. No having to worry about how much cable is exposed like on the the stealth version. The cable threads in from the post end and is clamped at the lever. It’s a bit of a fiddly grub screw arrangement but simple enough. The snap on cover at the post end looks as though it will do a good job of keeping the mechanism protected from the elements as well.
Getting the lever to play nicely with a 2x setup and Shimano brakes took a bit of care, but I found a position where I can reach everything and the cable routing is OK.
Ergonomically it’s not as good as a paddle type lever but no worse than the Reverb. It’s basically a push with the thumb for both and the action is lighter with the Brand-X (at least when it is new).
In use it works as you’d expect. Return speed (as it comes out of the box) seems about right to me. Positive, but not deadly.
There is a touch more rotational play than the Reverb, but we’re splitting hairs really. Both move a touch, but not enough that I can feel it when riding.
Of course what really matters is how reliable it proves, but it’s (hopefully) going to be a few months before I can comment on that.