Wolf Tooth Components Release New Dropper Remote for Cluttered Cockpits

Jan 31, 2020
by Ed Spratt  

Wolf Tooth Components has released a new dropper post lever that has been completely redesigned for riders running front shifters, lockout levers, or e-bike controls.

With the move to single chainrings becoming the norm it meant that dropper levers could become more ergonomic as they took the place of what would have been your front shifter. But for those still running controls on the left side of their bar, it became a puzzle trying to find a way to make it all fit and be easy to use while riding.

The new product from Wolf Tooth called the ‘BarCentric’ aims to fix this issue by instead mounting the moving parts of the remote around the bar itself. To achieve this the ‘BarCentric’ uses an Enduro bearing that fits around the handlebar allowing it to only take up 14.5 mm of space on the bars. By wrapping the remote around the bar it allows far more positioning options to help the remote work with a number of different positions to accommodate for shifters, lockout levers and even e-bike controls.


The ‘BarCentric’ is designed to work with all cable operated dropper posts and is available now for $74.95. Find out more here.

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Press Releases Wolf Tooth


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69 Comments

  • 25 1
 I have their other remote and it is fantastic. I've used several over the last few years and it is weirdly noticeable how much of an improvement it is. Luckily, my cockpit is tidy enough that this isn't necessary for me, but it looks pretty clever and well designed.
  • 7 0
 I ordered one when I was ordering my bike, but it came in the day after I had received my bike so the first ride was still on the stock Giant lever, and it's crazy how much smoother the Wolf Tooth is compared to that. Sure, it may be wildly expensive for what it does, but I use my dropper dozens of times every ride, and will still get one for any bike of mine with a dropper
  • 1 0
 Great idea, now just have to work out the cable mine field.
  • 1 1
 i thought the shifter design was claimed to make you ride faster jump higher.
  • 2 8
flag TheUnknownMTBR Plus (Feb 1, 2020 at 9:38) (Below Threshold)
 Well you can always judge how intelligent a design is by the lack of same it reveals in people; some of the comments are quite revealing. I’m reminded of the wise biblical verse; “quick to see, slow to speak, and slow to wrath” due to the good dose of the opposite going on here. Focusing on a well spent $75 drop in the bucket on a website that features multiple reviews daily on new $5000+ bikes is ... interesting. Reminds me of the time I got jumped for mentioning that $3,000 for a bare aluminum frame seemed a bit expensive, but I’m not bitter; just amused. :-)
  • 28 8
 Isn’t this just a typical remote from three years ago?
  • 6 5
 My thoughts as well. This is what they were all mostly like at the beginning, no?
  • 4 3
 yeah, it looks like the ones that Giant and Specialized have that clamp around the bar, except this one is twice as wide and doesn't integrate into the grip...
  • 19 1
 Fairly different, imo. This rotates the lever around the bar vs the hinged design you'd typically see in a lever.

As a guy who has snapped those old ones at the hinge before, I think it'd be a big improvement. Plus it would be a much smoother action and doesn't rely on the cable being oriented a certain way (and therefore limiting dropper compatibility).

I think it's a rather clever rethinking of an older solution.
  • 4 5
 Looks just like the KS Lev remote that came with old bike that had a front derailer. It’s retro.
  • 21 2
 no, it's nothing like them. If you go to the site and read about it, you will learn more. The entire clamp is essentially a race, and the ball bearings ride around the bar. It is super smooth, and provides good leverage ratio. The old KS Lev, Fox, Scott Twinloc dropper, etc. have a single pivot point about a pin and require much more force to actuate. So no, it's nothing like the typical remote from three years ago.
  • 6 0
 No. It may look like an old school style, but it runs on a roller bearing is ridiculous smooth and allows for really precise control. Wolftooth makes top notch stuff.
  • 1 0
 @TheSavageBeagle: Since getting my 'new to me' KS Lev, I've had to hire a trainer just to work out my left thumb to activate the post. So really you have to consider that when thinking on the price. I'll be switching to a regular levered activator soon, a private trainer is $$$... probably go with wolf tooth for that.
  • 1 0
 @mdackert: LOL, exactly why I replaced mine with a Command Post SRL lever on my F/S XC bike.
I tired the W/T paddle lever but to me, the Command Post SRL lever feels more refined and solid.
This new unit lever may be perfect replacement for the stock KS lever on my old H/T 2x Jack of All Trades bike though.
  • 1 0
 @shlotch: Whah! Nice catch! Seems to be a giant bearing or some sort of shimano hub spheres thing. super clean design. Either way, could be routed with the brake hose for cleanliness.
  • 11 0
 Is there any reason I wouldn't want to buy this even if I'm not running a front derailleur or lockouts? Just because it looks more discrete than the normally-shaped remotes?
  • 3 0
 Paddle/target is a lot smaller. No sliding adjustment. $10. 5g
  • 4 0
 No purple option.
  • 2 5
 This used to be the normal remote shape iirc. They went away to the paddle style because its a hell of a lot better. There is a reason your shifters aren't this style. If you don't have a junked up cockpit and need this, then get one of their nice paddle remotes (Light Action version is especially nice) or the Loam Lever.
  • 2 0
 Personally I find paddle style levers easier find when you're in rough stuff. I had a similar lever to this one, the way you have to roll the lever down is sometimes annoying. But wolftooth makes awesome stuff, this lever is nicer than what I had.
  • 1 0
 This appears to be better protected in a crash. The lever below the bars is more exposed.
  • 3 0
 For those of us running a reverb that was specked OEM, get Wolftooth's cable conversion kit. Its a complete game changer for the reverb and even works in temps below 20 F unlike a perfectly bled hydraulic remote. I can't overstate how happy I am with mine. (reading this again this post kinda reads like a paid promotion but its not)
  • 10 8
 Looks like ergonomically and space wise, it wouldn't be too different from the standard KS Lev remote (i.e., the cheap one that comes stock with the lower-end posts, not the "South Paw" one). Except it's twice as expensive...
  • 11 0
 It's definitely going to be noticeably better ergonomically. Maybe not a life changer, but it would get my money if I were still running one of those awful KS remotes. Think about how much of a difference just the pivot point shift will make in the lever travel. It's pivoting around a point in the center of the bar, something that no other lever of this style has figured out before. And I expect it is a very smooth pivot, if it's anything like the other WolfTooth levers, and it should be with the use of a large cartridge bearing. It may be twice as expensive, but I'll bet it's worth it.
  • 1 1
 KS clamps cable at post - limits dropper compatibility. Nice that Wolftooth have given Scott Twinloc riders an aftermarket option, but honestly...that cockpit space is still looking pretty messy, plus it pushes brake levers further inboard than I'd like
  • 2 0
 @caltife: I have a couple of KS posts and they both have Wolftooth Light Action remotes. Works awesome. Doesn't matter where it clamps. Anything is better than the KS remotes (south paw included).
  • 1 0
 @VonFalkenhausen: nailed it, good summation
  • 1 0
 @caltife: I was just thinking this is perfect for my XC bike with a squidlock remote...the K
I'd 2x levers don't have good ergonomics. Scott now makes a twinlock with an integrated dropper lever though.
  • 1 0
 I just put this on to replace my KS Lev lever — it is dramatically better. No similarity at all in operation; only in location.
  • 3 0
 finally, remote that allow you bearskin while your dropper will normally operate;
I used similar remotes from other brands ' RF' etc - total utter shit, however WT are solid folks, would consider buying this asap!
  • 1 0
 After reading carefully I saw it is side specific, hope there will be solution fo that
  • 6 0
 I'm waiting for a grip shifter style dropper remote.
  • 6 0
 What's a front shifter?
  • 3 0
 You don't want to know
  • 2 0
 Only the greatest thing since sliced bread. I kid, I kid. Yeah, from my experience with a 24 speed, I use 9 gears. Plus all the chain falling off etcetera, and the huge drama everytime you shift the front derailleur, crazy chain lines. They're not a good idea for mountain bikes imho.
  • 1 0
 I just got one of these to replace the remote I was using. I’ve tried several solutions and wasn’t happy with any of them. Wow, what a difference. This is a fantastic remote. Yes, it’s expensive, but this is the only thing that works well if you have a crowded cockpit (in my case, I have the Fox front-and-rear lockout lever where the remote lever would otherwise go). This remote provides terrific leverage, smooth as silk and I didn’t even think about it on my first ride with it today. Perfect.

P.S. I have a BikeYoke Revive dropper, which is great. That came stock with a good lever, but it won’t fit on my bike.

On my other bike I have the Wolf Tooth long lever, that one is great too. This is a good company.
  • 1 0
 I really want to see what this looks like from the front, and how the cables are routed around the brake reservoir. TBH, this would be great for any cockpit, regardless of the amount of controls.
  • 3 0
 How about making a lockout lever in the same pattern, like a more descreet alternative to the Rockshox Twistloc?
  • 1 1
 I just reach down to my dropper to use it. It's OK. Didn't want to use the remote. I don't constantly put it up, and down. To be honest, I wouldn't even mind if I had to stop quickly, do it, then continue riding. My fork also has 1" travel reduction with a lever, that I didn't install. Could have a pretty funny bike if I installed both levers.
  • 1 1
 I think it is a more solid connection to the bar and less stress mechanically since the whole bearing slips over the bar end. However, I can see my hand get torn up during crashes with that alloy lever so close to the grip.
  • 3 0
 GI Joe with the kung fu grip.
  • 1 0
 Long live Bradley!!!
  • 1 0
 I ordered one of these today, as well as one of their regular ones in orange, for my bikes because it's nice out and I can't ride due to having had knee surgery Thursday.
  • 1 0
 Going to have to get one of these pretty quick... 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness'
  • 1 0
 Would be cool to see them make ones integrated into the inner grip clamps for different brands
  • 3 0
 Savage, Minnesota .
  • 1 0
 P.S. I was using the KS Lev button-style remote before. I hated it. This one is soooo much better.
  • 1 1
 Or go wireless everything.. drivetrain, brakes, frame, wheels, legs... get a motorcycle!
  • 3 1
 first world problems Wink
  • 2 2
 Does this one use a bearing like their other version? If so, that is one big bearing. If not, then it's overpriced crap.
  • 2 0
 Wolftooth doesn't make anything that isn't top notch, they aren't cheap, but they never sell crap.
  • 5 0
 If you read the article, you’ll get your answer.
  • 1 1
 Didn't Shimano or Trickstuff release a similar one a few years ago, aimed at the Cyclocross/drop bar market?
  • 1 0
 Make a lockon collar style replacement as well and we are good
  • 1 0
 oooh nice
  • 3 3
 “Who cares, cross country sucks”
  • 1 1
 That's tidy but 1nm is hardly worth etching into it.
  • 2 1
 Looks a bit stabby
  • 1 0
 Do nice ????????
  • 1 0
 SO nice ????
  • 3 3
 Who The fuck still uses a front shifter
  • 1 0
 Looks really thick !!!!
  • 2 4
 75 bucks? How does this cost more than a new XT 12 Speed shifter...???
  • 7 1
 Wolftooth is a small boutique company that has awesome components. The price is $75 because at $75 they will sell out in a couple weeks. You cant really compare retail markup of a billion dollar worldwide company to a small facility. I'm sure they are paying more to manufacture that dropper lever than shimano spends on a shifter.
  • 1 2
 @RonSauce: Admittedly they are filling a niche and make great products. But you can't deny how much more complex a shifter is VS a single cable pull dropper lever.

Course it's stupid there are still so many dropper posts on the market with crappy levers...?
  • 2 0
 @stiingya: size of the company matters more than complexity of the product. Just imagine if it was literally a one man company, the amount of time that one person would have to put into start to finish would be insane. Shimano is approximately 4,000 times larger than wolftooth. Shimano is paying pocket change to build and manufacture shifters. The complexity and cost of the process is much more for small businesses.
  • 1 1
 @RonSauce: If I had said shimanos dropper post lever is 10 bucks less and therefore this lever is too expensive than your comparison between company size and thier ability to bring products to market at specific prices would make sense. I'm not saying that.

I'm saying that a state of the art 12 speed shifter is WAY more complex and innovative than a single pull dropper post lever and that it doesn't makes sense as a consumer to pay more for it. I'm not saying it ain't gonna sell, or that I might not buy one some day if the need arises... But I am saying I don't think it makes sense...

As far as size, there are companies WAY smaller than Shimano selling shifters that are less expensive than this dropper lever...
  • 2 1
 @stiingya: you asked a question, that is the answer. Were you asking a question looking for an answer, or were you asking a rhetorical question looking for an argument?
  • 1 0
 @RonSauce: It obviously was a rhetorical question. You've expressed your opinions, not provided an answer as to why a consumer should pay more for something that does less. It doesn't make sense that Shimano's charging the same or more for their dropper post lever than their XT shifter either.

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