Mine's a bit rough. Not the end of the world, because it does what it needs to: go up, get pushed down, stay where it's left. But it's very noticeably rough through the travel, and there's a fair bit of stiction - if it's left halfway down after a ride and I push the lever a few hours later, nothing happens until I've got it moving by pushing it down - fine after that, and as above, no issues when riding.
If they're all like that (sir), that's fair enough, because they're a budget option, but if I've got a duff one, it would be good to get is sorted sooner rather than later.
How are yours?
Just needs air pressure topped up(if it has valve on top of post under saddle?
I think the pressure's fine, after it's been moved once, there are no issues getting to full extension, even from an inch dropped.
How old is it? Mine is 6 months old and nothing like that, (sorry). It is an externally routed one if that makes a difference. Used in all sorts of horrible conditions but still smooth in operation and full travel without having had any maintenance. If yours is in warranty, I’d be sending it back...
Unscrew the collar and give the seal area a bit of a clean. Dust and crud build up and can slow down the movement or cause extra stiction. A smear of Slick Honey around the seal before you refit the collar doesn't go amiss.
Mine is brand new and just been fitted to my bike, it definitely feels a bit rough. I've made sure the seat clamp isn't too tight.
I have another one on my other bike that has been in use for a while, I'll have to check that for comparison.
Depends on how often you take it to bits and clean it up...
My older one on my hardtail is pretty knackered now, but it keeps working. Not like a reverb where it can go from totally fine to knackered in no time and cost you a packet to get sorted (or a load of time fiddling with very difficult maintenance).
I err towards components that continue to work acceptably with minimal maintenance over those that are uber-prefect when in tip-top condition, but cease to work if they get a bit dirty or worn.
I’ve got 2 stealth routed brand x posts. One is now 2.5 years old ish, and the other was fitted towards the end of last year. Neither have had a single shred of maintenance - not even a new cable.
Both still go up and down - neither get stuck at any point in their travel.
I’d say the oldest one which is a 120mm maybe has a little more rotational play then it had new but other than that no change. I’m thinking I’d like a 150mm on that bike when I have the cash - if I go down that route out of interest I might have the 120mm post apart for a look at the internalS. Not sure if you can get new ‘keys’ for it or if they aren’t available - if they are I might change them then sell it.
Mine (external) went rough then the release mechanism inside the post broke, I think the roughness was the mechanism wearing away... It was replaced under warranty though and the replacement's fine. OH's (external) been going strong for nearly two years now.
edit- mine took a beating on Sunday when I crashed at a DH race, it got knocked round slightly but it's still working fine.
Had mine at least a couple of years, whilst I wouldn't describe it as silky smooth I've had no issues at all, a steal at the price, I half hope it'll break so I can get a longer drop one
Hmm. Cheers all. Not quite sure what to do now. Can I be bothered to unstealth it from the bike, buy a rigid post (should prob get one anyway - a shim for the spare 27.2) send it back, then wait a month to be told they're all like that (sir).??
Brand new should be silky smooth.
If it's a bit older give it a clean out, if not send it back sooner rather than later - or at least report the problem to wherever you bought it for future reference when it eats itself in a couple of months time.
thanks phil, will do.
ned, maybe just do a recheck on the seat clamp bolt tightness.
I found mine pretty sensitive to this, similar symptoms to yours if I've done it up too tight. Does sound like yours might be different, but I just keep testing, backing off the the tightness, until it moves smoothly.
using carbon paste helped to reduce the clamp pressure needed.
We have 3 Brand-X Ascends on different bikes... the oldest 2 are nearly 2 years old. All are still nice and smooth.
Cheers, chaps.
bns - it's the same out of the bike. And the seatclamp is 1/4 turn on from when it was slipping, so that's at a bare minimum, pretty much.
^ yup but it can be finnicky...
i use carbon paste which makes the it require less torque on the clamp
if you use normal assembly grease the post is too slippery to be able to clamp with low torque but you hit the amount of torque that inhibits the post too quick..
Not sure if you can get new ‘keys’ for it or if they aren’t available – if they are I might change them then sell it.
Indeed you can, it's been mentioned on here in the past but you use a kit made for another brand with the same internals.
Its either the kit for the RSP dropper or a Shimano one.
No doubt someone on here will be along to post on here which one it is.
Kit is the one for the Pro Koryak post. £16 ish from eBay.
If you screw the collar off to clean will the post loose it’s air pressure??
This is the service guide people have linked to on other threads. Isn't the air cartridge sealed on these? So no way of depressurising before a service?
Mine's still smooth, although it's developed a bit of play.