Dropper seatposts have become very popular with mountain bikers for a good reason, since the advantages of being able to move the saddle height up or down depending on the situation maximizes the trail riding experience. You can drop the post for descending, offering better control and balance with a lower center of gravity, and extend it for climbing and normal riding to get proper leg extension for pedaling. There is a wide array of dropper seatpost models now, each with its own unique characteristics, and my illustrious compatriot and MTBR.com founder Francis has compiled a Dropper Seatpost Round Up article to cover most of the popular ones sold today.
The KS LEV is a superb infinitely adjustable hydraulic seatpost, with a plush and silky-smooth stroke and it sports an innovative zero cable movement design. The post has travel options from four to six inches, and uses an ergonomic carbon lever remote. The LEV has performed flawlessly over the four-month test period, and has been trouble-free with the same buttery smooth operation since day one. Dirt, rain, snow, and general abuse haven’t affected the LEV whatsoever, and its ease of installation, usage and operation have complemented its outstanding reliability.
Kind Shock LEV
The KS LEV uses an air, oil and spring design for 100, 125 or 150 mm of infinite travel, and comes in 27.2mm, 30.9mm and 31.6mm diameters. The cable actuated hydraulic height-adjustable seatpost uses a handlebar mounted carbon fiber remote, and retails for $395. The zero-offset saddle clamp uses a 2-bolt attachment system that offers a micro-adjustable head for easy changes of the tilt, and fore-and-aft placement of the saddle. Most dropper seatposts available today use a one-bolt seat clamping system that is more difficult to tighten and adjust. The specific size options are a 335mm post length with a 100mm range in 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters, a 385mm post length with a 125mm range in 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters, a 435mm post length with a 150mm range in 30.9 and 31.6mm diameters, and finally a 400mm post length with a 100mm range in the 27.2mm diameter. The 27.2 mm post is only available in the shorter travel since the post diameter cannot withstand the stresses of a 125 or 150 mm travel post. As of press time, the 27.2 mm is not yet available.
Measured Specs (125mm x 31.6):
- Post – 487 grams
- Lever/parts – 30 grams
- Cable/housing – 59 grams
- Total (uncut cable/housing) – 576 grams
- Total cut – 550 grams
Features
The very trick LEV has the cable directly attached to the main body or outer tube of the post instead of the typical position on top of the telescoping head of the stanchion. The attachment is at the post collar which means the cable connection remains stationary relative to the saddle’s up and down movement, avoiding issues with excess cable, such as interference with legs, tires, frames, etc. The new design also gives a cleaner and more direct routing line to the seatpost allowing better cable management for frame manufacturers. Another benefit of the lower connection is there is more room for the superior two-bolt seat clamp system.
The system still uses their same basic air return sprung and hydraulic locking internals, with the one-way self-adjusting bearings for play, along some newly updated engineering knowledge learned from their previous models. The remote cables hooked end piece attaches to a cylindrical coupler, which then connects internally to the actuation mechanism of the post. The remote cable system can be connected and disconnected from the post by popping the cover off, and pulling the small spring loaded hook out of the system. The carbon remote lever can be run alone or integrated with an ODI grip if desired for a cleaner handlebar layout.
I prefer having the remote for a dropper post mounted on the right side of my handlebar. The LEV remote appears to be compatible with mounting on either side of the bar but all of the KS videos and user info show the remote on the left side. I’d like to get the issue of whether the LEV remote is compatible with mounting at the right side grip sorted out before I buy one. I’ve checked the user manual for the LEV online but there is no mention of this issue. I’d be grateful for an informed answer. Thanks.
It’s fine. I have mine mounted on the right side.
I’ve had a 27.2 mm LEV on order for a couple of months now. My LBS says that KS says they had some problems with this diameter and therefore have not released it to the market yet. Has anyone heard anything about the 27.2?
PG: I spoke with the KS rep, he said there are no issues with the 27.2, the demand is exceeding production. Just have your LBS place the order so that your in line for one, they can get it backordered with the distributors
Cliff: either side of the handlebar is fine. I ran it once on another bike that way without any issues.
PG: I hadn’t heard that, but we’ll check with our KS contact for further info.
Brain… did you try increasing the air pressure in the post to off-set the post getting sluggish in colder weather ?
I didn’t try that as yet since changing the air pressure is a pain. I doubt that increasing the air pressure would help when it gets down to 25 and the post sticks, but it might help when it gets sluggish. I will test altering the pressure and see what happens. The problem is that when the temps are normal the return speed will be too fast for my personal tastes?
I’m seriously hoping this design trickles down to lower price points. USD395 is just too expensive for me.
I loved the idea of the cable not moving. Installation was easy and could almost be done in the dark. (don’t…I said almost) I got it in September and have loved it since the first ride. I put my remote on the left, but it can easily go either side. Great post.
How do you know whether you need the 125mm or the 150mm. Im 6’2. My climbing seatpost length is about 9in. From collar to rails on seat
Brian,
Does it work to press the lever while weight is seated, or do you need to unweight the saddle for the trigger to work? (how about on the other droppers you reviewed)
Thanks
I have a Ritchey WCS Streem seat with 8mm rails and want to know if this seat post will work with 8mm rails
Don’t bother the seat bolts stripped after a dozen rides. Very poor product if you ask me.
And no I’m not some 300 lbs Clydesdale.