There is no denying the fact that dropper seat posts can have a dramatic effect on the way you ride, yet it seems that for every positive, there is at least one negative. Dropper posts may be one of the only products that someone looks at and thinks, “this will make my bike heavier and more complicated, but I’m ok with that.” However, there is no denying the fact that with each successive generation of dropper posts, they keep getting better.
At Interbike this year, KindShock had not one, but two brand new dropper post designs that will leave a lot of people asking why someone hasn’t done this sooner. While the LEV post with its exposed cable was outed a few months ago, the internally routed LEV Integra was a surprise.
See what makes these posts different after the break!
According to KS, the LEV Integra was actually created before the LEV. The problem was that when KS went to the manufacturers with an internally routed post, they were met with resistance so they put it aside and started on the LEV. As we all know, RockShox then came out with the Stealth Reverb which helped establish the market for internally routed dropper posts.
Even though the LEV Integra isn’t being spec’ed by OEM’s at the moment, the fact that the LEV is cable actuated should make for easier OEM application. Not only is the LEV cable actuated, but at the bottom of the post there is a quick disconnect which allows you to remove the post from the frame without having to fish the cable all of the way through. Coupled with the durable braided line KS uses, this allows for a system that doesn’t need bleeding, is easy to route, and will allow for easy transport of the bike with the seatpost out of the frame.
The LEV on the other hand, does what many consumers have been asking for a long time: placing the cable at the base of the post instead of the top. By attaching the cable to the bottom of the seatpost it no longer has to move up and down with the saddle everytime the post is cycled, decreasing the chance for the cable hanging up, buzzing the tire, hitting your leg, or being crushed in the suspension linkage. In order to ease installation even further, the attachment point for the cable is able to be rotated 360 degrees which will allow for a custom set up based on the frame. The big benefit of the LEV is obviously that frames without internally routed provisions can still run the LEV.
Since both the LEV and LEV Integra no longer have a cable attached to the head of the post, KS has been able to go back to a micro adjust clamp head, so you are guaranteed to be able to get your saddle level. Both post also utilize KS’s roller clutch grip system, which re-tightens around the stanchion every time the post is cycled, and all but eliminates side to side play in the post.
The LEV’s also sport a carbon trigger control, which also happens to be ODI lock on grip compatible. Nicely shaped and fairly small, the lever should allow for you to easily adjust your cockpit based on your liking, not where it has to go. The LEV’s will be available in 75mm to 150mm travel options in all major seatpost sizes.
