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[Closed] Brand X Ascend 2 - remote choices

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[#10705525]

Evening all,

Just ordered one of the Brand X Ascend 2 dropper posts to replace a 4-5 year old reverb that’s finally dying on me.

I’ve read that the x1 remote that come with it is a bit flimsy. What are my options for replacing it with something more sturdy?

I’ve got some Guide R brakes. Anything that’s compatible to mount with those?


 
Posted : 07/07/2019 9:01 pm
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The newer remote is a bit better I've heard.

But....

Other options are the bonty 1x remote or the ZTTO remote on eBay which are very similar to the wolftooth remotes but much cheaper.

Both options above are sub £20....👍


 
Posted : 07/07/2019 10:48 pm
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I just got one and the remote seems fine to be honest. They say you cant use it with a 2x but you can.


 
Posted : 07/07/2019 11:27 pm
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I brought a ZTTO dropper lever from AliExpress and I must say I am quite impressed by the quality.


 
Posted : 07/07/2019 11:30 pm
 tdog
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PNW Loam lever mated to a B X is a killer combo


 
Posted : 07/07/2019 11:33 pm
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The loam is nice but the cost. Ouch.


 
Posted : 07/07/2019 11:38 pm
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Nothing wrong with the remote that comes with it. Just replace it when/if you break it/wear it out.

JP


 
Posted : 07/07/2019 11:43 pm
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New remote is much better than the v1. I wouldn’t be replacing it unless it breaks.


 
Posted : 07/07/2019 11:59 pm
 tdog
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It is so worth it poopy! Word!


 
Posted : 08/07/2019 12:05 am
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tdog

Member
It is so worth it poopy! Word!

Im a skin flint! Lol


 
Posted : 08/07/2019 12:14 am
 tdog
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Probs worth an ask to Santa ...


 
Posted : 08/07/2019 1:21 am
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Bontrager lever from Germany works fine for me.


 
Posted : 08/07/2019 9:40 pm
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I got one 3 weeks a go, the included remote is fine, thou due to the way it was packaged the included outter cable was unfit for use (kinked to death) and the inner cable wasn't much better as it isnt a pre lubed one.

I switched these both out for the left overs inner/outter from the Shimano XT OPTISLICK gear cable set which I used in my bike build, these come pre lubed and now it shifts like a dream.


 
Posted : 09/07/2019 12:47 am
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Don’t ignore the ZTTO option, mine arrived today from alibaba, and I’m delighted with its quality for all of £15.
A rare and proper cycling bargain


 
Posted : 09/07/2019 11:13 pm
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Just to update this. The post has arrived and the remote is as good as any I’ve seen. Certainly no obvious benefits of replacing it with something else


 
Posted : 11/07/2019 8:20 am
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The benefit is others don't have the 5mm or so of of rattly play - which just feels nicer in use when eliminated.
The standard remote works, of course. So no reason to change it if you can live with its wobbly feel, but it's surprising how much more quality the whole unit feels when upgrading to a sealed bearing remote lever.


 
Posted : 11/07/2019 9:01 am
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I also mated a PNW Loam lever to my Brand-X and it feels and works great. Pricey but we'll worth the extra IMHO.


 
Posted : 11/07/2019 1:33 pm
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We swapped out our Specialized Command posts on four of the bikes to get the extra drop from 125mm to 170mm, cant fault the Command posts for reliability. The Brand X lever by comparison was flimsy so we are still using the Command post levers as they are first class, they usually retail at £57 but can be had cheaper

https://www.cyclesuk.com/179012/products/specialized-command-post-srl-le-lever.aspx?currency=GBP&gclid=CjwKCAjwvJvpBRAtEiwAjLuRPWZjCHlkbc0Gc0I4C5vm8SHjItjVp9L0SyMsd4n1MVuep4bydrMAQhoCFRYQAvD_BwE


 
Posted : 11/07/2019 1:40 pm
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The newer Brand X levers are good enough, but there is quite a bit of play or waggle when you plonk your thumb on it. I bought a ZTTO on a whim and it's so, so much better. I've now got one on my other bike with a dropper. There really is no comparison, and for £15 it's an absolute bargain.


 
Posted : 11/07/2019 2:45 pm
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Is the Specialized command post the same set up with grub screw at the lever end? And is it compatable with sram brakes?


 
Posted : 11/07/2019 11:04 pm
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Grub screw on the bottom of the post, nipple at lever end. Post will take either a cable nipple or a grubscrew and is compatable with our SRAM Guide REs. Didn't even bother using the X Fusion grub screw, just clipped the Specialized one into the bottom of the post.


 
Posted : 11/07/2019 11:13 pm
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Any links to the zitto one ?


 
Posted : 11/07/2019 11:44 pm
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Any UK sellers for ztto lever?


 
Posted : 13/07/2019 10:43 am
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@ianc

Got mine here but loads of HK sellers on eBay.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ZTTO-ADJUSTABLE-METAL-MECHANICAL-MTB-SEATPOST-DROPPER-REMOTE-LEVER-SHIFTER-STRIC-/133007098951

@damascus

Either on this thread or another (think it was the"dedicated" ztto lever thread) a UK seller is specified if my memory serves?

The seller I bought from got the part to me in about 2 weeks.

It's totally fine for the money but imo the Bonty lever is a much better made bit of kit. The metal is just better finished and nicely rounded. The ztto is a bit more "industrial". That said, they both work absolutely fine and are both a bargain compared to some of the ridiculously priced levers out there.👍


 
Posted : 14/07/2019 2:53 am
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Thanks, have ordered one


 
Posted : 14/07/2019 11:47 am
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The ztto is the first thing I've bought made in China that's actually better than I expected. It has a short lever throw which is nice and once you dial in the cable slack it doesn't rattle either.
Proper bargain
Bearing is cheap but to be expected and long term quality and durability is yet to be proven but for 15 notes I'd get another no problem


 
Posted : 14/07/2019 2:30 pm
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I use a Crank brothers highline one. Works well, not used for very long mind.

I had a one up one. Was OK. Broke it in a crash. Harder to set up than the CB.


 
Posted : 14/07/2019 5:49 pm