Does Anyone Actually Like the Specialized Command Post Dropper?

[onabike]

Before I decide for sure to ditch my Command Post (2019 Levo Expert 34.9) for something else, I'd like to open it up and at least clean and grease it. Since brand new, it's always felt notchy, inconsistent in return and just overall bad. Seems like it's equal parts lever and post, as the actuation is heavy too.

Has anyone seen a service video for this post?

 

[Paul Mac]

Before I decide for sure to ditch my Command Post (2019 Levo Expert 34.9) for something else, I'd like to open it up and at least clean and grease it. Since brand new, it's always felt notchy, inconsistent in return and just overall bad. Seems like it's equal parts lever and post, as the actuation is heavy too.

Has anyone seen a service video for this post?

I've been trying to find a strip down video for the new command post with no luck.
I can tell you that it is different from the older version.
I tried to service mine yesterday, I managed to get the top collar off, which is awkward, because it's a 32mm fitting but has a very thin interface which a large spanner won't fit in.
In the end I used two Allen keys between a large adjustable wrench which worked.
Once the collar is off though, you cant pull out the bottom part of the post to get to the bushes, there is something else holding it.
I think there will be a circlip somewhere at the Bottom, which would require removing the post from the bike.
I just greased under the the collar and it has made a big difference to smoothness.

 

[Swissrider]

There are loads if videos; on youtube and vimeo. The service manual from Specialized is also pretty good. I have a wu post which uses the same mechanism and I find it works fine. I quite like the notchy nature of the way it works. I’ve done over 1,500 k and had no trouble. Because I had a knee replacement I can’t pedal with the seat down so have to put it up even for a few metres of pedalling. This means I use it hundreds of times and one gets used to the way it works. I used my weight on the saddle to control the way it comes up (or get well out of the way!). I could adjust the air pressure to slow it down, but I’m quite used to it now. I’ve used a few others and they all have their niggles. Some don’t have a very easy lever and some are very sensitive to correct adjustment.

 

[Paul Mac]

There are loads if videos; on youtube and vimeo. The service manual from Specialized is also pretty good. I have a wu post which uses the same mechanism and I find it works fine. I quite like the notchy nature of the way it works. I’ve done over 1,500 k and had no trouble. Because I had a knee replacement I can’t pedal with the seat down so have to put it up even for a few metres of pedalling. This means I use it hundreds of times and one gets used to the way it works. I used my weight on the saddle to control the way it comes up (or get well out of the way!). I could adjust the air pressure to slow it down, but I’m quite used to it now. I’ve used a few others and they all have their niggles. Some don’t have a very easy lever and some are very sensitive to correct adjustment.

Could you provide a link to one of the videos please, all the ones I have found are for the old post not the 2019 version.
Thanks

 

[grantini]

Hi All,

I have a 2020 Levo Expert on order, size medium. It comes with the “upgrade” of the Command Post dropper. I’ve ridden the 2019 versions with both the Command Post dropper and the X-Fusion Manic. Just for short bike shop parking lot test rides though. I really don’t like the Command post. And I’ve seen some bad feedback on it as well. The X-Fusion seems to work well.

Am I right that the Command Post sucks, or am I missing something and if I learned how it works it’s actually the best thing since sliced bread? Does anyone actually like the Command Post?

If the answer is the Command Post just sucks, what would you recommend as a replacement? The X-Fusion is a reasonable price and I was perfectly happy with it on my short test rides. But should I bump up to a RS Reverb, or Bike Yoke Revive, or ??? (what’s your favorite)? Are they worth the extra $ over the X-Fusion? Why?

My LBS does a rebuild of new bikes before they give them to you, so I want to decide before the bike arrives if I’m going to have them install a different dropper or the Command Post during the rebuild.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I have the Fox Transfer kashima and love it. Very curious about this as I have a 2020 comp on order. I'm not sure about the X-Fusion, but I know the older stock Specialized posts were known for smacking your nuts pretty hard. I’m pretty sure I’ll swap the Specialized dropper out for another Fox once the come out with a 34.9.

With a few hundred miles on the 2020 now I can tell you I love the stock dropper!

So I was wrong the stock dropper is an axxcess not a specialized

 

[Robin Grant]

Are there instructions anywhere on how to service the command post? Mine now doesn't return fully (i.e. sticks at a lower height). Also where do you buy the service kits from?

 

[Mcharza]

Are there instructions anywhere on how to service the command post? Mine now doesn't return fully (i.e. sticks at a lower height). Also where do you buy the service kits from?

Very first check the air pressure and second put some oil on it (silicone)

 

[Deleted member 4988]

Great piece of kit ... works great in the winter when others fail (slow return) and easy as hell to service

 

[Deleted member 4988]

 

[Deleted member 4988]

Specialized Command Post CPIR/IRCC Service Kit | Spare Parts | £24.99

 

[Curtains]

12psi I find is good for me. You can go as high as 20 and as low as 10. It just changes the speed of return.
If you run too high pressure you will damage the brass guides. Best to let it slide up the inside of your leg to slow the rate of extension to avoid brass guide damage also. I have fitted an extra o ring to act as a bump stop to alleviate brass guide damage.
You can increase the pressure in the 10-20psi range if you find it starting to get sticky. But it’s best to pull apart, clean and re grease.
Add a o ring here to stop brass guide damage as in photo.

View attachment 17803

That's an interesting idea, I might try that.

 

[Levo-Lon]

I love the Command post.
People just don’t understand how they work and as such have problems with them.
You got to run the right pressure in them, and as such it’s better to get it right with a digital shock pump. They are super simple to service without removing from the bike. I can have mine apart, cleaned and regressed in 5min. I just put a service kit in mine with new brass key way bushings. The kit was $40 AUD.
I’ve had other droppers and the worst was a Reverb.

Same here, 10psi in mine, lovely post, I have it on my specialised Epic xc bike

 

[Curtains]

Same here, 10psi in mine, lovely post, I have it on my specialised Epic xc bike

Mine let go after a few months, and after taking the seal head off, it was clear there was pretty much no grease in there. I've just bought another one that's brand new for £150, but it's losing air. Having a bit of a battle with the shop and Plush who claim there is nothing wrong with it. Having had my original post for nearly three years now, I know the seal head just needs proper lubrication.