MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
I'm thinking of putting a KS Eten-i dropper on my (drop bar) gravel bike.
https://kssuspension.com/product/eten-i/
(My current (stock) seatpost has layback, and this is the only dropper I can find which has layback.)
Anyway, I can't figure out which is the best type of remote for this dropper. I mostly ride on the hoods so, ideally, I want something that I can easily flick with my left thumb whilst still on the hoods and/or when I'm using the drops.
I'm trying to avoid using anything which requires mounting alongside the stem as I think that will mean taking my hands off the bars at the wrong moment.
I believe cable operated droppers come in two basic designs - one which attaches the cable at the seatpost end and one which attaches the cable at the remote end and, unhelpfully, KS does not specify which type this dropper is and it's own remotes can be spec'd in both versions!
I'm open to using non-KS remotes but I want this remote to be smooth and reliable as I guess the bars will need re-taping and I don't want to mess around re-taping bars if the cable needs replacing or re-routing to get a smooth action.
So....any recommendations? Or remotes to avoid??
Discuss!
Shimano Pro Discover dropper levers are one of the best out there
Mines been faultless on my Gravel bike
Unless my brain isnt thinking correctly it shouldnt matter how the cable terminates at ethier end with the Shimano Pro as the cable is clamped using a screw, if the cable head is at the lever end on your dropper then just cut off the cable head and fit the cable to the lever
I’m running the PNW lever, sits nicely tucked out of the way so you can activate with your thumb while on the drops.
Makes wrapping the bars slightly more of a faff but works really well.
I'm using the Crank brothers lever. Works well and is easy to access from drops and hoods, but my only gripe of this style level is that it causes a very tight bend on the cable where it leaves the lever, this causes lots of friction so it's quite a firm push.
Next time I take the tape off I'm going to bodge an old metal V brake tube to get a smoother transition.
I am sold on PNW levers and have them across all my bikes. If you scroll halfway down the page via the link you can see they have one that is for dropped bars either on the drops or at the topPNW Dropper Lever
If you are looking for a decent UK retailer try Greg at MTB Riders UK
So a couple of votes for the PNW Drop level, even though the gravel tax is high 😉
The flow chart of the PNW website is useful!
Any other suggestions?