I am looking for a real cheap dropper lever that will simply work. I have no idea what would make someone feel the need to buy a $30 + dropper lever.
Cheapest working dropper lever
Jeffman12
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15,468 Posts
use a cheap dropper lever for a few rides and you'll understand why people are willing to spend more on something that does not suck. yeah, they're overpriced, but you still get what you pay for. look for something reputable but used by someone who wanted another color or something.
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1,437 Posts
PNW has one that’s $30.
Yup. I didn’t get it until I tried one that didn’t suck. Considering it’s x < $50 between a “meh” lever and a really nice one (PNW with cushion pad)…It’s a no brainer (at least now that I know better).
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46 Posts
I’ve got a ztto that came on my hardtail I bought used. I’ve planned on replacing it with a nicer one ever since I got it, thinking it would break quickly. It is still going after a year so it is still there. It does feel crappy, but it works fine. It is the only thing on the bike that is not quality though, which has always bothered me.
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3,091 Posts
Aliexpress lever I tried, was great in the first month, then developed more and more play. I think the bearing is enlarging the bearing seat in the lever. Never had an issue with brand name levers.
Ergonomics is one reason.
Appreciation of quality (materials & construction) is another.
Dependability & longevity are a couple more.
"There is hardly anything in the world that cannot be made a little worse and sold a little cheaper, and those who consider price alone are that man's lawful prey."
--John Ruskin
Put another way: quality is the only true economy.
You said so yourself in your thread title -- you said you want one that works.
=sParty
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213 Posts
I used a shimano MT500 dropper lever (~20€) for around 2 years. It worked just fine but felt a bit floppy, unrefined and developed quite a bit of play over time. Recently treated myself to the Hope dropper lever (65 €) and for me I can say it was worth the money. Puts a smile on my face every time I use Ăt. Super smooth action with no play, beautifully machined surfaces, plenty of adjustability. Would buy again in a heartbeat but probably won´t have to cause it looks and feels like it will outlive the bike.
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1,488 Posts
I have a OneUp v1 dropper and broke the lever last year in a crash. I intended to replace it with the same part but was kinda shocked with the price. Got the Shimano MT500 lever the same day as it was available locally and have been happy with it. In fact, Shimano use some kind of coating on the line which gives it smoother action than the OneUp it replaced. Not the blingiest part, but price/quality feels right for the simple job a dropper lever has to perform.
As mentioned, SL-MT500-IL. From my experience a slightly longer throw than the XTR version and a larger paddle.
But no matter if you don't already have I-spec EV levers. BL-M4100 are very good. If you had Shimano MT200 levers now, it's worth spending $60 or so for dropper and brake lever. 4100 has a larger piston and is really powerful.
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213 Posts
The SL-MT500 is the same lever but with an integrated handlebar clamp in case you don´t have I-spec. https://r2-bike.com/Shimano-Remote-Lever-for-Dropper-Seatpost-SL-MT500That´s what I used. For bang for the buck I believe the shimano lever is hard to beat. Absolutely gets the job done. Wouldn´t hesitate to throw mine back on a 2nd bike. The Hope Dropper Lever I got now is a pure luxury item. Absolutely not needed but it´s a hobby, it puts a smile on my face and sometimes you got to treat yourself a little.
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The Ztto looks rather Wolftooth "inspired" or is it just me?
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11,878 Posts
I agree with the sentiment, but not in this application. I have a Deore shifter on one bike and the ergonomics and function are very good...oddly, much better than the crap they pass off with cheaper dropper levers (and charge more). It's worked perfectly with zero maintenance other than a new cable for 2 years. Unless they come up with something truly innovative and not just another shift lever that has less internal complexity, I don't see the justification.
Bling factor is a whole other discussion. I'm just talking about something functional that's priced appropriately. When I can find a Deore shifter for $20 or less, why's it so hard to find a dropper lever that works for less than double that without hitting up Alibaba-express?
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1,804 Posts
Cheapest is whatever works for you...
On Fox Transfer droppers I've run, every lever (Fox, Shimano, WT Pro) I tried worked well from purely a smooth actuation perspective. I attribute that ALL to the dropper itself and not the lever. Whereas with OneUp droppers, those same levers do not perform as smooth and lightly. The actuation is stiff and jerky, the best has been with a WT remote pro and even OneUp v3 lever is mehh (light, but lots of throw and no hard stop).
Beyond just lever feel/actuation is placement and some levers work better. I run Shimano i spec-ev and certain levers offer more adjustability or just fit better out the box. For example, I couldn't get a WT light remote to position correctly, but the pro version worked great.
On Fox Transfer droppers I've run, every lever (Fox, Shimano, WT Pro) I tried worked well from purely a smooth actuation perspective. I attribute that ALL to the dropper itself and not the lever. Whereas with OneUp droppers, those same levers do not perform as smooth and lightly. The actuation is stiff and jerky, the best has been with a WT remote pro and even OneUp v3 lever is mehh (light, but lots of throw and no hard stop).
Beyond just lever feel/actuation is placement and some levers work better. I run Shimano i spec-ev and certain levers offer more adjustability or just fit better out the box. For example, I couldn't get a WT light remote to position correctly, but the pro version worked great.
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1,790 Posts
In the time it took you to post this thread, you could've found one on PinkBike or eBay...or even hustled one off your local FB trail group, but they're probably sick of your crap by now.
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11,227 Posts
I gladly spend $60+ on a @PNW_Components dropper lever for almost all my bikes. They are worth the money and just flat out work. For me, it's a texture and positioning thing. I love how the PNW levers are positioned just right so I can reach it easily. The texture on the thumb throttle is nice too.
I've noticed that some OEM levers tend to be positioned in a weird way and it just doesn't feel right when I press it.
I've noticed that some OEM levers tend to be positioned in a weird way and it just doesn't feel right when I press it.
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5,983 Posts
i72 on ebay is $22.
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