Brand X Ascend MTB Dropper Seat Post // Install and Initial Review
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- čas přidán 26. 05. 2024
- Brand X Ascend Dropper Seat Post - Feature-packed and budget-friendly! But does it perform?
In this video, a step-by-step installation and initial thoughts on the Ascend MTB dropper seat post from the Chain Reaction Cycles house brand, Brand X. A perfect fit for the 2021 Specialized Rockhopper budget upgrade series. Check out this how-to and get my thoughts on the dropper post.
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I don't even own a mountain bike and I've been loving this series. 😅
The highest compliment! 😀 Thx
well, what're you waiting for?! used bikes are getting cheap as winter hits.
Just got back into to trail riding after about 15 years away. Bought a Rockhopper elite. I know its a different model but this series is perfect for learning what I should be looking into.
Awesome, welcome back! But don’t let this series stop you from getting out and riding whatever you got
Got my hands on a Ragley Big Al 2.0 without dropper this year. Ordered a Brand X dropper from Chain Reaction Cycles and used your video to install. Thought I would not say the install was 'easy', your video really made my install relatively headache free. Was very careful every step of the way, especially cutting the cables, so your video was a huge help. (Only issue I had was the outer cable ferrule slipping out of the dropper post slot when I put it back into the frame tube. Had to remove it a couple times and ensure that it stayed in the slot and then all was fine.) Thanks!!
I have been waiting on this, just bought a Rockhopper and looking forward to upgrading it. Thanks for the great content!
Thanks for watching. Definitely a worthwhile upgrade
Thanks mate. Came accross your channel when looking for brand x reviews. Cheers.
Great vid. Showed all the things I needed to see to help me as I just ordered the 27.2mm exterior routing 105mm model for my old 2002 Santa Cruz Superlight.
Lots of reviews out there but not much install info. Can't wait to put your info to use. Thanks!
Another fun fact about Brand-X - they also work great in freezing and sub-freezing temperatures. I know a few people that have them on their fat bikes for riding in the winter. For the price, they are hard to beat, especially since it comes with the lever (which is a pretty big deal when trying to budget!).
Ha! Did not know about the freezing temp thing. Good to know
That's handy to know. My last set of forks did not like the cold! neither did the rear shock to be fair, it would be good if the manufacturers started gave "ideal" operating temp ranges, as you say fat bikers will avoid anything that needs to be stripped and re-oild twice a year to work properly (its not cold in the sand dunes/beach). Wren forks make a point of pointing this out, work find till 0 deg F and below I believe.
I ordered this with concern but after watching this I feel confident on my dropper
This video is better for installation and information than the Chain Reaction Cycles video. I needed more info on fitting as im a newbie and this have gave me more confidence with fitting my own. Tha ks!
Bought this same color Rockhopper and have been following this series. I was hoping there would be a fork upgrade! These videos are awesome.
Nice! Fork upgrade coming soon.
Got this bike but the comp in the mint color. Definitely looking to upgrade pedals, dropper, and fork. Will probably copy your upgrades! Thanks for the series.
Excellent detailed video. Thank you for doing this my buddy just ordered a Rockhopper Comp and he wants to add a dropper post. I’ll be sending him this video
Thanks for the tutorial. Doing some upgrades to my Trek Roscoe hardtail and this post fit the budget upgrade perfectly.
Right on!
Nice upgrades, I bought one of these for an extra bike and plan on upgrading it after a while. I ride a Canyon Spectral on trails, but sometimes I want the challenge of riding a harttail,.
The most helpful video out there by far
Don’t know about that, but thanks!
very informative, I do a lot of bike mechanics, but am new to the MTB world. Thanks a lot! Excited to get a dropper and remove the saddle out of the way for technical terrain or for more stability by lowering mass towards the ground, take care. I put a big like on your video
Thanks!
Best video out there on this matter. Thanks man!!
Thx!
Great vid! Any chance you cld do a servicing vid on this too? Tks
Good video!
Thank you.
Can you refill with a pump? Or do you need to replace the canister?
How does the lever action feel for you? Took a bit of fidgeting to get mine to be less stiff/difficult to press, still nowhere near as satisfying as my other bike. Also, editing magic, or was it really that easy for you to put the seat post in and yank the housing from the top tube?
What size diameter did you have to order for your rockhopper. About to order an expert and want to have one ready
Nice, what size bike do you have?
The Rockhopper was my first MTB and this video falls in a special place for me. What was the total built price. I bought a 2nd hand Expert and just need the BB upgrade.
thanks
very helpful (:
I have the stock handle bars on my rockhopper, the 31.8. I see you changed your handle bars. will this remote fit on my bike?
Is this 1 or 2?
Also when ordering it’s asking for a size? What is that the size of?
Have you released a long term experiences of this dropper post? Does it still hold up? Do you still think it's a good buy?
Sweet, I’m about to install the dropper right now on my rockhopper. When you redirected the cable housing upward and into the port on the back of the seat tube, did you feed the cable through the holes in that welded on plate that has 3 holes? Not sure if I’m supposed to run it though one of those holes or just under the plate. I appreciate you doing a series on this bike 😎
Just under the whole plate. That’s actually a kick stand plate, which you probably won’t use.
Thanks for the great video! Which diameter should I use for my Specialized Rockhopper Sport?
Ah, your video addresses this! It appears the Sport model requires the 30.9 mm diameter post.
What size of seat post did you use?
👍🤔great tutorial, but how deep does the dropper posts go in to the seat tube, does it go below the top tube weld, as my frame has a gussett, and i wouldn't want to damage the frame?
Many thanks.
It’ll go as far as a normal seat post will go. I don’t see a gusset on the outside side of the tubing being a problem at all!
Hi! link for this dropper seatpost? Please let me know thanks
Did you have any problems routing the cable? It seems like the holes are a bit too tight for my rockshox dropper..
No issues. Be sure to use a shift housing and cable (not brake cable housing) as it’s thinner
any update on how its held up over the period of time since you installed it? is it still performing well?
Better than my race face affect on my other mtb!
Question/comment. Anyone who has the the sport model 💯 agree these upgrades..thanks for sharing...will 150mm travel fit?
Ha thanks. The 150mm might fit depending on your frame size/ rider size. Take the difference in measurements of your preferred climbing and descending to get an idea
My push button/lever feels very hard to press or activate. Any ides how can make the lever feel smoother or easier to operate?
Check for kinks or tight bends in the inner and outer cable. Use a fresh inner cable if it’s old
Where did you end up purchasing the ascend seat post?
Got it from chain reaction
is the seat tube diameter the same on all sizes?
30.9mm. Should be same across all 2021 models
What size of this dropper post i should get to fit the rock hopper 29?
Diameter only requires you to measure the current diameter of your stock post. Travel will depend on your frame size and rider height.
how does the dropper post fit with the seat tube mounting screws in the way?
Not sure what you mean. It'll slide down, but not past the internal routing port on the back of the seat tube.
@@TheBikeSauce my rockhopper i just got has utility mounting bolts on the seat tube. So you can't fit a long post in. I rewatched your video and it looks like yours might not have the same bolts.
Ahh yes, different frame sizes will have bottle mounts on the seat tube. This one does not
Wonder the same here, got the xl with bottle mounts on the seat tube
@@TheBikeSauce if they do have that, what sizes should I be getting?
Is it possible to install a 31.6 dropper on the bike?
No..30.9 only
So how did it work out long-term?
Still going strong today 👍
Anyone know what size dropper to get on a large rockhopper elite?
Double check, but the post diameter should be 30.9mm. Travel will depend on your height and the max exposed post length.
how do i put air into my bran x dropper? cheers
You don't
Does the seat stay straight or will a wobble left the right
Slight play, like most other droppers
@@TheBikeSauce what does slight mean in this case? I mean, I bought one recently and to me it felt not so slight (I measured around one degree of radial play). I'd say that tolerances of 3 brass keys that slide inside the grooves are too high (too loose) which is bad because in time it would mean even more play. I also have one Giant Contact Switch dropper with only two grooves and keys made of plastic and there's significantly less play there. I don't have experience with other droppers tho.
Not even a degree. Just enough to feel a slight click
@blay0726 hello
Planning to get a brand x here. Any update on your dropper post? Especially left and right play. I dont like the play as I am riding xc and i dont want a lot of movement down there.
Hey I cannot find this post anywhere could you reply with the link?😂
Same tryna find the link
www.chainreactioncycles.com/us/p/brand-x-ascend-dropper-seatpost-100-125-and-150
Only issue I have with mine is the cable keeps coming loose otherwise 100%