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Kind Shock LEV Carbon Fiber Dropper Post Pops Up

Written by Tyler Benedict
15 Comments
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Kind Shock LEV carbon fiber dropper seatpost for XC and cyclocross

Kind Shock is developing a short travel carbon fiber dropper seatpost aimed at cross country and cyclocross racers.

Compared to the 465g 125mm drop LEV Integra, this carbon one comes in at a claimed 325g but gets only 65mm of travel. It’s shown here without the cable, but looks like they’ll continue their (much preferred) cable entry at the base of the slider rather than the top of the post. Beyond the shortened travel, the obvious difference is the carbon fiber main post, the first we’ve seen on an adjustable height seatpost.

It should be available late this year with its official debut at Sea Otter in April. Price is TBD.
Tyler Benedict
11,282 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com, where he’s been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel and ride in new places.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler also loves the Vanlife & family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part and off-grid adventure.

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15 Comments
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Ck
Ck
11 years ago

Is there really any validity to the idea of using a dropper post for cyclocross?

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dave
dave
11 years ago

325g for a dropper post? I’m getting one. Don’t care how much it costs.

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Jeb
Jeb
11 years ago

@ Ck. Watch the Zolder World Cup. I bet there are a few people that wish they had a dropper. The weight and added complexity could be the deal breaker though. http://www.sporza.be/cm/sporza/videozone/sporten/wielrennen/Veldrijden/Veldrijden_Wereldbeker/MV_121226_WB_veld_zolder_laatste_ronde

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g
g
11 years ago

@Ck- No, there is not. Not for cross country racing either.

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Mindless
Mindless
11 years ago

If you do not think you will benefit from a dropper post for XC riding, you are riding weak sauce trails.

Of course it helps.

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Marc Basiliere
Marc Basiliere
11 years ago

Dave,

Pricing is expected to be in the neighborhood of US$600. I want one too…

marc

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Greg
Greg
11 years ago

If you think about it, given the extra high saddle heights and low bar heights, a dropper post actually makes MORE sense for an XC bike than a free ride/AM bike. The only issue for XC bikes has always been weight. Get the weight close enough to a traditional post and you’ll start seeing XC pros using them. Then they’ll trickle down to everyone else.

Actually, I take that back, Pros can be notorious for not adopting widely used tech..so it will start with rich guys who can’t ride, then Cat 1 guys, and then on to everyone else!

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g
g
11 years ago

@mindless- but a lot of cross country racing does take place on weak sauce trails. Or on great trails where the descents are of a high speed flowing nature where there is little benefit to dropping the saddle if you know how to handle a bike. And cyclocross racing? Seriously?

Don’t get me wrong- I think droppers are a great innovation for most trail riders. But, I think it is marketing drivel to push a $600 lightweight dropper in the name of a competitive advantage for cross country and cyclocross. In reality this is going to end up on $8000+ carbon superbikes and their owners will wonder how they ever lived without them when they are shredding the steeps of their local bike path.

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Bayard
Bayard
11 years ago

The hard part is the manufacturers are not quite there and people haven’t adopted them enough to realize their place and use.

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wheelz
wheelz
11 years ago

I want! Take my money please!

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Guy
Guy
11 years ago

This will make you go faster period. Getting your saddle out of the way and allowing room to get into a better downhill position is faster. To deny this is close-minded. It’s about time we’ll see this tech aimed at the XC race crowd.

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danwiz
danwiz
11 years ago

what kind of pills are you on to recommend this for XC and CX.

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g
g
11 years ago

faster is better, period. Period…. I am so close minded.

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ds
ds
11 years ago

Excellent ! Finally someone made it and with the cable at the base. Keep fingers crossed for good internals and we’ll have an incredible product.

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Jeremy
Jeremy
11 years ago

KS, Pls make the 125mm & 150mm LEV carbon. I’d grab one instantly.

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