Where to get parts for a Brand-x Ascend XL 200mm

Can't help but I've also been looking for a cartridge for the 170mm for a while now and no luck either as sold out everywhere 

@petecog, how old is the dropper? They have a 2 year warranty and in the past CRC have just sent out a replacement post (you have to actually request replacement IME else they just offer a refund).

It's definitly less than 2yo. Good tip, thanks.

But i'd rather repair it. With CRC about to disappear (possibly), and not having any stock it's likely they would offer a refund - and I'd be left with out the dropper.

If my hunt fails, I'll probably go this route.

I don't know if this is the right part, but the 170mm seems to in stock with CRC. https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/brand-x-ascend-mtb-dropper-replacement-cartridge?color=silver&travel40011=170mm+Travel+%7C+PA+2017-2020

Skatehut normally have Brand x spares, I know I've had a cartridge from them in the past.

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Thanks for the tip. It's not listed on their site, but will tap them up.

Just sent back my 200mm to CRC with exact same fault, had it around 6 months. No word back as of yet.

I also drew a blank on replacement 200mm cartridges.

Have you tried searching for TranzX spare parts, they manufacture the post for Chain Reaction as well as quite a few others AFAIK 

Just to save the OP the trouble, I spent a long time looking for the correct Tranz X cartridge (I'm in bed sick) and it's only available from their own website - none of the ones for sale in Europe are for the 200mm drop.

@dc1988. thanks for the tip.

@munrobiker. also, thanks. Sorry to hear you're in the same boat.

Any of the One-Up or PNW spares match up (and in stock) - they come out the same factory?

@vmgscot i've been trying to do some sleuthing.

PWN

Evidence suggests that PNW doesn't have any compatibility with Brand-x/Tranzx. See this post from someone reporting to be from PNW. https://www.reddit.com/r/MTB/comments/11sqjw5/comment/jclf6rz/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

That said, superficially, they look identical (save printed designs, and seal collar shape)

One-Up

I know virtually nothing about these guys. But a quick browse doesn't provide much hope. None of the cartridges they have listed are the right size (no 200mm option). However, superficially, they look about right.

Ah, OK - I thought they all pretty much used a variation of the Wintek cartridge - maybe they did once. I know I just serviced an Orbea badged dropper and that had very similar cartridge internals to my Brand-X units as does my GF's Merida OEM dropper. I suspect a bunch of OEM droppers (Giant, Bontrager?) likely do but hunting down the correct matching spare in the 200mm could be time consuming.

Update 1
On closer inspection. The cartridge has a part number etched on the main body. See pics.

P23 10 200
2142

But googling around this reveals nothing.
I've reached out to One Up, Tranzx and PNW about part compatibility. Will update if I hear back.
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Update 2
Following a hunch based on something that's worked on other droppers. I cycled the cartridge lots of times (~50) in an inverted position, and the sag has improved (not gone completely).
I understand that on other posts, if the saddle is pulled out with the post depressed, then oil can leak the wrong side of a seal inside which then causes sag. This appears to be similar here. @patriot_matt and @munrobiker and others it may be worth a try.
I'll re-install and try on a ride to see if it holds up. If guess if it's all still intact inside then it might be OK.

@vmgscot. This is my suspicion too. I expect each 'brand' will take a basic OEM design, modify it a bit to put custom spin on it. I suspect most of these changes are cosmetic and that most of the guts are not changed.

e.g. SNW seem to have a basic travel adjust, which using a custom shaped bushing which restricts movement in various small selectable increments. And other easily modified parts, e.g. custom silkscreen on the print, and moulded plastic parts.

Without buying them all and pulling them apart there's no way of knowing for sure. It would be great if these brands were a bit more forthcoming with info like this.

If I end up buying another one which looks similar, then I can check against that specific model - and will report back.

Update 3 - PWN response. Fast and helpful, but not what I hoped.

Sadly, while they are similar in function, there are internal designs in the post that will not allow cross compatibility with our cartridges.

Update 4

More googleing. The part number "P23 10 200" bears a striking resemblance to a part number mentioned on the Tranzx site. See "YSP23/200m" here. https://na.tranzx.com/products/replacement-cartridges?variant=32036313923619 Unfortunately it's out of stock.

The linked "fitment guide" indicates that this part is compatible with the "Kitsuma Int 30.9/31.6".

Inspecting the HTML on the tranzx site (yes, i'm going all in here) reveals the URL of this image as containing "...ysp23-150..." and it seems to visually match (except length) my cartridge. ?v=1591647938

Deductions and Guesses

• My guess is that "int" here means  "internal routing" of the command cable.
• The Kitsuma post (not the "air" version) appears to be identical in outline to the Brand-x. But a 200mm version is not listed on their site.
• The Air version has a presta valve at the top, which would be too wide for the opening on the Brand-x

Conclusions

• I'm pretty confident (70%) that the Brand-x Ascend XL 200mm is equivalent to an unlisted Tranzx Kitsuma 31.6mm Internal 200mm variant.
• The part I want is this: https://na.tranzx.com/collections/service-parts/products/replacement-cartridges?variant=32036313923619
• I'm going to put my money where my mouth is and buy one if they come back in stock.

The search continues. But i'm starting to run out of patience.

Good work!

I have an otherwise good 200mm xl with a duff cartridge. I didn't have the patience to go further than a basic google search from the usual candidates.

The Air version has a presta valve at the top, which would be too wide for the opening on the Brand-x

I had this issue a while ago when swapping cartridges between brand-x 150mm posts (they changed models from presta top up to sealed) but a quick run through the hole with a drill sorted it.

I'd suggest giving Hotlines a call (0131 376 1838)

They are the UK distributors for Brand-X so will likely be able to tell you a potential due date, or perhaps the name of a retailer who has purchased the cartridges.

Also, for anyone with a 125, 150, 175 Brand-X dropper of the current design, The Race Face Aeffect droppers are identical to the Brand-X and therefore all the parts are exactly the same. You can also buy spares that Brand-X don't list such as wiper seal collar assemblies and saddle clamps.
The only down side is there are fairly pricey as they're packaged as Race Face products. Having stripped both posts down side by side I can assure you they are exactly the same product.

@Scienceofficer - thanks. Keep an eye on this thread.

@vmgscot - This is useful data. I think this difference may be the only difference between the Air and non-Air Tranzx posts. In which case, if my analysis is correct, with a bit of reaming out, my post will accept the Air cartridge - which is in stock.

@racereadysuspension - this is good intel. And thanks, I will try reaching out to Hotlines.

@petecog thank you for sharing your findings, bookmarked for future use.

I've just received my warranty replacement 200mm post so I'm back up and running for now. Out of interest, is there any reason why a 170mm cartridge wouldn't work in a 200mm post? (understand that it would only result in 170mm travel if its possible but they seem easier to find).

@patriot_matt It's a good thought, I've been wondering this too. I suspect it might work. It would make loads of manufacturing sense if this was the one part that changed between different models. I'd put a probability of 80% this is true.

I've started the process of getting a replacement. Unfortunately the seller is being slightly weird about it - asking for photos. My fault for buying off a rando amazon market place store. How do you take photos of such a thing - I think I'll send them a video.

Been trying to avoid this though, as it leaves me without the post. I'd rather fix something than have it thrown away. Plus I hate admin.

@racereadysuspension I reached out to Hotlines. As suspected they can't sell direct to consumers. But they did say that they are also out of stock. Expected in stock in March 2024.

@petecog I've messaged, I have a new 200mm cart for sale.

Old thread - rebooted. I've not actually solved this mystery yet.

I ended up getting a replacement from a private seller (thanks again @sv), and I subsequently also bought another post (PWN Cascade External 170mm - not the same cartridge - the actuator end does not have the machined aluminium end shown above). Even so, every time I see the duff cartridge it nags at me.

Here are some promising new leads.

• Ascend Components lists the same part number. Plus, the other spares (keys, wiper, bushings) look similar.
• Liv keeps popping up in my searches, but I'm not sure why. It looks the same if the photo is to be trusted.
• El_Bendejo managed to get a OneUp 210mm to fit.

Smoking gun! Looks like Ascend Components was set up by a bunch of ex CRC people to cater for this very need. They even carry Nukeproof frame spares. Here's their compatibility guide. Ordering now...

Not read the whole of this thread but just wanted to say that Matthew at Ascend Components was very helpful when I was trying to source a cartridge for my TranzX Rad+ dropper. I gave him the serial number from my faulty cartridge and he cross referenced it with their stock and told me what I needed to order.